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Home >> BMW >> 2014 >> X5 xDrive35d >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> Ignition System >> Engine Electrical System - Repair >> Spark Plugs >> 12 12 011 Removing and installing/replacing all spark plugs (N20 hybrid drive)

12 12 011 Removing and installing/replacing all spark plugs (N20 hybrid drive)

Special tools required: 

WARNING: High-voltage system - danger to life 
Compliance with the following points is mandatory before beginning work:

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

IMPORTANT: Wear safety goggles.
Oil and dirt particles may get into your eyes!

Clean spark plug slot with compressed air. 

  1. Remove dirt contamination from the spark plug shaft. The plug shaft must be cleaned with compressed air after the ignition coils have been removed but before the spark plugs have been dismounted. After removing the spark plugs, check the sealing surface again for dirt contamination and if necessary, clean with a damp cloth or again with compressed air.
    NOTE: Deposits that are not removed according to instructions may enter the combustion chamber and lead to uncontrolled combustion. Remaining deposits in the area of the spark plug seal can lead to leaks and to the spark plugs coming loose during engine operation.
  2. Do not grease/oil thread or use any graphite or copper grease. Adhere to the torque values of the packaging information or regulation.
    NOTE: If these instructions are not followed, especially with regard to greasing, this may result in mechanical damage to the spark plug housing/thread. Spark plugs that are not tightened sufficiently lead to leaks and to the spark plugs coming loose during engine operation.

Removal: 

Unscrew spark plugs with special tool 12 1 220 and with an extension of at least 8° kink.

Flexible ratchet extensions must always be used. If rigid mounting tools are used, there is a risk of insulator breakages.

NOTE: Also do not use a variable plug connection with locking capability as this also poses a risk of insulator breakages.
Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (12 1 220)
G10102127Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew spark plugs with special tool 12 1 220 and an extension with joint.

Fig 2: Removing/Installing Spark Plug Using Special Tool (12 1 220)
G11103510Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Insert spark plug (1) into the special tool 12 1 230 .

Fig 3: Inserting Spark Plug Into Special Tool (12 1 230)
G10102129Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Do not let spark plugs fall into the spark plug shaft. This can lead to a reduction of the electrode gap and so impair the smooth running of the engine, especially in idle mode.

First screw in spark plug using special tool 12 1 230 in the engine and tighten by hand.

Then tighten spark plug with torque wrench, special tool 12 1 220 and extension with joint.

Fig 4: Tightening Spark Plug Using Torque Wrench Special Tool (12 1 220)
G11103512Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Flexible ratchet extensions must always be used. If rigid mounting tools are used, there is a risk of insulator breakages.

Also do not use a variable plug connection with locking capability as this also poses a risk of insulator breakages.

Tighten spark plug with torque wrench, special tool 12 1 220 and extension with joint.

Observe tightening torque.

Tightening torque 12 12 1AZ

Fig 5: Removing/Installing Spark Plug Using Special Tool (12 1 220)
G11103510Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Required follow-up work: