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      12-14-2012, 09:31 AM   #1
Munit
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New Spark plugs-wow

So I had my 30k service done and got the plugs changed, oil etc. I actually had changed the plugs myself at 10k miles as I had used some octane booster from torco which works but frys the plugs! So I changed them myself and drove 20k miles and when I took the car back it was so much more crisp and snappy acceleration. Was like the spark was not up to snuff and full combustion was not happening if that is possible.

I will definetly do more of a 15-20k spark plug change as it is a really easy DIY and worth keeping the engine in absolutely brand new functioning
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      12-14-2012, 09:35 AM   #2
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Nice, I replace mine every 10-15 k and the feel is very noticeable.
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      12-14-2012, 09:48 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by img View Post
Nice, I replace mine every 10-15 k and the feel is very noticeable.
At that interval may as well just use a copper plug.


30k seems fine for the plugs. Just curious on your boosted car are you running colder plugs?
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      12-14-2012, 10:24 AM   #4
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You are not alone. I had my plugs changed at 30,000 miles as well and felt a very noticeable difference!

Updating to this infamous 231E on the other hand, didn't notice a single thing.
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      12-14-2012, 10:36 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Munit View Post
So I had my 30k service done and got the plugs changed, oil etc. I actually had changed the plugs myself at 10k miles as I had used some octane booster from torco which works but frys the plugs! So I changed them myself and drove 20k miles and when I took the car back it was so much more crisp and snappy acceleration. Was like the spark was not up to snuff and full combustion was not happening if that is possible.

I will definetly do more of a 15-20k spark plug change as it is a really easy DIY and worth keeping the engine in absolutely brand new functioning
The Torco race fuel concentrate does turn the plugs a nice orange but I don't think it damages them at all. I know guys with Shelby GT500s and C5/6 Vettes that are in the 600-800rwhp range that use Torco race fuel concentrate to probably a higher level than you did with no detriment. From my understanding the plugs start to lose efficiency even without the fuel concentrate at around the 18-20k mark anyway.

The Torco stuff is pretty good...

Dave
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      12-14-2012, 11:01 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by img View Post
Nice, I replace mine every 10-15 k and the feel is very noticeable.
Izzy what spark plugs do you use? Oem o r after market?
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      12-14-2012, 11:31 AM   #7
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Plugs on the s65 will wear faster then most because of the ion knock control on them. After each combustion firing 400VDC is ran through the plug when it is measuring combustion quality. Plugs and coils are going to be big wear items on the s65
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      12-14-2012, 11:39 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VCMperformance View Post
Plugs on the s65 will wear faster then most because of the ion knock control on them. After each combustion firing 400VDC is ran through the plug when it is measuring combustion quality. Plugs and coils are going to be big wear items on the s65
How often do you think the coils need to be changed?
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      12-14-2012, 11:43 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by C|3R1C View Post
How often do you think the coils need to be changed?
When they fail as they are not really a maintenance item like plugs
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      12-14-2012, 12:02 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m3an View Post
When they fail as they are not really a maintenance item like plugs
Oh I was curious as to the expected life Would you happen to know? I've yet to seen a single replacement on the forum yet lol.

They are damn expensive. $70 a piece.
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      12-14-2012, 12:52 PM   #11
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Keeping on top of the plug will help the coils last longer. To how long the coils will last is a crystal ball question 5 more days or 5 years. Nothing not to sleep about just enjoy the s65 noise and keep it heathy
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      12-14-2012, 01:48 PM   #12
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Mine were replaced at 28K miles under warranty. 46K on the clock now and still hitting all ignition targets set and running better than ever.

I'll probably let BMW change them around 58K under the extended maintenance contract I purchased. Along with rotors, pads, brake fluid, oil, micro-filter, tranny oil, diff oil, and clutch if I can be convincing enough And yeah... tires too somewhere in there. Mine took a beating at the track a few days ago.
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      12-14-2012, 09:30 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by knolow View Post
Izzy what spark plugs do you use? Oem o r after market?
OEM Bro
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      12-14-2012, 09:31 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by C|3R1C View Post
How often do you think the coils need to be changed?
Coils either work or not.once you start getting misfires,means you need new coils.
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      12-14-2012, 09:53 PM   #15
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How much are OEM spark plugs? more or less
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      12-15-2012, 11:37 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave07997S View Post
The Torco race fuel concentrate does turn the plugs a nice orange but I don't think it damages them at all. I know guys with Shelby GT500s and C5/6 Vettes that are in the 600-800rwhp range that use Torco race fuel concentrate to probably a higher level than you did with no detriment. From my understanding the plugs start to lose efficiency even without the fuel concentrate at around the 18-20k mark anyway.

The Torco stuff is pretty good...

Dave
Yes that is what many say but it comes down to how often you use it. Mine were orange and I indeed get a misfire and changed them out and it was fine. I now use actual torco race fuel mixed with gas so its not an issue but I have no certain answer on whether or not the torco conenctrate causes decrease in plug function as long as there is no misfire.

Wonder if someone can explain why a fresh set of plugs can make such a difference?
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      12-15-2012, 01:04 PM   #17
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It's the knock system in how it reads pike cylinder pressure while applying 400vdc after combustion it's reads resistance to see if detonation is happening. So a old plug bigger gap maybe the fuel additive add to more initial resistance thus the ecu pulling power thinking detonation is forming. Just my two cent.
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      12-15-2012, 04:08 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Superfly_M3 View Post
How much are OEM spark plugs? more or less
I think you can find them on amazon from NGK for like $11 each. It's what they were using on the DIY thread.
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      12-15-2012, 05:15 PM   #19
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NGK makes plugs with knock sensor? is that what OEM uses?
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      12-15-2012, 06:38 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Superfly_M3
NGK makes plugs with knock sensor? is that what OEM uses?
There is no conventional 'knock sensor' on the OEM plugs or these NGK's

The combustion quality detection is a function of the coils themselves and the feedback received from the plugs.
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      12-16-2012, 08:35 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m3an View Post
At that interval may as well just use a copper plug.


30k seems fine for the plugs. Just curious on your boosted car are you running colder plugs?
I've always ran the oem plug in the car
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      12-19-2012, 02:54 PM   #22
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My car is at South Bay BMW for a oil change and replacing the driver side parking and DL. Turns out at 26k miles on my car they are changing the spark plugs and doing a diffy service.

Dave
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