[Carbon.F30]

Hey everyone,

Got a flat tire the other day, and when I took the car in the dealership says my spark plugs are due. So I'm sure many of us know the stealerships want around $450 to replace them, then they want to do your oil change and eventually get your bill to around $600,000,000.

Put simply, I'd like to know if anyone can post a video/or instructions on how to change the plugs for a 2014 335i. I hear it's a simple process, so I'd rather not pay $400.

So here are my questions:

1) Does anyone know how to change the spark plugs, and how often do you typically change your spark plugs?

2) What exactly will I require as far as tools go?

Thanks in advance!

[Orion4]

see this thread: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...55+Spark+plugs

It's fairly simple as long as you take your time. the thread includes directions from the Bentley manual.

[GTBrandon]

All you need is the spark plug socket, which in many cases is included in tool sets.

As for changing them, it is quite simple after you get all the wires and plastics out of the way, here is a video from youtube that should be helpful. I would most definitely do it yourself as the plugs will cost you around $70 and labor maybe an hour max.

[mr_kay]

Originally Posted by GTBrandon

All you need is the spark plug socket, which in many cases is included in tool sets.

As for changing them, it is quite simple after you get all the wires and plastics out of the way, here is a video from youtube that should be helpful. I would most definitely do it yourself as the plugs will cost you around $70 and labor maybe an hour max.

Yup, it's even easier on the F series because theres no wire tray above the engine or intake. You will need a thin wallet spark plug socket though, they're made specifically for N series motors. And you'll have to move the strut tower out of the way to get to the back 2 plugs. Really easy.

[badbread]

I have a detailed tutorial up on my blog if you need very detailed step by step instructions.

http://*************/2013-f30-335i-sp...-instructions/

The dealership quoted me the same price, the change isn't hard at all but does take some time.

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by nrajput

Hey everyone,

Got a flat tire the other day, and when I took the car in the dealership says my spark plugs are due. So I'm sure many of us know the stealerships want around $450 to replace them, then they want to do your oil change and eventually get your bill to around $600,000,000.

Put simply, I'd like to know if anyone can post a video/or instructions on how to change the plugs for a 2014 335i. I hear it's a simple process, so I'd rather not pay $400.

So here are my questions:

1) Does anyone know how to change the spark plugs, and how often do you typically change your spark plugs?

2) What exactly will I require as far as tools go?

Thanks in advance!

Change every 60k. This will prolong the life of your could

[jgoens]

Originally Posted by GTBrandon

All you need is the spark plug socket, which in many cases is included in tool sets.

As for changing them, it is quite simple after you get all the wires and plastics out of the way, here is a video from youtube that should be helpful. I would most definitely do it yourself as the plugs will cost you around $70 and labor maybe an hour max.

Originally Posted by badbread

I have a detailed tutorial up on my blog if you need very detailed step by step instructions.

http://*************/2013-f30-335i-sp...-instructions/

The dealership quoted me the same price, the change isn't hard at all but does take some time.

I replaced them on my e90 which I found to be surprisingly easy--from bad breads blog the F30 looks to be a few more steps. But, still this engine is so much easier than a transverse V6. Make sure you have the socket( I ordered from BMS) and proper Torx socket.

[badbread]

Originally Posted by jgoens

I replaced them on my e90 which I found to be surprisingly easy--from bad breads blog the F30 looks to be a few more steps. But, still this engine is so much easier than a transverse V6. Make sure you have the socket( I ordered from BMS) and proper Torx socket.

Yea, it's due to the rear two plugs being covered by... covers. It's easy as heck once they are out of the way.

[mattpete13]

Originally Posted by badbread

I have a detailed tutorial up on my blog if you need very detailed step by step instructions.

http://*************/2013-f30-335i-sp...-instructions/

The dealership quoted me the same price, the change isn't hard at all but does take some time.

this is great write up, thanks bad bread

so is everyone doing plugs at 60k?
I just passed 60 in my 2013

[bimmer456]

You can also bring it to an independent mechanic if it's only $70 worth of Bosch spark plugs you can buy at auto zone. They probably won't charge you $450 if you're jittery about DIY.

