2011-2013 (E70) BMW X5 N55 Spark Plug service * HOW TO *

In this service episode I replace the spark plugs on a 2011 BMW X5 with the N55 inline 6 cylinder, single turbo charged engine. This chassis is also known as the E70 X5. As I explain in the video, the maintenance interval is linked to the oil service, so depending on driving conditions, the spark plugs may be due anywhere from 35k-60k miles. When it comes to replacing spark plugs, the process is pretty straight forward and I always recommend replacing them with OEM parts. Hope you found this video helpful. Thank you and enjoy.
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[@richienicholson7976]

I did a great duplicate job on these plugs and coil changes thanks to you!!! VERY thorough and great timing on your part- it took me a little over an hour, thanks very much, you do a great informative video- well done!

[@THEDriverMod_]

I'm happy to hear that! You're welcome!

[@nes286]

Thank you great video. The sign of a real pro, You made it look simple, not a cut on your hands and they remained clean. As for me , just removing the top engine covers will leave my hands bloody and greasy.😂. Thanks again.

[@THEDriverMod_]

Hahaha I appreciate that! Thank you for the support!

[@zenquest2900]

This video was a massive help for me. I was able to knock out the spark plugs in no time.

[@THEDriverMod_]

Happy it did its job!! Its fun to get things done yourself!

[@jaredkuehn6297]

Thank you for creating this video. I just did this job on my X5. Changing the plugs and coils is easy, but knowing what needs to come apart and in what order can be time consuming. Following this video step by step was a huge help. And thank you for including re-installation instructions! Great, helpful instructional video!

[@THEDriverMod_]

I appreciate the positive feedback and I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@nes286]

Hi by any chance did you get any PCodes after the coil change? I’m having a heck of a time with figuring this out. I have the Engine malfunction, DBC malfunction, Chassis stabilization malfunction.

[@billdummett9105]

Only thing not mentioned is you need a special thin wall socket. Normal 14 mm 12 pt too thick for plug well

[@Bigsky1991]

I couldn't get to 5 and 6 in the back...gave up😅 .. now I see how you got to them I'll try ti finish it tomorrow

[@easye2925]

Everything in this video is exactly how it went down for me except for the last cylinder coil. I had to remove the passenger side air filter box to get to it Thanks again

[@THEDriverMod_]

Thanks for the feed back! We appreciate it amd love to hear we are providing accurate content to the best of our ability

[@mustangsally8649]

pretty intimidating watching all the things you have to unplug in order to get to the plugs!! Thank you for a step by step walk through

[@THEDriverMod_]

You're welcome! Thanks for letting me know

[@stephencannon3140]

When removing the old plugs helpful life hack. With the cylinder diagram….in this case most likely 1-6 with #1 in front and #6 against the firewall. As you remove the old plugs immediately place the old plug into the box of the new plug with a simple 1-6. This allows you to review the old plugs against a burn chart reference. The idea of this is to inspect all old plugs and if you do have any abnormal wear you can help isolate the cylinder and help with troubleshooting.

[@THEDriverMod_]

Good tip

[@stephencannon3140]

Been doing that for about 20 years and never had a weird or abnormal burn pattern.

[@nes286]

Excellent Video thank you because of you I am confident I can do this. Only one suggestion, Please add the Spark Plugs information.

[@azdannyboi]

Finally doing this job this weekend, this video is super helpful. Thank you!

[@THEDriverMod_]

No worries and you're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@williamwallace392]

Thanks my friend. You saved me a lot of money. And a lot of time which is kind of the same thing. Everything went smoothly. Except rock auto sent me two coils that were not the correct size for model number. Note to self. Check parts before you start the job.

[@THEDriverMod_]

Glad to hear it mostly went well for you. I appreciate the positive feedback on the video

[@sixstringstak]

Heck of a job and thorough explanation. Thank you for being so detailed. I now need to go and get some of those cool electric/digital tools you have 😎

[@THEDriverMod_]

Thank you for the positive feedback!

[@ashreftoma]

Great video and so proffesional..!!! Thank you for taking the time and have it available for us.

[@THEDriverMod_]

I appreciate the feedback! I try to do the best I can with out going over the top because then the videos would take forever to shoot and to edit. Time is valuable. Subscribe if you have not already!

[@joshuap4100]

Great video! Vey detailed. I appreciate you making this video.

[@THEDriverMod_]

Appreciate the positive feedback!

