[Dannyboy]

I'm changing my plugs and one coil this weekend and wanted to confirm that the 12 point thin walled socket isn't needed for an '06.

Can I just use a regular 5/8 socket?

[BashShah]

I know that on a N54 335i you need a 12 point deep socket.

Not sure about other 06 models.

DN

[Dannyboy]

I thought I read somewhere that the N52 doesnt need the 12 point deep socket. But I cant find/remember where.

I plan on changing them this weekend would love to not have to buy anything additional!

Can anyone else chime in?

[El Cheapo Loco]

My '06 330i does not need 12pt socket. I used a regular 6pt spark plug socket. But you will need a shorter extension for cylinder #5 because of the strut bar being in the way. I believe I used a 6" but don't quote me on that.

[Dannyboy]

Originally Posted by elcheapoloco

My '06 330i does not need 12pt socket. I used a regular 6pt spark plug socket. But you will need a shorter extension for cylinder #5 because of the strut bar being in the way. I believe I used a 6" but don't quote me on that.

Good to know, thanks. I read about the last two being hard to get to, and some people loosening the strut bar to get to them. I have a shorter extension and figured I'd give that a go first, and if I'm still having trouble I'll mess with the strut bar.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy

Good to know, thanks. I read about the last two being hard to get to, and some people loosening the strut bar to get to them. I have a shorter extension and figured I'd give that a go first, and if I'm still having trouble I'll mess with the strut bar.

Just remove the strut bar. There is no magic to it.

[AdamN52]

You just need a regular 6pt socket. You can get the plug/coil out without removing the brace bar, but it does make it easier to take the bar off - and it's only 2 bolts.

[Dannyboy]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Just remove the strut bar. There is no magic to it.

Originally Posted by AdamN52

You just need a regular 6pt socket. You can get the plug/coil out without removing the brace bar, but it does make it easier to take the bar off - and it's only 2 bolts.

Thanks guys. Doing it this weekend, heres to hoping I don't mess anything up!

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy

Thanks guys. Doing it this weekend, heres to hoping I don't mess anything up!

So just so you know, the strut bar attaches to the firewall with a E-torx bolt with a head size of E16 or E18. If you don't have that socket, I suggest taking the car to a auto parts store that sells tools and remove the cover (the round cover on the cowling) and ask the store to allow you to test fit the correct E-Torx socket for the bolt. I don't have the socket, but a 9/16 12-point socket works almost as good. You only have to loosen the bolt, not totally remove it; the ends of the strut bars that attach to the firewall are slottted.

[PichaDis11]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

So just so you know, the strut bar attaches to the firewall with a E-torx bolt with a head size of E16 or E18. If you don't have that socket, I suggest taking the car to a auto parts store that sells tools and remove the cover (the round cover on the cowling) and ask the store to allow you to test fit the correct E-Torx socket for the bolt. I don't have the socket, but a 9/16 12-point socket works almost as good. You only have to loosen the bolt, not totally remove it; the ends of the strut bars that attach to the firewall are slottted.

Does this have to be torqued to a specific set when putting the bars back together? I pulled this off when I was replacing the starter couple months back and did a 1/4 turn on the bolt.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by PichaDis11

Does this have to be torqued to a specific set when putting the bars back together? I pulled this off when I was replacing the starter couple months back and did a 1/4 turn on the bolt.

100 ft/lb

[PichaDis11]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

100 ft/lb

Thank you sir!

[GoRomeo]

I did mine last year. Easy process. I did not have to remove strut bar. Cheers!

[Dannyboy]

Got it all done. Didn't remove the strut bar, just used a shorter extension.

[samulis]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy

Got it all done. Didn't remove the strut bar, just used a shorter extension.

the 5/8 socket worked?

[Dannyboy]

Originally Posted by samulis

the 5/8 socket worked?

Yes, like a charm.

[jo2dv390]

since this is about Spark Plugs

What Spark Plugs do you guys recommend for a 2006 E90?

[GoRomeo]

I believe I used these...


http://www.amazon.com/NGK-ILZFR6D11-.../dp/B001MU294W

[Dannyboy]

Originally Posted by jo2dv390

since this is about Spark Plugs

What Spark Plugs do you guys recommend for a 2006 E90?

These are the ones I used.

NGK PLZFR6A11S

[jo2dv390]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy

These are the ones I used.

NGK PLZFR6A11S

Thanks u sir!!!