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      11-08-2018, 04:36 PM   #23
Wgosma
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No experience with that plug.

In my experience driving Bimmers for 12+ years, and doing much of my own car work I think it's best to stick with plugs that are a direct replacement for OEM BMW product. I've read of people going to different or higher performance plugs and it causing operational issues.

If those Iridums are not a recommended direct replacement you might want to pass on them.

N55 is direct injection- harder on plugs than port injected motor; so lifespan tad bit reduced.
Good luck
Bill
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      11-09-2018, 07:18 AM   #24
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^^ it depends what people are doing.

on my non-stock boosted audi, direct injection, if I use OEM spark plug, Ill have tons of missfire. I need 1 or 2 step colder spark plug.

On a stock N55, I agree, use OEM.

On mine, I got some Bosch double platinum 0242 145 518 000.
Stage 1.
No issue at all.


cooper spark plug are the best to avoid miss fire, conductivity is the best, but they will degrade faster.
Iridium will last longer, less conductivity, good boosted engines, expect some miss fire time to time.
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      12-14-2018, 09:15 AM   #25
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I too am debating whether to use Bosch double platinum or NGK iridium. NGK states that the iridium is for the turbo.
I’ve read both sides, that the iridiums will last longer, and that the double platinums will last longer because it has a thicker wire than the iridium. I’ve also read that the NGK laser iridiums are not the best iridium.
So, I’m open to educated comments.
Going into a 2012 X3 35xdrive (turbo).
Thanks.
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      11-06-2019, 10:25 PM   #26
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sorry to bump the thread. i am getting to ready to do the sparks since my Valve Cover Gasket is leaking so I will be doing VC, VCG, and the 6 sparks. any tip is appreciated, thanks.
i got T25, T27, Universal Joint Set, will be getting E10 socket.
3/8" torque wrench, flat screw driver, 3/8" extensions
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      11-11-2019, 11:09 AM   #27
Mingstar88
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mingstar88 View Post
sorry to bump the thread. i am getting to ready to do the sparks since my Valve Cover Gasket is leaking so I will be doing VC, VCG, and the 6 sparks. any tip is appreciated, thanks.
i got T25, T27, Universal Joint Set, will be getting E10 socket.
3/8" torque wrench, flat screw driver, 3/8" extensions

Just a quick update, the 6 sparks plugs were surprisingly easy. spark plug 5 and 6 were manageable using 3" extension 3/8" with the spark plug socket tool. make sure you put some WD40 into your socket tool, otherwise it gets stuck in there. I did not have to remove the cowl/wipers for spark plugs/ however it would be a good idea to remove those if you're doing valve cover gasket. You definitely want to remove the passenger side brace bar E14 or 11mm to get more clearance, first remove the centre cover using T30, OP's pic say T27, both should work. While putting it back, the CCV hose cracked similar to another user in this thread. Going a little bit off topic, but hope this helps.
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      02-13-2020, 02:37 PM   #28
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the power harness tract can be removed entirely out by removing 2 T25 screws on the other end of the tract
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      05-06-2020, 03:56 PM   #29
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For what it's worth, I just had my independent shop perform this spark plug job due to time constraints on my end and it was $515. I'll definitely do it myself next time but I ran out of time to order the plug socket etc.
I never asked BMW for a quote, that information would be interesting.

Great DIY! Thanks for posting.
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      05-06-2020, 04:05 PM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OldenburgerM3 View Post
For what it's worth, I just had my independent shop perform this spark plug job due to time constraints on my end and it was $515. I'll definitely do it myself next time but I ran out of time to order the plug socket etc.
I never asked BMW for a quote, that information would be interesting.

Great DIY! Thanks for posting.
Good grief! That's robbery! I'm changing the injectors on my wife's N54 and last night I literally spent about 20 minutes taking stuff apart to get to them. I'd love to know what he'd charge for that!
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      05-07-2020, 10:21 AM   #31
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Thanks for the detailed instructions, very helpful!
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      06-06-2021, 05:43 PM   #32
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I tried to get this done and simply could not get that TMAP sensor connector to release. Don't know what's up with that!

