Spark Plug question...

[petevandyke]

'04 LT, didn't see much action until I bought it about a year ago with 8,000 miles. Due for annual service, has about 14,000 miles on it. Figured since I am having fluids changed and all the rest, perhaps I should have the plugs swapped out while all the tupperware is off, too.

Recommendations or "don't do this" precautions regarding replacements?

(i.e. "Is there a benefit to going to "splitfire" or higher performance-type plugs?" conversely..."Is there a problem with going to higher-performance-type plugs, and should I stick with the basics?")

P

[Dick]

'04 LT, didn't see much action until I bought it about a year ago with 8,000 miles. Due for annual service, has about 14,000 miles on it. Figured since I am having fluids changed and all the rest, perhaps I should have the plugs swapped out while all the tupperware is off, too.

Recommendations or "don't do this" precautions regarding replacements?

(i.e. "Is there a benefit to going to "splitfire" or higher performance-type plugs?" conversely..."Is there a problem with going to higher-performance-type plugs, and should I stick with the basics?")

P
FWIW - I'm going with splitfires, and pretty darn soon. Monte gave me a pack of 'em about a hunnert years ago - I figger I oughta use 'em before the Antique Roadshow comes to town. jm2cw.

[dshealey]

'04 LT, didn't see much action until I bought it about a year ago with 8,000 miles. Due for annual service, has about 14,000 miles on it. Figured since I am having fluids changed and all the rest, perhaps I should have the plugs swapped out while all the tupperware is off, too.

Recommendations or "don't do this" precautions regarding replacements?

(i.e. "Is there a benefit to going to "splitfire" or higher performance-type plugs?" conversely..."Is there a problem with going to higher-performance-type plugs, and should I stick with the basics?")

P

There is really only a slight improvement in performance with any "performance" plug over standard. I used Splitfire Triple Platinum plugs (TP416D) in my LT, but only for the very long life of platinum tipped plugs. However, I did notice a little crisper throttle response on accelleration, but would never expect actual horsepower increase.

Any good platinum or iridium plug will help avoid the 12 K replacements with the standard BMW plugs, and yes, there is always a slight improvement when they are changed, but just don't expect a very noticeable "performance" improvement. Platinum tipped plugs, especially if both center and ground electrodes have the tips, like the Splitfires, will last a minimum of 60K, probably 100K.

[deputy5211]

'04 LT, didn't see much action until I bought it about a year ago with 8,000 miles. Due for annual service, has about 14,000 miles on it. Figured since I am having fluids changed and all the rest, perhaps I should have the plugs swapped out while all the tupperware is off, too.

Recommendations or "don't do this" precautions regarding replacements?

(i.e. "Is there a benefit to going to "splitfire" or higher performance-type plugs?" conversely..."Is there a problem with going to higher-performance-type plugs, and should I stick with the basics?")

P

Pete,
If you want to do it over here and save yourself some big $$'s by doing your own labor, ring me up.

[Dick]

There is really only a slight improvement in performance with any "performance" plug over standard. I used Splitfire Triple Platinum plugs (TP416D) in my LT, but only for the very long life of platinum tipped plugs. However, I did notice a little crisper throttle response on accelleration, but would never expect actual horsepower increase.

Any good platinum or iridium plug will help avoid the 12 K replacements with the standard BMW plugs, and yes, there is always a slight improvement when they are changed, but just don't expect a very noticeable "performance" improvement. Platinum tipped plugs, especially if both center and ground electrodes have the tips, like the Splitfires, will last a minimum of 60K, probably 100K.
Hey, David - any change you know of about the gappage on new plugs? I've always heard, and did as I've heard, that the electrode gap doesn't need to be corrected (according to the Service/Technical Booklet). Yes??

[petevandyke]

Pete,
If you want to do it over here and save yourself some big $$'s by doing your own labor, ring me up.


Deal, Tony

[BecketMa]

Only tip is to make sure you have the correct size socket for the new plugs.

AND, order 4 plugs and only one valve cover gasket (not 2 plugs and two valve cover gaskets).

My bike always runs faster and better after I wash it, and after I change the plugs.

Bob

[dshealey]

Hey, David - any change you know of about the gappage on new plugs? I've always heard, and did as I've heard, that the electrode gap doesn't need to be corrected (according to the Service/Technical Booklet). Yes??

