My 97 749il with 108,000 miles runs great but I'm thinking of giving the car a tune-up. I've owned the car almost 5 years and have not changed the plugs or any part of the ignition system. Again, the car runs great. I only noticed a modest drop in MPG. What's involved with tuning this car? Do I need special tools?

Thank you.

Bad typing (749). You can see my concerns with tuning my car.

My 97 749il with 108,000 miles runs great but I'm thinking of giving the car a tune-up. I've owned the car almost 5 years and have not changed the plugs or any part of the ignition system. Again, the car runs great. I only noticed a modest drop in MPG. What's involved with tuning this car? Do I need special tools?

Thank you.

Plugs are 100K change interval - if they haven't been done before it would be nice - easy job and all documented here with pictures

No Dizzy, rotor arms or leads cos it's individual coil packs

Air filter

Oil Filter and Oil (Although I'm hoping in 5 years thats been done a few times already) ;)

If you have the binder that came with the car...there should be a service booklet along with several other booklets that came with the owners manual.

That service booklet outlines the oil services and inspections, brake fluid and coolant changes etc. and what is performed in those services and at approx mileage those things should be done. You can also find that info on the internet (just type in BMW service interval)...or search the archives here...those links have been posted hundreds of times.

Good luck.

(look in the binder below for the service booklet)
http://donedealmotors.com/ebay/images/01bmw740sport/01bmw740sport59.JPG

it is called scheduled maintenance.

Get a MotorVac done - it's amazing.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=896208

Thank you for all your information. Are the plugs platinum tip? Can I get them at any auto parts store?

Please keep the sniping responses to a minimium. The last time I tuned a car I used a dwell meter.

visit www.e38.org and enjoy! To answer your question, YES, you can get BOSCH plugs from your neighborhood auto parts store
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/jayadam63/sp10.jpg

Double check which plugs you get...the early M62 engines (up to 1998 model year) doesn't use high power plugs like the 98 & M62TU engines.

You can get the original Bosch or NGK plug numbers from the online parts database: www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do (look under ENGINE ELECTRICAL) then cross reference the BMW part nbr with the regular Bosch or NGK plugs from where ever you buy your plugs from.

Your not going to get anything extra from using a high power plug on a non VANOS M62 engine...in fact you "may" get worse performance.

In addition to what Q says above, at 100K miles, I would also change the following:

1) Coolant and thermostat change (If you don't want to do the water pump now)
2) Brake fluid change
3) Gas filters / Engine Air Filter / Cabin (Interior) Air filter(s)
4) maybe also time to check the condition of your drive belts

In any case, all of the above can be performed by any DIY'er, one of the easiest being the spark plugs !!

on my dads 740il we recently cleaned the MAF, throttle body, and intake manifold and it was horribly dirty, anyway he said it made a nice difference in MPG

Thank you for all the constructive information. It's appreciated. I'll be a DIYer for the spark plugs. Just an FYI, I don't want you to think I've been totally neglecting my car I (my mechanic) recently replaced:
all drive belts
all power steering lines
front struts including something at the top of the strut tower
rear control arm bushings
radiator - can't believe the neck cracked!

Water pump will be next.

Thanks again, this forum is great.