How to Change and Gap BMW N55 Spark Plugs

[@motorcyclesformentalhealth78]

I cannot thank you enough for the content that you provide for the F22 community. Before owning my 2015 M235i I hadn't worked on a car since I was in highschool, but watching your DIY guides gave me the confidence to get our of my comfort zone. I installed a VRSF charge pipe with the help of my partner following your DIY and I just did my spark plugs and coils today. Without your detailed guidance I would have been in way over my head. You are a legend!

[@FritzRamos]

Thank you. 🙏 You give me too much credit, you did all the hard work and should congratulate yourself. I'm very happy that you shared that and hope other videos help in the future as well. 🤜🤛

[@michaelstumpphotography9691]

Your video was a big help. One change I might suggest is to wait until everything else is removed before removing the foam panel. That way you only need to lift it off and back off without having to fight releasing the studs.

[@alienonabike]

I did this today. However I found that putting the foam back before the bar and the plastic piece made it so much easier and ensured that the foam sat in the correct place.

[@nofilter2091]

Fritz, I'm really loving your channel. This is another great DETAILED video on how to do it correctly with the right tools. Excellent work, keep it up!

[@FritzRamos]

Thank you for the support and feedback!

[@robippolito2794]

Fritz, thank you for showing us how to remove the strut tower brace and covers to get to plugs 5 & 6. Just an FYI even if you are going with stock plug gaps check the new plugs anyway. One of my six new plugs was over gapped at 0.034" out of the box. Cheers.

[@FritzRamos]

Thank you for sharing that and I'm glad to hear you caught that before installing it.

[@libindaniel2000]

Want to pile on the thanks for the video. It worked out real well! Got mine done at 61k on a 2016 M235i. Appreciate the videos. Has been a huge help in reducing the cost of ownership. My first gotcha was the exhaust rattle and your video was clutch!

[@kingming869]

During install of new spark plugs, I used a rubber hose to attach the spark plugs to, and then thread it into the the engine, to prevent cross threading.

[@chrisshipley9584]

I just recently got my M235i xdrive and love your videos. You gave me confidence to do all these upgrades to my car myself. I haven't worked on my own cars for years. Your channel needs to be bigger.

[@JamezAdam]

Kind of like the sound of the lumpy cam! Doing my plugs air filter, oil filter and oil change tomorrow. Thanks for the upload.

[@jimwerner8143]

Just ordered plugs at 53k miles and the only mods I have done are charge pipe, boost and intercooler. I just ordered the OE Bosch plugs. I don't think I need to go cooler with the NGK at this point. Also doing the tensioner replacement job as well.

[@FritzRamos]

All of the preventative and routine items I see. Very nice 👌

[@stepangrek123]

huge like because of your assistant!

[@FritzRamos]

Thank you! He'll be happy to hear that

[@arnoldspieker3700]

Great video. I waited to pull the rear sound pad off until I had the strut brace and the cowl panel off. This made removing the pad very simple, with no risk of damage. The installation of the pad was a piece of cake when the cowl panel is out of the way. As for the strut brace torques, I took your values on faith and they felt about right. Has anyone done additional research on these torques? Thanks, again, for a great video. Arnie

[@gutjos]

Hey thanks for the video, help out a lot!!! Did you change your spark plugs because of drivetrain malfunction ?

[@erickrios7872]

Just installed my new ngk spark plugs on my own!!

[@FritzRamos]

Congrats!!!

[@LionHeart567]

Does the motor need to be cold or hot to change the spark plugs ? Thank you very much for your video

[@yeldarb1880]

Id imagine itd b the same across all the n55s, is this the case? I have a f10 535i

[@dang3402]

Fritz. Thanks for the video. If I just buy the spark plugs from the dealer would I still have to gap them ? Also my valve cover gasket is leaking a little should I get that fix first then do the spark plugs. I worried that I I do the spark plugs first I’ll find oil on them.

[@dysk132]

Hey fritz’s! Really awesome video! I’ve been waiting to do my spark plugs on my m235i but felt like it might be to big of a job or too major since it’s the heart of the car haha. Wanted to say thank for the great video and making it look very simple! I’m most likely going to do it myself soon! Also would you recommend replacing all your coils at the same time one goes out or does this not matter? Been watching your videos for a while now and they are great! Keep it up!!!

