How to Change Spark Plugs on a BMW E39 530i

DIY: Spark plugs on BMW E39s equipped with M54 inline six engines. May apply to M52 engines and E46s.
BMW recommends the spark plugs be changed every 100,000 miles which seems a bit high. Many drivers suggest 60,000 - 80,000 miles.

Tools:

• Various flat tip screwdrivers
• 10 mm socket
• Ratchets and extensions
• 5/8" Spark plug socket
• Torque wrench

Parts:

•  6 Spark Plugs
• NGK BKR6EQUP
• Bosch FGR7DQP

Recommended:

• Dielectric grease for coil harness connectors

Steps: 

• Open hood
• Remove passenger side cabin filter hose. 
• Optional. Will make this job much easier if removed. 
• Use a flat tip screw driver and detach three clips.

• Pull and remove hose from micro filter cabin box.
• Twist and pull hose out from opening. See picture below.

Rubber O-ring that fits over the hole came off with the hose. Not sure if that is supposed to happen but it is easy to reinstall.

Hose completely removed.

• Use a flat tip screwdriver and pop out two small circular covers. See red circles below.

• Use 10 mm socket and remove two nuts holding engine cover. Picture of 10 mm nut below.

• Remove oil fill cap.
• Remove engine cover.
• Reinstall oil fill cap to ensure nothing falls into engine.

• Use flat tip screwdriver and raise metal clips on each coil. 
• Unplug female connector to each coil 

• Use 10 mm socket and remove two 10 mm bolts holding each coil. 
• Coil #1 and #6 have wires attached to them. Note their position for reinstallation. 

#6 Coil. Note the wire on the left.

• Remove each coil by pulling them out.
• Mark each coil to which cylinder they belong to or arrange them in order so they go back to the same spot on installation.
• Use 5/8" spark plug socket and extension to remove spark plugs.
• I highly recommend AMPRO's Spark Plug Socket since it comes with a large extension. 
• GearWrench's 5/8" Spark Plug Socket works as well, but you will need an extension to reach the plugs.   
• Be careful not to use any large side motion when breaking the torque on the plugs. 

Original BMW NGK Spark Plugs removed.

• Install new spark plugs with 5/8" socket and be careful not to cross thread. 
• NGK plugs are coated with a metal jacket and do not need anti-seize.
• The Bentley manual says to torque spark plugs to 18 lb-fts.
• Various sources and NGK list the torque values around 20 - 25 lb-fts. 
• Reinstall coils 
• Install two 10 mm bolts to each coil
• Apply dielectric grease (optional) to female connector and plug into coil
• Press down on metal clips that lock connectors to each coil. 
• Reinstall cabin air filter hose (if removed) 
• Insert end into body of car and twist
• Reinstall other end to filter box and pull towards box so the three clips snap into place
• Remove oil fill cap
• Reinstall engine cover and two 10 mm bolts securing cover
• Reinstall oil fill cap
• Reattach 2 small round clips over 10 mm engine cover bolts. 

Notes: 

It is a good idea to change any coils that are bad at the same time.
Check the plugs to see if there is any fouling or wet oil and gasoline on them
If you have a valve cover gasket leak, this would be a good time to change the gasket.
Changing the old spark plugs may clear any misfires or poor fuel economy and smooth the idle.
NGK says to not use anti-seize because there is a risk of over torque and it is not needed because their threads are coated. It is up to you to decide if you believe NGK and to use or not use anti-seize.

Carpro Iron X on BMW E39 530i Wheel

Carpro's Iron X is an iron remover that can be applied to all car surfaces. Iron X neutralizes the iron and bleeds purple to show that it is working.

I tested Iron X on my BMW E39 530i with wheel style 82. Iron X worked immediately and was really cool to look at.

I let Iron X sit for a few minutes and scrubbed with the Omega Speed Master Wheel Brush.
Cleaning the brake dust and grime seemed way too easy with Iron X. In the past, I had to scrub a lot more using regular wheel cleaner and degreaser. I hosed off left over Iron X and was amazed at how clean my wheel looked. Check out the picture below.

I am impressed, nothing has cleaned the BMW brake dust off so quickly. I will use Iron X once a month or maybe longer since it does a really good job and regular wheel cleaner should be able to maintain regular washes.

