westsidebalto

Hey guys,

I'm about 350 miles from the 100k spark plug tune-up on my 2004 545i. My local indy quoted me about $350 for the job a few thousand miles ago. I passed at the time, figuring I could do it myself (especially considering the relative low cost of the parts).

I've done extensive reading on the matter, including the DIY here:

https://5series.net/forums/diy-do-yo...your-v8-84135/

and this follow up on the 4 & 8 plugs:

https://5series.net/forums/diy-do-yo...6/#post1374462

The only problem, is the first DIY no longer has valid links for the photos. I'm somewhat apprehensive about starting the project sans pics, especially with the notorious two rear plugs.

Is it worth attempting? Should I seek another quote from a different mechanic? (For reference, the same indy wanted $240 for the t-stat and $650 for front control arms/bushings.)

For the record, I've done brakes on a couple of other vehicles, a few fluid changes and the thermostat & expansion tank on the E60. Never done vehicle spark plugs (just a lawn mower that died three hours later). But it seems straightforward enough?

Also, is it worth replacing the coils or anything else since I'm in there?

Thank you in advance.

westsidebalto

Oh, and anything else worth replacing at 100k miles? Belts? Johnson rods?

westsidebalto

I think I'm answering my own questions. Just found this DIY as well:

https://5series.net/forums/diy-do-yo...-4-545i-62010/

westsidebalto

6 down......worst two to go

advancedlogic

It's worth the savings but can be a knuckle buster. Be sure to carefully move the metal lines to access the left rear. Move the battery cable out of the way for the right rear. An articulating adapter, extensions, and ingenuity will ease the pain. Good luck! (PS - push comes to shove, ask the mechanic how much for installing the last 2 if you can't do it. Be sure to torque to specs)

westsidebalto

So, the passenger side plug was really not that hard. That AC line moves pretty easy.

The driver's side? Never doing that again. It took me three hours to do the whole job and about an hour of that was spent on the #8 driver's plug. It took me 20 minutes to get that stupid plastic screw off.

Regardless, it's done for another hundred thousand miles. I saved over three hundred dollars and didn't even need to buy a tool.

Tips:
Do not attempt this without a magnet tool. It was amazing at getting the 4 and 8 plugs out, as well as the 10mm nut I dropped at the end. Luckily the only other thing I dropped was a 10mm wrench that I was able to grab through the wheel well.

Do have a proper spark plug socket. I actually removed the rubber grommet when installing plugs, so it would be easy to remove the socket itself and not have it or the rubber grommet get stuck on the plug.

Thanks to cokeefe and miguex for their awesome guides!

westsidebalto

30nm with torque wrench. I always torque to spec when I have it. Went with the NGK Laser Platinums.

Hyper_545i

Nicely done! I did mine back in December. It was a PAIN but I felt better about doing it myself at the end. The stealership qouted me over $500 for the job. It cost me about 100. But now I may need to get back in there to replace two coils. Guess which cylinders.........YEAH 4&8!

7_rocket

I ordered some plugs yesterday. I will be tackling this issue soon enough.

westsidebalto

In retrospect it's not that bad. I think cokeefe's post rates it a 3 on a 1-10 scale of difficulty. I was just so miffed at how difficult the plastic nut was on the battery cable cover. I also had to move the airbox to remove the #5 coil. Nobody else had to do that, so maybe I missed something. Either way, didn't add too much time.

Also note that I had it easy because my car has a late 2003 build date and doesn't have the special torx/12-sided socket bolts.

Shoot me a PM if you get stuck.