Maintenance

[Napzito]

Hi, My service light states that the Spark Plugs are due for replacement
Can anybody point me to any useful guides, tricks or tips , and whether they can be changed easily. Also does it require any special tools or skills that only the dealership have them. My car is well out of its warranty so there is no obligation to have them changed by the dealer anymore. Thanks in advance.

 

[kabal]

changing spark plugs involves removing the engine cover and removing the coils from the plugs, and then removing the plugs. reverse to reinstall

cant imagine this taking more than 10 minutes per plug ( and that is a generous estimate).

you need the standard spark plug socket, and probably 2x 3/4" socket extenders

 

[Napzito]

Will the car require resetting after fitting the plugs?

 

[msm]

My car is well out of its warranty so there is no obligation to have them changed by the dealer anymore. Thanks in advance.

While I'm not suggestions that the DIY route is a bad idea, but there are also lots of good independent workshops around with experience on BMW's and offer good value for money alternatives.

 

[moranor@axis]

what car is it... how do you mean it said it needs plugs...

 

[Coisman]

imp:
I am with msm on this. So what area are you in, so we can start suggesting workshops. :thumb:

 

[frikkieh]

Napzito - I can't see what ride you have - 116i?
Plug change is dirt easy to do with the CORRECT tools yourself. Trouble is that you have a service light that may need to be reset / involve some further investigation, so you might as well have it done.

 

[Charlie Brown]

Napzito

Most importantly if you do go the DIY route is to make sure you change the plugs when the car is cold, ie first thing in the morning.

Seondly only do this if you have a proper socket set not some cheap R20 tool from Game etc.

Lastly make sure you get the Plugs from either the dealers or a reputable spares shop - Bosch plugs only for you BMW.

 

[moranor@axis]

you can always change the plugs and have someone read the codes and reset the service light

dont think anyone on here has done much diy on a 116i it can be too much different from older models...

you could have a look on 1addicts or google E81, E82, E87, E88 spark plug diy

 

[Napzito]

Hi Coisman


I'm in the Rustenburg area.

 

[fusion01]

Hi Coisman


I'm in the Rustenburg area.

I'll personally take my car to Bosch after motorplan expires as they offer decent work at good rates from my experience. But I suppose the only way you TRULY learn, is to do it yourself!

 

[DangerD]

Speaking of maintenance....

I've just moved up to JHb and have taken a warranty on my 118. Know any decent RMI places in the randburg/sandton area that won't ask me to trade my soul for the cost of repairs??

 

[Roundal]

Google is your friend!

http://www.ehow.com/how_7434957_reset-service-lights-bmw-1_series.html

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=541636#post9789039