[Carbon.F30]

Thank you all for your input. I will be taking it to a shop for installation. I'll be buying the part separately. Thanks again everyone!

[Carbon.F30]

Originally Posted by floor_it

Thank you all for your input. I will be taking it to a shop for installation. I'll be buying the part separately. Thanks again everyone!

Wow I don’t normally quote myself but I actually ended up doing them myself!

Costed about $200 with parts/tools and it was indeed a very simple process. The back two plugs are a little harder to work on but nonetheless an easy process, as long as you have the right tools

[silverm0623]

About how much should a spark plug job reasonably cost on an N55 from an Indy shop (if I provide my own plugs)?

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by silverm0623

About how much should a spark plug job reasonably cost on an N55 from an Indy shop (if I provide my own plugs)?

Very few shops will allow you to bring parts. If there is a problem it will be your problem, and they'd rather not have the liability. It also allows them to make a few bucks on the parts. If you have a good local shop, let them do the entire job. if you're trying to save money or learn to work on your own car, there are plenty of threads covering the job as well as YouTube videos.
Good luck!

[pongkin]

I did mine last week

I followed this video

[silverm0623]

but say I did not want to do it myself, what would a reasonable price at an Indy shop in Southern California be? Hour of labor + Parts?

[Orion4]

It will depend on the labor rates in CA (pretty high, I imagine). Here in Melbourne, FL the Dealer charges $30.80 p/plug which is about $196 w/tax. Dealer labor rate is $125. Figure they will probably charge 1.5 to 2.0 hrs of labor. (They go by the labor flat rate book for a jobs regardless how long it takes, unless complications occur). A decent BMW Indy labor rate around here is about $80-$90 with 1 hr of labor and he can get the plugs for about $20 from an autoparts store or his distributor for less. https://www.fcpeuro.com/ sell them for around $10 ea.

So a dealer here will probably charge between $350-$400. An Indy between $200-$275.

Doing it yourself with plugs from someone like FCP Euro and 1 hr of your labor less than $100.
(Disclaimer: Your mileage may vary depending on your driving style and the phase of the Moon)

[silverm0623]

awesome thanks for the estimate!

[Carbon.F30]

Originally Posted by jokers

I did mine last week

I followed this video

This video is great, thanks for posting! I could't find much on the F30 4/335's with those back two plugs but this answers most of the questions I had for next time.

[akgambino]

Originally Posted by jokers

I did mine last week

I followed this video

Thank you so much for posting this video and thanks to whoever made the video! Why would anyone remove the strut bar and replace the strut bolts, seems pretty straightforward all u need is the right length extension to get that back plug out, I was all set to have to take the strut bar off up until seeing this video!

[Orion4]

The issues with the strut bar bolts are BMW considers them a "single use" stretch bolt. The F30 Bentley Manual also reflects that. In reality, the local dealer only replaces them if they appear damaged. i reused mine on my first plug change, but will probably replace them on the next one as a "piece of mind" item.

Regarding the back 2 plugs, on my 13 335 N55, you need a universal adapter to get the correct angle on the back plug(s). The problem, in my case with a 3/8" drive set, is the plug is not centered in the shield so you are offset just enough that I could not get the socket seated on the plug. The universal was needed or if you have a 1/4" drive set you have have enough clearance to get sufficient access.

[akgambino]

Originally Posted by Orion4

The issues with the strut bar bolts are BMW considers them a "single use" stretch bolt. The F30 Bentley Manual also reflects that. In reality, the local dealer only replaces them if they appear damaged. i reused mine on my first plug change, but will probably replace them on the next one as a "piece of mind" item.

Regarding the back 2 plugs, on my 13 335 N55, you need a universal adapter to get the correct angle on the back plug(s). The problem, in my case with a 3/8" drive set, is the plug is not centered in the shield so you are offset just enough that I could not get the socket seated on the plug. The universal was needed or if you have a 1/4" drive set you have have enough clearance to get sufficient access.

You mean without removing the strut brace?