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      09-16-2019, 08:46 PM   #1
cecaa850
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Spark plug ?s

The replacement NGK plugs I have seem to be a 14mm 12 point and my socket fits the replacements perfectly. When I try to remove the OEM plugs the socket doesn't fit. Is it a different size or do I need an ultra thin wall socket?

While I'm asking, what do they gap and torque at?

Thanks for the help.
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      09-16-2019, 09:51 PM   #2
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OE Spark Plug Removal Socket: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Good spark Plug Gapping Tool: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Feeler Gauges: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Instruction:

BMW TIS for reference (Torque spec on bolts included): https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/
The answer you seek is 23nM for the plugs...but if you're doing the rest of the work check all the other bolts as well.
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      09-17-2019, 07:49 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Commanderwiggin View Post
OE Spark Plug Removal Socket: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Good spark Plug Gapping Tool: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Feeler Gauges: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Instruction:

BMW TIS for reference (Torque spec on bolts included): https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/
The answer you seek is 23nM for the plugs...but if you're doing the rest of the work check all the other bolts as well.
Thank you so much. I book marked it for future reference.

I noticed that a lot of people struggle with the rear plugs and coils. It seemed easiest just to pull the strut brace. Now there's plenty of room. Took about 5 minutes and will save a bunch of frustration.
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      09-17-2019, 10:29 AM   #4
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Well, I took .030" off my plug socket side walls. I'll try it tonight and see if it fits.
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      09-17-2019, 01:46 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cecaa850 View Post
Thank you so much. I book marked it for future reference.

I noticed that a lot of people struggle with the rear plugs and coils. It seemed easiest just to pull the strut brace. Now there's plenty of room. Took about 5 minutes and will save a bunch of frustration.
Um. The bolts just in front of the windscreen are single use...
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      09-17-2019, 01:55 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M Fifty View Post
Um. The bolts just in front of the windscreen are single use...
Look again. "Renew" is not the same as "Replace"
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      09-17-2019, 02:11 PM   #7
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I have the torque and angle settings for these bolts. I looked them over carefully and there's no sign of stretch so I plan on re-using them. Worst case scenario they'll have to be replaced but this isn't a daily driver so if I have to order bolts I have to order bolts. I won't be in a bind for transportation. It's still a hell of a lot easier to work on without the brace in place. I already have new bolts for when I remove the belly pan but from what I understand, many people (and dealerships) re-use them as well.

EDIT, there's no wrestling or tearing the sound insulation either, it lifts right off.
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Last edited by cecaa850; 09-17-2019 at 02:23 PM..
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      09-17-2019, 05:02 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cecaa850 View Post
I have the torque and angle settings for these bolts. I looked them over carefully and there's no sign of stretch so I plan on re-using them. Worst case scenario they'll have to be replaced but this isn't a daily driver so if I have to order bolts I have to order bolts. I won't be in a bind for transportation. It's still a hell of a lot easier to work on without the brace in place. I already have new bolts for when I remove the belly pan but from what I understand, many people (and dealerships) re-use them as well.

EDIT, there's no wrestling or tearing the sound insulation either, it lifts right off.
The sound insulation is - significantly - easier to remove than earlier models...
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      09-17-2019, 05:08 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Commanderwiggin View Post
Look again. "Renew" is not the same as "Replace"
Yes, yes it is...

The ones in the middle of the windscreen are pretty chunky, but have a correspondingly large torque setting and then you get to wind them on some more.

If any garage is prepared to just wind them in to the joining torque and leave them after that, then - noting they are structural - it's time to go somewhere else.

HTH
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      09-17-2019, 05:38 PM   #10
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56 nm then 90 degrees. All 4 bolts on the brace are the same size. I took them off by hand, they were tight but not horribly so.

My plug socket now fits after it went on it's "diet" today.
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      09-17-2019, 06:43 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M Fifty View Post
Yes, yes it is...

The ones in the middle of the windscreen are pretty chunky, but have a correspondingly large torque setting and then you get to wind them on some more.

