N54 Spark Plug Replacement

Fits US N54 cars

E90/E92/E93 335i and 335xi, E82/E88 135i, E60/E61 535i and 535xi, E89 Z4 sDrive35i and 35is, E71 X6 xDrive35i, F01/F02 740i and 740Li.

Drawing of the engine bay, acoustic cover and intake filter housing with numbered dots: 1 Acoustic cover; 2 Intake filter housing — Acoustic cover

Intake filter housing

Generic layout: yours may differ.

Plug torque: 23 Nm
Thread: M12x1.25
Socket: 12 1 220

Before you start

Switch off the ignition. Plugs sit under the acoustic cover on top of the engine. Remove that cover only when ambient is at least 20 degrees C.

What you replace

Spark plug, BOSCH ZGR6STE2

12 12 0 037 244

Renew at service. Superseded 12 12 0 034 087 is not orderable.

Bosch ZGR6STE2 plug

Ignition coil (current)

12 13 5 A06 753

Bremi ignition coil

Ignition coil, DELPHI

12 13 8 616 153

BMW's catalog lists it for builds up to 04/2006. Later cars list 12 13 5 A06 753.

Out in this order

Acoustic cover20 degrees C minimum ambient
Intake filter housingO2 and MAF connectors, clamps
Ignition coilspull up slowly
Blow out plug wellscompressed air, goggles
Spark plugsM12x1.25, 23 Nm
Coils and intakeseat coil lip, clamps 3 Nm

Steps, torque values and part rules come from BMW's repair instructions for N54 spark plug service. Part numbers come from BMW's parts catalog up to 2020. Check yours by VIN.

Drawing of the N52 engine bay with the ignition coils pulled out and the plug wells open with numbered dots: 1 Open plug well; 2 Valve cover — Open plug well

Valve cover

Shown on our N52. Same method on the N54.

Tools

Spark plug socket SW 14

12 1 220

Spark plug fitting aid

12 1 230

Flexible extension

BMW allows a flexible extension only. Do not use a rigid plug socket on this engine.

Shop tip: On our N52 and N55 cars we used a ratchet, an extension and a swivel spark plug socket; the N55 had more to take off first.

Compressed air and safety goggles

Steps

Ignition off, acoustic cover

Remove the acoustic cover. Use distilled water only as a release aid if it is stuck.

Caution: remove the acoustic cover only when ambient is at least 20 degrees C.
Open the intake

Disconnect the O2 and MAF connectors, loosen the clamps and lift the intake filter housing clear.
Pull the coils
1. Ignition coil
2. Coil connector
3. Silicone boot
Generic layout: yours may differ.
Disconnect and pull each coil straight up slowly.

Caution: keep fuel, oil and grease off the coil boot.
Blow out the wells
1. Open plug well
2. Valve cover
Shown on our N52. Same method on the N54.
Blow out each plug well with compressed air before you break a plug loose. Wear safety goggles.
Swap the plugs
1. Spark plug
2. Swivel plug socket
3. Extension
Shown on our N55. Same method on the N54.
Remove each plug with tool 12 1 220 and a flexible extension. Install with tool 12 1 230 and torque to 23 Nm.

Caution: do not grease or oil plug threads. Keep the ceramic insulator clean.
Reinstall and finish

Reinstall the coils, intake filter housing and acoustic cover.
- Seat each coil sealing lip and check the anti-twist lock.
- Tighten the clean air pipe clamps to 3 Nm.
Caution: a dropped plug can close the gap and hurt idle. Fish it out before you crank.