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E90/E92/E93 · Power

E90/E92/E93 Spark plugs

Your E90/E92/E93

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers the US sedan, coupe and convertible. It doesn't cover the 335d diesel or the E91 wagon.

+0–5 whp (est.)
Medium$60–$1501–2 hrs
All E90/E92/E93 mods

Why do it

Fresh plugs bring back the crisp throttle and power you lose as old plugs wear.

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

  • You need 6 plugs. Work on a cold engine.
  • You need 6 plugs. Work on a cold engine.
  • Check the gap on new plugs before they go in. Tuned cars run a smaller gap.
  • You need 6 plugs. Work on a cold engine.
  • You need 8 plugs. Work on a cold engine.

Steps

  1. Remove the covers

    • Disconnect the battery, then remove the engine covers and the parts above the coils.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro, on an N52 3 Series) (0:00–2:25)

  2. Pull the coils

    • Lift each coil's locking tab, unplug it and pull the coil straight up.
    Watch this step (2:25–4:48)

  3. Swap the plugs

    • Unscrew each old plug and thread each new one in by hand so it can't cross-thread.
    Watch this step (4:48–7:37)

  4. Torque and refit

    • Torque the plugs to spec, then refit the coils and everything you removed.
    Watch this step (7:37–10:06) Watch the final assembly (10:06–13:04)

  5. Clear the engine bay

    • Remove the cowl and the covers over the coils.
    Watch this step (Jake Spence, on an N54 BMW) (3:47–5:22)

  6. Pull the coils and plugs

    • Unplug and pull each coil, then unscrew each old plug.
    Watch this step (5:22–9:35)

  7. Gap the new plugs

    • Measure each new plug and carefully set the gap.
    Watch this step (14:10–18:21)

  8. Install everything

    • Thread the plugs in by hand, torque them, then refit the coils and covers.
    Watch this step (18:21–21:43)

  9. Remove the intake pipe

    • Remove the covers and the intake pipe to reach the coils.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro, on an N55 BMW) (1:27–4:46)

  10. Pull the coils

    • Unplug each coil and pull it straight up.
    Watch this step (4:46–6:01)

  11. Swap the plugs

    • Unscrew each old plug, thread each new one in by hand and torque it.
    Watch this step (6:01–8:23)

  12. Reassemble

    • Refit the coils, intake pipe and covers.
    Watch this step (9:33–11:35)

  13. Remove the intake

    • Take off the intake parts above the V8 to reach both banks.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro, on an E9X M3) (2:02–3:37)

  14. Pull the coils

    • Unplug each coil and pull it straight up, one bank at a time.
    Watch this step (3:37–6:15)

  15. Swap the plugs

    • Do one bank, then the other. Thread each plug in by hand and torque it.
    Watch bank 2 (6:15–7:50) Watch bank 1 (7:50–9:58)

  16. Reassemble

    • Refit the coils, then the intake.
    Watch this step (9:58–11:16) Watch the intake go back on (11:16–11:55)

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.