If any garage is prepared to just wind them in to the joining torque and leave them after that, then - noting they are structural - it's time to go somewhere else.

HTH
Stop filling this thread with misinformation. Renew is not the same as replace. If you look here: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...-body/H0fDEBhO

15AZ is the bolt in question...renew

7AZ as a comparison...replace

Now to go back to grade school english:
As verbs the difference between replace and renew is that replace is to restore to a former place, position, condition, or the like while renew is to make new again; to restore to freshness or original condition. IE if the bolt is good, reinstall.
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      09-17-2019, 06:45 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cecaa850 View Post
56 nm then 90 degrees. All 4 bolts on the brace are the same size. I took them off by hand, they were tight but not horribly so.

My plug socket now fits after it went on it's "diet" today.
There are only two on my M2C at the top nearest the windshield directly in the middle.
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      09-17-2019, 08:53 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Commanderwiggin View Post
There are only two on my M2C at the top nearest the windshield directly in the middle.
2 in the middle and 1 on either side. They all need to come off to remove the brace and are all the same size.
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      09-18-2019, 02:18 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cecaa850 View Post
2 in the middle and 1 on either side. They all need to come off to remove the brace and are all the same size.
Interesting. I have the LCI, and the ones in the middle were M10x25 Hexbolts with washers, while the two on the strut tops were M10x20 Torx screw with collars.

Last edited by M Fifty; 09-18-2019 at 02:18 AM.. Reason: autocorrect
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      09-18-2019, 06:55 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M Fifty View Post
Interesting. I have the LCI, and the ones in the middle were M10x25 Hexbolts with washers, while the two on the strut tops were M10x20 Torx screw with collars.
These take an inverted torx socket E18 to remove. They also have integral washers.
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Last edited by cecaa850; 09-18-2019 at 07:44 AM..
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      09-18-2019, 07:46 AM   #16
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Modified plug socket
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      09-18-2019, 01:07 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Commanderwiggin View Post
There are only two on my M2C at the top nearest the windshield directly in the middle.
Yours has an additional 6 M8x30 attaching the alloy brace to the strut tops, plus 2 M10x30 at each side attaching the alloy brace to the chassis. Plus the M8x32 that fix the carbon brace to the alloy brace.
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      09-18-2019, 01:08 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cecaa850 View Post
These take an inverted torx socket E18 to remove. They also have integral washers.
Those look to be the same as the ones that attached the brace to the strut top on my LCI.
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      09-18-2019, 05:10 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M Fifty View Post
Yours has an additional 6 M8x30 attaching the alloy brace to the strut tops, plus 2 M10x30 at each side attaching the alloy brace to the chassis. Plus the M8x32 that fix the carbon brace to the alloy brace.
Yessir, gapped plugs last week
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      09-25-2019, 05:36 PM   #20
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Spark Plug Socket

Quote:
Originally Posted by cecaa850 View Post
56 nm then 90 degrees. All 4 bolts on the brace are the same size. I took them off by hand, they were tight but not horribly so.

My plug socket now fits after it went on it's "diet" today.
You're more patient than I am. I just went and ordered a Schwaben one from ECS.

I just changed the plugs on my F31 and it was awesome. Especially since it's magnetized. I've got a while to change them on my M2.
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      09-26-2019, 09:25 AM   #21
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Quote:
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You're more patient than I am. I just went and ordered a Schwaben one from ECS.

I just changed the plugs on my F31 and it was awesome. Especially since it's magnetized. I've got a while to change them on my M2.
Maybe I'm just cheap. This one was 8 dollars and it's magnetized as well. Works perfectly.
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      09-26-2019, 09:53 AM   #22
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You're resourceful.

Thanks for the write up. Nice job.

I've changed the plugs and changed the oil on my E46 and F31. The dealership makes the whole repair and maintenance on these cars seem like a huge mystery.

A little knowledge and patience can save you quite a bit of money. And give you the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

Just know when to say when.
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