Replacing all spark plugs

Precondition 

• Ignition is switched off.
  WARNING: Hot surfaces. 
  Risk of burning! 

  • Perform all work only on components that have cooled down.
  WARNING: Hot fluids. 
  Risk of scalding! 

  • Conduct all work in the vehicle wearing appropriate personal protective equipment only.
  NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE 
  Electrostatic discharge. 
  Damage to or destruction of electrical components. 

  • Leave the electrical components in their original packaging until they are being installed. Only use the original packaging for returning the product. Always package removed components straight away.
  • Read and comply with user information on using the associated special tool 12 7 060.
  • Only tap the housings of electrical components. Do not tap pins or multi-pin connectors directly.
  • Wear electrically conductive clothing and antistatic shoes (with ESD symbol).
  • For additional information see: NOTES ON ESD PROTECTION (ELECTRO STATIC DISCHARGE .

Preliminary work 

• Refer to REMOVING THE ACOUSTIC COVER .
• Refer to REMOVING BOTH INTAKE FILTER HOUSINGS .
• Refer to REMOVING THE RIGHT INTAKE SILENCER BRACKET .
• Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT INTAKE SILENCER BRACKET .
• Refer to REMOVING ALL IGNITION COILS .

Removing the spark plug of cylinder bank 1 

• Unscrew the spark plugs with the special tool  0 495 560 (12 1 220)  and an extension with joint  .

  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 poses a risk of insulator breakages.

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

• Unscrew the spark plugs with the special tool  0 495 560 (12 1 220)  and an extension with joint  (1).

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

  Removing spark plug of cylinder bank 2 

  WARNING: Hot surfaces. 
  Risk of burning! 

  • Perform all work only on components that have cooled down.
  CAUTION: Swirling dirt particles caused by compressed air. 
  Injury hazard! 

  • Collect dirt particles, e.g. when blowing out, use cloth to do so.
  • Wear safety goggles.
  NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION 
  Clean spark plug slot with compressed air. 
  The spark plug shafts must be cleaned using compressed air after having removed the ignition coils and before removing the spark plugs. 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.
  Deposits that have not been removed as prescribed can reach the combustion chamber and cause uncontrolled combustion there. Remaining deposits on the spark plug sealing surfaces may lead to leaks and the spark plugs may come loose during engine operation.
  Spark plug threads must not be greased or oiled. Insufficiently tightened spark plugs may cause leaks and the sparks plugs may come loose during engine operation.
  NOTE: The description is provided only at one component. The procedure is the same for all other components.
• Unscrew the spark plugs with the special tool  0 495 560 (12 1 220)  and an extension with joint  .

  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 poses a risk of insulator breakages.

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

• Unscrew the spark plugs with the special tool  0 495 560 (12 1 220)  and an extension with joint  (1).

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

  Installing spark plug of cylinder bank 2 

  NOTE: The description is provided only at one component. The procedure is the same for all other components.
• Insert spark plug (1) into special tool 0 496 065 (121 230) 
  NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION 
  Do not drop the spark plug into the spark plug shaft. This can lead to a reduction of the electrode gap and can thus impair smooth running of the engine, especially in idle position.

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

• Make sure the spark plug does not fall into the spark plug shaft.
• First screw spark plugs into the engine using special tool 0 496 065 (12 1 230) and tighten manually.
  NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION 
  Only a swiveling extension for the reversible ratchet may be used. Rigid mounting tool and variable plug connections with rigid option may not be used; there is a risk that the insulator breaks.
• Tighten the spark plug with a torque wrench, special tool 0 496 065 (12 1 230) and an extension with joint (1).

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

  Installing the spark plug of cylinder bank 1 

  NOTE: The description is provided only at one component. The procedure is the same for all other components.
• Insert spark plug (1) into special tool 0 496 065 (121 230) 
  NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION 
  Do not drop the spark plug into the spark plug shaft. This can lead to a reduction of the electrode gap and can thus impair smooth running of the engine, especially in idle position.

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

• Make sure the spark plug does not fall into the spark plug shaft.
• First screw spark plugs into the engine using special tool 0 496 065 (12 1 230) and tighten manually.
  NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION 
  Only a swiveling extension for the reversible ratchet may be used. Rigid mounting tool and variable plug connections with rigid option may not be used; there is a risk that the insulator breaks.
• Tighten spark plugs with a torque wrench, the special tool 0 496 065 (12 1 230) and an extension with joint (1).

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Follow-up work 

• Refer to INSTALLING ALL IGNITION COILS .
• Refer to INSTALLING THE LEFT INTAKE SILENCER BRACKET .
• Refer to INSTALLING BRACKET FOR RIGHT INTAKE SILENCER .
• Refer to INSTALLING BOTH INTAKE FILTER HOUSING .
• Refer to INSTALLING ACOUSTIC COVER .