Many thanks for Gareth and FCP for these videos. They are becoming more valuable as my wife's original-owner F30 with 75k easy miles continues to fall apart like a Yugo. Replaced a bad coil on cylinder 4 today. Had to source the coil locally for 3x FCP's price to get my wife back on the road, but am ordering the other 3 coils plus spark plugs from FCP for preventive replacement. As others have said, the brace does not need to be removed for coil replacement, but there is a plastic cover next to the left shock tower that needs to be removed. It sems to be missing from the vehicle in the video. Maybe it was added to later models (mine is 12/2014 production date). It's secured by a small torx head screw. I'll be replacing the failed oil filter housing gasket tomorrow with an FCP kit, so another Gareth video to the rescue!
Thanks for the video. I found that you don't have to remove the stabilizer bar as you can get clear access to the 4th spark plug by removing the black plastic cover and sliding it out under the stabilizer bar.
Thank you for this detailed video Gareth. I ordered the listed tools from FCP Euro and followed your instructions step-by-step to successfully replace the engine coils and spark plugs on my 2013 BMW 328i/F30. With your help, this DIY job was enjoyable, straightforward, and painless.
Great information. Just installed new plugs from FCPEuro in an N26. One tip that may be obvious... when pulling the coils give them a slight twist left and right to 'break the seal' they form in the spark plug pocket. The coil will then pull out much easier.
Thank you! Couldn't find a video that showed this method. The rest of them are using a socket and swivel attachment that goes 90 degrees with 3" ext. Didn't have any time to wait for new tools, already changed one spark plug, so needed to go this route. I actually found it better than trying to fuss around in a tight space with a swivel socket. FYI, it's completely unnecessary to remove the cross bars. Just unscrew the 7 screws for the cover and pull it out from underneath the cross bars. Just finished my f36 doing it this way. Thanks again.
Ty! Took me 45mins. I had to purchase the socket, rubber tool and #18. I should have done the injectors at same time but now I know how easy it is to get access. My F30 has 130,000. It did look as previous owner had changed plugs sometime as they didn’t look too bad.
Great videos. Thanks for the coil tab tip. I broke 1 of those on my last R&R Would never recommend a novice do this but... a pro tuner with a gentle hand will always verify the spark plug gaps are even across the set. Spark plug gap affects spark duration and sometimes 1 out of the bunch will be way off from the factory. Those tools are a must to carefully install the new plugs and prevent damaging the spark plug gap clearances on install. I see videos of people dropping the spark plugs down the tubes... face palm
Super easy, great DIY. My cross bar (the top two bolts) were actually 5/16 not E18. The two side bolts were E18. I am also missing the sound deadening part
I replaced plugs on F25 last week. Hard to believe but one of the NGK plugs from FCP was actually defective, caused misfire. I got new plug from Oreilly to save shipping time, but FCP still credited me for the bad plug. Oreilly price is double FCP! Nice to have correct torques and advice in this video. Thanks!
These plugs lasts a lot longer. My friend has a 2013 328I2.0 205000 miles original spark plugs just replaced them. They looked horrible, but didn’t misfire.
Are these plugs for tuned engines ? I replaced my 2015 320i with this exact setup and it rode great for a week but now I have an engine light. The car is driving fine though.
Very helpful video. Looking forward to more F30 videos especially relating to the N20 engine. Any plans for DIY to replace the upstream and downstream oxygen sensors?
Great video. This actually helped me to understand how to remove 4th one. After installing them I’m getting steady engine light warning on dashboard, any advice?
These coil packs specifically have a defect. The boots have a habit of separating from the top half and remain stuck on the spark plug inside the cylinder. Without the right tools, it can be a nightmare to remove them. The boots also rip easily causing small pieces of rubber to be dropped in the cylinder so before removing the plug it has to be vacuumed out extensively.
My stock N26 has 37k miles and I’m about to go FBO w/ stage 2 tune. No idea if spark plugs were changed for CPO when I bought it last year but doubt it. I’ll ask my mechanic to take a look and see when we should swap.... or should I just order them to have on hand? It should be less than an hour of labor, correct?
