Time for new spark plugs?

jfewins · 11-19-2009, 01:40 AM

I have 25k miles and the car is a 2007 build.

No specific problems noted. Is there an ideal time for new spark plugs? If so, does the specific brand make much of a difference?

Thanks

335xiRT1 · 11-19-2009, 08:49 AM

if tuned about every 15K- 20K

enrita · 11-19-2009, 09:11 AM

there is only 1 type of spark plugs you can use. those are bosch.

canesr1 · 11-19-2009, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enrita

there is only 1 type of spark plugs you can use. those are bosch.

do you know the cost to replace them all?

enrita · 11-19-2009, 09:32 AM

you can buy them here, pretty cheap: http://www.autohausaz.com

hokie4life03 · 11-19-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfewins

I have 25k miles and the car is a 2007 build.

No specific problems noted. Is there an ideal time for new spark plugs? If so, does the specific brand make much of a difference?

Thanks

Why does a car with 25k miles on it need new spark plugs?????

canesr1 · 11-19-2009, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hokie4life03

Why does a car with 25k miles on it need new spark plugs?????

Yes why? And what benefit will come out of me changing them now?

Mike@N54Tuning.com · 11-19-2009, 02:13 PM

When running a tune every 20K is a good interval for plugs. Its good preventative maintenance to keep your car running in top condition

Mike

hokie4life03 · 11-19-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com

When running a tune every 20K is a good interval for plugs. Its good preventative maintenance to keep your car running in top condition

Mike

This is my first BMW... are you saying the BMW recommends that you change the plugs every 20k miles?!?!?

Mike@N54Tuning.com · 11-19-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hokie4life03

This is my first BMW... are you saying the BMW recommends that you change the plugs every 20k miles?!?!?

No, only when you are running a tune do I recommend you cut BMW's interval in half.

Mike

duy@bavarianx · 11-19-2009, 02:46 PM

If you are going to change the plugs, keep in mind that N54's use a very specific 12pt thin wall socket for the plugs.

Mike's right about the intervals, we will typically change it around the 18k-20k mark.

Vicko · 11-19-2009, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick.CBR

Tuned N54's like to use plugs quicker. As the plugs get older, running more boost can cause the spark to "blow out" easier (which is also why tuned cars have an easier time exploiting a weak coil as well). Maybe someone here can give you a more technical answer or correct me on this but that's what I gather from the various spark plug threads.

I think the regular service life for a stock N54 is only like 45K miles on a set of plugs. These aren't Honda motors, they're maint. whores.

I'm at 14,5 on my stock plugs - no issues (yet). Not sure when I'll swap them out... Doesn't look hard.

Nick
v3 R1 11-2 6AT Stg 1

+1 I just change my plugs at 38k miles. I have blown 3 coils in the last 10k miles or so (lerned the hard way). It means that when you are TUNED like Mike said you should change plugs around 20k miles. IMO no later than 25k miles.

Ps. BMW is sheduled for plugs change at 45k miles...

V3 R1 11-2 6MT Stg 3

335xiRT1 · 11-19-2009, 04:08 PM

socket + plugs about $100

rolling18 · 11-20-2009, 01:39 AM

what should you look for on the plug to determine if they need replacing?
any tests? pictures?

David1 · 11-20-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolling18

what should you look for on the plug to determine if they need replacing?
any tests? pictures?

If you pull it out, through it out.

Kelvin1000 · 11-21-2009, 07:12 AM

Here are some pics of mine at 30K (just changed them this morning):

pander5 · 11-21-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335xiRT1

socket + plugs about $100

Cheep insurance in my book and I consider it like changing oil. I'd rather not replace a coil pack because I over extended the plugs.

Not to divert OT but does anyone know the temperature rating of the OEM plug? Is there a colder spec plug abvailable?

rolling18 · 11-21-2009, 06:24 PM

KELVIN
awesome! thats just what i was lookin for !
one of those looks like it has lot more carbon or oil? on it that the rest..
normal?

Dan335i · 11-22-2009, 08:41 PM

Depends on how agressive a tune your running to determine when to change the plugs.If your running an agressive tune i would change them out at aroung 20k.On a mild tune like JB+ or SSTT i would stick with factory amount of miles unless they have to be changed by checking them or feeling by the butt dyno if they feel like its time to change them out.

dzenno · 11-22-2009, 08:57 PM

Anyone have a link to a socket order page?? Tischer maybe?

Mid_West · 11-27-2009, 08:57 PM

When I have my tune in (AA Xede) I get a random misfire in one of my cylinders. Could the misfire be related to a plug or is it more likely to be a coil? Ive had my tune out for the past 4 months hoping to get another misfire but cant seem to get one without it.

Just hate putting that thing in then taking it out almost as much as I hate limp mode!

