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Repair Summary
This article gives detailed instructions on replacing the spark plugs and ignition coils in a BMW vehicle with the M60 V8 engine. Even though we used a 1995 840i to perform this repair, this article can be applied to any BMW vehicle with the M60 8 cylinder engine with minor modifications to the repair steps.
A BMW M60 engine tune-up involves replacing the spark plugs and ignition coils in your V8 engine.
This eight-cylinder workhorse was ultimately replaced in 1995 by the M62 4.4L V8. Notorious for reliability issues due to it's Nikasil lined engine block (most of which are overstated) the M60 has been unfortunately black listed among many BMW enthusiasts. But many reliable cars still remain in service with M60 engines in them, and with proper care and maintenance, they will be around for a long time.
It is recommended that both the spark plugs and the ignition coils are replaced at the same time to keep your BMW M60 engine running optimally. The Repair Guide suggests completing a BMW M60 tune-up every 60,000 miles.
View the detailed parts diagram for this repair.
Includes detailed part diagrams, part numbers and links to purchase all of the required components needed to complete this repair.
Section 1 - Removing and Replacing the Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils
Removing and replacing the spark plugs and ignition coils in your M60 V8 engine is actually quite simple. The M60 engine is easy to maneuver around and there are no major parts that need to be removed or relocated to reach the cylinders.- Use a socket wrench to disconnect the negative terminal from the battery before starting this repair. Always cover the terminal with a clean rag to avoid accidental contact during the repair. If working on a vehicle with 2 batteries (8 series), disconnect the negative terminal from both batteries. ALWAYS disconnect the battery(s) before performing any type of mechanical repair, especially in the engine compartment.
- Remove the four 10mm nuts anchoring the top engine cover. Remove cover from engine bay.
- Remove the two side engine covers. The covers are held in place by two 10mm bolts.
- Unclip the electrical connector from the coil pack on cylinder #1 by pulling up with your fingers. Remove the electrical connection from the coil pack.
- Use a 10mm socket to remove the two nuts anchoring the coil pack to the engine.
- Remove the coil pack from the spark plug.
- Use a ⅝” spark plug socket and extension to remove the spark plug.
- Prep the new spark plug by putting a thin layer of anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the new spark plug. This keeps the spark plug from seizing to the cylinder head and allows it to be easily removed during the next tune up.
- Reinstall the new spark plug and torque to 25Nm (18 ft-lb).
- Add a dollop of dilithium grease to the coil pack boot so it can be removed easily during the next tune up.
- Repeat for other 7 cylinders.
- Reinstall engine parts following steps 1-6 in reverse.
BMW M60 Engine Tune-Up Finished
