BMW E60 530i SPARK PLUGS REPLACEMENT DIY

Short DIY tutorial on changing the spark plugs on E60 BMW 530i 2009 N53 motor.
All you need is 13mm socket, T20 bit, 14mm 12-point socket, torque wrench, regular wrench with extensions, 6 new plugs and about an hour or two of your time.
As for the spark plug socket, it´s a special 12-point 14mm socket with thin wall. I still couldn´t fit it into the spark plug wells. So I had to grind the socket to make it thinner. RIDICULOUS !!!
As for new spark plugs, I went with BMW recommended NGK plugs. The torque spec is 23Nm.
I do NOT use grease on spark plugs threads, and this is why:
"NGK does not recommend the application of lubricant such as copper grease to spark plug threads as the result is a reduction of frictional forces at the thread faces. This will render the torque readings inaccurate and over tightening could occur by up to 20 percent!"
As I am not professional mechanic, this video shows how I do it, not necessarily how it should be done. Do this at your own risk.
I will be happy for constructive suggestions and advices.
Have a great day, guys.

[@SunnyA]

You have demonstrated this probably the best of all videos I have ever seen regarding E60 spark plug change. Thank you

[@DIYProjectX]

You just made my day.

[@rockyphavorabouth8111]

In less than 16 minutes video!? I hope I can work just as fast in real life. Thank you for video.

[@deanrindlisbach3259]

You just saved me a bunch of time! Thank you for helping others. Especially me this evening.

[@DIYProjectX]

Great to hear this. I'm happy I could help.

[@TinnoRambo]

@@DIYProjectX Good evening! Has your BMW e60 ever let you down by not starting or big problems?

[@DIYProjectX]

@@TinnoRambo I've had it for a year and the biggest problem was bad ignition coil. That was an easy and cheap fix. So far, it has been very good to me.

[@neilmackinnon3834]

By far the best automotive DIY video I have seen. And good music as well. THANKS.

[@DIYProjectX]

Wow, thank you so much!!

[@BradLeviLagus]

i miss your bmw DIY videos no one does it better than you man

[@DIYProjectX]

More videos comming soon ;) Thank you.

[@BradLeviLagus]

@@DIYProjectX i need a valve cover gasket replacement and new fuel line i’ll keep my eye on the channel for more DIY on the 530

[@DIYProjectX]

@@BradLeviLagus cool

[@dah7143]

Excellent video. Looks so simple. I am going to try now!

[@DIYProjectX]

:) Not a hard job. Good luck.

[@asansor090]

Best video that's ever made so far great work budd !!l

[@DIYProjectX]

Thank's a lot.

[@kanehomie3158]

Thank you for this Video 🙏 i really apreciate your work 💯

[@DIYProjectX]

Thank you so much.

[@busivank9650]

Thanks for the vid, but also for the great quality of the image/video/editing. Really helpful!

[@DIYProjectX]

Thanks a lot. I always try to make it look good. Thanks for noticing.

[@61hink]

The music is great too - better than 99% of the telephone hold music you have to listen to. I think I was tapping my foot while I was watching!

[@studlife311]

Great video. Helped me out a lot.

[@DIYProjectX]

Glad to hear. Thank you.

[@DODGERS-br8tf]

Awesome work thank

[@Jon.Edgar.Martin]

Wow you're about to save me a good 4/5 hundred dollars! Thank you!

[@DIYProjectX]

Glad to hear this. Great feedback, thank you.

[@allendonaldson1588]

BEST VIDEO.......

[@MsAljmir]

Hi,again thanks for the video,and same question like ignition oil:did spurk plug must codes when replays or just "plug and play"? Thanks

[@DIYProjectX]

Luckily, no coding required. Just plug the new ones and you are good to go.

[@darrentreco4309]

BEST VIDEO YET. Oh I noticed there was only one Cabin Air filter, is that ok ??

[@DIYProjectX]

Thanks a lot. There are two cabin air filters in total.

