Two different varieties of platinum spark plugs exist. With a platinum disc soldered to its core electrode, single platinum spark plugs have a similar design to copper spark plugs. The majority of BMW vehicles also use these spark plugs.
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N54 Twin-Turbo Engine, 2007-2014
Although the N54 twin-turbo engine is the focus of this page, the discussion also applies to other BMW engines. Colder plugs reduce the possibility of detonation and result in cooler combustion chamber temperatures, but they are only practical for highly tuned vehicles that require the added safety.
Since the 1974 2002 Turbo, BMW’s N54 engine was the company’s first gasoline turbo engine. Undoubtedly, several of the engine’s engineers weren’t even born when they began their job! Thus, a few bumps on the road and teething issues were to be expected. The ignition system ranks near the top of everyone’s list of long-standing complaints for the N54, which has endured a number of problems.
Misfires, which occur when the ignition coil and spark plug are unable to entirely burn the air/fuel mixture as intended, are the most common type of ignition issues. The engine computer receives alerts from knock sensors, exhaust gas temperature sensors, and oxygen sensors when something is wrong. Many various factors can contribute to misfires, but old spark plugs or malfunctioning ignition coils are the biggest offenders.
In contrast to prior BMW models’ 100,000 mile spark plugs, the original guideline for spark plug replacement was 45,000 miles. The plugs will cease to function if they are left in the automobile for an extended period of time. Typically, low fuel economy, difficult starting, and harsh running come before this. Only one Bosch ZGR6STE2 or #12120037244 direct replacement OEM N54 spark plug is available. For this engine, NGK does not provide a straight replacement stock plug. The nickel-yttrium and copper electrode used in Bosch plugs performs effectively in a wide range of temperature settings and fuel types. It’s exactly what you want in a mass-market OEM plug, and we advise using it on a stock 135i/335i/535i every day.
More fuel and boost require adjustments and improvements in other places in the tuning world. The temperature inside the combustion chamber increases as more fuel is consumed. The increased temperatures cause the fuel to ignite independently of the spark plug. Pre-ignition is a phenomenon related to misfires and is known as such. By employing a spark plug that burns less hotly, commonly referred to as a “colder” plug, we can combat this. Pre-ignition is prevented and combustion chamber temperatures are lowered as a result. Depending on your level of tuning, there are a few cooler N54 spark plugs available. The best time to switch to a cooler plug has no set “rule.” Obviously, it may be time to test a cooler plug if you consistently experience misfire problems that are not caused by faulty plugs or damaged ignition coils. We’ll rank these according to predicted horsepower output for the sake of argument, but other variables might require a colder plug at lower power output.
Iridium Laser NGK ILZKBR7B8DG On the scale of heat range, this NGK N54 plug is one degree colder. In addition, it has a stronger iridium-tipped plug in place of the conventional Nickel-Copper plug for more reliable operation when the boost is high. It’s suitable for a N54 that has all full bolt-on modifications (FBO) installed, including an intake, software tuning, intercooler and chargepipe, cat-free downpipe, and exhaust, but that is still using the OEM turbos and pump gas.
Iridium Laser SILZBR8D8S from NGK The combustion chamber temperature is lowered, misfires and knocking are decreased, and this plug is two levels colder on the thermal range. Additionally, this serves as the N20 four-cylinder turbo engine’s original OEM plug. Only extremely heavily tuned N54 engines, such as those with FBO, improved turbos, and/or water/meth injection, should use this cooler plug.
What size spark plug socket is used by BMW?
The N20, N26, N54, and N55 engines all require a 14mm deep thin wall socket for the spark plugs. The majority of folks don’t have this unique type of tool in their toolboxes. This was produced by a BMW OEM source. It’s the proper part for the job, which can greatly contribute to the speed and simplicity of DIY projects. To make the task even simpler, this socket also has an inbuilt magnet.
Call us at 877-639-9648 for complete BMW fitment information or support from one of our BMW experts.
How can I tell if the spark plugs in my BMW are bad?
Your automobile may feel a touch “odd,” which is possibly the most evident indicator of damaged spark plugs. It could begin slowly with something as straightforward as poor gas mileage, but it might end up with a lack of acceleration.
How frequently does a BMW need to replace its spark plugs?
Some Ladue motorists frequently ponder how frequently they should replace the spark plugs in their BMW. While experts typically advise replacing them every 30,000 miles, your particular model will determine the exact timing.
Do NGK plugs work well with BMWs?
This is a single Bosch platinum spark plug. This is very effective because the central electrode’s tip is a platinum disc. This spark plug is pre-gapped.
The best spark plugs among those mentioned above are BMW Spark Plugs, Plug Set Laser Platinum. Spark plugs are a crucial component of the engine. It facilitates speedy engine startup, improves fuel economy, and is in charge of reliable fuel igniting. Therefore, in order to enjoy your journeys, you must select the greatest spark plug for your BMW vehicles.
How often should you replace the spark plugs in your BMW X5?
Older vehicles with ignition systems that employed distributors, spark plugs, wire, and points are primarily the ones that the word “tune-up” alludes to. Modern coil-on-plug ignition systems with no moving parts and longer service intervals have replaced these antiquated systems.
Most BMWs have been manufactured with platinum-tipped electrode spark plugs since the 1999 model year (and iridium-tipped electrode spark plugs starting in 2006). These spark plugs need to be replaced after 100,000 miles.
