Replacing ignition coils on I6 2003+ 6 cylinder BMWs (3 series, 5 series, M3, Z4, & 2001-2006 M3)

Replacing ignition coils on I6 2003+ 6 cylinder BMWs (3 series, 5 series, M3, Z4, & 2001-2006 M3)

 

Tools needed:

 

• Flat head screwdriver (to pry plastic cover clips off)
• 10mm socket (to remove 10mm bolts holding spark plug cover).
• T30 Torx bit to remove the cabin filter tray (for certain BMW models)
• Sparl plug wire removal tool for those that may not be able toget a good grip on the coils. We were able to do it withou this tool.
  

 

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 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, ,2007, 2008, and 2009 model years. For the 2002 and older BMWs, or models missing, check out our other BMW DIY. The older BMWs use bolt in style ignition coils with 2 10mm bolts holding the coils down.

This DIY is similar for the following models:

• 03-06   BMW 325Ci  
  
• 03- 05  BMW 325I   
  
• 03-05   BMW 325XI  
  
• 03-06   BMW 330CI  
  
• 03-05   BMW 330I  
  
• 03-05   BMW 330XI
  
• 03-05   BMW 525I  
  
• 03-05   BMW 530I   
  
• 01-06   BMW M3      
  
• 04-06   BMW X3    
  
• 04-09   BMW X5  3.0L I6  
  
• 03-05   BMW Z4  2.5L I6 
  
• 03-05  BMW Z4   3.0L I6  
  
• 06-07  BMW Z4   3.2L I6  
  

 

 

 

 

 

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. Lift up on the top plastic tab on the ignition coils, and unplug the connector.

 

5: The coil can be removed by pulling up. To make it easier carefully grab it, twist it back and fourth while pulling up. If you are not able to get a good grop on the ignition coils, you can use a spark plug removal tool ($5-$15 at most places).

6. Installing the coils is the reverse process. Note that the top of the coils are egg shaped, and there is a grove in the valve cover that indicated the clocked position they belong in.

 

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. 

 

That's it. You're done!