there are several tricks that make the plugs much easier to remove, I won't have to do it for a long while but when i do i will make a writeup on the 20minute plug change procedure. the 370 is really not all that bad, any fwd v6, boxer, or the z32's make it look like child's play. If somebody needs new plugs near me i'll do it, for the price of a case, although it will take longer to do all the photos.

Will the 12pt one they sell to service BMWs work or do you need a six point?

Never use 12 points they will round out your bolts or anything that require a good amount of torque to remove. I would not want to round out the spark plugs.

This might sound like a dumb question...but where the heck can I buy a

thin walled, deep, 14mm hex spark plug socket...???

I'm having the hardest time finding one online.

is there an alternative way to just use a regular 14mm thin, deep socket? Or is the spark plug socket a must?


Thanks guys.

You can use a regular deep socket, then as mentioned already some vacuum line to "grab" the plug up and drop it back in after. That's the only real difference with a deep and a spark plug socket, the rubber boot that holds the plug for you.

I have to change my plugs again soon, if no one has a DIY done by then i'll take a bunch of pics and do one up.

It's a piece of cake. Only issue is if you have leaky valve cover seals at the plug holes. Then it is replace the entire valve cover. You may be able to get seals, but the problem is getting them in and out without breaking the plastic valve cover.

I work on BMW and Minis. The 12pt double hex sockets are fine for this job as the single hex is hard to find. Even a regular length double hex socket costs about AU$40 for a Japanese made Kokon brand socket. Not cheap but these are good tools. Use the tool properly and you wont round the head - ie. keep some downwards pressure on the ratchet head and hold it so the socket is square on the plug. The insulator section of the plug is what prevents most of the wonkyness because the socket's plug gripping mechanism centres it at the same time.

I bought a 12pt 14mm BMW spark plug socket on Amazon. Worked great for me. Couldn't find a 6pt and I went to every auto parts store in town.

I bought this

Amazon.com: Motion Pro 08-0512 14mm Spark Plug Socket: Automotive

When's the first time they should be changed?


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about 100k IIRC.

Thanks guys. I ended up finding one on ebay - it's an inch shorter, but I figure I'll be ok with an extension. It is specifically made for the Denso plug we use. If anyone is interested pm me and I'll send the link. I think I bought the last one - but who knows, they may list more.

still no pictures

14mm deep well 6 point spark plug socket. Got one. :D

https://store.snapon.com/Retention-S...t-P645027.aspx