How to carry out replacement: Spark Plug 316ti 1.8 BMW 3 Compact (E46)
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Change BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316ti 1.8 Spark Plug yourself – manuals and video tutorials

How to change spark plugs on BMW 3 Compact (E46) – replacement guide

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When to replace the Spark Plug on your BMW 3 SERIES
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Spark plug : 18 month / 30000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 325ti, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318 ti … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Spark Plug for 3 Compact (E46) and other BMW models
Alternative products
How to change Spark plug on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316ti 1.8 – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair Spark plug
Tools
Replacement: spark plugs – BMW 3 Compact (E46). Tools you might need:
Electronic spray
High-temperature anti-seize lubricant
Torque wrench
Drive socket # 10
Spark plug socket # 16
Ratchet wrench
Flat screwdriver
Crow bar
Fender cover
Buy tools
Replacement: spark plugs – BMW 3 Compact (E46). AUTODOC experts recommend:
  • The replacement procedure is the same for all spark plugs.
  • Please note: all work on the car – BMW 3 Compact (E46) – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    Open the hood.
    Step 2
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
    Step 3
    How to change Spark Plug on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2001 - free PDF and video manuals
    Unscrew the engine cover fastener. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  2. Step 4
    How to replace BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316ti 1.8 2002 Spark Plug - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the engine cover.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: spark plugs – BMW 3 Compact (E46). To avoid damaging the part when removing it, do not use excessive force.
  3. Step 5
    BMW 3 Compact (E46) 320td 2.0 2003 Spark Plug replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the engine cover fastener. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench. Use a flat screwdriver.
  4. Step 6
    Unscrew the oil filler plug.
    Step 7
    Changing Spark Plug on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318ti 2.0 2004 by yourself
    Remove the oil filler cap.
  5. Step 8
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 318td 2.0 2005 Spark Plug - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the engine cover.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: spark plugs – BMW 3 Compact (E46). Do not use excessive force when removing the part as this may damage it.
  6. Step 9
    Install the oil filler cap.
    Step 10
    How to replace Spark Plug on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2001: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Tighten the oil filler cap.
  7. Step 11
    How hard is it to do yourself: Spark Plug replacement on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318Ti 2.0 2002 - download illustrated guide
    Unplug the connectors from the ignition coils. Use a crowbar.
  8. Step 12
    Need to know how to renew Spark Plug on BMW 3 SERIES 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the fasteners of the ignition coils. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  9. Step 13
    Changing of Spark Plug on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2004 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Take out the ignition coils from the spark plug wells.
    Replacement: spark plugs – BMW 3 Compact (E46). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    Remember the sequence of steps for ignition coil demounting.
  10. Step 14
    BMW 3 SERIES 316ti 1.8 Spark Plug replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Clean dirt, dust and debris from inside the spark plug wells.
  11. Step 15
    Replacing Spark Plug on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2001 316ti 1.8 by yourself
    Unscrew the spark plugs. Use the spark plug socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
  12. Step 16
    3 Compact (E46) 318td 2.0 2002 Spark Plug DIY replacement workshop manual
    Take out the spark plugs.
  13. Step 17
    How to change Spark Plug on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2003 - tips and tricks
    Apply a thin layer of a special high temperature anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the new spark plugs.
  14. Step 18
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2004 318td 2.0 Spark Plug
    Install the new spark plugs into their mounting seats. Use the spark plug socket #16.
  15. Step 19
    DIY replacement of Spark Plug on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 325ti 2005 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Screw new spark plugs and tighten them. Use the spark plug socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 24 nm torque.
    Replacement: spark plugs – BMW 3 Compact (E46). AUTODOC recommends:
    Don't tighten the plugs with excessive force. Exceeding tightening torque can damage the thread connection. Be careful when working with a spark plug wrench. Its skewing can cause damage to the threaded connection.
  16. Step 20
    How to change Spark Plug on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2001 - free PDF and video manuals
    Install the ignition coils to the spark plug wells. Make sure you hear a click indicating that it is locked in place.
    Replacement: spark plugs – BMW 3 Compact (E46). AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Follow the installation sequence.
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