Spark plug change DIY....writeup?...level of difficulty?

JAH1 · #1 02-24-2011, 11:07 AM

Hi, I am so pissed at dealer! Have a 2006 4.4 and went to dealer for oil change. (CPO, first non "original warranty" visit). By the time I left I had paid $183 for the change (long story) and was told I need $2,500 of non CPO covered work! I do not want to start a bash the dealer thread, I understand that these cars are expensive but some of the stuff I 'needed' was/were just funny.

One of the things was spark plugs (54,000 miles). I am having trouble finding a dyi. Closest thing is the brief writeup in the "how to" and also this Inspection II part I - Changing spark plugs DIY inside! - bimmerfest - BMW Forums
(I know this link is not for e53 v8).

Are there no write-ups on this as it is as simple as I think it is? Comparative to say brakes-rotors, which IMHO is middle of the road difficulty, where do plugs lie on the scale?

Caveat: I am a little gun-shy due to terrible experience changing plugs in a very old porsche 911. Very cramped and the socket AND plug fell into cavernous hole in cylinder etc. Very traumatic....

Thanks,

Joe

x5yankee · #2 02-24-2011, 12:05 PM

This wont be much help but at least it can give you some idea. I tried to change my plugs on my 4.4i with no luck. I started at the back of the engine cause I knew they would be the hardest to get out. I got nervous I was gonna screw something up and gave up. Dealer charged me $300 to do it.

wallyx5 · #3 02-24-2011, 12:13 PM

It's a really easy job. It will take you maybe a hour. Level is a 4. Tools need isn't much. Do a search and you will find a DIY.

JAH1 · #4 02-24-2011, 12:18 PM

I did search for DIY and didn't find too much. More for the various brands of plugs etc. I did find some random tips like "use 6 point not 12 pt socket" "remove rubber to get tight fit" (ha ha....sorry) etc.

I am guessing it wont be too bad. I have long wrench akin to breaker and a torque to install so I may just tackle it.

hypnotiqdmg · #5 02-25-2011, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAH1

"remove rubber to get tight fit" (ha ha....sorry) etc.

I have long wrench.

What type of thread is this... LOL

rofl.

rayxi · #6 02-24-2011, 12:28 PM

Here you go:
http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...-e53-4-4i.html

You can find a listing of many DIY's in the Articles link at the top of the page.

It's fairly straight forward to do. Having an assortment of socket extenders helps with the plugs at the back of the engine.

CTSportX5 · #7 02-24-2011, 03:14 PM

Dealer charged me $300 as well. At lease they are consistent..

ttzcar · #8 02-24-2011, 03:21 PM

Sparks Plugs were very simple. Some wiggling around was needed to get the socket into the back right but other than that it was super easy. It took me about an hour and a half with some smoke breaks and chatting in between.

rocksteadyX5 · #9 02-25-2011, 01:45 PM

Personally I got tired of the stealers and got myself a Bentley service manual from Amazon....best $$ spent!!

JAH1 · #10 02-25-2011, 02:06 PM

....so,its been a few days and now the SES light that was on has now gone off (thank you bottle of Lucas injector cleaner and tank of Shell 93 Octane) which is a total bummer as I just ordered an OBD 2 scanner that arrives next week.

The SES light came on about a week ago and I am certain the dealer used that to pounce when all I wanted was an oil change! I have the service order in my hand:

"Faults present. Performed test modules. Advised vehicle needs maintenance. Fuel injector service cleaning $177. Estimate for engine tuneup: Plugs, air and fuel filters $725. Includes clearing faults and reset adaptations. Micro Filter also dirty: $72
Customer declines repairs."

I'll get plugs when weather breaks. Filter is no brainer. I don't know much about the fuel filter, may leave that alone.