Changed Spark Plugs tonight on X5 4.4

[elgatowis]

I was not able to find a video that corresponded to a 4.4i. I found a coupe of write-ups but they did not warn how difficult the rear plugs were to remove. I did not take pics but, here are the steps I took...

1.) Remove main engine cover, all 4 hex/torx bits must be removed. Then remove the 2 side engine covers, they pop off easy.

2.) You must remove the windshield reservoir completely on the left hand side. remove the 2- 10MM bolts to free the reservoir. It may be possible to remove the plugs without doing this step but I could not even come close. The sensor on the bottom pops off and the 3 large black plugs pop up and off. Careful when you do this, the fluid starts to pour out. DO it quick and empty the reservoir into a bucket if you want to save it. But either way empty the Reservoir completely.

3.) You will see the 4 Coils on each side of the Engine, the clip on the coils are tricky, they flip up but you have to pry them a bit, once it opens up you can slide out the wire connector and pull the coil out leaving a empty hole with a spark plug in it.

4.) Taking the spark plugs out is tricky, use a 5/8 socket with an 8" extension make sure the 5/8 socket has a rubber spark plug gripper in it. I would TAPE the spark plug socket to the extension or it may get stuck inside(as mine did on the first hole) Remove the first plug forward the front of the car, by turning the wrench country clockwise. it will be the easiest. I used NGK Iridium plugs from Advance Auto, 8 bucks each, I was told NOT to re-Gap the plugs, but I checked them, they were perfect out of the box except one. Replace the plug and use some anti-seize compound on the plug, tighten up to 18Ft (+/-2) pounds using a torque wrench. The plugs in the back are REALLY a Pain in the A$$... You will have to move out of the way some tubes on the right side to get at the back plug. I had to use 2 separate 3" socket extensions on the last spark plug on the right side of engine because a 8" extension was too long to fit back in there.

5.) Once you get them all replaced then put back the windshield Reservoir and replace the engine covers.

6.) Turn it on.... And enjoy...

[SlickGT1]

Wow really? You should have searched my name. No need to go through any of that pain. I have a 4.8is so similar clearances.

1. Screw that rubber fitted socket. It makes shit harder. I used a magnet to pull the plug and fallen sockets out of the hole.
2. Lots of short extensions is key. Drop socket onto plug, fit one extension on socket, then another, then wrench. Once loose, take apart the extensions and socket in reverse, use magnet to pull the bits out.

Took me 30 min to do all 8, no mess, no fuss. And I torqued everything to spec. You live and learn I guess.