(Roughly from 1999 to March 2009; M and turbocharged variants excluded)
Older BMW Motorsport cars like the E36/7 and E85 M Roaster/Coupe, E36 and E46 M3, have two ground strap spark plugs that are comparable to these. The spark plugs in these high-performance engines deteriorate more quickly and need to be replaced after 60,000 miles.
In addition, the E60 M5, E63/64 M6, and E90/92 M3 are more recent BMW Motorsport vehicles with lower spark plug service intervals. For optimum performance, these V10 and V8 powered vehicles need to have their spark plugs changed every 37,000 miles.
BMW cars with turbocharged N54 and N63 engines, including the 135i, 335i, and 535i, as well as the X5, X6, have copper-tipped spark plugs that need to be replaced every 37,000 miles.
The latest BMW models (2010 and newer 535i, 535i GT, 128i, 328i, X3, X5, etc.) equipped with the new N20 or N55 turbocharged engines, or N52TU engine, require spark plug replacement every fourth engine oil service or 60,000 miles.
Who manufactures the top spark plugs?
Spark plugs come in five different general categories:
- copper
- iridium
- just one platinum
- Two-time platinum
- silver
The design and fit of the plug within the engine, as well as its substance, all affect how well it performs.
The typical spark plug is made of copper since it is the least expensive of the five options. These plugs have a nickel alloy-plated copper centrode. Copper spark plugs are less robust than those comprised of other materials and require more frequent replacement, although being relatively inexpensive.
Compared to copper spark plugs, iridium spark plugs last longer and use less energy to produce the spark that starts the engine. The only difference between single platinum plugs and copper plugs is their platinum core, which gives them a substantially longer lifespan. These two alternatives cost more than copper spark plugs.
Both the center and ground electrodes of double platinum spark plugs are lined with platinum. As a result, they are perfect for automobiles with wasted spark ignition systems.
Silver plugs are the last choice; they are weaker than iridium and platinum plugs and are typically used with older, high-performance cars.
Do pricey spark plugs actually matter?
Purchasing high-performance spark plugs is an assured method to save money over time. The first benefit is simply better gas mileage. These premium spark plugs are built to live longer than regular plugs, allowing you to go between tune-ups more frequently while paying less for upkeep. It is simple to understand why consumers pick Pulstar high-performance spark plugs when you pair it with an engine that is more dependable and has a longer lifespan.
What spark plugs have the longest lifespan?
Spark plugs have a lengthy lifespan, but they are not indestructible. The typical manufacturer service interval for spark plugs is 100,000 miles, while some may be up to 120,000 miles. Long-life platinum and iridium spark plugs typically have a lifespan of 100,000 miles or more, assuming the engine isn’t utilizing oil or idling frequently.
On some cases, replacing spark plugs after 100,000 miles can be problematic. It can be challenging to remove a spark plug that has been in the cylinder head for so many kilometers due to carbon and corrosion. Aluminum cylinder heads run the danger of having thread damage. To avoid corrosion between the steel threads on the spark plug and the aluminum threads in the cylinder head, many spark plugs include nickel-plated threads on the plug shell. Black oxide is sometimes applied to the shell of spark plugs to prevent corrosion, but it is less effective than a nickel coating. Spark plugs that are plain and uncoated have zero corrosion resistance when put in aluminum heads. Over time, reactions between dissimilar metals might cause the spark plug to become stuck in the head.
Anti-seize compound acts as a lubricant, increasing the risk of overtightening the spark plug and damaging the threads in the cylinder head. It can also contaminate the electrode, causing the plug to foul and misfire. For these reasons, using anti-seize compound on spark plug threads to facilitate future replacement is not advised. Spark plugs need to be tightened according to specifications and placed dry.
The original equipment spark plugs for some applications, such as the 5.4L V8 and 6.8L V10 engines in 2004 to 2008 Ford vehicles and the 4.6L engines in 2005 to 2007 Ford Mustangs, are two-piece welded designs with a very long shroud around the electrode. The electrode tip becomes stuck in the heads because the plugs frequently break off and stick there. If the cracked tip cannot be removed, pricey head repairs are necessary. For these applications, some aftermarket replacement spark plugs have a one-piece construction to prevent breaking. The chance of breaking can also be decreased by changing the OE plugs before they have 40,000 miles on them.
The brand of the replacement spark plugs need not match that of the original equipment spark plugs. As long as the spark plug fits properly and has the appropriate temp range for the purpose, any brand will operate in any engine.
The spark plug’s operational temperature range is referred to as the “heat range.” A spark plug must be operated at a temperature that is hot enough to burn off fouling buildup but not too hot to risk preignition or detonation. The majority of spark plugs have a copper core and electrode construction, which provides them a wide operating temperature range and makes them appropriate for a variety of engine applications.
If replacement spark plugs are expected to last 100,000 miles, they should typically be the same kind (platinum or iridium) as the originals. The lifespan of a typical spark plug is only 40,000 miles.
A double-platinum or double-iridium spark plug may be suggested for particular applications. This kind of spark plug uses platinum or iridium on the ground electrode as well, in addition to the center electrode, to increase wear resistance and lengthen the spark plug’s useful life. Such plugs are frequently required for boosted engines that need a greater firing voltage or engines with “waste spark” ignition systems, which fire twice as quickly as a typical DIS or COP ignition system.