Spark plug replacement
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,588
Likes: 392
From: PA
Good point Gronemus.. we want the prior car care to on timely and complete so we feel good about it, then slack off on our own maintenance practices? Doesn't pass the 'sound right' test.
You've made the investment, keep up the maintenance and care and don't let a few dollars get in the way.
My dad is so cheap it's embarrassing... he's the only guy I know that on multiple cars he's burned out the low fuel light because he runs them so long in that condition.
You've made the investment, keep up the maintenance and care and don't let a few dollars get in the way.
My dad is so cheap it's embarrassing... he's the only guy I know that on multiple cars he's burned out the low fuel light because he runs them so long in that condition.
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.....
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,682
Likes: 304
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.
Lead Lap
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 714
Likes: 6
From: md
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.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,682
Likes: 304
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.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 627
Likes: 76
From: Wisconsin
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.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 675
Likes: 23
From: Texas
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.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,588
Likes: 392
From: PA
Instead of acting like an a$$ you could understand that the design of the COP connector is poor. I was trying to remove the connector and because it was so difficult to remove my hand slipped and automatically grabbed the wires and all 4 wires came out.
I would recommend using a large flat head screwdriver and as you depress the female connector tab pry the connector off by wedging the flat head between the female end and the male end.
I would recommend using a large flat head screwdriver and as you depress the female connector tab pry the connector off by wedging the flat head between the female end and the male end.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 627
Likes: 76
From: Wisconsin
Instead of acting like an a$$ 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.
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.
I can't think of a better way to say it. If I sound like an a$$, it wouldn't be the first time...
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