Spark plugs: Which ones and when to change?

**m3avrck** · 10-26-2004, 10:36 AM

Hey guys! I was going through the records on my new 1997 M3 and I couldn't find anything about changing the spark plugs at all, which I thought was crazy, especially with meticiously recorded notes, one would think, ya know?

Anyways, two questions. Which spark plugs should I buy (don't need super fancy glow in the dark $50 per plug ones just good, reliable, better than stock plugs) and when do these usually need to be changed, every 15k or so?

Also, could this be a factor in why my car has failed NO emissions but passes incredibly well on all other tests? Thanks!

**KozanBMW** · 10-26-2004, 10:46 AM

I use Bosch Platinum +4 and I love em. Some people say some bad things about them, but I have had no problems.

**m3avrck** · 10-26-2004, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by MZKozan

I use Bosch Platinum +4 and I love em. Some people say some bad things about them, but I have had no problems.

What are people saying about these? On my 95 325i I put in Bosch plugs (don't think they were platinum) and those worked great. I know the M3 is requiring something a little more heavy duty so that is why I'm asking.

**1moretime** · 10-26-2004, 10:49 AM

Get the Bosch Platinum +4, somehow I feel the engine runs much smoother with those.

**1moretime** · 10-26-2004, 10:52 AM

Hey m3avrck, I see you are in VA, know any good shops for a 98 M3? Anything good regarding M3's at all? Thanks bro

**Sportye30** · 10-26-2004, 11:46 AM

Go with the NGK Iridium's. You wont regret it. The iridiums last around 30k+ miles, while the Bosch "economy" plugs last 60k+ miles.

Saul

**EstorilBlauM3** · 10-26-2004, 11:54 AM

At about 80K miles, I changed my plugs and used the NGK BKR6EQUP. Many people are running the NGK BKR6EQUP in their cars. My car ran fine before changing the plugs and after examining the old ones, they were dry and in good shape. 15K miles is too short of a period to be changing plugs.

**KJJ** · 10-26-2004, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by EstorilBlauM3

At about 80K miles, I changed my plugs and used the NGK BKR6EQUP. Many people are running the NGK BKR6EQUP in their cars. My car ran fine before changing the plugs and after examining the old ones, they were dry and in good shape. 15K miles is too short of a period to be changing plugs.

I second the NGK BKR6EQUP. The car had Platinum +4 before. After I changed to NGK, I felt the car runs better. Maybe it's a coincidence and they just needed replacement, but I have no problem with NGK.

**vinnymac** · 10-26-2004, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by EstorilBlauM3

At about 80K miles, I changed my plugs and used the NGK BKR6EQUP. Many people are running the NGK BKR6EQUP in their cars. My car ran fine before changing the plugs and after examining the old ones, they were dry and in good shape. 15K miles is too short of a period to be changing plugs.

Those are the same ones I run and I get them from www.sparkplugs.com

**M3andPorsche** · 10-26-2004, 03:20 PM

I had installed the Bosch Platinum 4+ and I wasn't impressed (almost like I lost HP). I had them installed for 10K+ miles. So I order the Bosch FGR8KQC from Turner Motorsports and these are truely great plugs. I know at $10 a plug it's tough to stomach, but it was like free HP. I've had them in for 15K miles now and they still feels strong, the Platinum 4 just never felt strong to me. I would guess they should be changed every 60K or so.

**m3avrck** · 10-26-2004, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by 1moretime

Hey m3avrck, I see you are in VA, know any good shops for a 98 M3? Anything good regarding M3's at all? Thanks bro

Just PMed you.

**m3avrck** · 10-26-2004, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by adsingl

Use some Techron fuel system cleaner, then schedule/ get to the test station when you can get right in w/o waiting in a line idling the car, and get the cats good and hot. Drive for 20-30 minutes and stay in one gear lower the whole time or keep the engine at 3500 rpm or so for most this time.

You'll likely pass if you do these things. Key piece is hot cats. If you have to sit in line, raise the idle to 2500 rpm for as much time as doesn't drive you crazy.

I did run a can of BG44k and that dropped my levels from around 865 to 714 or so but the legal limit 665, so almost there. I guess I'll have to try the hot cats trick then, this will be my third time, dangit!

**m3avrck** · 10-26-2004, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by M3andPorsche

I had installed the Bosch Platinum 4+ and I wasn't impressed (almost like I lost HP). I had them installed for 10K+ miles. So I order the Bosch FGR8KQC from Turner Motorsports and these are truely great plugs. I know at $10 a plug it's tough to stomach, but it was like free HP. I've had them in for 15K miles now and they still feels strong, the Platinum 4 just never felt strong to me. I would guess they should be changed every 60K or so.

Yeah these are the same ones BavAuto has for $12/each.

The NGR BKR6EQUP are only $8 on sparkplugs.com ... a sizeable difference in cost.

Seems to be more support for the NGR ones. Is NGR a better brand (new to me anyways, still learning)? More thoughts?

**CABimmer** · 10-26-2004, 04:01 PM

I had these for less than 12 months NGK BKR6EQUP at my last auto-x I had a C/E light from missfires. I pulled out my plugs last weekend and they were cooked. I replaced them with NGK Iridum plugs. Car runs great. I personally will not run the NGK BKR6EQUP again. They are platnum and should last 50k miles. They must not like 7k rpms much.

**m3avrck** · 10-26-2004, 04:03 PM

I didn't see the NGK Iridum ones anywhere but from the sparkplugs.com website they got reviews. Where to buy these?

**m3avrck** · 10-26-2004, 04:05 PM

By the way, anyone know how to edit a poll? I can't get that to work, want to add "NGK Iridum" to the list.

**eXpLiCiT** · 10-26-2004, 04:21 PM

Iridium part# BKR6EIX-11. The -11 at the end means they come pre-gaped at .044". For the price they are the best spark plugs for our cars.

**m3avrck** · 10-26-2004, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by eXpLiCiT

Iridium part# BKR6EIX-11. The -11 at the end means they come pre-gaped at .044". For the price they are the best spark plugs for our cars.

Are those the NGR ones you speak of?

**CABimmer** · 10-26-2004, 04:52 PM

I got BKR7EIX. they are cooler plugs than the 6s. Like I said my last ones got cooked.

www.clubplug.com

**eXpLiCiT** · 10-26-2004, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by m3avrck

Are those the NGR ones you speak of?

NGK? Yeah, they're those.

**torquey** · 10-26-2004, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by CABimmer

I got BKR7EIX. they are cooler plugs than the 6s. Like I said my last ones got cooked.

... So sounds like you're a happy "customer" huh Doug

. I just ordered some BKR6EIX-11s .. that's the one recommended for my car. But w/ Autocrossing, I think you're fine w/ the 7s.

**CABimmer** · 10-26-2004, 06:00 PM

Yep, they seem to work fine. Thanks

**GQ_Style** · 10-26-2004, 06:10 PM

NGK Iridiums BKR6EIX-5

**Sportye30** · 10-26-2004, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by GQ_Style

NGK Iridiums BKR6EIX-5

Add NGK BKR6EIX up on the poll.

**m3avrck** · 10-26-2004, 10:43 PM

Originally Posted by Sportye30

Add NGK BKR6EIX up on the poll.

How do I edit the poll? I can't figure this out at all and I'm a huge web guy. Anyone? Or mods?

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