Recommended replacement interval for the part category Spark plug : 18 month / 30000 km

Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 540 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 535 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) M5, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 535 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change spark plug on BMW 520i (E39) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

All the parts you need to replace – Spark Plug for 5 Saloon (E39) and other BMW models

Spark plug

        Spark plug for 5 Saloon (E39) Petrol (170 hp)
      
        Spark plug for 5 Saloon (E39) Petrol (193 hp)
      
        Spark plug for 5 Saloon (E39) Petrol (286 hp)
      
        Spark plug for 5 Saloon (E39) Petrol (235 hp)
      
        Spark plug for 5 Saloon (E39) Petrol (400 hp)
      
        Spark plug for 5 Saloon (E39) Petrol (245 hp)
      
        Spark plug for 5 Saloon (E39) Petrol (136 hp)
      
        Spark plug for 5 Saloon (E39) Petrol (170 hp)
      
        Spark plug for 5 Saloon (E39) Petrol (192 hp)

Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E39. List of the tools you'll need:

                        High-temperature anti-seize lubricant
                      
                        Drive socket # 10 
                      
                        Spark plug socket # 16
                      
                        Ratchet wrench
                      
                        Torque wrench
                      
                        Telescoping magnet 
                      
                        Crow bar
                      
                        Fender cover

Buy tools

Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E39. Tip from AUTODOC experts:

The replacement procedure is the same for all spark plugs.
All work should be done with the engine stopped.

Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E39. Use the following procedure:

Step 1

Open the bonnet.
Step 2

Use 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.

Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E39. Tip:
Do not apply excessive force when removing the part. Otherwise you may damage it.
Step 5

Detach the air duct housing from the air filter housing.
Step 6

Unscrew the engine cover fastener. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 7

Unscrew the oil filler plug.
Step 8

Remove the engine cover.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E39. To avoid damaging the part when removing it, do not use excessive force.
Step 9

Tighten the oil filler cap.
Step 10

Unplug the connectors from the ignition coils. Use a crowbar.
Step 11

Unscrew the fasteners of the ignition coils. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 12

Take out the ignition coils from the spark plug wells.

Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E39. AUTODOC recommends:
Remember the sequence of steps for ignition coil demounting.
Step 13

Clean dirt, dust and debris from inside the spark plug wells.
Step 14

Unscrew the spark plugs. Use the spark plug socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 15

Take out the spark plugs. Use a telescoping magnet.
Step 16

Apply a thin layer of a special high temperature anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the new spark plugs.
Step 17

Install the new spark plugs into their mounting seats. Use the spark plug socket #16.
Step 18

Screw new spark plugs and tighten them. Use the spark plug socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 26 nm torque.

Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E39. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
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 19

Install the ignition coils to the spark plug wells. Make sure you hear a click indicating that it is locked in place.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E39. Follow the installation steps.
Step 20

Tighten the fasteners of the ignition coils. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 21

Tighten the ignition coil fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 11 nm torque.
Step 22

Plug in the connectors of the ignition coils.
Step 23

Unscrew the oil filler plug.

Step 24

Remove the oil filler cap.
Step 25

Install the engine cover and secure it.

Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E39. Tip:
Make sure the engine cover is properly seated. It should not be displaced with respect to the guiding fasteners.Do not apply excessive force when installing the part. Otherwise you may damage the fasteners.
Step 26

Install the oil filler cap.

Step 27

Tighten the oil filler cap.
Step 28

Screw in the engine cover fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 29

Install the air duct housing.
Step 30

Install the engine cover and secure it.

Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E39. AUTODOC experts recommend:
Make sure the engine cover is properly seated. It should not be displaced with respect to the guiding fasteners.Do not apply excessive force when installing the part. Otherwise you may damage the fasteners.
Step 31

Screw in the engine cover fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 32

Remove the fender protection cover.
Step 33

Close the hood.

Step 34

Run the engine for a few minutes. This is necessary in order to make sure that the component operates properly.

Step 35

Shut off the engine.

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