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

Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Saloon (E90) 320 i … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change spark plug on BMW 3 E90 TUTORIAL | AUTODOC

All the parts you need to replace – Spark Plug for 3 Saloon (E90) and other BMW models

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686S0073 RIDEX Spark plug

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Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E90. List of the tools you'll need:

                      Dielectric grease
                    
                      High-temperature anti-seize lubricant
                    
                      Drive socket # 8 
                    
                      Drive socket # E14 
                    
                      Drive socket # E18 
                    
                      Spark plug socket # 16
                    
                      Ratchet wrench
                    
                      Torque wrench
                    
                      Flat Screwdriver
                    
                      Fender cover

Buy tools

Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E90. Tip from AUTODOC:

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

Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E90. Use the following procedure:

Step 1

Open the hood.
Step 2

Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.

Step 3

Remove the clips of the plastic cowl grille. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 4

Remove the wiper cowl grille located on the left side. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 5

Detach the electrical wiring from the upper part of the microfilter housing.
Step 6

Remove the clips of the plastic cowl grille. Use a flat screwdriver.

Step 7

Remove the wiper cowl grille located on the right side. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 8

Unscrew the fasteners of the cowl grille. Use a drive socket #8. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 9

Raise the wiper plastic cowl grille.

Step 10

Unscrew the fasteners of the cabin filter housing cover. Use a drive socket #8. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 11

Remove the cabin filter housing cover.
Step 12

Remove the clips of the plastic cowl grille.
Step 13

Raise up and remove the cowl grille.
Step 14

Unscrew the fasteners of the diagonal braces. Use a drive socket #E14. Use a ratchet wrench.

Step 15

Take off the cover above the fastener that holds the diagonal braces. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 16

Unscrew the fasteners of the diagonal braces. Use a drive socket #E18. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 17

Remove the fastening bolt.

Step 18

Remove the diagonal brace.
Step 19

Unscrew the oil filler plug.

Step 20

Remove the oil filler cap. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 21

Remove the engine cover.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E90. Do not use excessive force when removing the part as this may damage it.
Step 22

Install the oil filler cap.

Step 23

Unplug the connectors from the ignition coils. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 24

Take out the ignition coils from the spark plug wells. Use a flat screwdriver.

Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E90. Professionals recommend:
Remember the sequence of steps for ignition coil demounting.
Step 25

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

Step 26

Unscrew the spark plugs. Use the spark plug socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 27

Take out the spark plugs. Use the spark plug socket #16.
Step 28

Apply a thin layer of a special high temperature anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the new spark plugs.
Step 29

Install the new spark plugs into their mounting seats. Use the spark plug socket #16.
Step 30

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 E90. AUTODOC experts recommend:
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 31

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 32

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 E90. Professionals recommend:
Follow the installation sequence.
Step 33

Plug in the connectors of the ignition coils.
Step 34

Remove the oil filler cap.

Step 35

Install the engine cover and secure it.

Replacement: spark plugs – BMW E90. AUTODOC recommends:
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 36

Install the oil filler cap.
Step 37

Tighten the oil filler cap.
Step 38

Install the diagonal brace.
Step 39

Screw in the fasteners of the diagonal braces.
Step 40

Install the fastening bolt.

Step 41

Tighten the fasteners of the diagonal braces. Use a drive socket #E18. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 100 Nm torque.+100°

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Be sure to use new fasteners.
Step 42

Tighten the fasteners of the diagonal braces. Use a drive socket #E14. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 40 Nm torque.+60°

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Be sure to use new fasteners.
Step 43

Put the cover above the fastener that holds the diagonal braces back in place.
Step 44

Install and secure the cowl grille.
Step 45

Install the fasteners of the wiper plastic cowl grille.
Step 46

Tighten the fasteners of the cowl grille. Use a drive socket #8. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 11 nm torque.
Step 47

Attach the electrical wiring to the upper part of the microfilter housing.
Step 48

Install the wiper cowl grille on the left side.
Step 49

Install the fasteners of the wiper plastic cowl grille.
Step 50

Install and secure the wiper cowl grille located on the right side.
Step 51

Install the fasteners of the wiper plastic cowl grille.

Step 52

Reinstall the cabin filter housing cover.
Step 53

Screw in the fasteners of the cabin filter housing cover. Use a drive socket #8. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 54

Remove the fender protection cover.

Step 55

Close the hood.
Step 56

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

Step 57

Shut off the engine.

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