[@crowtownsfinest82]

Great video! Lots of help. Thank you.

[@THEDriverMod_]

You're welcome!

[@cyruskharas9850]

Thanks for the video, great work and I appreciate the step by step process. Thanks

[@THEDriverMod_]

Your welcome! Happy Happy help, working on more content like this as we speak

[@hemantvijayan867]

AB's Thank you so much; this video was helped me install spark plugs and ignition coils on my X5.

[@THEDriverMod_]

Awesome! Glad to hear it. Make sure enough share it around to help others! And subscribe too of you have not!

[@nicholaskolomiets2929]

For cylinders 5 and 6 I found it easier to remove the passenger side of the cowl and it only takes a few minutes to take off and give a lot more space to get to those cylinders.

[@THEDriverMod_]

You can if you want, was just showing how I do it with the least amount of steps possible

[@FotoLabFusion]

Great DIY! question though, what is the name of the foam cover or part number? My X5 is missing that and the coils where full of rust from water. had to replace the back two.

[@THEDriverMod_]

They foam cover doesn't stop that from happening, I do not have the part number for that either. Normally it's the trip around with wiper cowl that's broken that let's water in

[@djustice5252]

Awesome video incredibly helpful thank you

[@THEDriverMod_]

Thank you for the positive feed back!!

[@daveheck9420]

Hey There, Thanks a million for this. It gave me the confidence to try at least. My fifth coil broke off and I worked it out with needle nose pliers, whew! The sixth one was stuck too, but I got it out. I noticed that the 5th and 6th coils had dirty water on them. I can't really see down the tube to see how bad it is. This stopped me in my tracks. I was thinking I would vacume the 2 tubes out and pull the plugs, then put the whole thing back together and hope it runs better. What do you recommend? I am not a mechanic.

[@THEDriverMod_]

They get water in them from the cowl trim being broken or missing.

[@THEDriverMod_]

Blow compressed air in them to get the loose debris out

[@daveheck9420]

@@THEDriverMod_ Will do! I'll also try and repair the source of the water. Rain is coming and I can see the whole thing happening over again, no thank you!

[@daveheck9420]

@@THEDriverMod_ Hey There, I vacumed and blew out the coil tubes and finally pulled the plugs this morning. The 5th and 6th plugs were wet. Is it imperative that I get all the water out before installing the new plugs and coils? My gut says "yes", but I'm very new to this stuff. Thanks, Dave

[@greggiacona238]

Great video thank you---just did my 2011 X5 35i! One question--wasn't clear in the video--in the rear of engine--the small horizontal cable bundles below the large harnesses---they go UNDER the foam, not up in the plastic channels--right?

[@THEDriverMod_]

I think you're right, trying to know exactly what you are referring to

[@greggiacona238]

@@THEDriverMod_ Talking about the several small gauge wire bundles that run horizontally across the back of the engine, they’re about two or three of them. Wrapped in plastic ducting.

[@leoli6237]

I really like your tools 😆

[@THEDriverMod_]

Thanks!

[@geoffreyschoenbaum7151]

Awesome

[@THEDriverMod_]

Hope it helps!

[@THEDriverMod_]

Subscribe and join the family! kzbin.info/door/v4UZtu1fnpMSD9UuHJfkWg

[@donaldbarron7916]

Awesome show 👏..

[@THEDriverMod_]

Thank you for the positive feed back

[@meghanduncan1658]

When doing the spark plugs should you change out the the value cover?

[@THEDriverMod_]

I mean it would go from a 45 minute job to a 3-4 hour job

[@brianbeam361]

Folks, this is a pain in the ass job if you are not prepared. You need a special thin walled 12 or socket made for BMW. Why on earth they don’t use a regular spark plug socket is beyond me. Also, absolutely buy the oil separator tube, it will break when you take it off. Dealer charged $50 but it is only $20 on FCP Euro. Also, when removing the harness from the back of the motor, notice he mentions there are two t25 screws to remove, one is missing in this video. Good thing it is. It is absolutely impossible to get to the back t25 screw without a 90 degree screwdriver with a t25 tip and even then it is almost impossible. BMW is a nice car but complete stupidity when it comes to why they designed it the way they did. No wonder the Germans couldn’t keep up in WW2.

[@THEDriverMod_]

I take it you've done a couple of these yourself??

[@fringestream990]

I'm going to buy a Model T....

[@THEDriverMod_]

Haha have fun crank starting it