CONTINUED FROM ABOVE ...
My torque wrench was acting up (see broken oilpan bolt thread for details) so I used the 1/2-turn "torque angle" method of tightening the spark plugs after applying anti-seize to the threads.
I used a hose to start the spark plug, twisting counterclockwise before twisting clockwise, and tightening hand tight with the hose, and then with just the spark plug socket and extension bar.
Again, I worked my way down, this time from front to rear:
Again, the #6 cylinder required slightly different combinations of shorter elements:
Zipping it all back up, I lifted up all the clips, and reattached the coil wire harness connector, starting from #6 and working back to #1:
One of the cylinders wouldn't allow the coil to be reattached; this was solved when I realized the spark plug socket rubber boot was still on the #1 plug. I removed it with a very long pair of tweezers.
For the record, I took careful note of attaching the two ground straps (#1 & #6) properly:
And, for what it's worth, I used dielectric grease on all electrical connections:
Here's a shot of all the coils lined up, ready for me to snap down on the metal spring clip to lock the electrical connection into place.
At this point, I did a visual inspection and then started the car to run the water-shake test:
Then, I replaced both plastic engine covers, and the bolts and nuts holding them down:
And, finally, I performed the final visual inspection prior to closing the hood on another successful DIY.
For reference, here is a snapshot of the E39 Bentley recommendations for the E39:
For reference, here is a quick look at the various spark plug types used in recent engines:
For reference, here is a spark plug application chart for a variety of modern BMWs:
And, for reference, here is a deciphering key for NGK spark plug markings:
For reference, here is an NGK brochure describing torque for the various thread-size plugs:
For reference, this diagram shows torque angles for the NGK spark plugs:
For reference, this NGK technical bulletin discusses the use of anti-seize (they don't recommend it):
And, for those who want to know more about the advanced plugs, here is a three-page TIS from BMW describing the features:
My torque wrench was acting up (see broken oilpan bolt thread for details) so I used the 1/2-turn "torque angle" method of tightening the spark plugs after applying anti-seize to the threads.
I used a hose to start the spark plug, twisting counterclockwise before twisting clockwise, and tightening hand tight with the hose, and then with just the spark plug socket and extension bar.
Again, I worked my way down, this time from front to rear:
Again, the #6 cylinder required slightly different combinations of shorter elements:
Zipping it all back up, I lifted up all the clips, and reattached the coil wire harness connector, starting from #6 and working back to #1:
One of the cylinders wouldn't allow the coil to be reattached; this was solved when I realized the spark plug socket rubber boot was still on the #1 plug. I removed it with a very long pair of tweezers.
For the record, I took careful note of attaching the two ground straps (#1 & #6) properly:
And, for what it's worth, I used dielectric grease on all electrical connections:
Here's a shot of all the coils lined up, ready for me to snap down on the metal spring clip to lock the electrical connection into place.
At this point, I did a visual inspection and then started the car to run the water-shake test:
Then, I replaced both plastic engine covers, and the bolts and nuts holding them down:
And, finally, I performed the final visual inspection prior to closing the hood on another successful DIY.
For reference, here is a snapshot of the E39 Bentley recommendations for the E39:
For reference, here is a quick look at the various spark plug types used in recent engines:
For reference, here is a spark plug application chart for a variety of modern BMWs:
And, for reference, here is a deciphering key for NGK spark plug markings:
For reference, here is an NGK brochure describing torque for the various thread-size plugs:
For reference, this diagram shows torque angles for the NGK spark plugs:
For reference, this NGK technical bulletin discusses the use of anti-seize (they don't recommend it):
And, for those who want to know more about the advanced plugs, here is a three-page TIS from BMW describing the features: