Changing spark plugs on an E39 5 Sequence BMW could look like a frightening job, however with the precise instruments and a bit persistence, it may be completed in just a few hours. This information will give you step-by-step directions and useful tricks to make the method as clean as potential.
Earlier than you start, it is vital to assemble the mandatory instruments. You’ll need a spark plug socket, a ratchet, a spark plug hole gauge, and a brand new set of spark plugs. Moreover, you could wish to have a pair of gloves and a store towel available. After you have your instruments and supplies prepared, you’ll be able to start the method of changing the spark plugs.
Step one is to disconnect the damaging battery terminal. This may assist forestall any electrical shocks if you are engaged on the engine. Subsequent, take away the engine cowl and find the spark plugs. They’re sometimes positioned on the highest of the engine, and they’re going to have wires linked to them. Use the spark plug socket and ratchet to take away the outdated spark plugs. Watch out to not overtighten the brand new spark plugs, as this could harm the engine. Lastly, reconnect the battery terminal and begin the engine. When you have adopted these steps accurately, your E39 5 Sequence BMW must be working easily with new spark plugs.
Security Precautions
Altering spark plugs is a comparatively easy job that may be accomplished in about an hour. Nonetheless, there are a number of security precautions that you need to take earlier than you start:
- Disconnect the battery. This may forestall any electrical shocks.
- Enable the engine to chill down. This may forestall burns.
- Put on gloves. This may defend your fingers from cuts and burns.
- Use warning when eradicating the spark plugs. They are often brittle and break simply.
- Don’t overtighten the spark plugs. This may harm the cylinder head.
Extra Security Suggestions
Listed here are some extra security suggestions to bear in mind when altering spark plugs:
- Work in a well-ventilated space.
- Keep away from touching the spark plugs along with your naked fingers.
- Use a spark plug socket wrench to take away and set up the spark plugs.
- Examine the spark plugs for harm earlier than putting in them.
- Change the spark plugs in line with the producer’s suggestions.
Instruments Required
Socket set
You’ll need an entire socket set to take away the spark plugs. The socket set ought to embody sockets of assorted sizes, together with a 16mm spark plug socket. A 6mm Allen key socket can be wanted to take away the ignition coils.
Spark plug wrench
A spark plug wrench is a specialised device used to take away and set up spark plugs. It’s designed to suit snugly across the spark plug, offering a safe grip for removing and set up.
Hole gauge
A spot gauge is used to measure the hole between the spark plug electrodes. The hole must be set to the producer’s specs, sometimes between 0.035 and 0.045 inches (0.89 and 1.14 mm).
Torque wrench
A torque wrench is used to tighten the spark plugs to the required torque. The torque setting must be specified within the car’s service guide, sometimes round 25 Nm (18 lb-ft) for BMW E39 5 Sequence engines.
Extra instruments
Along with the important instruments listed above, the next gadgets could also be useful:
- New spark plugs
- Anti-seize compound
- Work gloves
- Store rags
- Flashlight
Disconnecting the Battery
To make sure your security when engaged on the spark plugs, it’s essential to disconnect the battery first. This straightforward step prevents any electrical shock or unintended ignition throughout the restore course of. Here is a step-by-step information to securely disconnecting the battery:
1. Collect the mandatory instruments: You will want a 10mm wrench, a pair of insulated pliers, and a towel or rag.
2. Find the battery: Open the hood and establish the battery, often positioned within the engine bay in the direction of the entrance of the car.
3. Disconnect the damaging terminal first: Utilizing the 10mm wrench, rigorously loosen the bolt connecting the damaging terminal (marked with a “-” image) to the battery. Gently pull the terminal away from the battery submit.
4. Wrap the damaging terminal: Place the towel or rag over the disconnected damaging terminal to stop any unintended contact with the optimistic terminal.
5. Disconnect the optimistic terminal: Repeat step 3 for the optimistic terminal, which is often marked with a “+” image.
6. Double-check connections: Be certain that each the damaging and optimistic terminals are utterly disconnected and no cables are making contact with the battery posts.
| Damaging Terminal | Constructive Terminal |
|---|---|
| Marked with “-“ | Marked with “+” |
| Disconnect first | Disconnect final |
| Wrap with towel or rag | Don’t wrap or cowl |
Eradicating the Engine Cowl
1. Find the engine cowl on the entrance of the engine.
2. Discover the rear fringe of the quilt and push down on the clips that maintain it in place.
3. Slide the quilt ahead and carry it off the engine.
4. Disconnect {the electrical} connector that’s hooked up to the again of the engine cowl. This connector is for the oil stage sensor.
| Entrance | Again | Connectors |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
The oil stage sensor connector is a white connector with a single wire. It’s positioned on the passenger facet of the engine cowl, close to the entrance.
