You probably have the new plugs installed by now, but I recommend pulling the plug wires again and putting some diaelectric grease inside the leads before you face the same problem again.

When I can't reach a hole to start a plug by hand I use a short piece of fuel hose to hold the plug. You can spin the plug backwards in the hole until you feel the threads line up. You can also feel if you've crossed the threads when you turn the plug. Turn 'em down as far as you can by hand with the hose then use the plug wrench. Don't forget a swipe of anti-seize on the plug threads.

I don't mean to insult with these directions for they are for those who do not know.

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic