[Marshalltj]

I have decided to replace my BOV with the GFB version. It's on order and should be here in a week or two. I have also read about the cooler operating temps of the M3 plugs and how these cane be a good idea for engines running a tune. What are the part numbers for these plugs? And, are BMW plugs or an after market version recommended?

[Stubok]

They are BMW plugs.

Here are the part numbers for the coils and plugs for the stock N20 (F30-328i) and S55 (F80-M3) engines. Notice the Coils are the same.

Part #
N20 Coil 12138616153
S55 Coil 12138616153

N20 Spark plug 12120039664
S55 Spark plug 12120039634

I actually just changed mine yesterday.

I found that the gaps are the same, well at least on my autozone sparking gap tool. I had 0.7mm (about 0.03").

The existing plugs didn't seem bad at all after 10,500miles. so not sure if it worth changing them. That said I only just started tuning the engine (GSR Flash Tune), so maybe it will help in the long run. I haven't tested things yet, so I cant tell if there is any impact on performance.

[SergioK]

Key point when changing plugs on the N20:

If you notice, the coil 'tunnel' is at a different angle than the spark plug. If you use a regular socket extension you'll find that it will almost make contact at the top of the wall of the engine. The recommendation I've heard is to put a swivel on the spark plug socket so the sparkplug is torqued down evenly instead of kinked. Apparently the ceramic, and internals, on the stock N20 plugs are very fragile and the plugs can easily fracture (internally or the ceramic itself). In addition, overtorquing the plugs can also lead to internal fractures.

[Stubok]

If you have a thin 5" extension you can do it straight. But yes maybe a universal joint would be a good idea.

The plug boxes say 23Nm +/-3Nm.

Which is surprisingly low, but it works.

[BIGBOYQ]

Did these reduce the engine temperature?

[Seraphblade@sg]

Originally Posted by BIGBOYQ

Did these reduce the engine temperature?

Colder sparks do not reduce temperature...

Colder plugs in fact means that they work optimally at higher temperature


The spark plugs did not do much to my car. I had them when I had the JB4, when I was running stock, and when I am on ecu flash now.

Can't tell the difference.

Anyways, the stock plugs are great. Unless u are really pushing lots of boost and harsh track conditions, I would spare the cash.

[Bee Pee]

Originally Posted by Stubok

They are BMW plugs.

Here are the part numbers for the coils and plugs for the stock N20 (F30-328i) and S55 (F80-M3) engines. Notice the Coils are the same.

Part #
N20 Coil 12138616153
S55 Coil 12138616153

N20 Spark plug 12120039664
S55 Spark plug 12120039634

I actually just changed mine yesterday.

I found that the gaps are the same, well at least on my autozone sparking gap tool. I had 0.7mm (about 0.03").

The existing plugs didn't seem bad at all after 10,500miles. so not sure if it worth changing them. That said I only just started tuning the engine (GSR Flash Tune), so maybe it will help in the long run. I haven't tested things yet, so I cant tell if there is any impact on performance.

As correctly stated above, latest NORMAL N20 plug is the NGK SILZKBR8D8S (BMW# 12120039664).

NGK SILZKBR9F8S - (BMW# 12120042724) - this plug is listed for all N20's that are "flex fuel" compatible. If this NGK number is correct, it would indicate that this plug is ONE step colder than the stock N20/S55 plug and TWO steps colder than the stock N55 plug.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/part...23+12120042724

Whichever you use gap it to 0.02" and you will be good to go...

[koryrykman]

Guys, I just upgraded to the M3/S55 plugs for my 2012 N20 and wow what a noticeable difference! I'm running the JB4 and previously noticed some gaps the way the power came on, but not anymore- swear. That was predetonation, its spot on now. Highly recommend it-silky smooth.

[1080]

Love these small little finds. Keep em coming.

[Echan330]

Originally Posted by koryrykman

Guys, I just upgraded to the M3/S55 plugs for my 2012 N20 and wow what a noticeable difference! I'm running the JB4 and previously noticed some gaps the way the power came on, but not anymore- swear. That was predetonation, its spot on now. Highly recommend it-silky smooth.

Exactly the same experience here but running the Active-8 tune

[1080]

So to be clear the M3 sparks plugs fits the N2" without any mods? Just be careful when inserting them?

[Stubok]

Originally Posted by 1080

So to be clear the M3 sparks plugs fits the N2" without any mods? Just be careful when inserting them?

That's correct, if you read the thread you will see many of us have installed the M3 plugs and they help with the hotter conditions of a tuned setup.

[1080]

Originally Posted by Stubok

That's correct, if you read the thread you will see many of us have installed the M3 plugs and they help with the hotter conditions of a tuned setup.

Thanks! I will definitely get them when i do the remap

[STR8-6IX]

i was told that more expensive plugs such as ones from the m3 are a waste of time and will yield no increase in performance

save your money

[Stubok]

Originally Posted by 6IX-F10-N52

i was told that more expensive plugs such as ones from the m3 are a waste of time and will yield no increase in performance

save your money

Well from a power perspective you may be right, but from a performance perspective you couldn't be more wrong.

When you turn up the boost (i.e. More heat) The engine runs so much better with colder plugs. With the stock plugs I was getting a lot of knock. With the M3 plugs it went away.

I agree that the tune could have been somewhat responsible (too aggressive timing and fueling), but I still maintain that it's a good mod for those running more boost.

[koryrykman]

Originally Posted by 6IX-F10-N52

i was told that more expensive plugs such as ones from the m3 are a waste of time and will yield no increase in performance

save your money

"You were told "
So you're telling us you never tried it, and have zero first hand experience with it?
We're not the first ones to run colder plugs on a tuned engine. This mod dates back to the early days of hot rodding when blown V8's ran hotter thus cooler plugs were one of the first improvements tuners tried. Same with every tuned 2JZ out there and beyond. This is common combustion knowledge, hence a tune. The idea is to optimize fuel, air, and SPARK timing and mixture for a more complete burn. I would take that bet any day and wager that this simple mod fills in misfires up the power band equaling more HP. So maybe no improvement in max HP, sure, but certainly improved power and efficiency throughout the powerband.

[smallba]

cheapest thing I've done to the car ($22 per plug, List Price $30 from my Local Dealer, i know the parts manager) got rid of the knock up top. I wouldn't see why anyone would pass this one up.

[motorwerkeman]

Seems like these are working really well for the JB4 guys; smallba - are you JB4 as well?

Does anyone have these with the BMS Stage 1? Installing it soon and contemplating if it would be wise to do these plugs at the same time.

[x328x]

Originally Posted by smallba

cheapest thing I've done to the car ($22 per plug, List Price $30 from my Local Dealer, i know the parts manager) got rid of the knock up top. I wouldn't see why anyone would pass this one up.

Hey u think u can wright up a diy. Pics of tools used as well.

[Stubok]

Originally Posted by x328x

Hey u think u can wright up a diy. Pics of tools used as well.

There is already a diy on YouTube for n20.

[x328x]

Originally Posted by Stubok

There is already a diy on YouTube for n20.

Correct me if I am wrong but the only extra step with the m3 plugs is you have to adjust the gap

[x328x]

Originally Posted by Stubok

There is already a diy on YouTube for n20.

Correct me if I am wrong but the only extra step with the m3 plugs is you have to adjust the gap