Spark Plug Socket

TechE · 05-18-2018, 03:58 AM

Is the special "thin wall" socket honestly required to change plugs on an N55? Will a normal 14mm not fit? Worked fine on my M54's and I pulled them out with a magnet tool if needed..

YearOneOne · 05-18-2018, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E.Usaf

Is the special "thin wall" socket honestly required to change plugs on an N55? Will a normal 14mm not fit? Worked fine on my M54's and I pulled them out with a magnet tool if needed..

No it won't fit

chris_flies · 05-18-2018, 06:50 AM

You'll need the special tool. They come in like every larger socket set. Be sure it has a U-Joint, it's what BMW recommends...

TechE · 05-18-2018, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_flies

You'll need the special tool. They come in like every larger socket set. Be sure it has a U-Joint, it's what BMW recommends...

Are you referring to a basic spark plug type socket coming in larger kits? Those aren't "thin wall". The only real benefit they have is the rubber insert to grip and pull the plugs. The joints aren't a problem, I do mechanical work by trade and have access to pretty much anything I could need, except this specific BMW socket apparently.

I just find it hard to believe you can't fit a regular deepwell metric in, given how thin they are already.. It just takes so long to get to them, lol, but at this rate I might bite the bullet and try.

YearOneOne · 05-18-2018, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E.Usaf

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_flies

You'll need the special tool. They come in like every larger socket set. Be sure it has a U-Joint, it's what BMW recommends...

Are you referring to a basic spark plug type socket coming in larger kits? Those aren't "thin wall". The only real benefit they have is the rubber insert to grip and pull the plugs. The joints aren't a problem, I do mechanical work by trade and have access to pretty much anything I could need, except this specific BMW socket apparently.

I just find it hard to believe you can't fit a regular deepwell metric in, given how thin they are already.. It just takes so long to get to them, lol, but at this rate I might bite the bullet and try.

Just try it out then

chris_flies · 05-18-2018, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E.Usaf

Are you referring to a basic spark plug type socket coming in larger kits? Those aren't "thin wall". The only real benefit they have is the rubber insert to grip and pull the plugs. The joints aren't a problem, I do mechanical work by trade and have access to pretty much anything I could need, except this specific BMW socket apparently.

I just find it hard to believe you can't fit a regular deepwell metric in, given how thin they are already.. It just takes so long to get to them, lol, but at this rate I might bite the bullet and try.

I think I actually used a normal plug socket, but I'll be able to check on that in 3 hours...

MrKevinRosales · 05-18-2018, 11:35 AM

I used a regular socket when I changed my spark plugs.
No real issues that I remember

MightyMouseTech · 05-18-2018, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E.Usaf

Is the special "thin wall" socket honestly required to change plugs on an N55? Will a normal 14mm not fit? Worked fine on my M54's and I pulled them out with a magnet tool if needed..

It's a 12 pt. Like said above, it won't fit.

gjm120 · 05-18-2018, 12:15 PM

I thought only a special thin walled socket was needed for the N54 or N55.

MightyMouseTech · 05-18-2018, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gjm120

I thought only a special thin walled socket was needed for the N54 or N55.

OP has an N55.

gjm120 · 05-18-2018, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

OP has an N55.

Gotcha. I was directing my comment at chris_flies.

Happy Jose · 05-19-2018, 09:00 AM

Get this cheapskates:

http://www.burgertuning.com/N54_BMW_...t_adapter.html

It has a nifty magnet to grip the plug.

JimD · 05-19-2018, 01:32 PM

I find there is significant wall variation in sockets. Cheaper ones are often thicker, presumably to make up for not as good steel. If what you have seems reasonably thin, seems worth a try.

TechE · 05-20-2018, 06:31 PM

So as I changed my oil today I noticed the first plug is easy to access. Got the coil out and tried a few different sockets. They all seemed to drop in just fine, however, none we're able to fully seat on the plug due to the angle.. Why it was designed like this is beyond me. It's still hard to believe this specialized one is thinner than what I have on hand, and will work in this situation, but looks like I'll have one on the way soon..

ShocknAwe · 05-20-2018, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happy Jose

Get this cheapskates:

http://www.burgertuning.com/N54_BMW_...t_adapter.html

It has a nifty magnet to grip the plug.

