[RayLivingston]

WHY on earth did BMW decide it was necessary to invent a new kind of spark plug for the 335i?? What possible advantage is there to requiring a 12-point socket for the spark plugs over the 6-point sockets we've all had in our toolboxes for the last 40+ years??

Regards,
Ray L.

[relative4]

Don't get your panties in a bunch, Ray. Nothing new, BMW didn't invent it, and the tool is like $7 at AutoZone.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by RayLivingston

WHY on earth did BMW decide it was necessary to invent a new kind of spark plug for the 335i?? What possible advantage is there to requiring a 12-point socket for the spark plugs over the 6-point sockets we've all had in our toolboxes for the last 40+ years??

Regards,
Ray L.

Anytime you plan do something on a BMW, research is encouraged. Some projects require a lot of planning and do research, while others not so much. If you are new to working on a BMW, I'd advise reading up on this forum in the DIY section. Google is your friend.

[lookalikehuuh]

Originally Posted by RayLivingston

WHY on earth did BMW decide it was necessary to invent a new kind of spark plug for the 335i?? What possible advantage is there to requiring a 12-point socket for the spark plugs over the 6-point sockets we've all had in our toolboxes for the last 40+ years??

Regards,
Ray L.

LMAO they sure as heck didn't invent it they just decided it was a better fit for their engine ignition design. If you really want to complain about needing custom tools and crazy custom parts go look at a VW holy hell... those cars need to have a XYZ bit (aka triple square) bit just to do brake pads. There is a special "tool" you have to buy to be able to do the serpentine belt. Let's not even talk about exotics or Italian cars and all their specialty tools.

As much as we would like to complain that our cars are so crazy proprietary there are MUCH worse cars out there.

[robthewrench]

Originally Posted by RayLivingston

WHY on earth did BMW decide it was necessary to invent a new kind of spark plug for the 335i?? What possible advantage is there to requiring a 12-point socket for the spark plugs over the 6-point sockets we've all had in our toolboxes for the last 40+ years??

Regards,
Ray L.

The advantage is not for the spark plug, it is for the spark plug hole size. By going to a thin wall spark plug socket, the access hole for the plug could be smaller, which makes the overall head / valve cover smaller. It is a 12 pt instead of a 6 pt to provide more point of contact since the points are smaller.

This is really not that different than spline drive wheel lugs.

[Sayek]

Make things even more complicated you can't use a straight socket on the N43/N53 engine as the bottom is curved

[John 070]

LOL this thread made my morning. I had to buy yet another one for my Lexus, 5/8" swivel, not a huge deal. But it does make me mad that instead of using BMWs design, Lexus decided to go their own way.

[hassmaschine]

yeah, basically they're packing 50lbs of shit in a 5lb bag - that space has to come from somewhere. Especially with the N55 and later engines which combine valvetronic and direct injection.