Hi everybody, first post here. I have a newby question, sorry!

I have a 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman. (Regular not the S version). I want to change my spark plugs and I think I have all the necessary tools for the job. I have been stumped by one thing though, and that is how to remove the Spark Plug Coils.

Here's where I am in the process: I removed the top cover and I removed the electrical wires by unclipping them from the coils. Now I just need to remove the Spark plug coils in order to get to the actual spark plugs. The problem is that they seem to have a very tight fit and I am afraid of breaking the top clips for the electrical connector. I have looked at various "How To" videos on youtube and they all seem to skip this one step without really explaining how to actually remove them.

I made a little video about where I am on the process and I am wondering if any of you have any tips.

Here's a link to my youtube video:

 

Assuming the coil packs are the same as the turbo model, you simply pull up on them to remove. You may have to put some muscle into it.

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I had the same problem. I ended up using a lever. I put a wooden broom across the top of the engine...just above the radiator from one fender to the other. This was my fulcrum. Then I used a long screw driver inserted very carefully into the triangular space where the wires go....and then levered the packs out. Just be very careful not to bend the electrical pins within the packs...they can be bent back if you do though. A phillips screwdriver worked better because it is rounded. Hope this makes sense.

 

I see. So they should pull straight out, just with enough force. There is nothing else i need to unplug or unscrew right? I've just tried for a while and I didnt see any movement so I was wondering if I was doing it right.

Maybe I'll use some pliers and try to use the lever method.

Thanx!

 

Right, they pull straight out. I've used pliers, but the risk of damaging them is higher....at least for me. If you use the lever/screwdriver method, just be gentle and they'll come out.

 

Just get a good grip and pull straight up. Try to wiggle a bit as you pull. They will go.

 

Agreed. You need to hold tight and pull. They are difficult to remove.

 

That is exactly how you do it. You have to wiggle it and muscle it a bit. You will hear a "pop" when they come off. I just changed mine, 2009 MCCS.

 

Thank you all for the help! Yeah, it just needed a lot of muscle the first time. I had to use a screw driver to help me loosen em up a little bit and then a big big pull and they finally came out.

I did notice once i did it once, the second or third time they came out much much easier.

Not the mini is running great again, no more stuttering!