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      03-15-2017, 12:54 PM   #1
modrisco
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X1 spark plug change

Is there a how to on spark plug change for 2012 X1 anywhere?
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      03-15-2017, 01:19 PM   #2
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Remove engine cover (may have to pull cowl first). Unplug coil packs and remove, remove plug, reinstall coil packs.

Not sure what engine you have, but search on the 3 series forums...they'll have both the N55 and N20 DIYs....but it's very straight forward.
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      03-15-2017, 01:39 PM   #3
modrisco
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Thanks for the reply, Engine is 4cyl, 2.8i
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      03-15-2017, 02:53 PM   #4
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This might be helpful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r68aNUBYUnE

Make sure you have a thin walled socket.

The last plug might require removal of the plastic panel for easier access.
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      03-15-2017, 03:12 PM   #5
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Just did this last month.

You have to remove the cowl to get started. There are a couple screws and plugs to be undone, and you have to remove the AC filter piece and associated screws to remove the whole cowl. It's easier to get off than back on. Don't force anything when putting it back on, as when it's lined up it will easily seat into place.

Once that's off you can remove the engine cover. The passenger side of the engine cover has what I think is some kind of vacuum line running into it. With a little fooling around this came off pretty easily and went back on without a problem when I was finished.

As for the plugs themselves. I worked one at a time front to back. You don't necessarily need a flexible extension shaft for your wrench, a skinny extension rod should be fine. I used a six, four, and two inch extension in combination depending on the plug.

Everything went pretty smoothly going one plug at a time and torquing to 17ft lbs. The last plug gave me a little trouble in that it was the hardest to reach and I did not push the connector to the coil pack in far enough the first time. The engine threw a cylinder misfire code when I started up; after I cleared the code and re-seated the plug I haven't had any issues.

Last edited by IslandTimes; 03-15-2017 at 03:19 PM..
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      03-15-2017, 06:55 PM   #6
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what's the recommended spark plug interval change?
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      03-15-2017, 08:22 PM   #7
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Check your manual. IIRC it's every 4th oil change. Although based on research early n20 engine came with NGK SILZKBR8B8S that require replacement frequently. Newer NGK SILZKBR8D8S lasts longer.
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      03-16-2017, 07:34 AM   #8
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For the E84 N20 I believe the first spark plug change is recommended at 50K miles.
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      03-16-2017, 11:30 AM   #9
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Mine came due at 45k mi
Got the dealership to do it on my last free service.
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      03-16-2017, 12:57 PM   #10
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any guides on how to get to the plugs on the N55?
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      03-16-2017, 01:05 PM   #11
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Check YouTube for E90 spark plug changes. I believe the cars are identical from that perspective
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      03-16-2017, 01:26 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by walendvay View Post
any guides on how to get to the plugs on the N55?
Same as the above. Remove cowl, remove engine cover. May have to swing one of the strut braces out of the way, but no big deal.

Piece of cake.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=826823
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      03-16-2017, 01:30 PM   #13
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thx.
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      03-16-2017, 02:16 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vstolpner View Post
Mine came due at 45k mi
Got the dealership to do it on my last free service.
Aww man my dealership denied me because of CBS. Ugh. Which dealership did you go to in Vancouver? Maybe I should go there for my final free service.
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      03-16-2017, 09:11 PM   #15
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Langley
They almost denied me too but then I had the service advisor speak to his manager and since I was fairly close in km they threw it in. I think I was at 3500 and they said they only do it at 3000 or something like that.

It's an easy job to do it yourself in about an hour and the spark plugs themselves are quite cheap, so I wouldn't worry about it if the dealership doesn't include it.
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      03-17-2017, 02:10 AM   #16
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I go to Langley too!
I know it's easy enough, just in principle i like to have it covered by BMW. Guess I'll check back in when i am near the end of my free service dateline...
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      03-17-2017, 02:34 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gamb1t View Post
I go to Langley too!
I know it's easy enough, just in principle i like to have it covered by BMW. Guess I'll check back in when i am near the end of my free service dateline...
Haha that is too funny!!

Have you asked what your remaining mileage is on the spark plugs?
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      03-19-2017, 03:11 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PrematureApex View Post
Same as the above. Remove cowl, remove engine cover. May have to swing one of the strut braces out of the way, but no big deal.

Piece of cake.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=826823
Yeah, that is a great pair of videos and I'll be referencing it when I tackle my spark plug job here soon. However, I would make a couple of points:

1. I highly recommend NOT using your torque wrench as a regular ratchet. Use it for what it's designed to do...torquing nuts and bolts (and spark plugs).

2. On other spark plug jobs for other vehicles, I sometimes have had problems with the socket getting stuck on the plug down in the engine. Not sure if this is an issue with the N20 or N55, but to prevent this, tape the socket to the extension by wrapping around the outside circumference of the socket/extension before getting to work.

Hope this helps.
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      03-19-2017, 08:13 AM   #19
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What is your favorite plug?

Denso
Bosch

Seems like there are only two made for the N55 engine
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      03-20-2017, 12:55 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gamb1t View Post
This might be helpful
Just in time, It was time to change oil and plugs...thanks for the video it will come handy. The socket in question you could buy it https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...ive/sp-05-12p/

I wish it was a repair/service manual available for the X1 to buy. I always had a service manual for all my present and past beemers, the 318, 3.0 CS, 325i, Z3.

Last edited by Carlin/14/E84; 03-20-2017 at 12:20 PM.. Reason: add info
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      03-20-2017, 10:52 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by walendvay View Post
What is your favorite plug?

Denso
Bosch

Seems like there are only two made for the N55 engine
I'm going with the Bosch. I've never come across any Denso plugs.
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      03-20-2017, 12:18 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Carlin/14/E84 View Post
Just in time, It was time to change oil and plugs...thanks for the video.

I wish it was a repair/service manual available for the X1 to buy. I always had a service manual for all my present and past beemers, the 318, 3.0 CS, 325i, Z3.
Resources​ abound. Cross reference with F30 forums for engines - n20/n55. E90 forums on other things.
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