Your BMW’s ignition coils’ openings are so near to the engine that with time, heat and vibration might harm the coil housing. The typical lifespan of a BMW ignition coil is around 140,000 kilometers. The lifespan of your coils may drastically reduce if you frequently strain your car’s performance. You should prepare to replace your coils every 20,000–25,000 miles if you’re one of the enthusiasts with modified BMWs who enjoys pushing the limits of your vehicle.
Other factors that contribute to ignition coil failure include faulty spark plugs, oil leaks, and engine water corrosion. It’s possible that a damaged spark plug won’t conduct electricity effectively. Due to the excessive heat produced on the insulator side, this can eventually cause the coil housing to melt. Oil leaks will corrode the spark plug and coil connection, decreasing conductivity and ultimately blocking a spark. Finally, water damage will undoubtedly short the circuit formed by the connection between the ignition coil and the spark plug.
In This Article...
How Frequently Should BMW Plugs and Coils Be Replaced?
It is challenging to estimate the lifespan of the spark plugs and ignition coils because, obviously, not all BMW engines are created equal. The lifespan of the components in your BMW ignition system may be impacted by modifications, driving behavior, and product brand. Spark plugs typically wear out in substantially tuned engines that are used on tracks or pushed to their absolute limits on public highways. On the other hand, the spark plugs in grandma’s factory BMW may be preserved and allowed to travel farther than the mileage at which they should be changed without experiencing problems. The approximate life expectancy of certain BMW components is as follows:
- Mileage for spark plugs: 40,000–50,000
- 50,000–65,000 miles on ignition coils
- 15,000 miles on the spark plugs
- 20,000–25,000 miles on ignition coils
These are the general mileages that people who fall into the first two groups can anticipate from their spark plugs and ignition coils. Others may find that the lifespan of their BMW ignition parts is more evenly distributed, leaning either way depending on their customizations and driving habits. For instance, because I drive aggressively and my 2007 BMW 335i N54 engine is modified, my spark plugs normally last approximately 22,000 miles whereas the ignition coils last slightly over 30,000 miles (I do not track the car).
What signs indicate faulty ignition coils?
- engine stalls
- erratic idle
- power outage
- lower fuel efficiency
- In rare instances stalling
- check-engine indicator
- Vehicle won’t start
Usually, ignoring these symptoms only makes things more annoying. Whether that just entails consuming more petrol than normal or getting parked in a parking lot because your car won’t start.
BMW ignition coils have a maximum service life of 140 000 miles. They are often only replaced when there are warning indicators of failure and not as routine maintenance.
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On my 4.8i, I continue to log miles using the original ignition coils, which total 160,000 thus far. Some of you are aware of the task I just finished. replacing the most of my engine’s critical components, such as spark plugs, but never a coil. When should ignition coils be proactively changed? Coils, in my perspective, are either successful or unsuccessful. I have an extra coil in my X5 because of this. Will the ignition coils in our BMWs deteriorate yet continue to work adequately to prevent a misfire or CEL? How likely is it that we’ll have symptoms without a clear cause? In my opinion, ignition coils would be the final component to be replaced on my engine because every other component has already been done so within the last 5,000 to 10,000 miles. I’m also aware with the philosophy of “don’t change what isn’t broken.” What are failure’s initial signs and symptoms? Is 160,000 miles too far? Given that it only costs $200, replacing coils is not a big problem. However, I’m curious as to how many of you do so and actually notice an improvement in performance as opposed to just expecting one and paying for it. I’m interested in hearing opinions and experiences on this. Thanks.
I’m about to replace the spark plugs at the 60k mile mark, and I’m curious if replacing the ignition coils concurrently has any benefits other feeding my OCD inclinations. Despite the fact that I don’t seem to be experiencing any performance concerns, the ignition servicing package (plugs + coils) at FCP Euro keeps catching my eye. Any ideas or suggestions?
I’m about to replace the spark plugs at the 60k mile mark, and I’m curious if replacing the ignition coils concurrently has any benefits other feeding my OCD inclinations. Despite the fact that I don’t seem to be experiencing any performance concerns, the ignition servicing package (plugs + coils) at FCP Euro keeps catching my eye. Any ideas or suggestions?
Simply purchase them now if you are at 60k and using FCP Euro, and you can use their lifetime warranty to change them out whenever necessary for free. When I changed my plugs at around 45k, I did exactly that. If there are no misfires, most people tend to keep them, but if you’re already inside, change them out right away if it hasn’t been done.
How frequently should you replace the ignition coils and spark plugs in a BMW?
A spark plug can typically function trouble-free for up to 80,000 kilometers. The type of your BMW’s engine and the spark plug type also play a role in this. Spark plugs must be replaced in the majority of contemporary BMWs with N20 or N55 engines that were produced after 2010 every 60,000 miles.
Should I swap out my BMW’s ignition coils all at once?
Do I need to change each ignition coil individually? No. One coil pack serves two engine cylinders, and the defective coil pack should be the only one changed.
There is no chance that one faulty coil pack will have an impact on the others. Additionally, there is no middle ground for call packs; they either work or they don’t. There is less possibility that others will alter if you merely fix the broken one.
Replacing the coil packs that are still functional and in good condition would actually be a mistake. Better and more dependable than untested brand-new coil packs are older coil packs that are in good operational shape.
