DIY: How to replace the spark plugs on your V8
#22
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Morgan Hill, CA
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My Ride: 2004 545i Sport - Silver-Grey, Nav, Active Cruise, HUD, sport seats, Logic-7, charcoal filter mod, Euro reflectors, hard-wired V1
I just finished replacing my plugs (at 98K miles) with NGK iridiums. The DIY instructions made the job doable but it was still a pain getting the rear-most plugs out. The only problem is I dropped my 3" socket extension into the dark recesses of the engine compartment (even before I changed the first plug!). I heard it hit the belly pan and roll around on it so my next step is to get that sucker out before I drive the car anywhere. I did start up the engine and it sure idles smoothly now.
#23
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Miami
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My Ride: 05 545/6
I didnt have much trouble with the job, but cylinder 8 (driver's side) was more trouble than 5 (passenger side). I had NGK 4-point plugs in mine from factory, I replaced with bosch iridium 4 point plugs.
wobble extensions and flex joints were a big, big help for this job. Also a double-jointed 3/8" wrench.
wobble extensions and flex joints were a big, big help for this job. Also a double-jointed 3/8" wrench.
#24
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My Ride: 05 545/6
Here are plugs 1-4 at 60K. What was BMW smoking when they came up with 100K intervals? Car is runnning much smoother and has a little more pep too.
I'd recommend tackling the rearmost pair first- then, as you get tired, the job just gets easier and easier.
I'd recommend tackling the rearmost pair first- then, as you get tired, the job just gets easier and easier.
#25
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Location: Okotoks, Alberta, Canada
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My Ride: 2006 550i
It's Black on Carbon Black, Aluminum, HUD, CWP, NAV, M-Sport Pkg
Changed the plugs on my 06 550 today following this DIY. This was the first time I've had the engine covers off my N62 and everything went extremely well. This DIY will save you frustration and knuckle skin. It is very well written and if you follow it you will get the job done. The rearmost plugs on both the passenger and driver's sides are very hard to access and if you did not have these directions you would waste much time and perhaps not even get the job done. Thanks very much for creating this. The dealer wanted 175 bucks to put in my NGK plugs and that money is still in my pocket. Hmmm, spacers maybe...
#26
planning to tackle this soon since it's getting near 70k miles. Any preference between Bosch and NGK? Back in my Japanese modding days, NGK was supposedly the better plugs but not sure what's more recommended on the E60.
Thank you for the DIY.
Richard
Thank you for the DIY.
Richard
#27
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: San Diego
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My Ride: 2015 535D M Sport
I am surprised to see the use of single electrode plugs, especially in the V8. I thought the factory was installing +4 plugs in everything. My e39 inline 6 has them. I have not done my e60, so I don;t know what's in there now.
#29
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Join Date: Aug 2004
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My Ride: 2015 535D M Sport
Mine had the "+4" plugs and were replaced with similar type NGK plugs.
Attachment 120475
Attachment 120475