Subject: Re: I plan on replacing my sparks plugs, what do I need to know & which plugs are Author: nevanish : member since February, 2007 : 112 posts Posted on: 2008-10-22 01:23:30

Sir, I put about 14,000 mi on a set of Bosch R-3, Platinum +4, #4418. They do fine IMH obsrvation. With a vexing problem after I did a valve job on my 2000-740, the engine ran for a couple trips and died. It took me a couple weeks to pinpoint the problem.** In the meantime, a guy at BAV Auto highly recommended a set of Autolite 3924's which are copper core plugs..(to cure the problem). They are conventional plugs but will fit and likely will fire OK. The +4's were about 7 bucks each at Advance, Auto Zone and or O'Reilly (whatever) while the copper Autolites were only $1.30 or so. It is likely one could take a choice and perhaps not expect the 100K out of the cheaper ones. I think after it all, I might just could have been happy with the cheaper ones but I didn't buy the car to save money.

**since I found the problem, a loose cam sensor wheel on the cam, likely a product of a DS overage mechanic missing a torque requirement when putting it all back together. I tried 4 of the copper plugs and it did not help start so I abandon that idea, returned the unused plugs and will carry the used, one or two crank attempts, for spares. May just augment them if the car gets into the higher miles and a plug change becomes necessary. Personally, I would just put in the cheapo's and see how they do. My tank was not carefully maintained when I bought it and the plugs were the worst I ever saw and that is quite a few years of wrenching.... that is wrenching, not wenching although the thought is still there... The 4 prong guys made the most difference of any plug change I ever observed since the previous plugs were coked to the firing electrode with the leaky valve stem seals... Now replaced.

With the cheaper plugs you will have money left over so be sure you change your fuel filter at the 50K recommended intervals or you may suffer a couple burnt exhaust valves like I did. 133K miles and the filter was never changed. OK.. My fault anyhow, I forced the car home on a trip and dicked up a couple valves.
Let me know how you do on this.. Nevanish@aol.com

• I plan on replacing my sparks plugs, what do I need to know & which plugs are (url) - rg0115 2008-10-18 13:34:46 (197 views)
  • Re: I plan on replacing my sparks plugs, what do I need to know & which plugs are - nevanish 2008-10-22 01:23:30 (111 views)
  • The dealer list price for either NGK BKR6EQUP or Bosch FGR7DQP (aka 4417) OE - stritarja 2008-10-18 21:10:30 (173 views)
    • Good to know. I was wondering if the dealer plugs were any different, but - rg0115 2008-10-18 21:25:34 (46 views)
  • BOSCH Platinum IR Fusion - guybo11 2008-10-18 18:00:44 (62 views)
  • I got NGK something from Advance Auto. Was gonna do them today.... (nt) - Ed 2008-10-18 15:55:30 (53 views)
    • Keep us posted on your install. Love to hear how much difference they make (nt) - rg0115 2008-10-18 17:09:39 (43 views)
  • I saw the following on e38.org on the spark plug specifications... (url) - RobinK 2008-10-18 14:04:07 (87 views)
    • Robert - The BMW recommended NGK BKR6EQUP are $7.99 at Kragen. - sdmike 2008-10-18 14:13:01 (58 views)
      • A-HA! Here's the complete BMW Spark Plug list for US Models (url) - RobinK 2008-10-18 14:26:53 (132 views)
        • Awesome, thank you Robin. I also bookmarked this info. will come in handy for - rg0115 2008-10-18 14:36:48 (37 views)
          • NP! This, and Mikes posts below have 'unconfused' me as well, for now... ;-) (nt) - RobinK 2008-10-18 15:01:56 (31 views)
  • By the way, the advantage of a platinum, iridium or other 'ium' electrode is... - sdmike 2008-10-18 14:01:36 (104 views)
    • Great info Mike Thanks. I totally take you up on the door panel tomorrow, what - rg0115 2008-10-18 14:34:51 (43 views)
      • Shouldn't take long. How about 10am. Is that too late for you? - sdmike 2008-10-18 18:56:45 (34 views)
        • Mike, 10 AM is fine. we can do later too. Doesn't matter to me. Do you think - rg0115 2008-10-18 21:23:56 (29 views)
          • I can help with the bumper, but I've never taken one off (nt) - sdmike 2008-10-18 21:37:07 (25 views)
            • Looks pretty easy. I am sure we can manage. Here is a link to how. (url) - rg0115 2008-10-18 22:20:40 (30 views)
              • Maybe this will help? (url) - IBHenry® 2008-10-19 14:03:52 (30 views)
      • Robert, when are you planning the spark plug change? (nt) - IBHenry® 2008-10-18 15:18:25 (36 views)
        • Next weekend (nt) - rg0115 2008-10-18 17:03:03 (25 views)
    • good grief...head = heat (darned fingers) (nt) - sdmike 2008-10-18 14:02:16 (26 views)
  • Don't buy them from the dealer! You can get a good plug for our cars.. - sdmike 2008-10-18 13:58:12 (66 views)
    • Re: Don't buy them from the dealer! You can get a good plug for our cars.. - paprmkr 2008-10-18 21:59:13 (39 views)
    • $6.06 from crownbmw.com!!!!! (nt) - JibbaJabba 2008-10-18 18:55:38 (39 views)
      • ??? - I just checked and I get $12.99 for Crown BMW sparkplus for 2001 740il (nt) - stritarja 2008-10-18 21:16:18 (29 views)