This weekend I undertook the job or replacing my spark plugs following this DIY, 75K on the odometer and have to say I'm very pleased with the outcome. The original spark plugs were NGK, replaced them with BOSCH platinum, I wasn't really sure what came original with my car so just chose the BOSCH because I've used BOSCH on other cars before. The main difference is the car does not feel "sluggish" as before. From a stand-still, either going straight or making a turn in a parking lot, street, etc. if feels strong and smooth, it idles better as well. Just thought I pass on my experience for those who are considering changing their plugs, it was well worth the money spent, $60 for the plugs plus a couple hours of elbow grease. forgot to mention, I used a wire brush to clean the ignition coils, easy enough to do, I figured they would make better connection with the new plugs.

 

Cleaned the coil contact per the pic attached. FYI the plugs for my car, FR-7-NPP-332

 

I did the same several months back, did you have to buy a special spark plug socket? I had to special order a specific spark plug socket but it could have been because i have the N54 engine, dunno.

 

I bought the thin-wall spark plug socket online about a month ago in preparation for this job and it turns out it wouldn't even fit the plugs for the N52 engine! No need for a special socket, an ordinary 5/8 spark plug socket works.

 

Thank you. I keep saying this over and over and it's like no one believes me. "its a special socket" .. ... BLA BLA lol. I even have a pic of the spark plug set i have used for these N52 engines and it's the same I have used on the M52 and M54 for the past 10 years. I use Bosch Platinum +4 as well...all of my vehicles came with these OEM. I use the NGK on my sportbikes though.

 

I bought the socket from HERE because it was advertised to work on the N54 and N52 plugs, but it will not fit the plugs for my car, the socket has 12 sides and too small to fit a regular plug. Luckily I had a 5/8's spark plug socket in my toolbox. I'm guessing it's for the N54 plugs only.

 

I changed out mine with NGKs a couple weeks ago. Very easy job on the N52- The only pain in the ass was the 5th plug back.. Strut bar got in the way of my wrench.

BTW I just used a standard spark plug socket (duct taped to my socket extension so I wouldn't drop it)

 

So Bosch FR-7-NPP-332 is model plugs? I think I'm gonna do mine soon. Where did you get the plugs? Online? Dealer? Anyone know how much a set of plugs would cost at dealer? Does the dealer sell you NGK?

 

I'm a long time customer of pelican parts, been shopping there for porsche and bmw parts for the last 15 years. Their e60 section is not up to date though, they don't even post later model e60s, so I called them and was able to place the order over the phone, the plugs showed up two days later.

 

replaced mine last year myself. Didn't clean the packs, but it was very easy to change them. The hardest part was dealing with all the plastic covers (shrug)

I left my engine cover off for almost 6 months hahaha