I don't think there is a gap setting for the stock BMW plugs, and it is never recommended to even check the gap on platinum or iridium tipped plugs, much less try to change them. The tiny platinum (or iridium) tips can be easily damaged with any type of feeler/wire type gage.

In the old days of Kettering (points and condenser) type ignition systems correct plug gaps could be pretty important. These days the advent of all the different types of "High Energy" ignition systems has pretty much made plug gapping a thing of the past. The plugs are made now to pretty tight standards, and gaps are checked at the factory with optical measuring systems.

If one purchased a set of platinum or iridium plugs and found one's gap looks noticeably different from the others, basically take it back and exchange it.

I have not gapped plugs, motorcycle or car, in many years now. Just look at them to be sure none are really out of decent range or damaged, and install them.

[Jabrown]

I being the guy that I am have always looked for good deals...sometimes it bites me in the rear. I bought a set of autolite plugs (don't remember specs), I was in Advanced auto and was there for another reason other than the bike, But I figured if they could cross reference the plugs. They came up with two different plugs. One was an Autolite el cheapo and the other was something I don't remember. I bought the El Cheapo plugs for about $1.20 a piece. I checked the length of the plug and all that stuff and sure enough it fit in there. It was a single elctrode standard plug except it said it was for a motorcycle. I put it in and didn't notice any difference at first. Started, ran, I was happy. Until I turned the bike off when it was hot, on a hot day and tried to restart it. Apparently the spark on these plugs isn't nearly as hot as the spark on the oem plugs. I am still getting around 50 mpg so it hasn't hurt mileage but it hasn't done me any favors either. I will be using better plugs next time.

[JATownsend]

...I used Splitfire Triple Platinum plugs (TP416D) in my LT, but only for the very long life of platinum tipped plugs. However, I did notice a little crisper throttle response on accelleration, but would never expect actual horsepower increase.

...like the Splitfires, will last a minimum of 60K, probably 100K.
Boy, do I agree! :D I just did my 60,000 mile service. I put in Splitfires at 10K.

Thought it was about time to change them...I probably should have saved my money, they looked great...nice light brown, etc.

That's with 50,000 miles on them. I won't go back to 'Regular' plugs.

[dresser98]

Anyone know the part number for splitfires.

[dshealey]

Anyone know the part number for splitfires.

It was in my post. TP416D

[petevandyke]

FYI, I've had a BITCH of a time finding splitfire triple platinums...if you go to the website for splitfire, you'll find about ten places listed in their dealer list, and if you go far enough, you'll discover that the TP416D plugs (the TP is for triple Platinum, the SF plugs are "regular" splitfire plugs). Autozone...can't order them. Three others, get to the checkout point and it subtly tells you "on backorder, anticipate back in stock 7/1/07."

I spent hours, no kidding, trying to find them, finally gave in and ordered directly from splitfire.com, paid $5.95 for shipping and handling.

Plugs were $5.95 each, by the way...

Pete

[dshealey]

FYI, I've had a BITCH of a time finding splitfire triple platinums...if you go to the website for splitfire, you'll find about ten places listed in their dealer list, and if you go far enough, you'll discover that the TP416D plugs (the TP is for triple Platinum, the SF plugs are "regular" splitfire plugs). Autozone...can't order them. Three others, get to the checkout point and it subtly tells you "on backorder, anticipate back in stock 7/1/07."

I spent hours, no kidding, trying to find them, finally gave in and ordered directly from splitfire.com, paid $5.95 for shipping and handling.

Plugs were $5.95 each, by the way...

Pete

Wish I knew you were looking. I ordered them a couple times, for the LT and for my cars, from www.sparkplugs.com

[jrlakin]

I think the BMW plugs are around $10.00 a piece, so $6.00 for better ones sounds like a deal to me!

[petevandyke]

Wish I knew you were looking. I ordered them a couple times, for the LT and for my cars, from www.sparkplugs.com


Thanks Dave...but they were backordered, too!

nice thing for those of you with 4-wheel bimmers to go along with your 2-wheel BEEMERS, it would seem the 5-series at least take the same plugs...but doublecheck and don't take my word, I only play a mechanic on tv...