Replacing coils?

[Scott_S]

My car has about 54k on the clock and I will be changing the spark plugs over the winter. While I have everything torn apart I was wondering if it is worth changing the coils or if that is unnecessary since I am not having any issues with the current setup?

[fackamato]

Originally Posted by Scott_S

My car has about 54k on the clock and I will be changing the spark plugs over the winter. While I have everything torn apart I was wondering if it is worth changing the coils or if that is unnecessary since I am not having any issues with the current setup?

If you're not having any issues / loss of power, I'd leave it.

[Scott_S]

Originally Posted by fackamato

If you're not having any issues / loss of power, I'd leave it.

Thanks for the reply. I have not noticed any issues at all.

[sna66]

Originally Posted by Scott_S

My car has about 54k on the clock and I will be changing the spark plugs over the winter. While I have everything torn apart I was wondering if it is worth changing the coils or if that is unnecessary since I am not having any issues with the current setup?

I'm at the same mileage and about to change plugs, install charge pipe, intakes and charge cooler. I was thinking about changing the coil packs as well as i had 2 go out in old bmw at 80k. I think I will hold off on changing the coils, but I was thinking to order 2 and keep them in case I need to replace them.

[BzsBimmer]

But why? Why spend the money, hold on to the inventory, on the off chance one of the coil packs go south? It’s not like these are unicorn parts and have an extremely long lead time.

By that logic, you might as well buy a spare alternator, water pump, relays, and any other sort of item that used to go out on the older platform (I was going to say SMG relay lol).

[nioh_lbbm2]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

But why? Why spend the money, hold on to the inventory, on the off chance one of the coil packs go south? It’s not like these are unicorn parts and have an extremely long lead time.

By that logic, you might as well buy a spare alternator, water pump, relays, and any other sort of item that used to go out on the older platform (I was going to say SMG relay lol).

But why stop there at just those few parts? Don't be an amateur. Buy a duplicate 1:1 spec of your car but don't drive it. Hold it in inventory so that you know you have 100% of the parts brand spanking new

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by Scott_S

My car has about 54k on the clock and I will be changing the spark plugs over the winter. While I have everything torn apart I was wondering if it is worth changing the coils or if that is unnecessary since I am not having any issues with the current setup?

Stock or tuned? If tuned, it wouldn't be a bad idea to replace the coils at the same time.

[Scott_S]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Stock or tuned? If tuned, it wouldn't be a bad idea to replace the coils at the same time.

Currently stock, but going BM3 Stage 1 in the spring.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by Scott_S

Currently stock, but going BM3 Stage 1 in the spring.

Replace them now. Tunes running higher boost demand a bit more from the ignition system, it'll be one less thing to worry about when turning up the boost later on down the road.

[BzsBimmer]

How many people actually replace their coils when running a tune, let alone a conservative one?

I can see replacing plugs. I guess.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

How many people actually replace their coils when running a tune, let alone a conservative one?

I can see replacing plugs. I guess.

It's a common issue when flashing tunes on higher mileage cars some will experience misfires shortly thereafter. Understandably, one would immediately blame the tune since the car ran fine in stock form. However, higher boost puts a greater demand on ignition components than it did in stock form.

BMWs have always had weak coils, even in normally-aspirated form. By replacing them early, you're simply getting a head start on a maintenance item, instead of paying labor again to go back shortly thereafter.