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

Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318Ci … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change spark plug on BMW 3 (E46) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

Alternative products

Spark plug

Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E46 convertible. Tools you might need:

                      Electronic spray
                    
                      High-temperature anti-seize lubricant
                    
                      Torx bit T20
                    
                      Spark plug socket # 16
                    
                      Ratchet wrench
                    
                      Torque wrench
                    
                      Telescoping magnet 
                    
                      Crow bar
                    
                      Fender cover

Buy tools

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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