How Much It Really Costs to Replace Ignition Coils on a BMW 328i

Replacing ignition coils on a BMW 328i typically costs between $200 and $700 in total, depending largely on model year, coil brand, and whether you go to a dealer, an independent shop, or do the job yourself. The parts alone usually run from $35 to $90 per coil, while labor can range from $80 to $200 for the full set, as the job is relatively quick on most 328i engines.

What the Ignition Coil Does — and Why It Matters on a BMW 328i

The ignition coil transforms the battery’s low-voltage power into the high voltage needed to ignite the fuel-air mixture in each cylinder. On a BMW 328i, which often uses one coil per cylinder (coil-on-plug design), a single failed coil can cause misfires, loss of power, rough idle, and even catalytic converter damage if ignored. That’s why understanding the cost of replacement — and your options — is important for budgeting and avoiding larger repair bills.

Typical Price Range by Model Year

The total cost to replace ignition coils on a BMW 328i varies somewhat with generation and engine type, but the pricing patterns are broadly similar across E90, F30, and later 3 Series models that share the 328i badge.

Common BMW 328i Generations and Engine Types

Different engine codes and generations can use slightly different coils and labor times, which nudges the cost up or down. Understanding which version you have helps explain the range of estimates you might get from shops.

• E46 328i (older models, 1999–2000 in some markets) – Naturally aspirated inline-6; relatively simple coil access.
• E90/E91/E92/E93 328i (approx. 2007–2013) – N52 or N51 inline-6 engines, widely known for straightforward coil replacement.
• F30/F31 328i (approx. 2012–2016) – N20 2.0L turbocharged 4‑cylinder; coils are still generally easy to access.
• Later 3 Series with similar 2.0L turbo engines – Costs are generally comparable for coils and labor.

While each generation has its nuances, from a cost standpoint they fall into a similar band: relatively quick labor, four to six coils depending on the engine, and wide availability of aftermarket and OEM-quality parts.

Parts Cost: What You’ll Pay per Ignition Coil

The single biggest variable in ignition coil replacement cost is the price of the coils themselves. BMW owners can choose from OEM (original equipment) parts, OEM-equivalent brands, or budget aftermarket options, each carrying different price points and trade-offs.

Price Range per Coil

On the BMW 328i, each ignition coil is sold individually, though many shops and owners prefer to replace all coils at once. Here’s how the typical price range breaks down in the U.S. as of late 2024.

• Budget aftermarket coils: About $30–$50 per coil; quality can be inconsistent, though some brands perform adequately.
• OEM-equivalent brands (e.g., Delphi, Bosch, Eldor where applicable): Roughly $45–$80 per coil, depending on engine and supplier.
• BMW dealership OEM coils (with BMW branding/packaging): Often $70–$120 per coil at the parts counter.

Because most 328i engines have either four (N20) or six (N52/N51) coils, multiplying this per-coil cost gives a realistic estimate for parts alone. The decision between budget, OEM-equivalent, and dealer-level OEM largely determines whether you’re closer to the low or high end of the total bill.

Total Parts Cost by Engine Type

Once you know how many cylinders your 328i has, you can better estimate what a full coil set will cost if you decide to replace all at once rather than just a single failing unit.

• 4-cylinder 328i (e.g., F30 with N20 engine): Full set of four coils usually costs $160–$320 for OEM-equivalent parts, and can exceed $320–$480 if purchased as BMW-branded parts from a dealer.
• 6-cylinder 328i (e.g., E90 with N52/N51 engine): Full set of six coils typically runs $240–$480 for decent aftermarket or OEM-equivalent units, and may climb to $420–$720 for dealer OEM coils.
• Single-coil replacement: Replacing just one coil usually costs $45–$150 in parts, depending on the brand and whether it’s dealer-sourced.

Although it’s often tempting to replace only the failed coil, some owners choose to install a full matching set — especially if the car has higher mileage — to avoid repeated visits and ensure consistent performance across all cylinders.

Labor Costs: Dealer vs. Independent Shop vs. DIY

On most BMW 328i models, ignition coils are relatively easy to access under the engine cover, so labor time is modest. Where you choose to have the work done has a bigger impact on the final bill than the actual difficulty of the job.

Professional Labor Rates

Shops typically bill ignition coil replacement by a flat labor time rather than how long it actually takes. Below is what owners can expect at different types of facilities.

