Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E46 convertible. Professionals recommend:
The replacement procedure is the same for all spark plugs.
Warning! Shut down the engine before starting any work – BMW E46 convertible.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
Step 1
Open the hood.
Step 2
Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
Step 3
Unscrew the fasteners of the cabin filter housing cover.
Step 4.1
Raise a little the cabin filter housing cover.
Step 4.2
Remove the cabin filter.
Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E46 convertible. AUTODOC experts recommend:
To avoid damaging the cabin filter cover, do not remove it before removing the filtering element.
Step 5
Remove the rubber strip.
Step 6
Remove the cabin filter housing cover.
Step 7
Disconnect the wiring harness from the cabin filter housing.
Step 8
Unscrew the filter housing fastening bolts. Use Torx T20. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 9
Remove the cabin air filter housing.
Step 10
Unscrew the oil filler plug.
Step 11
Remove the engine cover.
Step 12
Tighten the oil filler cap.
Step 13
Unplug the connectors from the ignition coils.
Step 14
Take out the ignition coil from the spark plug well. Use a crowbar.
Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E46 convertible. Tip:
Remember the sequence of steps for ignition coil demounting.
Step 15
Clean dirt, dust and debris from inside the spark plug wells.
Step 16
Unscrew the spark plugs. Use the spark plug socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 17
Take out the spark plugs. Use a telescoping magnet.
Step 18
Apply a thin layer of a special high temperature anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the new spark plugs. Treat the surface of the terminals of the new spark plugs. Use high-temperature grease.
Step 19
Install the new spark plugs into their mounting seats.
Step 20
Screw new spark plugs and tighten them. Use the spark plug socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 27 nm torque.
Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E46 convertible. 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 21
Treat the ignition coil connector with electronic spray. The spray will protect the electrical contacts from corrosion, oxidation, and will reduce the contact resistance.
Step 22
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 E46 convertible. AUTODOC recommends:
Follow the installation sequence.
Step 23
Plug in the connectors of the ignition coils.
Step 24
Unscrew the oil filler plug.
Step 25
Install the engine cover and secure it.
Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E46 convertible. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
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
Tighten the oil filler cap.
Step 27
Install the cabin air filter housing.
Step 28
Screw in the cabin filter fasteners. Use Torx T20. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 29
Connect the wiring harness to the cabin filter housing.
Step 30
Install the rubber strip.
Step 31
Insert the filter cartridge into the filter housing. Make sure that the filter edge fits tight to the housing.
Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E46 convertible. Tip from AUTODOC:
Follow the air flow direction arrow on the filter.Check out the correct location of the filter element. Do not skew.
Step 32
Reinstall the cabin filter housing cover.
Step 33
Screw in the fasteners of the cabin filter housing cover.
Step 34
Remove the fender protection cover.
Step 35
Close the hood.
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