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  • Replacing ignition coils on I6 6 cylinder BMWs (3 series, 5 series, X3, X5, M3, Z3)

Replacing ignition coils on I6 6 cylinder BMWs (3 series, 5 series, X3, X5, M3, Z3 )

Replacing ignition coils on I6 6 cylinder BMWs  (3 series, 5 series, X3, X5, M3, Z3  )

Tools needed:

  • Flat head screwdriver (to pry plastic cover clips off)
  • 10mm socket (to remove 10mm bolts holding spark plug cover and to remove the coil bolts).
  • T30 Torx bit to remove the cabin filter tray (for certain BMW models)

This procedure is similar for the following BMW models (there may be very minor differences between them). Some BMWs you may need to remove the plastic cover/wiretray that holds the cabin filter. That is very easy to remove as well. We'll cover it below. This write up covers various BMW models, including various 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002 model years. For the 2002 and newer BMWs, or models missing, check out our other BMW DIY. The newer BMWs use "Push in" style ignition coils with no bolts holding them down.

  • 99 - 2000   BMW  323i 
  • 01 - 2002   BMW  325CI
  • 01 - 2002   BMW  325I
  • 01 - 2002   BMW  325XI 
  • 00              BMW  328CI
  • 99 - 2000   BMW  328I   
  • 01 - 2002   BMW  330CI
  • 01 - 2002   BMW  330I   
  • 01 - 2002   BMW  330XI
  • 01 - 2002   BMW  525I    
  • 97 - 2000   BMW  528I    
  • 01 - 2002   BMW  530I    
  • 96 - 1999   BMW  M3     
  • 00 - 2002   BMW  X5  
  • 97 - 2002   BMW  Z3   

 

The procedure to replace the ignition coils in these model BMWs is a very easy procedure that can be done by anyone with only a little bit of mechanical experience.


Step 1 (for BMWs with the cabin filter covering the back spark plugs):

  • There are 3 twist clips. Turn them to unlock, and remove the cabin filter cover. Remove the cabin filter.
  • Once the filter is removed, you will see 4 torx screws. Using the T30 torx bit, remove those 4 torx scres, and remove the tray.

 

1: Remove the valve cover plastic trim panel that says "BMW". On that plastic panel there are 2 plastic trim panel cosmetic bolt covers. Using the flat head screw driver, remove those to expose the 10mm bolts. Remove the 2 10mm bolts.


2: Unscrew and remove the oil fill cap so you will be able to remove the plastic cover.

3: Remove the plastic cover. We recommend temporarily putting the oil cap back on to prevent dust and debris from entering the engine.

4: From here you can see all 6 ignition coils. Carefully pry the harness clip up with a small screwdriver, and unplug the wiring harness connector.

5: Remove the 2 10mm bolts that hold the ignition coils on, and simply remove the old coil, and simply install the new one.

If you notice that there is oil on the coils and in the spark plug holes, it is leaking from the valve cover gasket that seals around the spark plug hole. It is recommended to replace all of the valve cover gaskets as soon as possible, so oil does not leak onto the new coils and spark plugs (if the spark plugs were replaced).

Repeat this process for all 6 ignition coils. Putting everything together is simply the opposite of the removal. Especially make sure that any ground wire that was removed is reconnected. They are held down by the same 10mm bolts that hold the coils down.

That's it. You're done!