[lonaman]

Hi Everyone, I did something really stupid. I followed the instructions of noclutchgarage on youtube to replace the spark plugs on my 2016 F30 B58 340i. Everything went fine until I went to put things back together. Following his instruction, I set my torque wrench to 100nm to torque the strut bar screw back in place at the windshield area. Well, come to find out, 100nm is WAY too much torque, and I stripped the hole. I know, I know, I should have checked the specifications myself prior to doing the job. I now know the correct torque spec is 56nm plus a 1/4 turn.

However, I now need to fix the hole that is stripped and was hoping to get some help here. I think I can use a tap and die set to re-thread the hole but wanted advice as to the proper size to use. The Torx Screw With Collar is a M10X20. What size should I use to replace the hole?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Billfitz]

One size up would be the usual, so M12x20. The drill size for a 12mm tap is 10.3 mm- 13/32 inch, so that should do it.

[lonaman]

Thanks! Where can I buy a M12x20 torx screw with collar? I can't find one. If I get this tap and die set, will the included 12x24 tap work?

[lonaman]

Also, what are the advantages and disadvantages of using a helicoil to be able to re-use the same size bolt?

[Billfitz]

Google for the bolts. I'd rather get a better quality single tap than a cheap set. The advantage to helicoil is you wouldn't have to drill out the strut bar for a larger bolt.

[1slowslowF30]

With all the great Youtubers out there and forum members on this board, you decided to take advice from that guy? the same dude that blown his engine because he thinks his B58 is the king of all BMWs.

take advice from guys like @KiesMotorsports or @ThicF30, who do things the right way and not from cocky children who are trying to race everyone and then brag about it.

[lonaman]

Thanks for the constructive advice... appreciated...

Also, I watched the Kies Motorsports videos, and he does some janky-ass stuff, grinding down the sides of a deep well socket instead of using an actual thin walled socket and using some rubber tube instead of removing the cross bar, JAF.

[lonaman]

Used a Helicoil. Install was straightforward (well, had to remove the hood to get my drill in place), and it worked like a charm. Thanks for the advice, Billfitz.