Under the engine cover:
* Remove the 4 caps that cover the bolts on the engine covers.
* Remove first the cover over the intake manifold (2x 10mm bolts)
* Remove the oil filler cap
* Remove the main engine cover (2x 10mm bolts)
* Replace the oil filler cap (so you don't drop anything in there)
* You should now see the 6 ignition coils, make a note of the ground strap locations (should be 1 in the front and 1 in the back). Remove the cables first by lifting up the metal clips and then pulling away the cable.
* Remove the 12 bolts holding the 6 coils in place. The coils will lift out of place.
* Now would be a good time to check for oil. If you see oil where the spark plugs go it's time to change your valve cover gasket.
* Replace spark plugs. Torque spec is based on spark plug thread (one is for M cars one is for non-M cars, I am too lazy to look it up, here are both:
- Spark plugs with thread M12 x 1.25 = 23 Nm
- Spark plugs with thread M14 x 1.25 = 30 Nm
I believe the M14 plugs (larger) are for the M-cars but don't quote me on that. You should be able to find that by the spark plug specs,
These instructions are valid for M52 / M52TU / M54 / M56 / S52 / S50US engines, basically any BMW inline-6 engine from 1991 - 2005.
Copyright © 2026 eLLeNow.com All Rights Reserved.