North American Motoring

Mini Cooper 2014-Present: How to Replace Ignition Coils and Spark Plugs

Bad spark plugs and coil packs can cause your Mini Cooper to run poorly, or even misfire. Read on to learn how to replace them yourself.

By Bassem Girgis - June 29, 2016
Contributors: PelicanParts.com

This article applies to the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S (2014-Present).

The spark plugs are what give your Mini Cooper's engine spark. The coil packs are designed to transfer the current to your spark plugs, which is why they sit right on top of your plugs. The spark plugs are designed to be replaced between 60,000 miles and 100,000 miles. The longer you wait to change your spark plugs, the more sluggish your Mini will drive. Bad coil packs can cause your Mini Cooper's engine to misfire. Replacing the spark plugs and the coil packs is a procedure that can be done at home, which can save you a lot of money on labor. Read on to learn how to replace your spark plugs and the coil packs.

Mini Cooper 2014-Present: How to Replace Ignition Coils and Spark Plugs

Materials Needed

  • Spark plug socket
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Torque wrench
  • Spark plugs
  • Coil packs

Ensure that your engine is cold before attempting to remove the spark plugs. If the engine is hot, first you will burn yourself, and then you will likely strip the threads in the head cylinder trying to remove or replace the plugs. This is a costly and very dangerous thing that can happen.

Step 1 – Remove spark plug boots

Use your flat head screwdriver to pry off the coil cover, then pull the electrical harness off. Pull the coil straight up to reveal your spark plugs.

MINI COOPER S F56 TURBO N14 N16 N18 SPARK PLUG IGNITION COIL PACK MISFIRE HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE DIY
Figure 1. Remove coil from on top of the spark plug. (PelicanParts photo credit)

Step 2 – Replace spark plugs

Use your spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs. Pull the spark plug straight out, then install the new plugs in place. Use your torque wrench to torque each spark plug to 20 ft-lbs. Do not over-torque spark plugs, as they can seize in the spark plug hole, or even shatter, making for a very costly repair.

MINI COOPER S F56 TURBO N14 N16 N18 SPARK PLUG IGNITION COIL PACK MISFIRE HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE DIY
Figure 2. Replace spark plugs. (PelicanParts photo credit)

Step 3 – Install new coils

Install the coils back in place and push it so it sits tightly on top of the spark plugs. Make sure that the coil bottoms out on the spark plug. If the coil is not fully seated, it will blow out. Connect the electrical harness back to it, then install the cover trim piece back on.

MINI COOPER S F56 TURBO N14 N16 N18 SPARK PLUG IGNITION COIL PACK MISFIRE HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE DIY
Figure 3. Install coils on top of spark plugs. (PelicanParts photo credit)

Featured Video: 2015 Mini Cooper Spark Plug Replacement

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