• BMW dealership: Labor rates are often $160–$250 per hour. Replacing all coils may be billed at 0.5–1.0 hours, putting labor around $80–$250.
• Independent European specialist: Hourly rates usually fall between $110 and $180. Labor for all coils commonly totals $80–$200.
• General repair shop: Rates are often $90–$150 per hour, with similar time estimates, yielding labor in the $70–$180 zone.

Because the job is short, the main difference between shops is their hourly rate and whether they fold any basic diagnostics or code scanning into the coil replacement cost.

DIY Labor: What You Save and What You Risk

Do-it-yourself owners can save substantially on ignition coil replacement, especially when changing a full set. With basic tools and care, the job is generally considered beginner-to-intermediate difficulty.

• Labor cost: Effectively $0, aside from your time, if you already have basic tools.
• Tools needed: Basic socket set, possibly Torx bits, torque wrench (ideal but not always strictly necessary), and a code reader if you want to clear stored misfire codes.
• Time required: Often 30–90 minutes for a full set, depending on your comfort level and engine layout.
• Risks: Damaging wiring connectors, failing to fully seat coils, or misdiagnosing a problem that is actually caused by spark plugs, injectors, or sensors.

For owners comfortable under the hood, DIY can drop a full ignition coil job from the $400–$700 range to something closer to $160–$400, depending purely on parts choice. However, those unsure about diagnosis or careful reassembly may prefer a professional shop to avoid secondary problems.

Realistic Total Cost Scenarios

To make sense of the numbers, it’s useful to look at typical real-world scenarios owners face when an ignition coil fails on a BMW 328i.

Scenario 1: Single-Coil Replacement at an Independent Shop

Sometimes, only one coil fails, and the shop replaces just that unit after confirming the fault with a scan tool and possibly swapping coils between cylinders to verify the misfire follows the coil.

• Parts: 1 coil at $60–$130 (OEM-equivalent or OEM).
• Labor: Usually $80–$150, including quick diagnosis and installation.
• Estimated total: Roughly $140–$280.

This is often the lowest-cost professional option, though it carries the possibility that another aging coil might fail in the near future, prompting another visit and similar expense.

Scenario 2: Full Set Replacement at a BMW Dealer

Some dealers recommend replacing all coils together, especially if the car is older and already showing multiple misfire events or high mileage. This is the most expensive but usually the most “set it and forget it” option.

• Parts (4-cylinder): Four dealer OEM coils at roughly $320–$480 total.
• Parts (6-cylinder): Six dealer OEM coils at roughly $420–$720 total.
• Labor: Around $100–$250, depending on the dealer’s hourly rate and flat-rate time.
• Estimated total (4-cylinder): Approximately $420–$700+.
• Estimated total (6-cylinder): Approximately $520–$900+.

While this can be a significant bill, some owners value the dealer service history, factory parts, and any goodwill or warranty considerations that may come with a BMW dealer relationship.

Scenario 3: DIY Full Set with OEM-Equivalent Coils

For owners willing to tackle the job themselves, buying a full matching set of aftermarket or OEM-equivalent coils is one of the most cost-effective strategies.

• Parts (4-cylinder): Full set of four quality coils at around $160–$280.
• Parts (6-cylinder): Full set of six coils at around $240–$420.
• Labor: No direct labor charge, only personal time (typically under two hours).
• Estimated total (4-cylinder): About $160–$280.
• Estimated total (6-cylinder): About $240–$420.

For many 328i owners past the factory warranty period, this route strikes a balance between cost savings and long-term reliability, assuming correct installation and accurate diagnosis.

Related Costs: Spark Plugs and Diagnostics

When dealing with ignition-related problems, coils are only part of the picture. Shops often recommend pairing coil replacement with fresh spark plugs or charging for additional diagnostics. These add-ons can modify the bottom line in ways that surprise unprepared owners.

Spark Plug Replacement at the Same Time

Because coils sit directly on top of spark plugs in a coil-on-plug system, replacing both together is efficient and common, particularly if the vehicle has moderate to high mileage.

• Spark plug cost (each): Typically $10–$30 for quality plugs suitable for a BMW 328i.
• Set of plugs (4-cylinder): Around $40–$120.
• Set of plugs (6-cylinder): Around $60–$180.
• Additional labor: Often modest; many shops bundle plug and coil labor together, adding $40–$150 depending on model and rate.

While this increases the immediate bill, it can prevent future misfires and reduce the need to revisit the same area of the engine for separate work later on.

Diagnostic Fees and Scanning

Coil failures are typically identified first through a check engine light and stored misfire codes. Pinpointing which coil — or determining that the problem isn’t a coil at all — often requires at least basic diagnostic work.