[@betl5982]

Very nice!

[@DIYProjectX]

Thank you.

[@tclark852]

Can you make a list of the tools you use & where you got them from?

[@DIYProjectX]

There is a basic list of tools at the begining of the video. Can´t remember where I got it all from, sorry.

[@avaloneyeworks]

unfortunately for me at least, (09 528 xi) there is some large metal apparatus between 3 and 4 that makes it next to impossible to remove the wire connection. Also, the wire harness connections are so tight I can't remove them on 4, 5 and 6. any suggestions?

[@DIYProjectX]

Sorry to hear that. Not sure what could be the apparatus you mentioned. Perhaps a valvetronic motor? But that shouldn't be in the way... I'm not familiar with your engine. Definitely be careful with the harness connections. They snap easily when they get brittle over time.

[@ricosands4583]

all that dismantling just for one bitch ass allen in the back. sheeeesh. video is amazing love the music makes me feel a whole lot better about my e60 purchase lol. thank you for you time and skills.

[@DIYProjectX]

You're absolutely right. And thank you very much.

[@Szecu]

Thank you!🎉

[@DIYProjectX]

Very welcome.

[@darrentreco4309]

Hi again, IS IT TRUE THAT THE BMW 528I COMPUTER WILL TELL YOU WHEN SERVICE ( OIL/ PLUGS etc) MUST BE DONE ? I just got my car without a manual.....

[@DIYProjectX]

Correct. You can find these information in the iDrive infotainment menu. Depends on your your infotainment model. Just go through the options, it's not hard to find.

[@maxkrylov]

Hello, what a great tutorial! Please, can you leave here the reference of your torque wrench?! Thanks in advance.

[@DIYProjectX]

Hello and thank you. I got the wrench from my wife, she bought it off the internet, not sure exactly where... Sorry.

[@rramirez2859]

@@DIYProjectX Checking out the video. Great work. Were you able to post the brand if the torque wrench? Thanks

[@rramirez2859]

Torque wrench: expert by facom

[@Bonney2002]

I only found this vid. after I ran into problems with my 3/2007LCI E61 having a misfire on cil. 1. and fixed that, so I can confirm this covers most aspects of this job. The socket I used is made by Sonic, drive 3/8", 12-point 14 mm(90mmL) this socket fits perfectly, together with their cardan joint. The socket I used is made by Sonic and fits perfectly without any grinding. Two problems I did encounter were caused by a very tight locking assy on the coil, which eventually was resolved by spreading the sides of the locking plate with 2 small screwdrivers. The other problem was getting the coil out of the holder; this was extremely tight, and I eventually got this out by brute force after loosening the circular seal by inserting smalle screwdrivers again. After having removed them, I could not see any reason why this had been so tight, but getting it out was really frightening. In changing the plug for a new one, the misfire problem was resolved and the car drove fine again. Now the other 5 still to do, hope the coils will not bee so tight again, but otherwise, I now know how to proceed.

[@DIYProjectX]

Well done and thanks for letting others know. Those coils can be a nightmare, especially when they are the original ones.

[@nicksmth33]

My 14mm wouldn’t fit. what was the exact socket you used.

[@DIYProjectX]

It's a 3/8" triple square. It helps a lot if you first pull the steel tube liners out of the spark plug well.

[@elrefaeymr]

Well done

[@DIYProjectX]

Thanks a lot.

[@apx1031]

A+ video, thanks a billion bro 🙏

[@DIYProjectX]

Happy to help, mate.

[@2423yay]

I have two sensors on my e90 5 series which one do i disconnect first

[@DIYProjectX]

Not sure what you mean. Just unplug the connector on top of the ignition coil.

[@user-uo1qw2ej5b]

Good gob 👍

[@DIYProjectX]

Thanks a lot.

[@darkkohbros8168]

What is the brand of your torque wrench? Also, Thank you so much for this great video. This is going to save me a lot of money. The shop wants to charge $450.