11-19-2009, 01:40 AM	#1
jfewins Private 3 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fort Worth, TX iTrader: (1)	Time for new spark plugs? I have 25k miles and the car is a 2007 build. No specific problems noted. Is there an ideal time for new spark plugs? If so, does the specific brand make much of a difference? Thanks
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11-19-2009, 08:49 AM	#2
335xiRT1 Captain 47 Rep 693 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: long island iTrader: (14)	if tuned about every 15K- 20K
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11-19-2009, 09:11 AM	#3
enrita Major General 161 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: 335i - Big turbos Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Italian in Sweden iTrader: (0)	there is only 1 type of spark plugs you can use. those are bosch. __________________ 07 335i AT - MOTIV 750 - MHD E85 BMS flash - BMS PI - JB4G5 - Okada Coils - NGK 5992 Plugs - Helix IC - Snow Stg. 3 - Stett CP - Custom midpipes with 100 HJS Cats - Bastuck Quad - PSS10 - QUAIFE LSD - BMS OCC - Forge DVs - AR OC - ALCON BBK - M3 Chassi - Dinan CP - Velocity M rear Toe arms - Advan RZ-DF - LUX H8 - Level 10 AT upgrade
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11-19-2009, 09:32 AM	#5
enrita Major General 161 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: 335i - Big turbos Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Italian in Sweden iTrader: (0)	you can buy them here, pretty cheap: http://www.autohausaz.com __________________ 07 335i AT - MOTIV 750 - MHD E85 BMS flash - BMS PI - JB4G5 - Okada Coils - NGK 5992 Plugs - Helix IC - Snow Stg. 3 - Stett CP - Custom midpipes with 100 HJS Cats - Bastuck Quad - PSS10 - QUAIFE LSD - BMS OCC - Forge DVs - AR OC - ALCON BBK - M3 Chassi - Dinan CP - Velocity M rear Toe arms - Advan RZ-DF - LUX H8 - Level 10 AT upgrade
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11-19-2009, 02:13 PM	#8
Mike@N54Tuning.com Joint Chiefs of Staff 5037 Rep 116,174 Posts Drives: 2007 335i, 2015 M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: N54tuning.com iTrader: (89)	When running a tune every 20K is a good interval for plugs. Its good preventative maintenance to keep your car running in top condition Mike
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11-19-2009, 02:46 PM	#11
duy@bavarianx Banned 22 Rep 188 Posts Drives: LCI Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brea, CA iTrader: (2)	If you are going to change the plugs, keep in mind that N54's use a very specific 12pt thin wall socket for the plugs. Mike's right about the intervals, we will typically change it around the 18k-20k mark.
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11-19-2009, 04:08 PM	#13
335xiRT1 Captain 47 Rep 693 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: long island iTrader: (14)	socket + plugs about $100
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11-20-2009, 01:39 AM	#14
rolling18 I AM the 12th. Emom 53 Rep 1,007 Posts Drives: 07 335i SG Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: portland, OR iTrader: (1)	what should you look for on the plug to determine if they need replacing? any tests? pictures? __________________ *e92, 335i SG/ Coral. 6m, LSD,*
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11-21-2009, 07:12 AM	#16
Kelvin1000 Major 254 Rep 1,297 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M2 Competition MT Hoc Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (4)	Here are some pics of mine at 30K (just changed them this morning):
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11-21-2009, 06:24 PM	#18
rolling18 I AM the 12th. Emom 53 Rep 1,007 Posts Drives: 07 335i SG Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: portland, OR iTrader: (1)	KELVIN awesome! thats just what i was lookin for ! one of those looks like it has lot more carbon or oil? on it that the rest.. normal? __________________ *e92, 335i SG/ Coral. 6m, LSD,* Last edited by rolling18; 11-21-2009 at 06:39 PM..
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11-22-2009, 08:41 PM	#19
Dan335i Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,786 Posts Drives: 07 335i coupe 6MT,w/sp. pack. Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: orange county NY iTrader: (2)	Depends on how agressive a tune your running to determine when to change the plugs.If your running an agressive tune i would change them out at aroung 20k.On a mild tune like JB+ or SSTT i would stick with factory amount of miles unless they have to be changed by checking them or feeling by the butt dyno if they feel like its time to change them out.
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11-22-2009, 08:57 PM	#20
dzenno Banned 286 Rep 5,876 Posts Drives: Join Date: Feb 2006 iTrader: (1)	Anyone have a link to a socket order page?? Tischer maybe?
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11-27-2009, 08:57 PM	#21
Mid_West Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 231 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	Would a miss fire be a good reason to change plugs? When I have my tune in (AA Xede) I get a random misfire in one of my cylinders. Could the misfire be related to a plug or is it more likely to be a coil? Ive had my tune out for the past 4 months hoping to get another misfire but cant seem to get one without it. Just hate putting that thing in then taking it out almost as much as I hate limp mode!
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