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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > N55 Turbo Engine / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications > does bmw 435i fbo E30 require 1-step colder plugs?
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      05-25-2021, 11:54 AM   #1
Filip3615
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does bmw 435i fbo E30 require 1-step colder plugs?

Hi, I have a 435i 8AT with the following mods...

Wagner tuning catless DP & evo intercooler
supersprint cat-back exhaust
Quaiffe LSD
bms air intake (mostly for the dramatic sound)
alu chargepipe

Im running those mods with a wedge performance E30 tune.

Would it make a difference for the better or worse (and why) for me to go with for example
link 1
or
link 2

Car goes great as is, I'm just asking preemptively.
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      05-25-2021, 12:27 PM   #2
thejeremyman9
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Stock plugs stock gap for all stock turbo applications unless you specifically have a problem.
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      05-25-2021, 12:35 PM   #3
Filip3615
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thejeremyman9 View Post
Stock plugs stock gap for all stock turbo applications unless you specifically have a problem.
Meaning no need to consider, it unless going for a PS2 tune with all related parts for example?
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      05-25-2021, 02:16 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Filip3615 View Post
Meaning no need to consider, it unless going for a PS2 tune with all related parts for example?
Lots of people even run stock plugs at stock gap on PS2, with pump gas, ethanol mix, or even meth. The bottom line is that you don't need to go to colder plugs or a smaller gap unless you specifically have a problem with OEM/bosch at 0.030-0.032. I am being brief because this topic is beat to death in so many threads already i don't feel the need to retype/explain everything.

I run OEM plugs with E30 on MHD stage 2+ with FBO (and more) mods with no problems.
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      05-25-2021, 03:35 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thejeremyman9 View Post
Lots of people even run stock plugs at stock gap on PS2, with pump gas, ethanol mix, or even meth. The bottom line is that you don't need to go to colder plugs or a smaller gap unless you specifically have a problem with OEM/bosch at 0.030-0.032. I am being brief because this topic is beat to death in so many threads already i don't feel the need to retype/explain everything.

I run OEM plugs with E30 on MHD stage 2+ with FBO (and more) mods with no problems.
Yeah I understand you being brief, I know the topic has already been raised a couple hundred times..
I have looked through a couple forums, without really finding out why to get the or why you shouldn't get the spark plugs (the pros and cons with them). Which is why I asked again. But no worries, thanks for clarifying again.
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      05-25-2021, 03:55 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Filip3615 View Post
Yeah I understand you being brief, I know the topic has already been raised a couple hundred times..
I have looked through a couple forums, without really finding out why to get the or why you shouldn't get the spark plugs (the pros and cons with them). Which is why I asked again. But no worries, thanks for clarifying again.
Cons of colder plugs/smaller gap: Potential for rough idle/cold starts, more prone to fouling, especially if you frequently take short trips with many cold starts.

Pros: Potential to eliminate misfires / "spark blowout" at very high boost levels with smaller gap, but again, 99% of people don't need this.

Pros of stock plugs stock gap: You want the biggest gap possible (without issues) so you start here. That gives you the best combustion.

Cons: None, unless you start getting misfires.
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      05-26-2021, 11:08 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thejeremyman9 View Post
Cons of colder plugs/smaller gap: Potential for rough idle/cold starts, more prone to fouling, especially if you frequently take short trips with many cold starts.

Pros: Potential to eliminate misfires / "spark blowout" at very high boost levels with smaller gap, but again, 99% of people don't need this.

Pros of stock plugs stock gap: You want the biggest gap possible (without issues) so you start here. That gives you the best combustion.

Cons: None, unless you start getting misfires.
From what I read at the forums, bigger gap is better for idle, smaller gap is better for boost. IE ProTuning Freaks(BM3) recommenced NGK 2 step colder plugs 0.21-.0.23 for tuned cars running boost. Log your car at WOT and see if you have any pulled timing or engine knock. I'm personally running NGK 2 step colder at .024 gap. See what your car likes.
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      05-27-2021, 12:26 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SlumpLord3000 View Post
From what I read at the forums, bigger gap is better for idle, smaller gap is better for boost. IE ProTuning Freaks(BM3) recommenced NGK 2 step colder plugs 0.21-.0.23 for tuned cars running boost. Log your car at WOT and see if you have any pulled timing or engine knock. I'm personally running NGK 2 step colder at .024 gap. See what your car likes.
Smaller gap is not "better" for boost. You want the largest gap possible without spark blowout/misfire. Small gap is for all intensive purposes "worse" than a bigger gap if you can support a bigger gap without issues. As i said before there's absolutely no reason to go smaller if you can support the OEM gap. I am fully aware of what PTF recommends and its parroted around the forums like its gospel when 99% of the time its unnecessary. The only thing it does is shield them from people complaining if they have misfires because it reduces the chance of having a problem if you run very high boost, but its often an unncessary change and worse for performance. You don't need colder plugs at this power level, either.
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      05-28-2021, 09:07 AM   #9
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if the stock spark plugs are new, you'll be fine. As they get older they start misfiring and that's when you need to upgrade to the NGK colder plugs
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