Carpro works on paint so it will be great to remove all the tiny rust specks after winter.

Wheel style 82s have the part # 36116751762. 

 

Brass Bleeder Screw for BMW E39s

I purchased the FGT Motorsport brass bleeder screws as a preventative measure and replaced the OEM plastic screws on the thermostat and expansion tank. The FGT screw comes with a rubber seal and the larger slots make it difficult to strip out with a screwdriver.

I read horror stories of drivers being stranded due to their plastic screws warping, leaking, becoming brittle over and time and eventually failing. Being stranded over a plastic screw seems easily avoidable so I spend $24 for two screws for some peace of mind.

Some BMW drivers swear by OEM plastic screws and carry a couple as backup in case they fail. The Dorman Bleeder Screws are a good aftermarket replacement if you are concerned about stripping the plastic threads with the brass screw.

OEM Part# 1711171278, 11537793373

Brass screw is compatible with E46, E36, E30, E38, E39, Mini Coopers, and E83 BMW models. 

Plastic or brass, do not over tighten bleeder screws.

Looking good.

How to Change Engine Air Filter on BMW E39 530i

DIY: Change Engine Air Filter on E39 530i and 525i. May be applicable to E46s.

Parts: 

• Mann Air Filter or Bosch or Mahle.  

Steps: 

• Open hood

• Locate air filter box on the driver's side and right behind the headlamps

• Unlatch two clips (red circles)

Location of other clip closest to driver.

• Pull air filter tray upwards.

• Remove any leaves or debris in air box.

Leaves love to hide in here

• Remove old filter from tray and install new filter. 
• The previous owner used a Napa filter which is a lot thinner than the new Mann filter on the right. 

• Install air filter tray inside air box until the two clips latch into place. 

Notes: 
One my clips would not unlatch so I had to forcefully pull the tray out. Yours may or may not require the same technique.

Please change your engine air filter yourself. The job is very quick and easy. Do not overpay at quick lube places or the dealerships.

Inspect air filter every oil change or 10-15,000 miles. Replace as necessary.

Clean air filter results in better MPG and engine performance. Do not let a clogged air filter cost you money at the pump. 

How to Change Rear Differential Fluid on an BMW E39 530i

Changing rear differential oil on a BMW E39 530i. This DIY applies to non-M E39s with the same  rear differential.

Tools:

• 14 mm hex bit socket or 17 mm.
• Ratchet for 14 mm or 17 mm hex socket.
• Oil Drain Pan. I use the Lisle Black Pan.
• Ramps, Jack and Jack Stands
• Oil transfer pump or suction gun.

Parts:

• Differential oil. I prefer Red Line 75w90 since Mike Miller (Roundel & Bimmer columnist) uses Red Line in his maintenance schedule. Buy two quarts.
• New fill and drain plugs. Part #33117525064
• Plug washers for fill and drain plugs. Part #07119963355

 Recommended: 

• Rags, gloves, respirator (differential fluid is foul smelling), degreaser or kitty litter to clean any spills. Wear old clothes that you can throw away, you do not want to stink up your house or washer with differential oil. 

Steps:

• Jack up E39 and place on jack stands. I drove up on RhinoRhamps and jacked up the rear. 
• Make sure the car is level by using the same jack stands or ramps at all four points. If you do not the same jack stands or ramps, a torpedo level will help in getting the car level.
• I highly recommend jack pad adapters to avoid crushing side plastic jack points.
• I use a low profile jack like Arcan's to avoid damage to the bumpers and rocker panels
• Use wheel chocks to prevent car from sliding while jacking. 

•  Locate the fill and drain plugs on the rear differential. See picture below

The plugs are wet because I sprayed PB blaster on them

• Remove the fill plug FIRST with the 14 mm hex bit and ratchet. You want to make sure the fill plug can be removed before the drain plug. 
• My plugs were badly rusted as the previous owner did not maintain the differential. I sprayed PB Blaster and let it soak for an hour to help loosen the plugs. A breaker bar may also be needed. 

• Remove the drain plug with the same 14 mm hex bit and drain fluid into a drain pan. Draining will take a while as differential fluid is thick. 

  

  Old and new plugs.

• Place new washer on drain plug and install. Torque to 52 ft-lbs. 

