thoughts on billet spark plug tubes?

[avusblue]

I'm doing my valve cover gasket, just wanted to know what are your thoughts on billet spark plug tubes like NRW or VTT offers? are they better than the oem?

[CamasM3e93]

Originally Posted by avusblue

I'm doing my valve cover gasket, just wanted to know what are your thoughts on billet spark plug tubes like NRW or VTT offers? are they better than the oem?

The only advantage might be durability. If you think you will keep the car long enough to get to the next valve cover gasket change, it might make sense. Otherwise would source whichever option is cheaper in the moment.

[Redd]

The S65 plug tubes don't crack like they do for the I6 engines but they do leak. Having billet tubes with replaceable o-rings would be a good long term solution. I've purchased my NRW tubes and will install them the next time I have the valve covers off.

[Johnny E92]

Originally Posted by Redd

The S65 plug tubes don't crack like they do for the I6 engines but they do leak. Having billet tubes with replaceable o-rings would be a good long term solution. I've purchased my NRW tubes and will install them the next time I have the valve covers off.

Agree, good long time solution if your car is a ‘keeper’. I purchased the billet tubes and will be getting them fitted along with the NRW valves covers at my next service.

[BimmerRob08]

Slightly off topic but a word of warning for the NRW covers. I just did mine and ran into a fitment problem. The machined threaded holes need to be checked with your aluminum hex head hardware. Replace all of them as they get brittle and I had tap out the holes again with M6x1.0. While re-installing, one of my coil over plastic cover post snapped off. Long story short, they sent me another cover under warranty. Check your holes and replace the hardware. The holes are pretty darn tight. Bolts don’t require more than snug tight.

[Redd]

Originally Posted by BimmerRob08

Slightly off topic but a word of warning for the NRW covers. I just did mine and ran into a fitment problem. The machined threaded holes need to be checked with your aluminum hex head hardware. Replace all of them as they get brittle and I had tap out the holes again with M6x1.0. While re-installing, one of my coil over plastic cover post snapped off. Long story short, they sent me another cover under warranty. Check your holes and replace the hardware. The holes are pretty darn tight. Bolts don’t require more than snug tight.

This was a known issue from early batches of the NRW valve covers. When I did my group buy of 12 sets, Neil did warn me to check all the bolt holes before installing as some may be overly tight and need re-threading. Luckily for me all 12 sets installed with no issues.

[BimmerRob08]

Originally Posted by Redd

This was a known issue from early batches of the NRW valve covers. When I did my group buy of 12 sets, Neil did warn me to check all the bolt holes before installing as some may be overly tight and need re-threading. Luckily for me all 12 sets installed with no issues.

That’s interesting. Hour long ago was that? I just bought mine about two months ago. Good thing after that one post shakes off, I checked and emerged all the rest of the machine holes with the proper size tap.

[Redd]

Originally Posted by BimmerRob08

That’s interesting. Hour long ago was that? I just bought mine about two months ago. Good thing after that one post shakes off, I checked and emerged all the rest of the machine holes with the proper size tap.

My GB was at least 6 months ago I think.

[BimmerRob08]

Originally Posted by Redd

My GB was at least 6 months ago I think.

Then I must have gotten one of those in that batch of production.

[andym3]

I am also in the market for new spark plug tubes. The NRW ones cost cheaper than BMW ones, seems like a good choice. But what if they stop selling the orings in the future. I am kinda on the fence here especially there aren’t many reviews on this particular product.

[Redd]

Originally Posted by andym3

I am also in the market for new spark plug tubes. The NRW ones cost cheaper than BMW ones, seems like a good choice. But what if they stop selling the orings in the future. I am kinda on the fence here especially there aren’t many reviews on this particular product.

O-rings are the easiest things to find. Just keep a record of the o-ring diameter and thickness (while removed from the tube), you can source them from elsewhere if the originals are no longer produced.

[andym3]

Originally Posted by Redd

O-rings are the easiest things to find. Just keep a record of the o-ring diameter and thickness (while removed from the tube), you can source them from elsewhere if the originals are no longer produced.

That’s true. However, on the other hand, most sites offer life time warranty on the OEM now. So I am not sure if I want to take a risk on a product without reviews.

[Thumbie]

Originally Posted by Johnny E92

Agree, good long time solution if your car is a ‘keeper’. I purchased the billet tubes and will be getting them fitted along with the NRW valves covers at my next service.

This is what I plan to do eventually. Tubes + covers mostly for the looks lol.

I am using, dangerously, the ol' "might as well while you're in there" logic