Opinions on changing your own oil and plugs

[cozmicf]

Hi all,

I have a 2011 135i (out of warranty) and was just wondering if you guy thinks it's worth changing the oil and plugs myself seeing as it means I miss out on a log book stamp (and thus depreciate the value of the car when I eventually sell it, how much impact does this actually have?)?

Also, I have not done either of these things myself but will be working with some mates who have done similar procedures for their 130i and mx-5 and are fairly handy with a wrench. What is the worst damage I could do changing the spark plugs?

[Dylanize]

I change my oil and plugs myself.

I mean it's pretty straight forward, not sure what you could mess up. Just make sure you are torquing everything down to OE specs.

Also if you really care about logging it, just keep receipts of the parts and maybe a picture of the current odometer for reference?

[Sam_M]

Going to be doing my coils and plugs this weekend myself.

Also out of warranty, E82 135i N55.

You need a narrow spark plug tool and ideally a torque wrench.

All I'm doing is putting the receipts for the parts in with all the rest and then filling in the service book myself, will probably take pics of the process too.

Any enthusiast (IMO) won't care that you've done basics yourself.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by SamM_UK

Going to be doing my coils and plugs this weekend myself.

Also out of warranty, E82 135i N55.

You need a narrow spark plug tool and ideally a torque wrench.

All I'm doing is putting the receipts for the parts and then filling in the service book myself, will probably take pics of the process too.

Any enthusiast (IMO) won't care that you've done basics yourself.

Not just a narrow spark plug tool, you need one specifically for the 12 point BMW plugs.

Does anybody really care about stamps in the book? They don't even bother with that at the dealers here.

[Sam_M]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Not just a narrow spark plug tool, you need one specifically for the 12 point BMW plugs.

Yes you're right, thanks for keeping me honest!

Mine's at the post office now waiting for collection.

[crowtrobot]

Thirded. I just keep receipts of the parts ordered and a google Doc of the mileage, repairs done, parts, torque specs and any other misc. observations/notes during the repair.

If I were shopping for a specific car and saw someone doing these things themselves, just the fact that it's logged shows some attention to detail, wouldn't be too much of a concern.

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Does anybody really care about stamps in the book? They don't even bother with that at the dealers here.

I believe that stopped in the 80's or 90's dealers don't care since all they have to do is plug the key fob in and it will tell them.

[desertman123]

I just keep this on google drive and update it whenever I touch the car.

[E91WAG3N]

Originally Posted by cozmicf

Hi all,

I have a 2011 135i (out of warranty) and was just wondering if you guy thinks it's worth changing the oil and plugs myself seeing as it means I miss out on a log book stamp (and thus depreciate the value of the car when I eventually sell it, how much impact does this actually have?)?

Also, I have not done either of these things myself but will be working with some mates who have done similar procedures for their 130i and mx-5 and are fairly handy with a wrench. What is the worst damage I could do changing the spark plugs?

You can strip the threads. Use a torque wrench, especially if you do not have a feel for hand tightening it.

[cozmicf]

Great ideas guys. I will take pictures and keep my own custom log sheet.

I have got the thin wall socket tool for BMWs already as well as the plugs.

I will be following this youtube video to change the plugs, although it is for a 335i. Do you guys know if all the steps apply exactly the same?

[ianc]

Keep your receipts and note the mileage. Potential buyers will want to see that.

RE: the video; since your car is also an N55, it should be the same,

ianc

[cozmicf]

Originally Posted by ianc

Keep your receipts and note the mileage. Potential buyers will want to see that.

RE: the video; since your car is also an N55, it should be the same,

ianc

Yeah, the video is for the same engine, but just wondering if the surrounding stuff in the engine bay is the same.

[Vigilante375]

There is no such thing as depreciation for not having maintenance done at a dealership or service place. Unless that is something specific for Aussie land but I would think not.

Basic maintenance is something everyone should do to their cars and not feel like they have to go to a shop or dealer to get it done but hey....the majority of people can't even figure out where the battery is in their vehicle.

Just do like you said from the other posters and keep a running list of anything you do. The video for the engine part is going to be the same but taking all those other pieces off I'm not sure. I'm not near my car to check.

Follow this but its for an N54 but it'll still give you an idea for the 135i layout:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=602804

Remember, that is for an N54. Don't want you to get N54 spark plugs for your N55 engine.

