Replaced spark plugs on N52(2006 530i)

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Nov 29, 2009 | 05:32 PM

#11

pinguhk

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From: Hong Kong

My Ride: Mini Cooper

Quote:

Originally Posted by BET530' post='1064595' date='Nov 30 2009, 07:48 AM

what spark plugs brand is the best choice for our engine???

most say stock
I will tell you guys if the pulstar are any good.

Aug 2, 2012 | 04:53 PM

#12

balbs

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From: Los Angeles, CA

My Ride: BMW

Model Year: 2006

So is there an advantage to the 4-prong electrode on the NGK vs. the single electrode on the Bosch?

Aug 3, 2012 | 05:41 PM

#13

AchtungE60

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My Ride: E60 530i

Quote:

Originally Posted by balbs

So is there an advantage to the 4-prong electrode on the NGK vs. the single electrode on the Bosch?

What a way to resurrect a dead thread balbs! lol. The +4 would seem better to me because by design they should cut out gapping issues and also fouling issues. If one prong is fouled up you still have 3 more. I've always used the bosch platinum +4, I have seen bosch with 2 prongs but not 1.
Glad to see the OP used a standard 5/8" spark plug socket. Makes me feel better since 2 people argued stating they need some "special" 12 pt spark plug socket. lol

Aug 3, 2012 | 05:54 PM

#14

balbs

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From: Los Angeles, CA

My Ride: BMW

Model Year: 2006

Ha ha. Yeah, although my car idles okay, it has 65K miles and once in awhile I would feel the engine "hum" harder and a bit louder at stop signals, then go back to being quiet again. I figure new spark plugs won't hurt.

That's what I'm feeling about the 4 prong. Also, Ive been seeing posts in other car forums about Bosch electrodes breaking so people are getting NGK. I dont think I saw that on this forum.

Also, one of my ignition coils went bad last year and was replaced. Should I just replace all of them?

Aug 12, 2012 | 01:44 PM

#15

AchtungE60

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I would replace as needed. 65K miles isn't much for the life of a coil actually

Oct 26, 2012 | 10:33 AM

#16

Lucas E Szymanowski

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Just to chime in on the 4 vs 1 prong debate. A good buddy that has a really worked over Honda S2K, swears that in some cars (S2K's especially) the 4 prong plugs actually burn the tops of the pistons, damaging them to the point of needing replacement.

most s2k guys never run 4 prong plugs. I plan on swapping out my plugs this weekend and got these:

NGK G-Power Platinum Spark Plug | Product Details | Pep Boys

based in part on this thread:

The Definitive correct NGK Spark Plug thread - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

Cheers, and we'll see how difficult it is on the M54 engine this weekend!.

lucas

May 10, 2013 | 02:54 PM

#17

Bimmer5project

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My Ride: Sapphire Black 07 530i non-sport 7000k Angel Eyes 6000k HID Xenon adaptive turn Head lamps and Fogs, Clear LED Turn Signals front/back and side markers. Clear bright license plate lamp. Full interior lighting upgrade. Coding: daytime angel eyes, auto windows up, and digital speedometer. (Thanks to John at Motorcepts.com) OEM Tinted LCI Tail lights (Thanks to David at http://www.luxmotorwerks.com Oem Mtec rear bumper with diffuser and M5trunk finisher Debadged! The best paint work! (Thanks to Desimone BMW) 20x8.5 +18 20x10 +25 Concept One RS-8 Black Machined Chrome Lip V6.1 cables (Thanks to Bruce Miranda) Nitto Invo tires 285x30 R20 - 245x35 R20 Discounttire.com Vac Motorsports ecu chip upgrade, and fender roll http://vacmotorsports.com/ wish list: Rieger Front bumper Hamann side skirts Custom quad exhaust Rpi Ram air intake scoop M5 SMG shift knob KW Variant 3 suspension Brembo Big Brake kit LCI Heads Tints BMW M5

Quote:

Originally Posted by bitboy

I have been getting an irregular idle on my 2006 530i for the past month. I tried the fuel additive without any luck. After seaching this site, I noticed several folks had replaced their spark plugs to fix the problem. I didn't see the process documented so I thought i would add to the knowledge base.

Replaced: 6 NGK BMW spark plugs with same type
Engine: N52 Inline 6
Model/year: 530i/2006
Miles on car: 55k
Difficulty level: Pretty easy
Time it took: about 1 hour

Step #1: Remove acoustic engine cover(see attached PDF)
Step #2: Remove Micro Filter and Micro Filter base. I didn't take any pictures while it was being removed but i did include a picture showing the location(see attached PDF). It is only attached by 3 plastic bolts and one hex bolt. You need to remove this to get to the last two spark plugs. (you only need to remove the half that is over the spark plugs
Step #3: Remove spark plug wires connection from ignition coil. This is a little tricky and if you are not careful you will pinch your finger(see attached PDF)
Step #4 Remove ignition coils. It took a little twisting and pulling to get them out
Step #5 Remove Spark plugs. I used my 3/8 socket wrench with a long extention and a 5/8 spark plug socket with U-joint
Step #6 Install spark plugs. Make sure you put the anti-seize stuff on the threads. BMW does not sell it but your local auto store should. The guy at the BMW part store told me to tighten them to 19 Foot Pounds.
Step #7 Install ignition coils. Make sure they are positioned correctly(see attached PDF
Step #8 Replace micro filter/base as well as the acoustic cover

That it and it fixed my problem!

Sorry I didn't have pictures with each of the steps. I hope this helps.

I'm at the point where I have to clear the fault memory...yay!!!

but...how do you do that?

D