And then I thought maybe I can pull of the intake tract to get at it more easily and the the stupid accordion part of that breather hose to the sensor that connects with the T25 heads broke... so now it has a bunch of electrical taped wrapped around it in hopes that keeps the thing driving until I get this taken care of.

Sheesh! I guess that's what I get for trying!
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      06-07-2021, 09:53 AM   #33
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Originally Posted by epiphone3 View Post
I tried to get this done and simply could not get that TMAP sensor connector to release. Don't know what's up with that!

And then I thought maybe I can pull of the intake tract to get at it more easily and the the stupid accordion part of that breather hose to the sensor that connects with the T25 heads broke... so now it has a bunch of electrical taped wrapped around it in hopes that keeps the thing driving until I get this taken care of.

Sheesh! I guess that's what I get for trying!
The TMAP sensor connector can be tricky because it's difficult to determine how it releases. However I've only had to remove it once (when I replaced my valve cover two weeks ago). I usually just leave it connected and lay the hose out of the way when doing spark plugs or coil packs, etc.

Yes the breather hose usually breaks every time. It gets brittle only after about a year old. I've broken mine 2 times and used a rubber hose and clamps between the two original nipples temporarily until I could get a new one. Do your self a favor like me and order that *and* one other thing from FCP Euro so you have a lifetime warranty on it.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...se-11127584128

This hard water line breaks on it's own without warning (or touching it) after 4-5 years and CANNOT be repaired without a new one and because it's under pressure your X3 is down until you do:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...x3-17127601859


Last edited by ThomasR; 06-07-2021 at 10:11 AM..
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      06-07-2021, 10:09 AM   #34
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^^Thank you for this!
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      12-19-2022, 02:53 PM   #35
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Does anyone know if you can get 5/6 out with a 12" extension on a jointed 14mm 12 point thin walled socket?

Or does it have to be a 6"+3" due to vertical constraints?
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      01-10-2023, 05:17 PM   #36
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To my knowledge, ~55k miles.

For some reason the bolt that held in the clip with the two sensors over cylinder 5 was a T30 on mine. It did seem like someone had been back there before so who knows.

I was able to get all 6 cylinders done with the 12" extension, I used this one HERE.

Also, I went with the Bosch plugs (the ones that don't have the "S", purchased from FCP Euro) and Delphi Coils. I did not break the breather hose upon removal, my suggestion is to remove it from the intake pipe and not the engine + unscrew it and kinda wiggle it back and forth. I did buy one to have in the event I needed it but will be returning.

Last edited by mwat; 01-11-2023 at 11:49 AM..
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      01-23-2023, 09:28 PM   #37
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Need to replace coils and spark plugs again after 7 years

My Last DIY on my X3 for replacing spark plugs and coils lasted for more than 7 years.
Last week check engine light came on and the OBD Scanner is showing code P0304.
Looks like I will need to replace the Spark Plugs and Coils Again.
I ordered the below parts from FCP Euro.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...2138616153kt12

Is this a good choice?

Looks like last time the Delphi coils were GN10328. But the above kit contains GN10571. Any insights on whats is the difference between the 2?
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      01-25-2023, 06:29 PM   #38
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Quote:
Originally Posted by desiGeek View Post
My Last DIY on my X3 for replacing spark plugs and coils lasted for more than 7 years.
Last week check engine light came on and the OBD Scanner is showing code P0304.
Looks like I will need to replace the Spark Plugs and Coils Again.
I ordered the below parts from FCP Euro.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...2138616153kt12

Is this a good choice?

Looks like last time the Delphi coils were GN10328. But the above kit contains GN10571. Any insights on whats is the difference between the 2?
Job Completed without any Hiccups and car now running smoothly.
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      01-26-2023, 07:59 AM   #39
mwat
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Quote:
Originally Posted by desiGeek View Post
Job Completed without any Hiccups and car now running smoothly.
I bought the exact same kit and have had no issues since my swap.
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