Ignition coils and spark plugs BMW: problems by model and engine

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the BMW models it appears in.

- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW N54/N55Oil in the spark plug wells from the rocker cover gasketOn the N54 and N55 the rocker cover gasket hardens with age and lets oil seep into the spark plug wells. Guides treat it as a known fault: it smells of burnt oil and can damage spark plugs and coils.
In Serie 1 E87, Serie 3 E90, Serie 3 F30, Serie 5 E60, Serie 5 F10 and Serie 7 F01 and 7 more models
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW N43/N46Injector, ignition coil and NOx sensor failures (N43)On the direct-injection BMW N43, failures of the injectors, ignition coils (mainly in 2007-2008 units, now rare after a BMW service action) and the NOx sensor of its lean-burn combustion have been documented. The indirect-injection N46 does not have that sensor and does not suffer these failures.
In Serie 1 E87 and Serie 3 E90
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW N52 / N53N53 ignition coils from 2007-2008 (BMW service action)BMW replaced the coils of 2007-2008 N53 and N43 engines free of charge, because they could fail early through temperature and insulation problems and cause misfires. Autobild describes it as an issue not related to safety.
In Serie 3 E90 and Serie 5 E60

By BMW model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Engines and gearboxes involved

Parts for your BMW for faults with the ignition coils

Add the model and engine in the shop, or better still the registration plate or VIN, to see only the parts that fit.

Ignition coil
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Frequently asked questions

What faults with the ignition coils do BMW cars have?

In 13 models from BMW there are 3 documented faults with the ignition coils. The most important: oil in the spark plug wells from the rocker cover gasket, injector, ignition coil and NOx sensor failures (N43) and N53 ignition coils from 2007-2008 (BMW service action). Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and the repair cost.

Which BMW models have the most problems with the ignition coils?

BMW Serie 3 E90 (3 faults), BMW Serie 5 E60 (2 faults), BMW Serie 1 E87 (2 faults) and BMW X5 E70 (1 fault).

Which BMW engines have faults with the ignition coils?

BMW N43/N46 (1 fault), BMW N52 / N53 (1 fault) and BMW N54/N55 (1 fault).