2000 Z3-2.3l How To Replace Spark Plugs

[mlschlot]

I'm attempting to replace the spark plugs in my 2000 model year Z3, 2.3L 6 cylinder engine. The Bentley manual instructs me to remove the trim shield on top of the engine to expose the 6 coils mounted on top of each spark plug. When I remove the trim shield on my engine, I expose the the fuel injectors, plastic intake plenum, injector harnesses, and brass fuel lines. Where did they put the plugs on this beast, and how do I get to them?

[Hootie361]

Check the trunk.

No, I'm just kidding. Does your engine have a two-piece cover? And are you sure you're not looking at the coils as opposed to the fuel injectors? Facing the engine compartment from the front bumper, my coils are under the left cover... but this is an M52TU engine.

[mlschlot]

My left cover is the valve cover. Moving right, next is the trim strip, which exposes the injectors. Then, I have the intake plenum. I'm wondering if the plugs are somehow mounted underneath all of this stuff.

[legal7s]

There are only two covers on the top of the engine. You took off the injector cover. Remove the two small caps in the other cover and remove the two nuts this will give you access to the Coils.

[bryan1970]

yeah Legal is right. i think you took the injector cover off. the coil cover looks like you valve cover but isn't there are 2 caps almost inline with the oil cap, which also has to come off for the coil cover to come off. under the caps there are a 10mm nut under each. take those out and the oil cap then the coil cover should come off. then for the coils there will be either 2 10mm bolts for each coil which need to be taken out if they are present, there are also braided ground strpas that attach to a few of the coil bolts make sure they get back on where they came from. or if the engine is newer you just pull the locks up on the connectors for the coils then just pull the coils out. then when your putting the plugs back in i belive that the torque spec on the plugs is 32 Nm. which is roughly 22 ft-lbs. then just revers the process you did to take it all apart to put it all back together

[mlschlot]

Thanks everyone. I had figured it out after posting. The left trim cover looked so much like a normal valve cover, I never bothered to look at it more closely. It seals so tightly around the oil filler opening, I honestly thought taking the cover off would only expose the cam shafts. Duhh!