Found these in spark plug guides. WHAT ARE THEY? - N54Tech.com

NW_E61 · **Found these in spark plug guides. WHAT ARE THEY? -** 03-17-2019, 08:27 AM

I was doing a valve cover gasket and RB external PCV kit and when I went to pull spark plug guides. I noticed these two little suckers at the bottom of the guide (cylinder 1 and 2 only) wedged between the plug and head casting. I only found the two. Anyone have any idea what they could be? Nervous about starting up the engine now.

qbuilt · 03-17-2019, 10:48 AM

Almost looks like the lower fuel injector aligning tabs? Check the injector for proper installation.

NW_E61 · 03-17-2019, 12:22 PM

After further inspection, that's what they are. Turns out, injector 1 and 2 tabs are broken off but the other injectors tabs are present. Must have been a new tech installing them when the vehicle went in for warranty with PO.

Zeezul · 03-18-2019, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NW_E61

After further inspection, that's what they are. Turns out, injector 1 and 2 tabs are broken off but the other injectors tabs are present. Must have been a new tech installing them when the vehicle went in for warranty with PO.

So in order to brake those tabs, that tech must have torqued that injector plate well past 10 ft lbs. Those two injectors now might not being sitting flush which can cause problems. I'd get it looked out.

theobjectivist · 03-18-2019, 08:26 AM

do the injectors have the decoupling rings installed?

I had the same issue and assumed(since mine were missing) they were vibrating to the point they broke the tabs (4 out of 6 on mine had failed)

Zeezul · 03-18-2019, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theobjectivist

do the injectors have the decoupling rings installed?

I had the same issue and assumed(since mine were missing) they were vibrating to the point they broke the tabs (4 out of 6 on mine had failed)

No, you have to install new ones. Take a look in your engine bay and see if they are there. If not, get new ones installed asap.

theobjectivist · 03-18-2019, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeezul

No, you have to install new ones. Take a look in your engine bay and see if they are there. If not, get new ones installed asap.

Yeah, I installed new ones. I was just wondering if the missing parts could cause the tabs to break off VS having the tech over tighten the bolts.
I never fully understood how those could have broken

Whats odd is that the car's history showed that a BMW dealership did the install so i dont know how either mistake could occur

NW_E61 · 03-18-2019, 07:34 PM

Decoupling rings are all there. I do believe it was due to over torquing whenever the injectors were installed that broke the tabs. I did run it by a couple BMW mechanics I know and realistically it should be ok as I have put almost 15k miles on it since I bought it and haven't had any issues. I think when the valve cover/guide tubes were removed it just allowed the tabs to fall free. Definitely something I will be keeping my eye on though. Thanks for the info/help everyone!