How to change spark plugs on BMW 3 Coupe (E36) – replacement guide
BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 318is, BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 320i, BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 325i, BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 316i, BMW 3 Coupe (E36) M3 3.0, BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 328 i, BMW 3 Coupe (E36) M3 3.0, BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 318 is, BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 323i, BMW 3 Coupe (E36) M3 3.2 … 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
Spark plug
- The replacement procedure is the same for all spark plugs.
- Please note: all work on the car – BMW 3 Coupe (E36) – should be done with the engine switched off.
- Step 1
Open the hood.
Step 2Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
Step 3
Unscrew the engine cover fastener. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 4
Remove the engine cover.
AUTODOC recommends:Replacement: spark plugs – BMW 3 Coupe (E36). To avoid damaging the part when removing it, do not use excessive force.
- Step 5
Unscrew the engine cover fastener. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench. Use a flat screwdriver.
- Step 6
Unscrew the oil filler plug.
Step 7
Remove the oil filler cap.
- Step 8
Remove the engine cover.
AUTODOC recommends:Replacement: spark plugs – BMW 3 Coupe (E36). Do not use excessive force when removing the part as this may damage it.
- Step 9
Install the oil filler cap.
Step 10
Tighten the oil filler cap.
- Step 11
Unplug the connectors from the ignition coils. Use a crowbar.
- Step 12
Unscrew the fasteners of the ignition coils. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 13
Take out the ignition coils from the spark plug wells.
Replacement: spark plugs – BMW 3 Coupe (E36). Tip from AUTODOC experts:Remember the sequence of steps for ignition coil demounting.
- Step 14
Clean dirt, dust and debris from inside the spark plug wells.
- Step 15
Unscrew the spark plugs. Use the spark plug socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 16
Take out the spark plugs.
- Step 17
Apply a thin layer of a special high temperature anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the new spark plugs.
- Step 18
Install the new spark plugs into their mounting seats. Use the spark plug socket #16.
- Step 19
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 Coupe (E36). 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.
- Step 20
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 Coupe (E36). AUTODOC experts recommend:Follow the installation sequence.
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