12 13 511 Replacing Ignition Coils (N51, N52, N52K)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 128i, and 2009 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Read out fault memory of DME control unit.
Check stored fault messages
Switch off ignition
Remove ignition coil cover . See 11 00 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ACOUSTIC COVER (N51) .

Unlock plug retainer of ignition coil (1) and disconnect plug.

Pull ignition coil (1) up and out.

This procedure is applicable to all ignition coils.

Fig 1: Pulling Ignition Coil Up & Out

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Installation:

Check that rubber seal of ignition coil (1) is correctly seated.

Fig 2: Identifying Rubber Seal Of Ignition Coil

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Installation:

Push plug (1) with plug retainer (2) open onto ignition coil.

Carefully close plug retainer (2) in direction of arrow.

The connector must be positioned on the counter piece with hardly any gaps when the locking lever is being closed. In the process, the cheeks of the lever are positioned inside the counter piece.

NOTE: The locking lever can become deformed if it is not installed correctly. This means that there is no longer a safety lock on the plug connection. As a result, the connector can slip out during engine operation (loose contact, misfiring).

Fig 3: Pushing Plug With Plug Retainer

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Installation note: The connector fastener must snap into place without great effort.

Fig 4: Identifying Plug Retainer Position

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.