DIY: E46 M3 Spark-Plugs with Pictures

islavov · Wed, Aug-01-2007, 03:55:43 AM

Great write up!

I have not thought about this since I got about 28K miles, but good to know...

Seems like an easy task....

The key, I guess, is to torque new spark plugs properly...

Take care!!!

CSML23 · Wed, Aug-01-2007, 11:14:30 PM

Alright I got it all done eysterday. It wasn't too bad except for taking out the coils. I used a rope and threaded it through the top of the coil and pulled up with that; much easier than trying to take them out with my bare hands.

kn0my · Fri, Aug-10-2007, 04:52:58 PM

I did this last weekend, very easy job. I ended up just using a 4" socket extension through the middle of the coil handle, worked like a charm.

autobred · Sat, Aug-25-2007, 01:26:12 AM

not sure if it applies to this, but anytime I have a sparkplug with a crushed washer of sort, I torque to spec then back it out then retorque.

wyiel · Wed, Aug-29-2007, 06:20:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fastdog911

Do you guys have a good method for pulling the coil off the spark plug? To me I seem to have a hard time getting them off and alway feel as if I am going to break something.. is there a tool that makes this easier??

I used my screwdriver/wrench to lever off a couple of the coils - they were _seriously_ attached to head.

wyiel · Wed, Aug-29-2007, 06:22:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glenspeed

just looked it up after I did mine and BMW TIS says tightening torque for M12 plugs is 23Nm +-3Nm = 16.97ft/lb so 17 ft/lbs. give or take 2 ft/lbs either way

The BMW TIS also states that no anti-seize be used when I was changing the plugs on my 2002 M Roadster. That should also apply to M3's, since they're both s54 motors.

DBS · Thu, Dec-27-2007, 01:58:54 AM

Excellent write up and documentation...you notice performance with the Denso's...
I used them in a 1998 Prelude and did notice...a bit cautious about putting into my newfound 2006 M3 (10k Miles)

DBS · Thu, Dec-27-2007, 02:00:14 AM

that post is supposed to be a question there...did you notice gains?

lax01 · Thu, Dec-27-2007, 04:33:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBS

that post is supposed to be a question there...did you notice gains?

nope...the engine exploded a few thousand miles later and I now have stock plugs

DeLaY3D · Fri, Mar-21-2008, 08:28:52 PM

Just wanted to thank the OP.

Just changed the plugs on my Imola m3 and used this guide as a useful helping hand. Amazing write up, props again =)

Wed, Aug-01-2007, 03:55:43 AM	#31
islavov M-Power, M-Gazaria Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,347 Reputation: 0 Location: Baltimore, MD	Great write up! I have not thought about this since I got about 28K miles, but good to know... Seems like an easy task.... The key, I guess, is to torque new spark plugs properly... Take care!!! __________________ 2004 SMG, NAV, 19' wheels, Oxford Green \w cinn leather = combo you do not see every day. (this link is so old - back from the time my car was stock, nice and shiny) Mods: DINAN CAI, AP Headers, SS Race Cats, ESS Euro Software /w Direct Flash Unit, UUC Sways (Sway Barbarian), EvoSport Pulleys, Eisenmann Meisterschaft TI Susp: TCK DA - I am lovin'it - Thanks DAN & Obioban @ DER Track Wheels: 4 rear OEMs, custom painted, DIY here More pics here

Sat, Aug-25-2007, 01:26:12 AM	#34
autobred Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 476 Reputation: 0	not sure if it applies to this, but anytime I have a sparkplug with a crushed washer of sort, I torque to spec then back it out then retorque. __________________

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Wed, Aug-01-2007, 11:14:30 PM	#32
CSML23 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Age: 25 Posts: 109 Reputation: 0 Location: Anaheim	Alright I got it all done eysterday. It wasn't too bad except for taking out the coils. I used a rope and threaded it through the top of the coil and pulled up with that; much easier than trying to take them out with my bare hands.

Fri, Aug-10-2007, 04:52:58 PM	#33
kn0my Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 40 In the garage: '01 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: Indianapolis	I did this last weekend, very easy job. I ended up just using a 4" socket extension through the middle of the coil handle, worked like a charm.

Thu, Dec-27-2007, 01:58:54 AM	#37
DBS Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 47 Reputation: 0	Excellent write up and documentation...you notice performance with the Denso's... I used them in a 1998 Prelude and did notice...a bit cautious about putting into my newfound 2006 M3 (10k Miles)

Thu, Dec-27-2007, 02:00:14 AM	#38
DBS Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 47 Reputation: 0	that post is supposed to be a question there...did you notice gains?

Fri, Mar-21-2008, 08:28:52 PM	#40
DeLaY3D Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 25 Reputation: 0	Just wanted to thank the OP. Just changed the plugs on my Imola m3 and used this guide as a useful helping hand. Amazing write up, props again =)