[dmaxdmax]

Edit--nevermind--I misread torque setting--I did use the right torque for my plugs. I was going off socket size, not thread size. Thank you all for your help below!

I just learned that I used 23Nm (18 ft/lb) instead of 30Nm on my plugs. Both have tolerance of +/- 3 Nm.

First time I used a torque wrench since I'm worried about breaking my b58 and I use the wrong torque.

The car is together and runs great. But, I'm short some Nm on the plugs.

So, I'm assuming I'm a full 23Nm tight and 27 Nm would be fine. So literally I'm 4 Nm short of being tight enough. I'm also over 10% light.

Serious consequences beyond hearing some tapping in some thousands of miles and needing to re-tighten them then?

[T5viggen]

You shouldn't see any consequences. I'd go back and try to give that extra bit. In your case though it's better that you were a little under torqued than over. Cracking a plug is way worse.

[dmaxdmax]

Originally Posted by T5viggen

You shouldn't see any consequences. I'd go back and try to give that extra bit. In your case though it's better that you were a little under torqued than over. Cracking a plug is way worse.

I hope not. It took me 8 hours. 1 to do the plugs and 7 to clean where PO never had.

I appreciate the confirmation. I figure I have about 30 degrees from contact...maybe it wanted another 5-10 degrees. I'm not tracking or dragging my car, so for now I might leave them be. They're 'just' snug. Fingers crossed!

[T5viggen]

I don't think I have ever "properly" torqued my plugs down with an actual torque wrench. You wouldn't see a difference if you were tracking/dragging the car over everyday driving. The only possible issue would be the plug slowly backing out due to the vibration. But at the 24nm you did, you should be fine.

[dmaxdmax]

Originally Posted by T5viggen

I don't think I have ever "properly" torqued my plugs down with an actual torque wrench. You wouldn't see a difference if you were tracking/dragging the car over everyday driving. The only possible issue would be the plug slowly backing out due to the vibration. But at the 24nm you did, you should be fine.

This was my first use...and in worrying about setting the torque wrench properly, I used the 12mm plug torque, not our 14mm plug torque. All my plugs before for tightened by 1/2-2/3rds turn, followed by an 1/8 turn. Anyway, wish I'd done them by hand...I was concerned this new engine to me is a delicate little thing.

I got the torque wrenches knowing I'd need them to bolt things into magnesium at some point...maybe.

Anyway, I need to take more breaks and more ale when DIYing.

[Wires]

I wouldn't worry about it. The concern would be going the other way since you can strip threads.

I'm pretty sure when I changed my last set of plugs, it was "ok, snug, and a bit more" with the ratchet.

[BMWILUVU]

Originally Posted by dmaxdmax

Ugh.

I just learned that I used 23Nm (18 ft/lb) instead of 30Nm on my plugs. Both have tolerance of +/- 3 Nm.

First time I used a torque wrench since I'm worried about breaking my b58 and I use the wrong torque.

The car is together and runs great. But, I'm short some Nm on the plugs.

So, I'm assuming I'm a full 23Nm tight and 27 Nm would be fine. So literally I'm 4 Nm short of being tight enough. I'm also over 10% light.

Serious consequences beyond hearing some tapping in some thousands of miles and needing to re-tighten them then?

What's wrong with 23Nm I thought that was the spec?

[dmaxdmax]

Originally Posted by BMWILUVU

What's wrong with 23Nm I thought that was the spec?

According to the TIS, 23Nm is for 12mm plugs. Mine are 14 and call for 30 Nm...+/- 3 Nm. So I'm 4 Nm or 2.8 ft/lbs light...and if yours are 14 mm too, then I guess I'd ask how long yours have been in so I can stop thinking about going in for under 3 ft/lbs of extra tightness.

[BMWILUVU]

Originally Posted by dmaxdmax

According to the TIS, 23Nm is for 12mm plugs. Mine are 14 and call for 30 Nm...+/- 3 Nm. So I'm 4 Nm or 2.8 ft/lbs light...and if yours are 14 mm too, then I guess I'd ask how long yours have been in so I can stop thinking about going in for under 3 ft/lbs of extra tightness.

Funny I have a box of BMW SILZKGR8B8S and I am pretty sure they are 14mm. The box ends of individual plugs say 23Nm +/- 3. Hex size 14mm, 12mm threads. I think you and I use the same plugs. I think you are ok with 23Nm.

[dmaxdmax]

Originally Posted by BMWILUVU

Funny I have a box of BMW SILZKGR8B8S and I am pretty sure they are 14mm. The box ends of individual plugs say 23Nm +/- 3. Hex size 14mm, 12mm threads. I think you and I use the same plugs. I think you are ok with 23Nm.

I wonder if I misread thread size for socket size...and if so...thank you so much! Going to look at my boxes now!

...My boxes say go to the stop, then add 1/16 -1/12 turn...at least I think the diagram means tighten to between 1/16 and then add another 1/12. Not exactly clear, but I'm probably somewhere in that neighborhood...and I feel better, but man, either way, these plugs are in lightly. My old ones started at 2/3rds turn, then another 1/4...a bit more torque.

I'm getting old...I didn't see the label on the box...was only thinking of the TIS...and I got that wrong, as the 14 mm is my socket size, not the thread. So...I torqued them okay. Thank you, bmwiluvu. I owe you a beer in the 'clean' time that I hope is ahead soon!