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E36 Spark plugs Install Guide

Your E36

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers the US E36 325i, 323i, 328i and M3, not the 318i or 318ti.

Restores lost power
Easy$25–$601 hr
All E36 mods

Why do it

Worn plugs cost power and throttle response.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Before you start

  • Work on a cold engine. Do one plug at a time.
  • Work on a cold engine. Do one plug at a time.
  • Work on a cold engine. Do one plug at a time.

Steps

  1. Disconnect the coils

    • Take off the cover and coils.
    Watch this step (Autodoc, on an E36) (0:59–2:08)

  2. Remove the old plugs

    • Unscrew and take out the plugs.
    Watch this step (2:08–4:20)

  3. Fit the new plugs

    • Thread them in and torque them.
    Watch this step (4:20–5:28)

  4. Reconnect

    • Refit the coils and cover.
    Watch this step (5:28–7:40)

  5. Disconnect the coils

    • Take off the cover and coils.
    Watch this step (Autodoc, on an E36) (0:59–2:08)

  6. Remove the old plugs

    • Unscrew and take out the plugs.
    Watch this step (2:08–4:20)

  7. Fit the new plugs

    • Thread them in and torque them.
    Watch this step (4:20–5:28)

  8. Reconnect

    • Refit the coils and cover.
    Watch this step (5:28–7:40)

  9. Disconnect the coils

    • Take off the cover and coils.
    Watch this step (Autodoc, on an E36) (0:59–2:08)

  10. Remove the old plugs

    • Unscrew and take out the plugs.
    Watch this step (2:08–4:20)

  11. Fit the new plugs

    • Thread them in and torque them.
    Watch this step (4:20–5:28)

  12. Reconnect

    • Refit the coils and cover.
    Watch this step (5:28–7:40)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.

Spark Plug install guides for other cars

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