I'm a**l about oil and brake fluid....it surprises me how many folks I talk to won't agree that brake fluid should be done every 2 years (did I read Lexus says 3?). I tend to like coolant replaced as well.

Plugs I went by the book on the BMW, it is 45k. Since the dealer gets $450-$600, I diy'd ($7x is a lot better), lots of stuff has to be taken out of the way but worth the savings. Car was same before and after, no difference. Decided to use Bosch not BMW, same part number on both, one is green, the other blue, saved $3 each plug.

Where I don't seem to follow the book is wheel alignments. Take my BMW--I got the wheels aligned since I got new tires--the car has gone 35k since the last one--every setting was within spec. That is not to say that they did not make any adjustments, just that all was within spec, even after that many miles of hitting potholes what have you.....

 

I'm the OP. Truthfully my main concern in having the plugs changed is how brittle and cooked all the plastic connections are in a 16 year old car. My trusty Indy tech is super careful and aware of these issues so I should be comfortable having him do the job instead of unknown mechanic. When I had my valve cover gaskets replaced was it necessary to unplug the coil connectors to the plugs? Had no issues then. I priced the plugs online and they are around $55-$60. For under $200 including $120 labor it's worth while taking care of it within the near future.

 

Some of the recommended maintenance is a little overkill but I would definitely want to change the stock plugs by 125k miles. But after seeing other members with broken wiring and clips on the coil packs it may be better to wait until the car starts exhibiting signs the plugs need to be changed rather than go in and create bigger issues.

 

Bingo!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think you are right on the money.. Don't wake sleeping dogs.. or don't fix what is not broken???

 

Well the solution to that problem is plainly simple: don't pull on the friggin' wires when removing the connector off of the COP. The wires going to that connector were never designed for that function. There is virtual no strain relief built into them...

 

Instead of acting like an a$$ you could understand that the design of the COP connector is poor. I was trying to remove the connector and because it was so difficult to remove my hand slipped and automatically grabbed the wires and all 4 wires came out.

I would recommend using a large flat head screwdriver and as you depress the female connector tab pry the connector off by wedging the flat head between the female end and the male end.

 

. Hopefully your experience will help me and others when we go to do it. I'm going to post a tip about removing the panels when doing the cup holder...one of my tabs is broken, either I did it or it was already like that, not sure....

 

Um, hello? Isn't that just what I said? The cable design is poor. There is no strain relief function built into the wires. Never once did I callout a person and give them crap for pulling out their wires. In fact, I appreciate people who did so and reported it because it gives others heads up to potential issues.Nevertheless, to avoid changing your overdue plugs, which is what this thread is all about, because you are afraid that you might damage your wires? Well, that just seems silly to me. Just don't pull on the wires and you'll be fine.

I can't think of a better way to say it. If I sound like an a$$, it wouldn't be the first time...