[jefe2000]

I just ran across this rubber spark plug install tool from BMW — part number 83300496065:
https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...ol-83300496065

Here’s a video of the tool in use:
https://youtube.com/shorts/Iw-VMZD5GcY?feature=shared

Does anyone here that does their own spark plug replacements use this tool? Is it worth the $24–$30 purchase price?

[Fred Conoway]

I haven't had to replace my spark plugs yet, but on my previous 5 series, I would use a flexible grabber tool to lower the spark plug down into the spark plug tube and then screw it in with a socket by hand. Never had any trouble doing this and have never cross-threaded a spark plug into a head before.

I would save my money if it was me, but up to you. It's not a terrible price

[David1]

Just get a piece of vacuum line for a $1 and accomplish the same thing

[///MPhatic]

Interesting, never heard of it. I do imagine you could go to a local parts store and get a length of hose for a lot less.

[F87source]

Originally Posted by jefe2000

I just ran across this rubber spark plug install tool from BMW — part number 83300496065:
https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...ol-83300496065

Here’s a video of the tool in use:
https://youtube.com/shorts/Iw-VMZD5GcY?feature=shared

Does anyone here that does their own spark plug replacements use this tool? Is it worth the $24–$30 purchase price?

Im not sure why that's even necessary, I can lower the plug in with a standard thin walled spark plug socket and a flex joint extension (which BMW calls for), and then thread it in by hand.

[TheHaze]

I use a thin walled socket with a magnetic insert, works great.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/thi...rk-lisle-63080

[David1]

Is that the socket that the guy from FCP Euro was doing a plug change on an S55 and the pin for the wobble fell in the motor?

[Westersund]

You don't need a wobble socket to change the plugs, a thin walled socket is enough paired with a long extension (thin).

[F87source]

Originally Posted by Westersund

You don't need a wobble socket to change the plugs, a thin walled socket is enough paired with a long extension (thin).

I know it's doable but that puts a lot of strain on the plug itself and I've seen 2 things occur:

1) the plug body breaks.

2) the extension is touching the spark plug well and it cracks the metal spark plug well and that need to be replaced.


Bmw does state in ISTA that a wobble is required because of the risk it poses to the plug and the spark plug well.

[jefe2000]

Originally Posted by David1

Is that the socket that the guy from FCP Euro was doing a plug change on an S55 and the pin for the wobble fell in the motor?

That sounds like the makings of a bad day! What's the context surrounding this? I don't know anything about it.

[jefe2000]

Originally Posted by F87source

Bmw does state in ISTA that a wobble is required because of the risk it poses to the plug and the spark plug well.

Super-helpful — I didn't know about this requirement. Looks like a wobble/swivel spark plug socket like the one recommended by TheHaze is a must:

Originally Posted by TheHaze

I use a thin walled socket with a magnetic insert, works great.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/thi...rk-lisle-63080

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by F87source

I know it's doable but that puts a lot of strain on the plug itself and I've seen 2 things occur:

1) the plug body breaks.

2) the extension is touching the spark plug well and it cracks the metal spark plug well and that need to be replaced.


Bmw does state in ISTA that a wobble is required because of the risk it poses to the plug and the spark plug well.

I don't own a single wobble socket, never had the need. Do I need to get one that's particularly thin, or will any of them work?

[F87source]

Originally Posted by jefe2000

Super-helpful — I didn't know about this requirement. Looks like a wobble/swivel spark plug socket like the one recommended by TheHaze is a must:

You don't need that exact socket, any thinned walled spark plug socket of the appropriate size + a wobble extension socket will work just fine.

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

I don't own a single wobble socket, never had the need. Do I need to get one that's particularly thin, or will any of them work?

Any 3/8" one should work, because they're generally around the same diameter as the thinnest of thinned walled spark plug sockets anyways. I just the one that came with my ratchet kit and it works fine.

[F87source]

If any of you guys must have this tool it's made by Beru and the part number is: ZMH 001


Couldn't find a north american source so this is a european one:
https://www.sausewind-shop.com/beru-...001-12-14-18mm

or this: https://www.louis.eu/en/spark-plug-i...umber=10003450


Honestly just using a swivel socket is fine.

[TheHaze]

Originally Posted by David1

Is that the socket that the guy from FCP Euro was doing a plug change on an S55 and the pin for the wobble fell in the motor?

I haven't seen that video, sounds like a nightmare. The one I linked uses a ball and socket for the wobble along with a c-clip to retain it. I guess something could potentially fail on this one too, but it does feel reasonably robust.