How frequently must ignition coils be changed?
What about your coil packs? I am aware that spark plugs often need to be changed after a specific amount of mileage. How long do automobile coil packs last?
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Coil packs typically last up to 5 years or 120,000 miles before needing to be replaced. Coil packs have a lengthy lifespan, but continual exposure to heat and friction can inevitably shorten their lifespan. Carbon buildup may also cause harm to the coil pack.
If necessary, replacing your car’s coil pack won’t usually set you back more than $300.
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Are the ignition coils on all BMWs the same?
Even though some part numbers are for particular models, you can follow their origins. Consequently, every BMW ignition coil application from 2003 to 2016 is equivalent, if not interchangeable.
How much does a BMW ignition coil replacement cost?
An ignition coil replacement for a BMW 328i typically costs between $128 and $195. Between $57 and $72 is the expected cost of labor, and between $70 and $123 is the projected cost of parts. Taxes and levies are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or special location taken into account.
The number of ignition coils in a BMW 328i.
One ignition coil is used for each cylinder in the majority of BMWs you’ll find on the road today, including the BMW 328i. This configuration is known as a coil-on-plug (COP). Therefore, 328i vehicles from the E46 and E90 generations will use six ignition coils, whilst the more recent F30 328i uses just four coils due to its inline-four engine.
However, because the technology is comparable, the process to modify them is practically the same.
What damages the coils in a BMW?
The heat and vibration from your engine can eventually lead to an ignition coil failure. Although insulated, persistent vibration and heat will eventually harm any electronic component. The telltale indicators of malfunctioning ignition coils can be identified by a qualified BMW mechanic.
Overvoltage from a defective spark plug or plug wire reaching the coil is the most frequent cause of ignition coil failure. Either will severely shorten the ignition coil’s lifespan. Bad spark plugs and wires can be avoided because your BMW’s instructions call for precise intervals between changes. Later costs will increase if plugs and cables are not replaced on a regular basis.
Should each and every ignition coil be changed?
Your mechanic will initially check the engine computer for error codes. Which cylinder misfired or perhaps which coil failed might be identified by the issue code. For instance, the code P0301 indicates a misfire in cylinder number one. Ignition Coil “A” Circuit Primary/Secondary Malfunction is what the code P0351 means. The process described in the service manual must next be followed to inspect an ignition coil. At the bottom of this post, we included a number of URLs where you can obtain subscription-based access to a service manual.
The resistance between certain ignition coil terminals is typically measured as part of an ignition coil examination. The ignition coil needs to be replaced if the resistance isn’t within specs.
When an ignition coil is suspected of being defective, mechanics will occasionally replace it with a known-good coil from a different cylinder to observe if the misfiring moves with the coil or remains in the same cylinder. A mechanic might switch the ignition coils for cylinders 2 and 3 and run the engine for a brief period of time, for instance, if the code P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire) is present. The ignition coil that was previously located at cylinder number 2 is defective if the trouble code shifts from P0302 to P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire).
It’s also advised to change ignition coils if they have fractures, signs of arcing, or other deterioration that could result in a short.
What is the turnaround time for replacing BMW spark plugs?
How long does it take to replace the spark plugs in a BMW N55? Since so much of the engine must be removed to access the plugs on a N55, you may anticipate it to take you about 2 hours to perform this task. On many automobiles and engines, replacing your spark plug simply takes a few minutes.
What is the turnaround time for an ignition coil replacement?
How long will the ignition coil replacement process take? Depending on the car, if you’re a seasoned DIYer, you may finish this task in under two hours. We advise examining and changing your spark plugs concurrently with replacing your ignition coils.
How much does a BMW spark plug change cost?
Best in Automotive Repair Spark plug repair for a BMW 328i typically costs between $219 and $347. The cost of labor is expected to be between $150 and $189, while the cost of parts is between $69 and $158.
How can I tell if the coil pack in my BMW is damaged?
The main sign that there is a problem is when the ignition coil starts to show symptoms of failure. You can more precisely focus your suspicions if you are aware of the symptoms linked to ignition coil issues.
Inefficient fuel use and poor gas mileage
Your ignition coil is one of several potential causes for why your BMW may not be getting as many miles per gallon as it formerly did. This is a result of your engine’s systems attempting to make up for the broken component.
Misfires in the ignition and stalling
As we’ve learnt, your ignition coil plays a key role in ensuring that the spark plugs can ignite the engine’s fuel. As a result, if the coil has acquired flaws, ignition may be difficult to achieve or may not occur at all, increasing the possibility of misfires or stalling.
A Fight to Start
Similar to the previous point, you might have noticed that your BMW takes a few tries to start the engine and doesn’t start the first time. To avoid the coils unexpectedly falling completely and leaving you stuck, this should be taken seriously and resolved right away.
Heating-Up Engine
Overheating is one of the main reasons why engines fail too soon. Therefore, you may need to check your coil for damage if you’ve experienced recent overheating issues or noticed temperature spikes inside your engine.
Engine tremors
A loud, juddering engine is an obvious indication that there is a problem with the engine system. The ignition coils may have further problems as a result of vibrations harming their fragile internal components.
Spiking Plugs
Because they are directly connected to the ignition coil, if the spark plugs malfunction, your ignition coil may also malfunction as a result.