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 Saloon (E36) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318 is, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 320 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 325 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 328 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318 is, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) M3 3.2, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) M3 3.0 View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change spark plug on BMW E36 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Spark Plug for 3 Saloon (E36) and other BMW models
Tools
Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E36. 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
Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E36. AUTODOC experts recommend:
  • The replacement procedure is the same for all spark plugs.
  • Please note: all work on the car – BMW E36 – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Spark Plug on E36 1990 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the hood.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 320 i 1991 Spark Plug - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
  3. Step 3
    E36 325 tds 1992 Spark Plug replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the engine cover fastener. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Spark Plug on BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 316 i 1993 by yourself
    Remove the engine cover.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E36. To avoid damaging the part when removing it, do not use excessive force.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 318 i 1994 Spark Plug - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Unscrew the engine cover fastener. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench. Use a flat screwdriver.
  6. Step 6
    Unscrew the oil filler plug.
    Step 7
    How to replace Spark Plug on BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 1995: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the oil filler cap.
  7. Step 8
    How hard is it to do yourself: Spark Plug replacement on E36 323 i 1996 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the engine cover.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E36. Do not use excessive force when removing the part as this may damage it.
  8. Step 9
    Install the oil filler cap.
    Step 10
    Need to know how to renew Spark Plug on BMW 3 SERIES 1997? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Tighten the oil filler cap.
  9. Step 11
    Changing of Spark Plug on E36 1998 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Unplug the connectors from the ignition coils. Use a crowbar.
  10. Step 12
    BMW 3 SERIES 325td 2.5 Spark Plug replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the fasteners of the ignition coils. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  11. Step 13
    Replacing Spark Plug on E36 1991 320 i by yourself
    Take out the ignition coils from the spark plug wells.
    Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E36. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    Remember the sequence of steps for ignition coil demounting.
  12. Step 14
    3 Saloon (E36) 318 i 1992 Spark Plug DIY replacement workshop manual
    Clean dirt, dust and debris from inside the spark plug wells.
  13. Step 15
    How to change Spark Plug on BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 1993 - tips and tricks
    Unscrew the spark plugs. Use the spark plug socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
  14. Step 16
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement E36 1994 318 i Spark Plug
    Take out the spark plugs.
  15. Step 17
    DIY replacement of Spark Plug on BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 325 i 1995 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Apply a thin layer of a special high temperature anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the new spark plugs.
  16. Step 18
    How to change Spark Plug on E36 1990 - free PDF and video manuals
    Install the new spark plugs into their mounting seats. Use the spark plug socket #16.
  17. Step 19
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 320 i 1991 Spark Plug - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    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 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.
  18. Step 20
    E36 325 tds 1992 Spark Plug replacement: free workshop 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 E36. AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Follow the installation sequence.
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DIY BMW 3 Saloon (E36) Spark Plug replacement - online guide
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