My 3 is due for spark plugs and I planned on doing them myself but then saw write ups about stripping the heads. I guess my question is should I really be worried about stripping the heads? I have done plugs before but never on aluminum heads, I called a local Indy place and they want $250 just for labor and the closest dealer is two hours away. I know the engine needs to be cold and here in upstate NY that's no problem this time of year. I have replaced my alternator, starter and a few other things on my 3 so I am somewhat mechanically inclined. Thanks for the input!

 

I have not done them on a 3, but on plenty of D2s and P38s. I use a spark plug starter tool.

It's basically a glorified rubber hose you slip over the end of the plug then twist the hose to thread into the head. The flexible hose and lack of grip ensure you cannot cross thread the plug into the hole.

 

Recently did mine. Was easy as pie. Hardest part was the rear plugs and angles of the ratchet.

 

Does anyone have tips/instructions/photos?

Been meaning to get this done too.

 

Yeah I did this was not as bad as it looked , be sure engine is stone cold IMO
There may be some help in my 06 hse thread

 

Hi, just did mine, couple weeks ago. As people have said, super-easy. Yes, hardest bit is probably spending a few minutes getting the right length of socket extension piece(s). I used a magnetic parts tray to keep a bunch of different pieces close by, while laying on top of the engine bay, on top of cushions. Tip - Make sure you have a very small screwdriver, no more than about 3mm blade width, to manipulate the plastic connectors, so that you can easily pull them off. Put vehicle down to access height, makes it easier. I put some anti-sieze stuff onto spark plug threads. No need to check or change the Spark Plug gap, as long as you get OEM or equivalent.

 

Did my plugs this morning. It went great, it only took me an hour and 10 minutes! Atlantic British has a how to video that I watched before install that I believe helped!

 

Atlantic British just posted a video on their "how to" section on their website showing how to do a spark plug change on an LR3 4.4.

 

The hardest part was the the back one on the passenger side. That has the least access and was the hardest one to get out. I took my time inching it out as I didnt want to strip it. It was a little over 2 hours for me but I took my time. My baby had 112,000 miles at the time...

I used the OEM plugs from Atlantic British just to be on the safe side.