• Add differential oil through fill plug hole. Use a quart pump, transfer pump, or suction gun to transfer oil. I used about 1.5 quarts to fill my differential.

• Place new washer on fill plug and install. Torque to 52 ft-lbs.  

• Check for leaks and lower car by removing jacks, ramps, wheel chocks. 

Here are some of the tools I used for this job. 

That's it. Pretty simply job to do yourself and it is a lot cheaper than going to the dealership.

Notes: 

• Mike Miller recommends performing this service every 30,000 miles to maintain the differentials. 

• Some E39 drivers have said changing the differential fluid has stopped the humming or purring noise.

• Please be safe in lifting your E39, if you have never done it or don't feel comfortable, bring your car into the shop to have the service performed.

MTC Magnetic Oil Drain Plug

Drain plug packaging from Amazon

I pulled the trigger and bought the MTC Magnetic Oil Drain Plug from Amazon after reading generally positive reviews.

The MTC plug is the first magnetic one I have purchased and will replace the stock plug on my E39 530i. I want to clear out as much metallic flakes floating around the oil and this plug will be a good indicator by checking how much metallic junk is attached at each oil change.

There are some critics on BMW forums that say the MTC drain plug is snake oil and don't bother buying because the oil filter will collect all the particles. They may be right, but for $5 it's not a huge loss if the evidence doesn't support MTC's claims.

I have not installed the plug because I am not yet due for an oil change. I will post updates and take pictures between oil changes to see if it really works. So far,  I tested the magnet strength by picking up various metallic objects and was able to grabbed large screw drivers with no difficulty. I eagerly wait my next oil change.

Mobil 1 Super Rebate. Up to $15 Off!

Offer is valid until May 31, 2016.

$12 rebate with five quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic oil! $15 if you include a filter.

Amazon is selling the 0W-40 oil for $22.88, that is only $10.88 for five quarts! What a steal. The 5W-30 is priced at $25.47 and the oil filters around $10.

Here is the Mobil 1 promo link with details. Other shoppers say the deal is limited to 2 five quart jugs.

Mobil 1 rebate may not work on Amazon purchases. I have ordered from Walmart online and Exxon Mobil has never turned down my rebate.

Cougar Vortex PWM 120 Cooling CF-V12HPB Black Fan

The Cougar Vortex CF-V12HPB is the best 120mm fans I have purchased.

These fans replace the annoyingly loud stock fans on my Corsair H100i CPU cooler. The Corsair fans sound like jet engines on startup and scream under load. The Vortexes produce a soft whir on startup and hum at idle which is barely noticeable. It is eerily quiet on startup after being used to the super loud startup. I wish Corsair didn't cheaped out on their fans because I really like their coolers. 

I prefer the Cougars over my Noctua NF-F12 PWM because of its value ($13 vs. $20). Going with the Cougars will save a bit of money if you decide to run the push/pull setup on the Corsair coolers. They are both great and the Noctua has nicer packaging and fit, but I feel the Cougar Vortex is better all around.

I have noticed a 3-6 Celsius drop according to the Asus Thermal Radar on my Sabertooth Motherboard at idle and full load. I believe the longer and steeper blades move more air over the stock stubby Corsair blades.

I am very happy with my purchase and suggest anyone to replace the stock Corsair cooling fans with Cougar Vortexes.

BMW Transmission Malfunction Warning

BMW Transmission woes.

I was driving a E90 335i and merging onto the highway when a yellow gear with an exclamation showed up on my dash. iDrive said "Transmission Malfunction. Drive moderately and Reduced Acceleration."

The transmission was stuck in gear and would not downshift or upshift. This was particularly scary going from 75 mph to 45 mph and driving way too slow on the highway. I got off at the nearest exit and quickly pulled over. I shut the car down and then restarted and the warning went away.

Everything seems normal and I have made a service appointment at the dealer to see what is going on. The 335i is under CPO warranty. I will keep you posted on what BMW says.

Symptoms: I noticed the 335i was awkwardly shifting and slipping before I got on the highway. A month ago I was stopped at an intersection and when the light turned green, I took my foot off the brake and the car lurched forward. When I am coming to a stop on a downhill road, the car will shudder and I hear a grinding noise.

Result: Transmission fluid was two quarts low and the fault only occurred once.