<E30-M3> Special Sparkplug Tool?

[qarey_at_reynosa@xxxxxxxxxxx]

OK experts...what to do?

As another piece of a solution to very hard starting, it was recommended that I
replace the plugs (I have no history of their last replacement, but it's been at
least 10K miles).  After figuring out how the beast was assembled, I carefully
removed the plug wires and loom, finding in the process evidence of heavy handed
handling of the plug wires...only to find that my trusty 18mm deep socket
wouldn't clear the constriction in the sparkplug "tube" just below the top of
the valve cover (wow!!  are these ever tucked away down there!).  Supposedly,
this is a thin wall socket, but apparently not enough of a thin wall.  If you've
had success in gaining access to the plugs on this marvelous, but increasingly
aggravating automobile, please let me know what brand of spark plug socket you
use to get down that REALLY TIGHT passageway.  With my luck, it's probably a
special $200 BMW tool!  If a spark plug socket isn't available, how do you keep
the plug in the standard thin wall socket as it progresses almost straight down
8" or so until you can get the threads engaged?  All this after waiting three
days to get the plugs down here to the edge of nowhere from the civilized world
to the north.  Appreciate your input.  Please reply off the digest to either the
header address (my place of work in Mexico), or to "paul1@domain.elided".

Thanks,
Paul Lonnquist
McAllen, TX

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