Cough cough...

Helped keep their retirement pension costs in line.

:rofl:

I wouldn't put something like that past big business today...

I'm pumped with the current 37k on the clock..

My other bmws have 265k and 180k :D

Reviving this thread. Got some misfire codes and since I'll be doing due dilligence checking for air leaks, bad connections, etc., I figured I'd just replace the plugs after pulling them to inspect the coil packs and plugs. 67k or so on the clock now so might as well even if it is too early... I am torn between using the 3 foot or 5 foot cheater bar on my spark plug wrench. Torque is cheap.:nanana:

Engine also threw a mechanical thermostat related code, so it gets a new thermostat too! M5James has already told me what knuckle scraping fun I'm in for changing that out...:thumbup:

Wonder what other opportunities for success I'll find while I'm in there poking around...

I used 2 10" extensions and one 6" and a wobble ( 6" extension on the plug socket, then the wobble and the two 10" extensions) with a 3/8" ratchet. Worked like a charm. In and out in ~1h15 taking my sweet time.

How do you get the plastic covers off that cover up the coils? The main one with the four torx screws was easy. These other two I just looked at, tugged on a bit, looked at again for some mechanical item holding them on, shrugged shoulders and posted this message...<sigh> I'm sure it is simple and I'm just frustrated...

Drink a beer, calm down...then pull real hard! I'm kidding. There are two bolts under some thumb sized covers that pop out w/ a flathead screw driver, then remove the two bolts and the covers will lift right off. There are 2 or 4 bolts holding down the coils, lift them straight out, then swap the plugs. This is one of those times where you could have just called/texted me man :)

Actually if you have the 2005 V8 you have the ilver covers instead of the black covers. The black ones unbolt as James described, the silver ones pull off. (snap into rubber grommets) Just stick your fingers in there where the valvetronic motors shoot out the top and pull.