[@FritzRamos]

Thank you and glad you found it helpful. I would just do the spark plugs as you had planned and if you want you can buy the coils and sit on them until they go out.

[@ratanaksambathyim2478]

Hello , what is the best NGK plug Gap for stock N55 ?

[@angelocambio9112]

Great video! You really sparked my interest! I think I’ll give it a shot.

[@FritzRamos]

I see what you did there, very nice! You got this!

[@seollenda]

Wow, doesn't look too hard, I think I'll do it myself! I'll be back to reference this in the future!

[@FritzRamos]

Yes you definitely can! Just gap the plugs the night before, then the install is no more than a hour if you are taking your time.

[@ackmedzambosama5327]

Arent the strut bolts single time use?

[@TheManzoormd]

Thank you Sir!! A question which scanner (resonable price ) would you recommend for the rear brakes retraction EPB? thanks again

[@Roomooh_123]

You got your spark plugs from Amazon ?

[@aidenwallaker2067]

Hey fritz how did you find all this information when starting like how much nm to torque bolts too? Is there some bmw guide or website?:) you do an amazing job I love this channel I subbed!!

[@calebmange3991]

Did you experience change in oil temps before the coil went out

[@hyde_official]

I recently replaced the Spark plugs but i didn't modify the gap, do you all think i should recalibrate the gap?

[@FritzRamos]

If they've been on the car for a while now and haven't given you an issue then no need. But if they only have a few hundred miles it might be worth it

[@hyde_official]

@@FritzRamos Possibly about 7k now. They have not given me an issue. Well, either it's a great content idea, or just leave it as it.You what, I'll with my instinct and not do anything since I have not had issue with them! Cheers. And, Oh, great content from you as always!

[@FritzRamos]

@@hyde_official Agreed, if it's not broke don't fix it. Thank you, happy to help

[@raffc9845]

I have a 2017 x4 40i with the n55 and I keep seeing a gap of .32 . Which should I use :/

[@QGTMMILLI]

I need this done to my bmw m235i, they just went out yesterday 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@QGTMMILLI]

I’m in Long Island Ny

[@FritzRamos]

Oh no! Can someone help out Michael?

[@markp1612]

Hi Fritz, do you have a mobile mechanic who can change my valve cover, gasket, plugs, and whatever else is needed on my N55 X5? I'm in Socal LA/OC.Thanks!

[@Truthtele]

do you have to uplug the battery

[@Diebaas407]

Excellent DIY mate!

[@FritzRamos]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful.

[@freddybell8328]

Do you have to gap the stock spark plugs

[@FritzRamos]

For a stock engine you shouldn't have to

[@RaymondLo84]

Torque spec for all strut should be same? and you forgot to add 90+ for those bolts… Should look up the full manual?

[@alanabt2494]

hello my friend very nice video could you make a detailed video on the 2 gaskets of the oil filter housing

[@FritzRamos]

Thank you. So far my gaskets are holding up. As soon as they start to leak I will.

[@eg-xf5ic]

I saw some stuff online about rotating the bolts an extra 90 degrees after meeting torque, is that necessary?

[@lionelm9540]

When I cold start my engine, it starts and then I have a "stop", and it restart. It does this only on cold start. What do you think ? I have zero warning, zero default code.. I wait for the Socket, I will check the spark plug then I will update..

[@stephenlozano2816]

I’ve got 47k on my M235i now. No issues at all. Hopefully I can push the spark plug change till 60k.

[@FritzRamos]

I hope so too. When I was around that mileage I just bought the spark plugs so I had them ready to go. If you are on the stock tune it shouldn't be a problem

[@stephenlozano2816]

@@FritzRamos yes, stock tune. I do have a Burger Tuning aluminum charge pipe that I still need to have installed, but I’ve had no issues with the stock plastic chargepipe yet.

[@FritzRamos]

@@stephenlozano2816 say what?! Lucky you!

