Necessary preliminary tasks

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2012 BMW 328xi, 2012 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 328xi, 2011 BMW 328i, and 2010 BMW 328xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Read out fault memory of DME control unit
Turn off ignition
Remove ignition coil cover . See 1100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ACOUSTIC COVER (N52/N52K) or 1100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING IGNITION COIL COVER (N52K)