I had the same issue. It took me 4 hours man. I had to use needle nose pliers to grab the socket because it would get seized on the plug. I also have engine light after with these plugs and packs.
You must have missed that he said there is already a bit of dielectric grease on the coils from the factory. So no additional is needed since it can actually interfere with proper seating and connection.
@@Hyytekk Thanks I did miss it.. I had gone thru and watched again and he mentioned it. I didn't see any grease in mine so just put a dab into each. Thanks for the response.
I picked up my CPO a few years ago and I changed the spark plugs on this car for the first time owning this car. When I measured the gaps of the old plugs, 3 of them were set to 0.030 and 1 of them was set at 0.028. Is this normal?
I was curious about this myself. Suspension cross brace to body - 56 Nm 90º. You can google "51 61 1AZ" if in doubt. Some forums have PDF with the specs accessible.
I did this at 60k after getting a limp mode repeatedly. Please stock Bosch coils and plugs. Not a difficult job, though cylinder 4 closest to the firewall is kind of a bitch.
Lil note everyone? You don't have to remove all the other stuff to get to that last coil. Doing 1 right now and I got the coil out with no problem and without removing any plastics.
I had to partially remove the strut brace (couldn’t figure out how to remove the plastic tray). Anyway, the 2 center bolts are 16mm, not E18 (in my 428).
@@fcpeuro hello FCPEuro! My N20 engine is surging from stop to go traffic or stoping and going. Could it be the spark plugs? Bought the car with 58k miles and it’s 76k now and I dont think the plugs or coils ever on it and I’ve been driving the car hard but do good maintenance on it.
Many thanks for Gareth and FCP for these videos. They are becoming more valuable as my wife's original-owner F30 with 75k easy miles continues to fall apart like a Yugo. Replaced a bad coil on cylinder 4 today. Had to source the coil locally for 3x FCP's price to get my wife back on the road, but am ordering the other 3 coils plus spark plugs from FCP for preventive replacement.
As others have said, the brace does not need to be removed for coil replacement, but there is a plastic cover next to the left shock tower that needs to be removed. It sems to be missing from the vehicle in the video. Maybe it was added to later models (mine is 12/2014 production date). It's secured by a small torx head screw.
I'll be replacing the failed oil filter housing gasket tomorrow with an FCP kit, so another Gareth video to the rescue!
Thanks for the video. I found that you don't have to remove the stabilizer bar as you can get clear access to the 4th spark plug by removing the black plastic cover and sliding it out under the stabilizer bar.
This comment is valued a lot more than the entire video. Thank you.
Thank you for this detailed video Gareth. I ordered the listed tools from FCP Euro and followed your instructions step-by-step to successfully replace the engine coils and spark plugs on my 2013 BMW 328i/F30. With your help, this DIY job was enjoyable, straightforward, and painless.
Nice work!!!!
Great information. Just installed new plugs from FCPEuro in an N26. One tip that may be obvious... when pulling the coils give them a slight twist left and right to 'break the seal' they form in the spark plug pocket. The coil will then pull out much easier.
Thank you! Couldn't find a video that showed this method. The rest of them are using a socket and swivel attachment that goes 90 degrees with 3" ext. Didn't have any time to wait for new tools, already changed one spark plug, so needed to go this route. I actually found it better than trying to fuss around in a tight space with a swivel socket. FYI, it's completely unnecessary to remove the cross bars. Just unscrew the 7 screws for the cover and pull it out from underneath the cross bars. Just finished my f36 doing it this way. Thanks again.
Glad this was of some help, thank you for the note on the screws!
Thank you for the tip I didn’t feel like removing the cross bars
Just did this today it took about 1hr and a half thanks for the video 🙏🏾 if your in the DMV area hmu and I’ll help you out
Ty! Took me 45mins. I had to purchase the socket, rubber tool and #18. I should have done the injectors at same time but now I know how easy it is to get access. My F30 has 130,000. It did look as previous owner had changed plugs sometime as they didn’t look too bad.
