12 13 511 Replace ignition coils (N54, N54T, N53, N43)

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Read out the fault memory of the DME control unit.
Check stored fault messages and process procedure.
Switch off ignition.
Remove ignition coil cover. See 11 00 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING IGNITION COIL COVER (N54, N54T) or 12..... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING IGNITION COIL COVER (N55) .
E71 only:
Remove acoustic cover at rear.
E71 only :
Remove clean air pipe.

IMPORTANT: Ignition coils must not be contaminated by fuel.
The resistance of the silicone material is reduced significantly by contact with fuel, which may cause the ignition coil to fail!
The silicone tube of the spark plug connector is coated with talc to reduce the pulling forces. The silicone tube must NOT be oiled or greased. This would greatly reduce the durability of the silicone material, which can lead to a malfunction of the ignition coil.

Unlock connector fastener (1) of ignition coil (2) and disconnect connector.

Ensure that cables are not crushed or damaged.

Repair damaged cable.

Pull out the ignition coil (2) slowly in a smooth upwards movement.

NOTE: There is a possibility that the silicone tube will tear and therefore be destroyed.

This procedure is applicable to all ignition coils.

Fig 1: Unlocking Connector Fastener Of Ignition Coil

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Position the ignition coil (1) and gently push it to the limit position, if necessary by twisting it back and forth slightly. Then check anti-twist lock.

The rubber cap must completely surround the sealing collar of the cylinder head cover.

NOTE: If rubber parts are squashed, the ignition coil can slip out again during engine operation.

Fig 2: Pushing Ignition Coil

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Push connector (1) with connector catch (2) open onto ignition coil.

Carefully close connector catch (2) in direction of arrow.

The connector catch must snap into place without great effort.

Ensure that cables are not crushed or damaged.

Repair damaged cable.

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.

Fig 3: Pushing Ignition Coil Connector

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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).

NOTE: Clear diagnostic fault entries from fault memory.