Thursday, September 22, 2011

How easy is it to change the spark plugs on a bmw 523i e39 ?

is it a diy job or am i best just leaving it to the pro's .Also need to change fuel filter how easy are they???????How easy is it to change the spark plugs on a bmw 523i e39 ?
Spark plug should be easy enough for average home mechanic. Just don't strip the aluminum block - use the anti-seize and torque wrench!!! I would also spray Wd40 into the spark plug whole and let it sit for a minute before taking them out. I would use Bosch or NGK plug for this car. Also don't be surprised when half of these plug holes are buried in oil. It is a common problem for this car to leak the oil from the failed plug gasket. Replacing the ring gasket is another 40 minute job, and you would have to do several times for life of the car. If you torque down the plugs properly, it would not get bad enough to stall the car.



I would leave the fuel filter to a mechanic. Usually 5 series fuel filter is located near the rear sub-frame. But for these cars, I think is located under the driver seat. It is supported by small sub-frame and is pain in the butt to take it out. If you are experienced in replacing fuel filter for other cars, it should be straight forward. Otherwise, leave it up a mechanic. They have lifters that would make this job much easier.How easy is it to change the spark plugs on a bmw 523i e39 ?
Sang K have pretty much got everything covered.



If you should decide to do the fuel filter yourself, make sure you DEPRESSURIZE the fuel line before you start! Or you'll end up spraying fuel at high pressures all over the place and possibly in your face/eyes (gasoline in your eyes = very painful = NOT GOOD).



Do this by pulling out the fuel pump fuse and starting the car, rev it till it dies out. Even after this, you should wear a pair of goggles when you undo the fuel line hose from the filter because there may still be some pressure left in there.



For the spark plugs, you can buy small packs of anti-seize from Autozone or Advance Auto Parts (presumably the same place where you would buy your spark plugs) for $1 or so. 2 packets should be enough.