gcalo

It was an odd listing I found and was not sure it was complete.

Just strange that it's near impossible to find the gap and the correct torque amount for the plugs.

It is obvious that BMW is trying not to encourage DIY work!

I have a service manual on DVD I will check.

Remember, always do the work first and then read the manual!!!!!

It's RTFM!

BTW, huge difference in engine performance with new plugs. 100K miles is insane for plug life. That's like BMW saying 17,000 - 20,000 miles is OK between oil changes. Not in my car.

I would change plugs every 50,000 miles max and oil every 6,000- 8,000 miles.

Chamoh78

This DIY totally saved me several hundred dollars and was completely as described. Old plugs were completely toasted and burnt up! I now have a very noticable increase in power and torque! Thanks so much

gmak

I've done the following on my 15 year old 1998 528i - it has 110K miles on it now and some is preventative.

1. Vacuum hoses and intake manifold gasket.
2. ICV cleaning
3. CCV replacement

4. SAP and SAP check valve replacement
5. fuel injector replacement
6. O2 sensor replacement
7. Air filter
8. Oil and filter change
9. windshield cowl moulding and firewall cowl moulding replacement
10. Front (driver and passenger) door gasket replacement
11. Windshield side cowl replacement

Just ordered some Bosch spark plugs (Please - no flaming from NGK fans - just want to try them ). I'm replacing the NGK that are black with soot - Diagnosics show that I was running rich. It's easier just to buy another 6 than spend a couple of hours cleaning them.

After this, it's hibernation (figuratively) until spring when the bodywork starts (scratches and road rash).

I can't say enough kind words about all those who have posted DIYs here and on other forums. Some of it is dating back many years - but still relevant to me. Kudos!

gcalo

Sharing info is very important. It helps everyone.

Notheld

Thanks to the OP and everyone's contribution.

Some feedback

1. If you dont replace the coils you can clean the contact
Inside the rubber boot with e good electric parts cleaner.
CRC makes one and you can find other brands.p
Worked pretty well for me and car runs great.
2. I purposely warmed up the car so the coils would
Pop out easy and they did.

darnoc23

Hi, enjoyed reading this post. I'm going to work on this over the weekend and tried the first couple of steps on removing the air filter and covers. I was able to get the air filter cover out, however the center cover wouldn't budge. Per the post, I'm suppose to lift up and pull towards the driver side, however it won't budge. I don't see any screws or locking clip that would prevent it from coming off.

Also, I was only planning on replacing the ignition coils since the dealership mentioned it would resolve my rough idiling. Can I just replace the ignition coils or is it best that I replace the spark plugs at the same time. I don't have a torque wrench, is that required to replace the spark plug or can I just tighten?

Thank you.

ACRUZ31

Changing my 20008 535xi spar plugs and can not get the pictures to open on the tutorial, has any on re-posted the informatin with eher PDF or pictures that will actually open ? help please, thanks !