Spark plugs in an M42: Pain in the arse!

Fri Sep 07, 2007 4:50 pm

As the last few years of my e30s service history is missing and the previous owner didn't really do alot to it, I thought it would be an idea to give it a proper service. Bought myself a set of new sparks today and a spark plug spanner but I didn't get very far as I couldn't get the first one I tried out. Because the plug is such a long way down I couldn't really see what the end of the spanner was doing, I could feel it gripping briefly but it just kept slipping off. I tried the tool with one of the new sparks and it only just goes far enough in to grip the hexagonal bit of the plug so that may be the problem, so maybe I'm using the wrong type of tool but I have no idea.
The tool I'm using is this one:

Could do with some advice on this before I either break something by accident, or break something deliberately out of anger and frustration...
Cheers!

Fri Sep 07, 2007 4:54 pm

just use a spark plug socket from a socket set, and an extension bar or two- should reach down no problems

Fri Sep 07, 2007 5:07 pm

yeh do not round them of or you are in trouble as above get a proper socket and dont drop the new ones is or you will damage them use a magnet or something to put them in and always start them by hand without a ratchet jusst an extention bar and socket - - agreen

Fri Sep 07, 2007 6:02 pm

Might be a daft question, but do you not have the tool in your tool kit in the boot?

Fri Sep 07, 2007 10:39 pm

yup bmw tool is the best!

Sat Sep 08, 2007 12:27 pm

i have the same tool, there is a rubber washer inside the socket which grips the plug,check this isnt twisted stopping the plug from engaging properly, try the new plug cos there is no reason why the plug shouldnt go all the way in. hope this helps

Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:16 am

unfortunately the bmw tool kit in mine is pretty much empty! I wouldn't mind trying to complete it at some point. Tried sticking the new plug in the tool, that's how I found out that it only just grips the thread but not enough to stop it slipping off. I'm getting a better tool off someone I know, so hopefully I'll have more luck with that. Thanks for all the advice chaps

Mon Sep 10, 2007 11:42 am

Original tool is best imho.

Good luck.

Pal

Mon Sep 10, 2007 11:06 pm

Agrees, original BMW tool is best.