[gaza01]

don't think 5Nm will make that much difference

[AWSAWS]

Right. It's probably cheaper to buy another torque wrench than to pay a mechanic to fit my plugs and I'm sure I'll be changing them more often than usual with running meth etc.

This look ok?

http://www.diy.com/departments/laser.../259938_BQ.prd

Any suggestions?

My large TW does 28 to 210Nm so I guess it's handy to have a specific one for the lower range.

[djgandy]

Amazon is much cheaper...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-28757...=torque+wrench

[AWSAWS]

They have cheaper. Just wondering about quality?

Some say you get what u pay for but it's only for plugs right?

http://www.diy.com/departments/torq-.../239895_BQ.prd

[AWSAWS]

Originally Posted by djgandy

Amazon is much cheaper...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-28757...=torque+wrench

Went for that one, thanks

Torque range on the cheap B&Q one wasn't the best in my opinion.

[djgandy]

Of course. I'd get the Draper or the Laser. It will last rest of your life.

[djgandy]

Originally Posted by AWSAWS

Went for that one, thanks

Torque range on the cheap B&Q one wasn't the best in my opinion.

5-25 overlaps well with the larger ones, only problem is often you need 35nm and a large wrench is just too big physically. The draper one is pretty decent sized and has a good range

[gaza01]

draper torque wrenches are SHIT!!!
I have 2 (big and small) and both are falling apart!...this is with minimal use as well. Plus the locking thing for the adjuster runs loose after if you are tightening lots of bolts so the torque setting changes without you even realising. You have keep checking it to make sure as you use it.

[wallsmk2]

although I use a torque wrench to make sure, I always hand tight + half a turn. To prevent cross threads I use a bit of plastic tubing on top of the plug and feel my way in. No grease, cold engine.

[AWSAWS]

Originally Posted by wallsmk2

although I use a torque wrench to make sure, I always hand tight + half a turn. To prevent cross threads I use a bit of plastic tubing on top of the plug and feel my way in. No grease, cold engine.

Got the day off tomorrow so engine will be cold to do it.

[AWSAWS]

Well it's done.

I've never done any mechanical work before so this was a big learning experience for me. First off my Torque wrenches didn't really comes with long enough extensions. Had to put 2 together, 3 parts for cylinders 4, 5 and 6 to reach. It took less force to separate the things than getting the spark plug off so I wrapped the joins with black tape. Problem sorted.

These plugs on the N54 don't half have long threads. Lots and lots of turning involved to get old ones out and new ones in. Gets tiring. Especially when leaning over cylinders 5 and 6. Also the spark plugs don't sit quite parallel with the tubes down to them. I was shit scared about putting the first plug in crooked and stripping a thread or messing up the thread in the block.

First plug took ages but after getting the first new one in and checking the car would start, it was just a case of repeating.

The old plugs left behind some rust at the bottom of the socket from the loosening. I used some forceps and cotton wool soaked in ethanol to wipe the socket and get the rust dust to stick to it.

The car now feels like it's running really well. It's probably psychological.

Old plugs were not in bad condition. I think plug 6 was the worst. A bit more oily\sooty than the rest. I'll see about a picture tomorrow.

Main thing was the car started

Did 2 WOT blasts. Logs looked good and no codes came up.

I was getting cylinder 1 misfires. Plugs had 18,000 miles (13,000 miles with JB4), on them. Now I feel glad the car is probably back to health. Time will tell.

I wouldn't fancy being a mechanic! I know it took me far longer than an experienced professional but I felt wrecked after today.

[gaurjai]

I have got service indicator and CBS is showing spark plug change. I have done 62K. I want to DIY. But not sure how many spark plugs I need. I have seen couple of videos for e90 series and this post also, all show 6 plugs to be changed. But on realoem website, it shows 4 spark plugs required.

My car is 318i sedan 07 model, engine is N46 and UK model as per realoem website.

Also, is this spark plug socket good for e90 series as well?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Please advise.

[Phil325i]

Are you having a laugh? You're running around in a car and can't tell if your engine has four or six cylinders? The sound alone should make that obvious.

The N46 need FOUR spark plugs.