spark plugs

K

kal

Member
i'm gonna change my spark plugs is there, any specific brand to get or they r all the same ?! is there difference in the performance between different spark plugs brands ?!
 
I'm am not sure about BMW applications but have had easier starting and running when using NGK Iridium Ix's in my Nissan 200sx and also a run of the mill 1600cc 16v astra.

In both cases they replaced oem platinum long life plugs.

Are the OEM plugs the Bosche 4 electrode super 4's? If in any doubt get OEM plugs from BMW - bet they are pricey though... I only went for iridiums in my last car as they supposedly take less effort to spark and make a cleaner burn (the electrodes are tiny!).

My usual sparkplug website suggest the following in the NGK range:

Results and Information
Make BMW
Model Z4
Production Year 04/03-->
Engine Size 3.0
Variant E85
Engine Type M54 B30
Additional Info Not Applicable
Standard Gap (mm) Preset


If these details do not precisely match your vehicle please begin again



Standard Part (may be Copper, Platinum or OEM Iridium)
Part Number Price (£) Per Plug Qty Per Set Buy
BKR6EQUP 6.54+vat
6

Iridium IX Part
Part Number Price (£) Per Plug Qty Per Set Buy
BKR6EIX 5.72+vat 6
 
I had an interesting experience with my 318ti and learned the hard way to stick with the BMW plugs. I've heard so many times now that you actually don't need to change your plugs... ever. They are designed to outlive the engine. Don't know if I exactly believe that. Anyway, with my 318ti I ended up putting the old plugs back in after my retardation (tried to put splitfire plugs in... big mistake, they aren't rated at the temps that BMW engines operate at) at 100,000 miles and the original plugs did great thru the 160,000 miles I got out of the vehicle before my x-wife blew the engine hot rodding it in Philly with her boyfriend she was cheating on me with while I was deployed. The timing chain snapping at 4500rpms pretty much killed it. In any case, the plugs never went bad and the performance was always the same in that car. I can only imagine that technology has even gotten better since 1997 when those plugs were made. My advice, based on my experience, would be If you wanna do anything, just clean the plugs you've got and check the gap and don't worry about replacing them unless they are giving you trouble.

My $0.02. 8)
 
I have done alot of research on Spark Plugs and I do not have a warm and fuzzy for Bosch +4 plugs. That is what was in my Z.

I am sold on E-3 plugs. in my truck I gained 2+ MPG and more power with them.

I have been running the E-3's in the Z for about a month now. No complaints. A little better throttle response and a 1.5MPG fuel economy boost.

Of course time will tell...

I am waiting for my BMW ODB adapter to come in for my AutoEnginuity diagnostic/monitoring software so I can read all of the engine functions that the computer sees.... and do a real comparison...
 
so u suggest i go with the E-3 plug ?!!

i've seen it on the website, it looks different than the other plugs with that 3 pins

it's not available at amazon, how do i know which model i need ?!!

i also saw the NGK and these specs match my car but i don't know the E-3 look better ?!!
 
I can not find out what the spark gap is for a normal center electrode plug, like a NKG or Denso Iridiums. The BMW techs at the three local dealers don't know or won't tell.

I am not recommending the E-3's. I recommend using what you are comfortable with. If you really don't have a mechanical ability, go with what BMW suggests.

If you want to try the E-3's, I get mine at Advanced Auto. I think you can buy them directly from the web site.

There is another plug, based on the same basic design as the E-3's but have different characteristics. The are called Halo's. http://www.haloplug.com

I have not tried them.

But hey these are my suggestions. Do what you are comfortable with. If you are a wrench turner, it only takes 20min to pull your plugs and replace them. It is really that easy on the M54 engine....

My F-150 will not run properly on anything but Motorcraft, E-3's or Denso Iridiums. The truck runs like a dead dog on Bosch plugs...... Been there, done that... And it take a LOT longer on that motor than on the Z to change plugs....
 
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