Thanks for all the n20 videos
Dude fr, these are the only guys out here really providing in depth info about the entire vehicle
Great videos. Thanks for the coil tab tip. I broke 1 of those on my last R&R Would never recommend a novice do this but... a pro tuner with a gentle hand will always verify the spark plug gaps are even across the set. Spark plug gap affects spark duration and sometimes 1 out of the bunch will be way off from the factory. Those tools are a must to carefully install the new plugs and prevent damaging the spark plug gap clearances on install. I see videos of people dropping the spark plugs down the tubes... face palm
I never gap my sparkplugs, but also never felt a issue when driving. I'm on bootmod3 stage 1 aswell.
What coil tab tip?
Sometimes the pregap is off but believe me an owner will know something is wrong after installing them
Thanks so much! This is the only video that didn’t skip over removing the cross brace. Best video !!!
Thank you! This was a “perfect” instructional video. It gave me confidence to successfully change the plugs in my 228i. Keep up the excellent work!
Good work, John!
Super easy, great DIY. My cross bar (the top two bolts) were actually 5/16 not E18. The two side bolts were E18. I am also missing the sound deadening part
Factory is e18.
I replaced plugs on F25 last week. Hard to believe but one of the NGK plugs from FCP was actually defective, caused misfire. I got new plug from Oreilly to save shipping time, but FCP still credited me for the bad plug. Oreilly price is double FCP! Nice to have correct torques and advice in this video. Thanks!
So sorry to hear that happened! Glad you were able to get it squared away.
Great coverage and very helpful, Thanks to all at FCP Euro 👍
My spark plugs arrived from FCP Euro and this video was great for completing the service. Thanks!
This job is so easy! Save yourself money and DIY
Another great DIY video. Thanks! (change the drum roll music) please
Just order my kit from your guys!! Second purchase from this awesome company.
Awesome, thank you! Happy wrenching!
Thanks a lot for this video. My car just started showing the transmission error and the engine is misfiring. I am going to try this.
thanks for the video ! just one thing: @4:47 it shows 6 points 14mm picture, but we need 12 points 14mm to remove/install spark plugs
These plugs lasts a lot longer. My friend has a 2013 328I2.0 205000 miles original spark plugs just replaced them. They looked horrible, but didn’t misfire.
Pretty straight forward. I appreciate the video fellas! 👍🏼
thanks. great video.
Are these plugs for tuned engines ? I replaced my 2015 320i with this exact setup and it rode great for a week but now I have an engine light. The car is driving fine though.
great video!!
i didnt need to take the brace off, i was able to unbolt the plastic piece and just slide it forward
Very helpful video. Looking forward to more F30 videos especially relating to the N20 engine. Any plans for DIY to replace the upstream and downstream oxygen sensors?
Cool thanks for posting 👍
Thanks for the video guidance.
Great video. This actually helped me to understand how to remove 4th one.
After installing them I’m getting steady engine light warning on dashboard, any advice?
Can you guys do some videos like this on the Mercedes GLS 450 line?
U guys are the best
Sound good I will let you know how it went
What torque spec is the E18 and 5/16 bolts on the cross brace?
Did you have to gap the spark plugs ?
Why doesn’t mine have the removable round pieces to access the nut at the top of the bar on the cowling!
These coil packs specifically have a defect. The boots have a habit of separating from the top half and remain stuck on the spark plug inside the cylinder. Without the right tools, it can be a nightmare to remove them. The boots also rip easily causing small pieces of rubber to be dropped in the cylinder so before removing the plug it has to be vacuumed out extensively.
My stock N26 has 37k miles and I’m about to go FBO w/ stage 2 tune. No idea if spark plugs were changed for CPO when I bought it last year but doubt it. I’ll ask my mechanic to take a look and see when we should swap.... or should I just order them to have on hand? It should be less than an hour of labor, correct?
I got a thin wall 14mm 12 point socket and it still won’t grip around spark plug to bring it out?? Any recommendations
The same here.
I had the same issue. It took me 4 hours man. I had to use needle nose pliers to grab the socket because it would get seized on the plug. I also have engine light after with these plugs and packs.
No anti seize on threads or dieelctric grease on boots for these?
You must have missed that he said there is already a bit of dielectric grease on the coils from the factory. So no additional is needed since it can actually interfere with proper seating and connection.