As soon as {the electrical} connector is disconnected, the engine cowl might be eliminated utterly.
Finding the Spark Plugs
The spark plugs on an E39 5 Sequence are positioned within the engine compartment, close to the highest of the cylinder head. They’re lined by a plastic engine cowl, which have to be eliminated to entry them.
To take away the engine cowl, first find the 2 plastic clips that maintain it in place. The clips are positioned on the back and front of the quilt. After you have positioned the clips, use a flathead screwdriver to pry them misplaced.
With the clips eliminated, now you can carry off the engine cowl. Watch out to not harm the quilt or the spark plugs.
As soon as the engine cowl is eliminated, you will notice the spark plugs. They’re positioned within the heart of every cylinder head.
The spark plugs are held in place by a single bolt. To take away a spark plug, first use a spark plug wrench to loosen the bolt. As soon as the bolt is loosened, you’ll be able to pull the spark plug out of the cylinder head.
When eradicating the spark plugs, watch out to not drop them. If a spark plug is dropped, it may be broken.
Here’s a desk summarizing the steps for finding the spark plugs:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Find the 2 plastic clips that maintain the engine cowl in place. |
| 2 | Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the clips misplaced. |
| 3 | Raise off the engine cowl. |
| 4 | Find the spark plugs within the heart of every cylinder head. |
| 5 | Use a spark plug wrench to loosen the bolt that holds the spark plug in place. |
| 6 | Pull the spark plug out of the cylinder head. |
Eradicating the Previous Spark Plugs
After you have entry to the spark plugs, you can begin eradicating the outdated ones. Here is a step-by-step information:
- Use a spark plug socket and ratchet: Connect a spark plug socket to a ratchet and thoroughly loosen the outdated spark plug by turning it counterclockwise.
- Take away by hand: As soon as the spark plug is free, take away it by hand to stop cross-threading.
- Examine the outdated spark plug: Study the situation of the outdated spark plug, together with the electrodes, insulators, and threads. This may present insights into any engine points or upkeep wants.
- Clear the world: Earlier than putting in the brand new spark plugs, use a clear rag or compressed air to take away any filth or particles from the spark plug wells.
Extra Suggestions for Eradicating Spark Plugs
- Use the proper instruments: Guarantee you’ve the proper spark plug socket and ratchet to keep away from damaging the spark plugs or engine parts.
- Watch out to not overtighten: Overtightening the spark plugs can harm the threads or strip the spark plug holes within the cylinder head.
- Change all spark plugs without delay: It is really helpful to switch all spark plugs concurrently, even when just one has failed, to take care of constant efficiency and stop future points.
- Keep away from cross-threading: Be cautious when putting in the brand new spark plugs and make sure you align them correctly with the threads. Cross-threading can completely harm the spark plug holes.
| Torque Specs for E39 5 Sequence Spark Plugs | |
|---|---|
| Spark Plug Sort | Torque (Nm) |
| Normal Spark Plug | 30 |
| Iridium Spark Plug | 23 |
Putting in the New Spark Plugs
7. Apply Anti-Seize to the New Spark Plugs
The ultimate step in getting ready the brand new spark plugs is to use anti-seize to their threads. This may assist to stop the plugs from seizing within the cylinder head and make them simpler to take away sooner or later. When making use of anti-seize, make sure you use a small quantity and solely apply it to the threads, not the electrode. An excessive amount of anti-seize can truly hinder the spark plug’s capacity to create a powerful spark. Here’s a desk summarizing the steps for making use of anti-seize to spark plugs:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply a small quantity of anti-seize to the threads of the brand new spark plug. |
| 2 | Use your fingers to unfold the anti-seize evenly over the threads, overlaying all the floor. |
| 3 | Keep away from getting any anti-seize on the electrode of the spark plug. |
As soon as the anti-seize has been utilized, you’re prepared to put in the brand new spark plugs within the cylinder head.
Reinstalling the Engine Cowl
As soon as the spark plugs have been changed, it is time to reinstall the engine cowl. Begin by rigorously aligning the quilt over the engine, guaranteeing that the gasket is correctly seated within the groove. Firmly press down on all sides of the quilt to safe it.
