Help with spark plugs

[Porthos]

I am in the US but, I own a UK market 318i Touring with the M40B18 engine in it. I bought some NGK BPR6ES spark plugs to replace the ones that are in the car now because I can not tell when the last time they were done. First, I can not get the 19mm socket into the plug hole it is too big(that's what she said!). Is there a special socket? Second, I just wanted to make sure that they plug I had would fit the 19mm socket and the plug is larger than the socket. So I am lost on what should be a very easy task and would like some help.

[jimmyspeed]

Check your tool roll in the boot/trunk - there should be a long hexagonal tube which pairs with a grey handled bar that slots in to change your plugs. If not you can buy special tools

[maxfield]

It should be a 21mm socket you need.

You can get spark plug sockets from most motor factors which are reasonably thin walled.

[Porthos]

Thanks for the help I will go look right now and let you know.

[Porthos]

So I went and looked for the tool kit. Now this car is 25 years old. It has 25 years worth of service records, the original first aid kit, the jack, and I am the 2nd owner but, it does not have the tool kit.

It should be a 21mm socket you need.

You can get spark plug sockets from most motor factors which are reasonably thin walled.

The 19 won't even fit into the spark plug whole so I am not sure going bigger will be better.

[maxfield]

Spark plug sockets are thin walled to fit into tight spaces. Have you tried a socket on a new plug so you know the size?

They are either 21mm or 16mm (bar some new BMWs which are 14mm double hex) and I'm pretty certain they are 21mm.

[Porthos]

Ya it has to be a 21mm because I read on another website it was 19mm and that definitely does not fit.

[Porthos]

So I can't find a tool kit or that specific tool to remove them. I am new to E30s and especially the touring model can anyone tell me where in the car I should find the tool kit.

[jimmyspeed]

no worries - your specifically looking for this



It should be in a tool roll in the rear pods - i would check the spare wheel area as well. Although it sounds although yours is missing.

If you can't find the tool buy a socket one like maxfield said or get one like this -


summit racing or jegs will have tonnes

[reggid]

spark plug socket is a deep socket and correct size is 13/16" or 21mm

[Porthos]

spark plug socket is a deep socket and correct size is 13/16" or 21mm

I understand that but, it will not fit into the spark plug hole.

[jimmyspeed]

[quote="maxfield"]Spark plug sockets are thin walled to fit into tight spaces.

[Porthos]

[reggid]

yeah how about buy a dedicated spark plug socket. A generic one fits fine....

[jimmyspeed]

spark plug socket is a deep socket and correct size is 13/16" or 21mm

I understand that but, it will not fit into the spark plug hole.

[Porthos]

I will get one in the morning.

[Porthos]

This is what I am working with \

[Porthos]

I will give that a try when it is not raining. El Nino has officially arrived in Southern California.

[fixedwheelnut]

This is what you need 16mm thin wall 3/8th drive plug socket

http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/Spark-Plug ... oCgYDw_wcB

[Porthos]

If my 16mm does not fit I will give that one a go.

[Porthos]

Ya, it is the 16mm. Going to go look for the correct plugs.

[Porthos]

Pretty sure I ordered the correct spark plugs this time. SHould find out in a couple of days. Never had this much trouble with such an easy piece of maintenance.

[Porthos]

Finally got the correct plugs and they installed beautifully, thanks for looking out W
illnz. I have some pics too. The ones in their were the Bosch ones which are a tad bit more expensive.