S5 4.2 V8 Spark Plug change DIY?

[FastMoneyPlaya]

Hi. Has anybody found a good DIY for a spark plug change for the 4.2L V8 on the S5? I've seen a few for other models, but was wondering about the specifics for this model since it looks like the coolant expansion tank needs to be moved on the right side, and the air filter housing needs to be removed on the left side. Since I'm a noob, I'm not 100% sure how to do this??? Thanks

[Steve_K]

Not too sure about a DIY, but just remember, the S5 doesn't take "normal" spark plugs. Make sure you purchase the correct ones, which are slightly more expensive than the regular plugs, but they do last longer.

[toononame]

It was fairly easy with a bit of patience, but it took us all day. We spent a _lot_ of time on the airbox. There's a lot of components connected to it, and I believe there's a wire/plug down below that you can't see that you'll need to pull before it'll move, as well as a couple vacuum lines and some nuts/bolts. Still, everything has to move just right, and there's a little bung on the bottom center that attaches to the frame that doesn't want to break free (I believe it was a push down then pull up motion to get it out?). Obviously you'll want to remove the air intake in its entirety otherwise you can't move your hand at all down there. Coolant tank doesn't wanna move either, we just undid the one bolt on it and moved it around still attached to the hose (which I recommend otherwise make sure the damn hose stays elevated using tape or something, otherwise there will be coolant everywhere).

The hardest part was unplugging the rail from the coils. I would recommend gloves so you don't lose chunks of your hand when they finally break lose. They may take a bit of force to break free, but the angle you pull at is the most important part. Also: BE CAREFUL WITH THE COILS.

It sounds a little amateurish, but it worked mostly. Sorry we didn't really keep track of the process so I can't be a huge help :(

edit: Oh and front passenger side was burning hot on mine, but I assumed it had to do with the way coolant was delivered. Let me know if yours is the same?

[Jake@JHM]

Sparks plugs are fairly straight forward. I apologize but I don't have a DIY handy.

I do however, have the spark plugs: https://jhmotorsports.com/shop/catal...v8-p-2572.html

[TimmayS5]

Has anyone tried the new MSD spark plugs or is everyone pretty much set on the OEM NGK plugs?

[Hatchman]

NGK is tried and true. Never had a problem with their spark lugs. MSD, had a problem with their coil pack once, so I'm going to stick with what has worked in the past.

Since I can't RTFM right now, what is the period for replacement?

[dcchristopher]

Since I can't RTFM right now, what is the period for replacement?

55K miles or 6 years for our generation S5/4.2L, per the Scheduled Maintenance flip chart.

[Hatchman]

Thank you, Sir!

Only took 9 months for a reply.
Practically instant....

[Kemnik]

I'm going to be doing this so I'll try to video for a DIY. It doesn't look hard. On my family's honda v6 the entire back bank is by feel or mirror use so this seems pretty straightforward.

[Hatchman]

A DIY would be cool. Haven't seen one and I know it would come in handy.

[TOOGECKO]

Anybody ever post a DIY? I have an aftermarket supercharged car (V8 4.2L) with 51K miles and know this is something I need to consider soon....