@@Hyytekk Thanks I did miss it.. I had gone thru and watched again and he mentioned it. I didn't see any grease in mine so just put a dab into each. Thanks for the response.
Hello how much will cost me to change the timing chain and oil pump on N20 428i pls I want to know asap . Thanks
What is the recommended gap for the spark plugs? I am assuming they are factory set but just want to double check before installing?
What’s spark plug gap?
QUESTION - when facing the engine on a 6 cylinder 328i xdrive.... how are the valves numbered....1-6 or 6 -1 (from the radiator back) ?
Typically your cylinder is 1 is going to be up front, by the radiator, 6 being up against the firewall.
I have a 2016 F10 with 60k miles, would you recommend replacing both the coil and spark plugs or would I find just replacing the plugs?
Which one spark plugs should I buy?
Changed my spark plugs no problem no i have an engine light an it says drivetrain malf n the car is missing what could be the problem
Same I’m so confused @fcpeuro
Did you guys find this out
Same here. I’m going to put in the same exact plugs that were in before. I think these are “colder” plugs and are for tuned bmws. Who knows 😢
Do you have to unhook the cars battery before completing this replacements? Do you need any maintenance programming done after or before install.
Sup, no need to reprogram anything, and it certainly does not hurt to undo the battery.
I picked up my CPO a few years ago and I changed the spark plugs on this car for the first time owning this car. When I measured the gaps of the old plugs, 3 of them were set to 0.030 and 1 of them was set at 0.028. Is this normal?
This seems pretty straightforward. More tedious than difficult😅
Only way I'm buying a BMW is if I'm friends with Gareth
He is the best specialty tool to have
Does that support brace you removed have a tourqe spec?
I was curious about this myself. Suspension cross brace to body - 56 Nm 90º. You can google "51 61 1AZ" if in doubt. Some forums have PDF with the specs accessible.
Does this work for the 2016 320?
What is a "early model year" with a pneumatic wastewater actuator as opposed to electric?
The first engine covers comes off a lot easier on n26 with the electronic waste gate. There is no vaccuum lines attached to the cover.
i used a regulsr chrome 14mm 12pt socket abolutely never say never or whatsoever i just grinded it to size
I did this at 60k after getting a limp mode repeatedly. Please stock Bosch coils and plugs. Not a difficult job, though cylinder 4 closest to the firewall is kind of a bitch.
Can I use the same kit in my 2014 428i n26 do I have to gap it ?
Did you have to gap them
Lil note everyone? You don't have to remove all the other stuff to get to that last coil. Doing 1 right now and I got the coil out with no problem and without removing any plastics.
Same. And used my torque wrench for reinstall. Whole job, less than 45 minutes
Has anyone used the duralast coils??..
should i buy bosch or Delphi lgnition? which one is better?
delphi
Do you gotta disconnect the car battery?
Hi David, while not mandatory, it does not hurt to do so.
Is this model just like the 2018 320i xdrive?? Just wondering if i can follow this tutorial.
I had to partially remove the strut brace (couldn’t figure out how to remove the plastic tray). Anyway, the 2 center bolts are 16mm, not E18 (in my 428).
🎉
Spark plug needs to be gap ?
new spark plugs come pre-gapped, but it never hurts to check them
@@fcpeuro what about if I'm on stage 1 or 2 need to be pregap ?
@@fcpeuro hello FCPEuro! My N20 engine is surging from stop to go traffic or stoping and going. Could it be the spark plugs? Bought the car with 58k miles and it’s 76k now and I dont think the plugs or coils ever on it and I’ve been driving the car hard but do good maintenance on it.
@@DuckMcDuckinsonsame did u find out why?
good information and images are missing some Spanish subtitles.
Did my man not check the spark gap? Hmm...
They want a arm and a leg for any work on foreign cars lol they just look at the cars in throw a random price times 2 lol just got a f30
Cant wait till these cars are worth 2k on ebay
If you can't afford a BMW don't buy a BMW. Stick to a used Kia or Honda Civic if you got a pay bump at the McD.
always go with delphi. bosch is garbage
First
This guy go to fast instruction is useless if he doesn’t demonstrate clearly on the little details etc