pcy

$537 labor to replace ignition coil? That's beyond highway robbery. It takes less than 10 minutes to pull out the ignition coil pack. It it takes more than 15 minutes, that tech shouldn't be working on the car.

As others suggested, I'd first connect OBD-II code reader and check the codes. Very likely, there will be a code related to coil. Throwing parts at the car without reading codes is not a good idea... not for your wallet.

TheRab

You guys think the code readers from the the auto store (like advance or autozone) could suffice? Also is it ok for me to drive the car there in this condition? ( distance <1 mile)

jgt

It'll give you the generic code which will probably be enough to go on.

Here's a list of generic codes. I got P0303 when my coil went bad.
http://smogcarsuck.tripod.com/id45.html

I did drive pretty lightly on a single bad coil for about 3 days until my parts arrived.
Not recommended since you might damage your catalytic converter due to excess fuel but my exhaust did not smell noticeably worse than normal. I figured the ECU shut off fuel for that cylinder or at least leaned it out significantly.
I never confirmed whether or not the ECU shuts off fuel completely but no harm no foul and I've passed all my emission tests.

jimadams7

Is their a DIY on changing the ignition coil pack don't even know where they are located .its worth knowing just in case it happens

TheRab

I am going to go off this video. After watching this I think I know what I'm doing.

hope it helps

Youtube clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GN618su1psU

TheRab

**UPDATE**


So I got the codes read out of my vehicle and its not good news


I had a misfire on cy. 1, 2, 3 [p0301,302,303] and a Random misfire (p0300) but the worry some thing is I got a code for P050B which is the cold start ignition timing. I order three ignition coil packs hoping that it is just the coils on those cyclinders. ::sigh:: I'm not to sure how to proceed from here. Any ideas?

jgt

Three coils going bad at the same time is very unlikely in my opinion. Sounds like it might be something else unfortunately I can't think of what it could be at the moment.

bcromwell

According to Bmw n55 code list P050B

The fault is recognized when
the ignition-angle adjustment
is outside the tolerance
range.

Potential problem source(s):
- Poor fuel quality

Which would also cause all of the misfires. Where did your last tank of fuel come from and was car sitting for a few days?

jvme60

fuel injectors? just a guess...

TheRab

Hmmm my gas comes from BJ's (regular) I'm thinking it could be that, I am low on fuel now (the light just came on) so I'm going to try another place for gas (super grade) and also try some fuel injector cleaner perhaps that can help. I'll keep everyone posted