Fouled Spark Plugs - BMW Forum

nookatee · 07-08-2005, 10:53 PM

In my quest to regain my "passed inspection" status (i'm running too rich), I've started where most people have said to start: with my spark plugs. I guess fouled spark plugs will cause an engine to run too rich. But...i have no idea how to tell if my spark plug is ok. It looks pretty charred. I managed to snag a pic. Sorry it's so damned big. I just bought a digital camera recently and haven't exactly figured the thing out yet. Thanks for any input you can provide.
Ramy

[attachmentid=22808]

PS: I didn't put these in, so I have no idea how long they've been in my engine.

kvadgama · 07-09-2005, 10:06 AM

Bosch Plat 4+???
I've had bad results with these platinum plugs.
Dealer sold me NGK Copper 4+ and am very please with it. ($15 each).

BImmerN2B · 07-09-2005, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kvadgama@Jul 9 2005, 10:06 AM
Bosch Plat 4+???
I've had bad results with these platinum plugs.
Dealer sold me NGK Copper 4+ and am very please with it. ($15 each).

[snapback]360988[/snapback]

Where did you find the NGK sparkplugs? I tried searching for them but haven't found them anywhere. Do you have a part number for that?

nookatee · 07-09-2005, 12:31 PM

I'd also like toknow where to get some of those NGK's. I hear they're pretty good.

Do you think that if I change my spark plugs my engine will stop running rich, or is this indicative of a greater problem?

Ramy

jllphan · 07-09-2005, 02:33 PM

I wouldn't say that plug is fowled, but it definitely alludes to the fact that your running rich. I might look at replacing your fuel pressure regulator, and clean your ICV. Each would cater to your plugs looking like that (if you don't have a lot of mileage on those plugs)

btw, I'm not a fan of Plat +4's etiher. In theory a hotter plug (like a +4) makes sense, but I tried them, and my car wasn't happy. Did some research, and found out that the e36 ignition system is somewhat unique and doesn't benefit from such. e46 cars do, but not the e36. Go buy Bosch Super F 8 LDCR plugs. Oem, and what you need.

Gator · 07-09-2005, 03:47 PM

The plug doesn't looked fouled, but the electrode on the top right is bend out of position and touching the center insulator. That plus it loks like the center electrode is eroded away. Together, they could cause the plug to misfire.

nookatee · 07-09-2005, 04:51 PM

thanks for the help Jllphan. I'll look into those parts this weekend.

I know what you're saying, Gator, but I think that's just the angle of the picture. All 4 prongs of the spark plug were in tact when i pulled them out and none were touching the center insulator. The center electorde isn't eroded away either. sorry about the bum photography. But thanks for the help.

Ramy

kvadgama · 07-10-2005, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BImmerN2B+Jul 9 2005, 10:16 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BImmerN2B @ Jul 9 2005, 10:16 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-kvadgama@Jul 9 2005, 10:06 AM
Bosch Plat 4+???
I've had bad results with these platinum plugs.
Dealer sold me NGK Copper 4+ and am very please with it. ($15 each).

[snapback]360988[/snapback]

Where did you find the NGK sparkplugs? I tried searching for them but haven't found them anywhere. Do you have a part number for that?

[snapback]361003[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]

Sorry! No idea what the part number is.
Ijust went to the dealer and asked for NGK's (rather than Bosch), and they gave me NGK 4+ Dealer prince for Bosch OEM's $4, NGK 4+ $15 each).
Guy said these plus are copper core and guranteed to last 100K miles.
I've already done 20K and very happy with the results.
Not sure if these plugs will revolve your problem or not tho.

Angelic0- · 07-11-2005, 02:02 AM

I've been hearing bad things about those Bosch plugs, both in the M20's and M50's, but i installed them on my Dad's Dodge Dakota, and it's never been better...

WarNox · 08-17-2005, 04:56 AM

yeah here they have lots of NGK's everywhere, glad to know i can use them!

does a bmw (m50 engine) use some special spark plugs though or would a normal jap car plug work as well? what does 4+ mean?

oh and im not gettin platnium, not worth it acording to a mechanic!

thnx

blue325is · 12-31-2005, 06:35 PM

I installed a set of Bosch 2 platinum plugs and my 1994 325is ran like crap. It had a bad hesitation below 3k rpm then smoothed out. I just replaced them with a standard copper Autolite plug and its never run this smooth until now. Each plug is $1.09 a piece. I was after the NGK's but my local parts store were all out.

tomctx · 12-31-2005, 07:20 PM

Try www.sparkplugs.com. The platinum is put on the plugs mainly to make them last longer. I have no idea what Iridium does for the spark plugs.

bitcore · 01-02-2006, 07:24 PM

BMW ignition systems are extremely picky. Sometimes you'll be lucky and platnium +4s will work fine for you, but most will HATE the +4's.

The platnium plugs run much hotter than copper +2's, our engines do not like this very much. Go with an OEM copper +2, you can save LOADS of money if you buy online.

another old member here went through 2-4 brand new sets of plugs before he said "F-IT, IM GOING BACK TO OEM!" and hasn't had trouble since I think it was jllphan. Do what you wish.

jllphan = truth.

///M Power · 01-02-2006, 08:59 PM

The plugs cant be that old...especialyl since whoever put them in put in Bosch +4's.

My e34 ran exactly the same with the +4's. Honestly I dont think it was worth the money, mroe the peace of mind to buy $6 plugs a piece. Like JLL mentioned, try cleanign your ICV (search FAQ's) and that could help more than enough to pass.

vwk · 01-03-2006, 07:07 AM

For the ones searching the PN for NGK:

It's NGK BKR6EQUP