[kprocivic]

I got very quick at changing the plugs. I could do all of them in about 15 mins in my hayday.

[WDE82]

Originally Posted by cozmicf

Hi all,

I have a 2011 135i (out of warranty) and was just wondering if you guy thinks it's worth changing the oil and plugs myself seeing as it means I miss out on a log book stamp (and thus depreciate the value of the car when I eventually sell it, how much impact does this actually have?)?

Also, I have not done either of these things myself but will be working with some mates who have done similar procedures for their 130i and mx-5 and are fairly handy with a wrench. What is the worst damage I could do changing the spark plugs?

It's not going to hurt resale. These cars already drop like rocks in sale price. Nothing you can do to save it. Don't concern yourself with resale at all to be honest. Don't look at going rates for your car ever. It will depress you how much it loses every year haha

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

The plugs are good for 60K miles, and I'll be trading it for an M2 long before that! I've still gotta do the oil once a year, I figure 3 more changes. Unfortunately, I'll need one more set of tires, since they've have maybe another 10K+ miles left.

Woohoohoo M2, I can hardly wait!

[desertman123]

Originally Posted by WDE82

It's not going to hurt resale. These cars already drop like rocks in sale price. Nothing you can do to save it. Don't concern yourself with resale at all to be honest. Don't look at going rates for your car ever. It will depress you how much it loses every year haha

My car is now $2000 under what I paid for.... 8 months ago................

[greenthumb]

I followed the above video when I did my plugs the first time and can vouch for it being accurate for the 135i.

[Sam_M]

I was just watching that video ready for tomorrow!

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by ubersteuer

You can strip the threads. Use a torque wrench, especially if you do not have a feel for hand tightening it.

Or have the spark plug blow out 10k km later. Just had a car in the shop with just that. Now it needs a new head.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Not just a narrow spark plug tool, you need one specifically for the 12 point BMW plugs.

Does anybody really care about stamps in the book? They don't even bother with that at the dealers here.

The Germans do! lol Really the German's give you a lousy six month warranty... then IF you do not bring the car into them for a 300 euro oil change(& stamping of your service book) IF anything goes wrong with the car... they can refuse the warranty work! No kidding. Its pretty crappy how far behind the German's are on customer service.

Basically my US spec car gets a two year(unlimited km) warranty(in the USA it would have been four years or 50K miles PLUS free services). Nothing is free in Germany! BUT, the basic warranty over here is really just six months(no questions asked) then its up to BMW AG and it's dealer to "see" IF they feel like fixing the car on their dime.

I've done all my services and I am not worried about resale value or those stamps in the book. I keep all my receipts in a three ring binder for reference.

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

The plugs are good for 60K miles, and I'll be trading it for an M2 long before that! I've still gotta do the oil once a year, I figure 3 more changes. Unfortunately, I'll need one more set of tires, since they've have maybe another 10K+ miles left.

Woohoohoo M2, I can hardly wait!

Actually spark plugs should be changed every 45K miles for a 135i. For a 135is or a 135i with the PPK...(or a 1M) the plugs should be changed every 30K miles).

The 128i long life plugs can last 100K miles... but I would replace those at 50K or 60K miles. Spark plugs are not really that expensive and really make such a big part of the engine's performance and state of tune.

You really need the special BMW tool or the like(SnapOn, Hazet, etc) quality 14mm 12 point narrow walled(only 1mm's!) socket. The LAST thing you want is to damage a spark plug or threads or be stuck with your car half torn apart while you search for the proper tools.

OP I would also recommend you to change your pollen filter since you will have to remove it when you do the plugs.




Note how thin the socket walls are!






PPK decal that euro cars get to change their spark plugs...



135i Spark Plug replacement DIY...
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...0&postcount=76

and...

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...&postcount=180

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Or have the spark plug blow out 10k km later. Just had a car in the shop with just that. Now it needs a new head.

Damn... I guess there was no room for a time-sert or helicoil ?

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

The Germans do! lol Really the German's give you a lousy six month warranty... then IF you do not bring the car into them for a 300 euro oil change(& stamping of your service book) IF anything goes wrong with the car... they can refuse the warranty work! No kidding. Its pretty crappy how far behind the German's are on customer service.

Damn... I guess there was no room for a time-sert or helicoil ?

Wow, 6 months, really? Learned something new today.

And for the car in our shop, it is on a V6 on the back head. Would need to remove the head anyways to get in there.