X5 3.0 spark plug replacement
 

I need some advice. I am trying to replace the spark plugs. The last 2 plugs that is located inside is not accessible because the housing for the cabin air filter is in the way. Can anyone help?

you can remove the housing its only held in there w 2 bolts. it slides out as a one piece Attachment 53838

take of part 14 then 6 and 5 slide up and out nothing holding them in.

then the big one piece 12 comes out sliding out towards the front of the car.

Awesome! Thanks for your help.

That's odd. I was able to access all plugs without having to remove the cabin filter housing.

Me too. It's tight but doable.

Thirded. Changed my plugs without removing the cabin filter housing.

+4 I was able to access all plugs without having to remove the cabin filter housing.
Drop the socket with the extention in first then put on the wrench.

What spark plug do the experts recommend?

Autohaus offers NGK and Bosch

TIA

NGK.

I only have a 10" extension for my Spark plug stocket, and there is no way for me to insert the socket into the spark plug cannel. Also, the Barvarian Autosport Video is instructing me to remove this to access the plugs further in the engine.

Another question that I have is for my BMW X5 2004 3.0 E53 Model (with only 65,000 miles) is that I have to change the connector boots with the spark plugs. I can't seem to find them. Do they make connector boots for my car? The dealer is telling me that they only sell Coils with the boots. I am assuming that I don't need to replace the boots when I replacing the spark plugs.

You dont need to replace the boots when replacing the plugs. Check with the forum vendors if you need them.

I don't think you can just replace the boot as it appears to be part of the coil pack. I didn't when I did mine nearly 3 years ago.

Either should be fine...just go with what you like. My '04 OE came with Bosch and I swapped them out with NGK...both performed the same on my butt dyno.

Sure enough that I didn't have to remove anything. I went out and bought a 6 inch extension. I followed everyone's suggestions. I have replaced all my spark plugs. Thank you.

Is a six inch extension needed?

I guess a 6' inch is fine. I used a swivel spark plug socket. Helped a lot.

I think I used a 6" extension. You only really need it for the back 2 spark plugs. Just enough to get down deep enough to get on the plug, but not too tall that you can't get the extension/socket in the hole and/or be able to remove the plug when unscrewed

Got in there with the 6 inch extension. Tight though... but done :)