[@DIYProjectX]

I get it, not every one is willing to do this job themselves, but $450 is just crazy. Thanks so much for your feedback. I´m always glad to hear my video actually helped. The torque wrench is a local brand called NAREX.

[@blackrose5774]

@@DIYProjectX thank you for this video. what is the brand of your torque wrench? Thanks

[@DIYProjectX]

@@blackrose5774 Hey there. The wrench is from Narex. Local tool company.

[@johnathanhillministriesint6026]

Is it the same for an e60 with a M54 engine?

[@DIYProjectX]

Different engine covers, otherwise pretty much the same stuff.

[@irishvanhorse4338]

What's the best spark plugs to use ?

[@DIYProjectX]

Weeeeell, that is not an easy one. I always try to stick with what the manufacturer recommends. In case of this particular engine, it's the NGK.

[@ariamajidi5200]

anyone have a tough time fitting in the socket down the hole?

[@DIYProjectX]

Yes, mine was too thick, I had to grind the wall down to make the socket thinner.

[@cino4919]

I have heard best is a thin walled socket 14 with a knee joint. Spark splugs are mounted in 5 degrees angle on N53.

[@ariamajidi5200]

@@cino4919 I've grinded down the thin wall socket and still had trouble, i was thinking there might be a special tool out there somewhere for this. is there?

[@lukaszwolski4371]

@@ariamajidi5200 This is the socket that should be used for this job www.lasertools.co.uk/Product/6371. There is also NGK video showing why you need to use it kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJjXonh6bJeKpdk. This is N43 engine but N53 also has that 5 degree angle.

[@leonwilliams1560]

No feeler gauge used to set plugs to required depth as per OEM specs? 🤔

[@DIYProjectX]

The plugs were pre-gapped to a correct gap. I do not have the tools, so I had to trust them. And so far, the engine runs flawlessly.

[@asum307]

My favourite part is where you have to disassemble all the plastics from the engine bay for 1 bolt. Typical Germans ensuring things are more difficult than they need to be so their service department can clock up more $ while servicing and repairing their cars.

[@DIYProjectX]

Not sure if this was their intention, but I totally agree with the first part.

[@lavacaJersey]

Thx

[@DIYProjectX]

No problem.

[@yg78t76t7]

NGK? I thought this vehicles required Bosch.

[@DIYProjectX]

I thought so too, but I found NGK is what BMW used. And when I pulled the old ones out, they really say BMW NGK.

[@yg78t76t7]

@@DIYProjectX Ah ok, interesting to know! I will personally put borsch platinums as I have heard they are very good for this car. Thanks for the video!

[@DIYProjectX]

@@yg78t76t7 I think you can't go wrong with Bosch. I used their plugs for every other car. For this car I stuck with the manufacturer recommendation. So far, they seem OK.

[@2423yay]

Helpful 10000

[@DIYProjectX]

Thanks a lot.

[@2423yay]

@@DIYProjectX np my car is running so much better , I just changed the ignition coils

[@Qwr345]

jeez too many parts to remove

[@DIYProjectX]

Yes. But it's not that hard to do.

[@gary563]

Yes just got done eating and I'm ready to go to sleep 😴

[@DIYProjectX]

Nice

[@nicksmth33]

there’s nothing on the paper towel? just plain.

[@DIYProjectX]

Yep

[@61hink]

Your windshield washer fluid is low.

[@DIYProjectX]

Well spotted. It happens quite often 😀

[@61hink]

@@DIYProjectX My tank was cracked so the light was on constantly for a couple of months, accounting for my deep familiarity with it lol.

[@DIYProjectX]

@@61hink Not my case. I just use it all the time ;)

[@ESP57EU]

TIS BMW spark plug torque M14x1,25 30 + - 3Nm.

[@Bonney2002]

This is a 12 mm plug, hence the correct torque is as specified here: 23 Nm!

[@DIYProjectX]

Thanks.