Subsequent, reconnect the bottom cable by tightening the terminal nut. Double-check that the cable is securely linked.
Final however not least, examine the oil filler cap to make sure it’s correctly tightened. A free oil filler cap can result in oil leaks or contamination. When you’re glad with the cap’s tightness, reinstall the engine cowl by putting it on high of the engine and securing it with the clips. Be certain that all clips are securely mounted to stop the quilt from turning into free whereas driving.
Reconnecting the Battery
As soon as the spark plugs have been changed, it is time to reconnect the battery. Listed here are the steps to do it:
- Find the battery: The battery is often positioned within the engine bay, both within the entrance or the again of the automobile. It is a black field with two terminals, one optimistic and one damaging.
- Clear the battery terminals: Over time, the battery terminals can turn out to be corroded. This may forestall connection and result in beginning issues. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to wash the terminals.
- Reconnect the damaging terminal: The damaging terminal is often black or has a damaging signal (-). Reconnect this terminal first.
- Reconnect the optimistic terminal: The optimistic terminal is often purple or has a optimistic signal (+). Reconnect this terminal final.
- Tighten the terminals: Use a wrench to tighten the terminals securely. Do not overtighten them, as this could harm the terminals.
- Verify the battery connections: Double-check that the battery terminals are securely linked. Wiggle the terminals to verify they’re tight.
- Reset the ECU (optionally available): Disconnecting the battery can reset the engine management unit (ECU). This may be useful if the automobile is experiencing any issues after the spark plugs have been changed.
- Begin the automobile: As soon as the battery is reconnected, begin the automobile and verify for any issues.
- Check drive the automobile: Take the automobile for a brief take a look at drive to verify it is working correctly.
Testing the Engine
Earlier than changing the spark plugs, it is important to check the engine. Begin the car and let it run for a couple of minutes till it reaches working temperature. If the engine runs roughly, idles erratically, or reveals hesitation, you will have a defective spark plug. Use a spark plug tester to find out the perpetrator.
A spark plug tester is a straightforward device that connects to the spark plug wire. When the engine is working, it’ll produce a spark that may be seen by the tester’s window. If the spark is weak or intermittent, you’ll need to switch the corresponding spark plug.
To check the spark plugs, observe these steps:
| Step | Directions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Unplug the spark plug wire from the spark plug. |
| 2 | Insert the spark plug tester into the tip of the spark plug wire. |
| 3 | Begin the engine and observe the tester for a spark. |
| 4 | If the spark just isn’t sturdy or intermittent, substitute the spark plug. |
| 5 | Repeat the method for every spark plug. |
Change Spark Plugs on an E39 5 Sequence
Altering the spark plugs on an E39 5 Sequence is a comparatively easy job that may be accomplished in about an hour. The next information will give you step-by-step directions on the right way to change the spark plugs in your E39 5 Sequence.
Supplies wanted
– New spark plugs
– 10mm socket wrench
– 16mm socket wrench
– Ratchet
– Extension bar
– Spark plug hole gauge
Directions
1. Park the automobile on a stage floor and switch off the engine.
2. Enable the engine to chill utterly.
3. Open the hood and find the spark plugs. The spark plugs are positioned on the highest of the engine, below the valve cowl.
4. Disconnect {the electrical} connectors from the spark plugs.
5. Use the 16mm socket wrench to take away the spark plugs.
6. Hole the brand new spark plugs to the proper specification. The proper hole specification might be present in your automobile’s proprietor’s guide.
7. Set up the brand new spark plugs into the engine.
8. Tighten the spark plugs to the proper torque specification. The proper torque specification might be present in your automobile’s proprietor’s guide.
9. Reconnect {the electrical} connectors to the spark plugs.
10. Shut the hood.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How typically ought to I alter the spark plugs on my E39 5 Sequence?
The spark plugs on an E39 5 Sequence must be modified each 100,000 miles or 6 years, whichever comes first.
What are the signs of unhealthy spark plugs?
The signs of unhealthy spark plugs embody:
– Engine misfire
– Poor acceleration
– Elevated gas consumption
– Tough idle
How a lot does it price to vary the spark plugs on an E39 5 Sequence?
The fee to vary the spark plugs on an E39 5 Sequence varies relying on the labor fee of the mechanic. Nonetheless, the elements themselves price round $50 to $75.