[@hyde_official]

Yeah, I changed mine when it reached 70k and BMW recommends you change it just by that point as you said at 60k.

[@kingming869]

You are lucky, my spark plugs only lasted about 30k miles. Symptoms I had were, hesitating when starting the car (Sometimes) and also the car shakes back and forth a bit during cold start. After I swap out the plugs, both of the issues went away.

[@theodorestamatis512]

Hello Fritz, i am currently stage 1 on my m235 its time to change my sparkplugs, i just got the ngk 97506 should i gap them to 0.022?

[@FritzRamos]

What company's tune are you using? They should be able to give you the answer.

[@theodorestamatis512]

@@FritzRamos bootmod3!! I will actually send them an email!!

[@AR-dz4ne]

You mentioned a tool to check the ignition coil pre-code. Is there a link for that tool? My 235i has a random misfire when idling. Seems to run fine otherwise.

[@FritzRamos]

I had to use the one from my mechanic

[@tlidontknow4326]

How to get rid of the scrap iron powders after removing the old spark plugs?

[@vladts]

I don't understand why remove the foam part first and risk damaging it, when you later take away what is on top of it.

[@droppinBOMBS310]

I replaced my plugs and coils recently. I used OE Bosch so it doesn’t need any gapping. I put everything in, put everything back together and I noticed a ticking when I’m driving above 20mph. So idk what to do at that point. So what I recently did was swap the new Dinan coils back to the OEM coils, then put everything back together, but I’m still getting that sound. It’s not loud, but it’s there. It bothers me lol

[@atlannnuhandy]

Did you figure it out

[@sabbirmilad8234]

Hi, is the Bosch ZR5TP-P33 the correct OEM spark plugs for the M135i N55 engine?

[@blake301987]

Hi mate, I installed these plugs on my car a couple of months ago at this gap and had issues with not burning all the fuel at idle. (MHD stage 2+ N55EWG) I had to go back to stock plugs at a much bigger gap 0.028. After running your car, take out a spark plug and see if the top of the piston is shiny. All my pistons had visible unburnt fuel with these plugs, hopefully you have better luck! Also just for refence, my cars fuel trims are very close to zero with stock plugs, but were very negative with these plugs at that small gap (at idle). All coil packs were replaced too for reference. I also didn't have any issues at WOT, the small gap and colder plug were just too small and too cold to get a full burn at idle.... Interested to see if you have the same issue.

[@FritzRamos]

Thanks for the tip. Once I put a few more miles on it I will check on them, thanks for the tip!

[@gonzrocha7373]

@@FritzRamos I’ve been wanting to install these plugs on mine, what have you found after some months of driving?

[@chanzbeltran202]

I’m going stage 2+, would you recommend .28 on laser iridium ?

[@neilthemedflyspecial]

any reason for not using bosch ZR5TPP33 R8 plugs gapped to .022 on a stock N55 X6? just curious because that's what i bought and don't want to do the install if ngk's are superior.

[@57veggie]

What are the bolts on the strut brace? E18?

[@F30Gremlin]

Hey Fritz, is the the strut bar bolt torque pounds the same for a 2015 335?

[@johnstonlee]

Interval is every 2nd oil change on the 240i

[@FritzRamos]

How often are oil changes?

[@johnstonlee]

@@FritzRamos UK spec condition based servicing is 18k miles / two years. Many do an interim change say 9k miles / 1 year. So can do plugs every 36k miles / 4 years regardless of oil changes

[@garett2892]

Hey man question that’s kinda off topic. From driving my car I’ve noticed a mild knocking noise in the front suspension when going through parking lots and what not under 20mph. Is this normal for the car or should I get that checked?

[@FritzRamos]

Sounds like something is loose or you picked up something while driving. I would take off the wheels and under panel to have a look. Hopefully it's just some trash or a connection that came loose or disconnected. If you can't find it then take it in.

[@samsam_f87]

This actually just happened to me on my 2018 F87. It ended up being a tpms sensor that snapped in half and was spinning around in between the tire and the rim.

[@garett2892]

@@samsam_f87 how much was that fix lol

[@jhonnyo.5128]

How many pounds do I torque spark plugs on a 2014 228 bmw ? Would it be the same ?