BMS socket is perfect. Just buy it.

jsublime · 05-21-2018, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E.Usaf

So as I changed my oil today I noticed the first plug is easy to access. Got the coil out and tried a few different sockets. They all seemed to drop in just fine, however, none we're able to fully seat on the plug due to the angle.. Why it was designed like this is beyond me. It's still hard to believe this specialized one is thinner than what I have on hand, and will work in this situation, but looks like I'll have one on the way soon..

This is why it's important to put a universal on the socket before the extension. that way you're at the correct angle. Otherwise, you risk cracking the ceramic insulators.

Happy Jose · 05-25-2018, 04:05 PM

I always buy the very best tools. I would never recommend crap!

If you screw up installing a plug, you'll wish you were having lunch with Mr Hitler!

MightyMouseTech · 05-25-2018, 04:09 PM

Some people only learn the hard way.

NorthernDancer · 05-25-2018, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsublime

This is why it's important to put a universal on the socket before the extension. that way you're at the correct angle. Otherwise, you risk cracking the ceramic insulators.

Bav Auto sell a socket for plugs that is 12 inches long, magnetic insert. $19.95

05-18-2018, 03:58 AM	#1
TechE Private First Class 90 Rep 186 Posts Drives: E90 M3, U11 X1 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	Spark Plug Socket Is the special "thin wall" socket honestly required to change plugs on an N55? Will a normal 14mm not fit? Worked fine on my M54's and I pulled them out with a magnet tool if needed..
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05-18-2018, 06:50 AM	#3
chris_flies Sideways and Smiling 3027 Rep 2,860 Posts Drives: In Exuberance Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Rosamond, CA USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW E91 328i [0.00]	You'll need the special tool. They come in like every larger socket set. Be sure it has a U-Joint, it's what BMW recommends... __________________ 2012 BMW 328i 6-Speed Wagon \| Deep Sea Blue with Grey Dakota Leather \| Manual Swap, 330i Intake + Tune, 3.15 Helical LSD, Öhlins R&T (SOLD) 2009 BMW 128i 6-Speed Coupé \| Monaco Blue with Black Sensatec \| chris_flies' 128i thread
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05-18-2018, 11:35 AM	#7
MrKevinRosales Private First Class 84 Rep 199 Posts Drives: '11 135i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	I used a regular socket when I changed my spark plugs. No real issues that I remember __________________ 2011 E82 N55 135i ///M Sport • 6MT • Crimson Red/Black Boston Leather BMW PPK• BMW PE • BMW Aero Kit • Blacklines • Arc 8's • VRSF Charge Pipe • B12 Pro-kit
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05-18-2018, 12:15 PM	#9
gjm120 Colonel 2182 Rep 2,806 Posts Drives: 2013 128i, 2021 230i Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: East Texas iTrader: (1)	I thought only a special thin walled socket was needed for the N54 or N55. __________________ E82 / BMWP Springs / Koni Yellows / M front control arms / Adjustable front endlinks / M rear guide rods / Whiteline Poly RSFB
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05-19-2018, 09:00 AM	#12
Happy Jose Banned 114 Rep 334 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 135i M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Waynesville, Ohio iTrader: (0)	Get this cheapskates: http://www.burgertuning.com/N54_BMW_...t_adapter.html It has a nifty magnet to grip the plug.
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05-19-2018, 01:32 PM	#13
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	I find there is significant wall variation in sockets. Cheaper ones are often thicker, presumably to make up for not as good steel. If what you have seems reasonably thin, seems worth a try. __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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05-20-2018, 06:31 PM	#14
TechE Private First Class 90 Rep 186 Posts Drives: E90 M3, U11 X1 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	So as I changed my oil today I noticed the first plug is easy to access. Got the coil out and tried a few different sockets. They all seemed to drop in just fine, however, none we're able to fully seat on the plug due to the angle.. Why it was designed like this is beyond me. It's still hard to believe this specialized one is thinner than what I have on hand, and will work in this situation, but looks like I'll have one on the way soon..
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05-25-2018, 04:05 PM	#17
Happy Jose Banned 114 Rep 334 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 135i M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Waynesville, Ohio iTrader: (0)	What Hell is Really Like! I always buy the very best tools. I would never recommend crap! If you screw up installing a plug, you'll wish you were having lunch with Mr Hitler!
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05-25-2018, 04:09 PM	#18
MightyMouseTech Major General 4338 Rep 6,196 Posts Drives: 13 135i 6MT LeMans Blue MSport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	Some people only learn the hard way.
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