• Code scan at a shop: Often $50–$130 on its own, though some waive or reduce the fee if you approve the repair.
• Dealer diagnostic charge: Frequently in the $150–$250 range for a full scan and inspection.
• Parts-store or basic OBD-II scan: Sometimes free or very low-cost, but usually limited to code reading without deeper troubleshooting.

Factoring diagnosis into your coil replacement expectations helps explain why the final invoice may be higher than just “parts plus 0.5 hours of labor,” especially at dealerships or high-end European specialists.

How to Save Money Without Cutting Corners

BMW ownership has a reputation for steep maintenance costs, but ignition coil replacement on a 328i doesn’t have to break the bank. A few strategic choices can keep the price in check while maintaining reliability.

Practical Cost-Saving Strategies

Owners looking to reduce ignition coil replacement expenses have several practical options, ranging from part selection to shop choice and bundled services.

• Use reputable OEM-equivalent brands: Buy coils from recognized manufacturers like Bosch, Delphi, or Eldor where applicable, rather than no-name budget parts.
• Get multiple quotes: Compare prices from the dealer, an independent BMW specialist, and a general repair shop before committing.
• Bundle spark plugs and coils: If due, doing both at once saves labor and may reduce the risk of future ignition issues.
• Consider DIY if comfortable: For mechanically inclined owners with tools, a coil swap is among the more approachable BMW repairs.
• Verify accurate diagnosis: Ensure misfires are truly coil-related and not caused by fuel injectors, vacuum leaks, or engine control issues.

Thoughtful planning — and insisting on clear, itemized estimates — goes a long way toward avoiding surprise bills while keeping your 328i running smoothly.

Summary

For a BMW 328i, ignition coil replacement usually falls between $200 and $700, with the widest swings driven by parts choice and where the work is performed. Single-coil replacements at an independent shop often land around $140–$280, while full sets at a BMW dealer can push past $700, especially on six-cylinder models using dealer-sourced parts. Do-it-yourself owners who opt for quality OEM-equivalent coils can often complete a full set for $160–$420 in parts. Factoring in potential add-ons like spark plugs and diagnostics, and weighing dealer confidence against independent or DIY savings, allows 328i owners to choose the approach that best balances cost, reliability, and peace of mind.

How long do BMW ignition coils last?

The Lifespan of BMW Ignition Coils
Many BMW owners wonder, “How long do BMW ignition coils last?” Typically, these components can last between 80,000 to 100,000 miles. However, factors like driving habits and environmental conditions can influence their longevity.

How much does it cost to replace ignition coils on a BMW?

The average cost for a BMW 328i Ignition Coil Replacement is between $145 and $226. Labor costs are estimated between $64 and $94 while parts are priced between $81 and $133. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.

Can I still drive with a bad ignition coil?

No, you should not drive with a bad ignition coil, as it can lead to further and more expensive damage to your engine and catalytic converter. While you might be able to drive short distances, it is unsafe because the car will perform poorly with misfires, rough idling, and poor acceleration, and you risk a breakdown. 
Dangers of driving with a bad ignition coil

• Catalytic converter damage: Unburned fuel can enter the exhaust, where it can ignite in the hot catalytic converter, causing it to overheat and fail, notes this Quora post and this YouTube video. 
• Engine component wear: You can damage other engine parts like the cylinder walls, rings, and pistons because fuel can wash away the lubricating oil. The engine oil can also become contaminated with fuel, which reduces its ability to lubricate and protect the engine. 
• Poor performance: The vehicle will likely experience rough idling, misfiring, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel efficiency. 
• Risk of breakdown: A failing coil can lead to a complete engine failure, and if this happens while you are driving, it can be dangerous and leave you stranded. 
• Damage to other parts: A faulty ignition coil can put extra strain on other engine components and trigger issues with oxygen sensors. 

This video demonstrates what happens when you drive with a bad ignition coil, including catalytic converter damage: 1mAuto Repair GuysYouTube · Oct 6, 2022
What to do instead

• Get it diagnosed immediately: Take your car to a mechanic as soon as you notice symptoms like a check engine light, misfiring, or trouble starting. 
• Consider replacing all coils: If you have a vehicle with a coil-on-plug system, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace all the coils at once, especially if other coils are showing signs of age, says Coastwide Service Centre. 

Are BMW 328i expensive to fix?

The estimated cost to maintain and repair a BMW 328i ranges from $105 to $3614, with an average of $416.