[@vibindoe6778]

This was amazing !

[@ArtyYeo]

Great vid! Thumbs UP!

[@FritzRamos]

Thanks for the visit. Glad you found it helpful.

[@battlehrfred]

I know that Spark Plugs has gotten better and last longer due to the "platinum firing tips that dont erode and with the Advancement of Technology , as older standard plugs use to in the 80's that needed to be change frequently. but why is these plugs ( platinum ) the best plugs, changed early,like 60 + thousand miles ?? i have seen them go 2 hundred and 3 hundred thousand in other types of vehicles, without much erosion or wear on the tip (centre Electrode) so why is BMW Recommend to change them so frequent ??? i guess $$$$$$. any input please ty

[@ademc8872]

Platinums life are around 60k kms. Iridiums are double 120k+. So no not obsolete maintenance.

[@bzbuzz76]

You dont have to remove strut bars. I broke the strut bolts and had to drill it out major pain. Just remove those triangle plastic cover arout the strut bars. You have enuf room to work on 5 and 6.

[@Jet3ch]

Can I use these on stock NOT tuned n55 ? And can I then gap them later from .32 to .22?

[@brendonsupersad1113]

What is the strut brace held in by? And what socket can I buy to take it off?

[@B58Gjon]

I did this with my car on? Now car not working need answers!

[@ZacBernasconi]

Well made video

[@FritzRamos]

Thank you

[@radiomaster200]

Is there an order we have to put new ignition coils like are they numbered or just put them in as I work 1-6?

[@neilthemedflyspecial]

the coils are not location specific.

[@JG-ql7ne]

What if I don’t have a newton wrench thingy?

[@neilthemedflyspecial]

if you don't have a torque wrench (you can convert newtons to foot lbs), then you probably shouldn't be working on your own vehicle.

[@SycaShow]

Got NGK iridium spark plugs, Gap to .022 and OMG 😱 quick as f boi it even fixed my alignment

[@edwardmale9941]

Did this fix your misfire?

[@FritzRamos]

Yes it did.

[@davezaffina1983]

I believe the strut tower bolts are one time use. You should buy new ones everytime you remove that strut tower bar

[@a_Somer]

If anyone is in the Houston area, I definitely would like to not attempt this alone.

[@Top_g80comp]

I have always used dialectic grease on all my bmws and always will , same way BMW tells you tranny fluid is lifetime no change .

[@kylesmith9048]

Dallas, TX if anyone needs help!

[@FritzRamos]

Thanks for sharing Kyle!

[@grocerylist]

You should probably change all your ignition coils at the same time, if you ca afford to.

[@FritzRamos]

Or just have them ready to go when they go bad

[@battlehrfred]

why replace them if there is no issue??...if its working fine,why?? ty

[@907_BMW]

I’m from alaska.

[@danniedecker7459]

I almost purchased a 2015 535i recently. Like new, 32k miles. Then I researched... so much plastic under the hood?! Leaks, leaks, leaks... $200 - $300 for an oil change?! We have Lexus & Toyota Avalon currently. When discussing either the word leaks & plastic never comes up. At 140k miles some brakes, battery & oil changes thus far. Will change plugs & flush coolant soon just as preventative. I backed out on the 535i.

[@asron1294]

Pro tip: if you’re replacing your spark plugs for this car, you might as well just replace your coil packs along with them. (It’s 200 bucks if you DIY) This car eats up spark plugs and coil packs. Do it every 45-50k and you should be good.

[@dauwg99]

Yes! Might as well change the valve cover gasket hahaha

[@asron1294]

@@dauwg99 if you already took everything apart might as well adjust the lifters 😞

[@dauwg99]

@@asron1294 hahahahha

[@cammgt3rs370]

Boost Monkey Spark Plug Gap Tool for 12mm & 14mm Threaded Spark Plugs (12mm), proper spark plug gap reducer tool not the one he is using.

[@Alex-vp6uw]

If anyone is near Seattle/Tacoma I need help, please let me know

[@neilthemedflyspecial]

i'm in seattle

[@lucyferr5571]

You should have place the foam first 😂