Quick engine cover removal?

Taipan · 10-06-2019, 04:11 AM

My e93 330i threw up a p0302 code. So I went to the parts place and picked up a coil and thought i'd try that. I got talking to a guy there saying its my first BMW and only 3 days into ownership this happens, lol. The guy said once the coils start going its worth doing them all, even do a couple each month. He also said for the front ones you can lift the cover off and don't need to remove the cabin filters etc if you're just doing those ones. I haven't looked but does anyone know if that's right?

I've been told I should have swapped the coils around and see if the problem followed to the cylinder I moved the suspect coil to. Good idea that.

ppointer · 10-06-2019, 05:20 AM

Many of us have swapped around a coil or two to get a good diagnosis. Lately I’ve been replacing them as a set at the 100k mark for my n52’s and 60k for my n55. FCP sells kits of coils and plugs for around $240 that are way cheaper than from a dealership.

Regarding removing cabin air filter, it’s only a 5-minute job. Too easy for me to try to work around it.

Taipan · 10-07-2019, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ppointer

Many of us have swapped around a coil or two to get a good diagnosis. Lately I’ve been replacing them as a set at the 100k mark for my n52’s and 60k for my n55. FCP sells kits of coils and plugs for around $240 that are way cheaper than from a dealership.

Regarding removing cabin air filter, it’s only a 5-minute job. Too easy for me to try to work around it.

Thanks. I was interested in his quick method as I assumed if there was a quick way, then the other way must be a long way lol! I just looked at a YT video and it is as you say, not that much of a job anyway.

As he was a mobile mechanic and time is money, I suppose for him being able to quickly lift the cover off and replace the front 2/3 coils would make sense for him.

ian3924 · 10-07-2019, 08:54 AM

Like the other guy said it only adds about 3-4 mins but you could leave the furthest back torq screw out so when you want to remove the cover you just have to take off the front two, lift and slide out.

hassmaschine · 10-08-2019, 01:35 PM

What year is your 330i? early models don't have any screws on the cover, it just pops off. It has fake screws though, which is hilarious. at least it's easier to deal with I guess.

10-06-2019, 04:11 AM	#1
Taipan New Member 6 Rep 24 Posts Drives: BMW 330i e93 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Essex iTrader: (0)	Quick engine cover removal? My e93 330i threw up a p0302 code. So I went to the parts place and picked up a coil and thought i'd try that. I got talking to a guy there saying its my first BMW and only 3 days into ownership this happens, lol. The guy said once the coils start going its worth doing them all, even do a couple each month. He also said for the front ones you can lift the cover off and don't need to remove the cabin filters etc if you're just doing those ones. I haven't looked but does anyone know if that's right? I've been told I should have swapped the coils around and see if the problem followed to the cylinder I moved the suspect coil to. Good idea that.
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10-06-2019, 05:20 AM	#2
ppointer Major 743 Rep 1,096 Posts Drives: '01 Z3M, '12 335is, '22 540i Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: FLL iTrader: (4) Garage List 2012 BMW 335i [5.25] 2012 BMW 335is [5.00] 2008 Infiniti QX56 [0.00] 1967 Chevrolet Corv ... [10.00] 2001 M Roadster [10.00] 2022 BMW 540i [0.75] 2009 528i [9.50]	Many of us have swapped around a coil or two to get a good diagnosis. Lately I’ve been replacing them as a set at the 100k mark for my n52’s and 60k for my n55. FCP sells kits of coils and plugs for around $240 that are way cheaper than from a dealership. Regarding removing cabin air filter, it’s only a 5-minute job. Too easy for me to try to work around it.
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10-07-2019, 08:54 AM	#4
ian3924 Second Lieutenant 185 Rep 202 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 335i 6MT Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Like the other guy said it only adds about 3-4 mins but you could leave the furthest back torq screw out so when you want to remove the cover you just have to take off the front two, lift and slide out.
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10-08-2019, 01:35 PM	#5
hassmaschine Major General 3973 Rep 7,215 Posts Drives: "NBO" 330i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	What year is your 330i? early models don't have any screws on the cover, it just pops off. It has fake screws though, which is hilarious. at least it's easier to deal with I guess.
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