Re: changing spark plugs (archive)

Just did it for the first time this weekend...great improvement. I tried the single electrode Bosch Platinums with the hope of longer time between changes (already had them bought before hearing the mixed reviews from the board). Hope you have small hands!! The right bank (cyl. 1-6) is the easiest once the water reservoirs are pulled out of the way. The left bank (cyl. 7-12) get progressively more difficult as you get closer to the firewall. It took me all day starting from mid-morning including several breaks to take the kids here and there, adjust brakes on some bikes, pick up a new tool from the store, lunch, dinner, etc., etc.. The local stealer told me after a dozen or so times doing it, he has it down to 2.5 hours!! Some simple tips:
1) clean the plug area before you start...keeps dirt out of the cylinders
2) have a 3/8" ratchet, 5/8" plug socket, 2-4" and 2-6" extensions, a universal joint, 6" needle nose pliers (explained later), band-aids, anticeptic and a 6-pack of your favourite available
3) need to have a torque wrench or know about what 22 ft-lb feels like.
4) everyone has indicated setting the new plug gap to the widest of the recommended range (0.032") is best
5) use a spark plug socket (5/8") with a rubber insert to hold the plug from falling out while you are practicing to be a circus contortionist.
6) make sure the rubber insert does not hold on too firmly...the socket has a tendency to stay with the plug rather than with the extensions which necesitates the use of 6" needle nose pliers to blindly pull the socket off!
7) make sure the rubber insert stays in the socket...the plug wire doesn't go on all that well when it stays on the plug.
8) I marked the cylinder number on each plug as it came out to review later.
9) don't start if you are already in a bad mood and look forward to the way it will purr again once you are finished

Good Luck,
'88 750iL

Hello evryone. I am new here and would first of all say that I have learned so much about my car thru this website in the very short time , thanks. I just bought my 1989 750il and I love the car. I would like to change the spark plugs and was wondering if you guys can give me any tips on making this an easy task. I have always done most of the work on all the cars I've had so I familiar with tune ups but never on a BMW let a lone this V12. Thank you in advance.

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