Spark Plugs

[Kevin325i]

Ok so I replaced my spark plugs today. They didn't have the bosch +2s so I got some Autolite dual platinums. They blow. They misfire all the time, it might be because I didn't properly gap them, but I think I should put OEMs in there tomorrow anyways.

Wish me luck
Kevin

P.S. Anyone else with experiences like this with new plugs?

[dutchbmw]

Nope, where the autolite plugs recommend for your car? It is blame they'd given you that bad ass sparks!

[BlantonG13]

what about Splitfire or NGK iridium plugs? Would these be nice?

[DeefNDorf]

Hmm..I hear split fire runs too hot..?..

[dutchbmw]

Originally posted by BlantonG13@May 25 2004, 10:51 PM
or NGK iridium plugs? Would these be nice?

I NEVER EVER buy NGK sparks anymore. The white piece of the plug that is inside the engine was felt off once and had totalled the engine.

[Bengali86]

NGK Laser Platinum 4 pronged plug

so far i like them alot (only been 2 days though)
I hope they work out well, at the BMW dealership they were 17.98 each
i was able to get them for 10.00 each from my mechanic, they are nice people

long life plugs supposed to last 80k plus- but id still change them after 6 months to a year

[CiscoKid]

the autolites are ass

[Kevin325i]

Yes, they blow hardcore.

I went to the dealer today, 8 bucks a pop for the NGKs. They're the OE plugs that my dealer carries, the guy said their exactly the same as the Bosch. So far, they're awesome and run smooth.

Kevin

[jllphan]

Kevin, let me tell you, I recently learned WAY MORE about spark plugs and e36 than I wanted to recently. I wrote a review in the appropriate section of this forum, but I guess you didn't see it.

I bought Bosch Platinum +4 plugs for my car as they are regarded as one of the better plugs out there. Upon installation I was very disappointed. Went to my BMW tech, and upon telling him what I did, he laughed and laughed at me.

The deal is these cars are very picky about spark for two reasons.

1. The ignition system in these cars emits a significantly lower voltage than most cars. Where a small block chevy 350 emits about 40,000volts, the e36 only puts out about 8,000 volts.

2. To compensate for the lower voltage, the e36 ignition system fires off 24sparks per second to the chevy's 18.

So, this makes oem replacement plugs a must. I found this out the hard way, as I have spent over $200 yes $200 in spark plugs over the last few weeks learning this simple lesson. Bite the bullet go to your local BMW repair center and get the oem plugs at 11 bucks a piece...

[Kevin325i]

Yeah I read your review. That's the reason I didn't go for the +4s. I should have just gotten the OEs right away would have saved the headache. But now it's all good with my plugs *knock on wood*

Kevin

[jllphan]

I am VERY anal about having my car perfect, and upon changing my plugs several times over the past weeks, i have developed a small hickup. Upon acceleration it does fine, but at idle sometimes you hear just a little hickup every ten or twelve seconds. I think my DME is over compensating for the lack of spark compared to the Plat +4's, I am taking it to a speed shop later this week to put it on a dynojet to map out the fuel curve. not just because of this, but so i can have some custom software cut...

[bitcore]

jllphan, could you list the sparkies that you have tried?
What about the bosch copper +2's? arn't those almost identical to the OEM replacements?

[Kevin325i]

I think the Bosch +2 coppers ARE the OE for the e36.

Kevin

[jllphan]

Bosch Plat +4---suck balls
NGK Plats--------suck donkey balls
Autozone Bosch Copper +2------still not perfect (small miss)

Bosch Super (F8LDCR)---this is what you want. Bought two sets. First set I tried to regap in an attempt to silence that little hickup I was talking about earlier...BAD IDEA. Upon doing this, it was the worse condition yet. So I spent another $67 dollars on another set, and I am not touching spark plugs again for a while ghead

[mstar]

where is the review of the spark plugs? sorry if it seems a dumb question, tried to find it. Also does this apply for UK BMW cars??/