12-11-2018, 10:51 AM | #1 |
Private
14
Rep 66
Posts |
Benefits to changing spark plugs
When I say changing, I mean going with a different type (iridium vs platinum or copper) changing the heat range, gap etc.
With cars I am used to working on (turbo or supercharged along with NA) these things are often done and can help. This typically means they need to be changed more frequently which I don't mind but is there any benefit to doing the same on the X5? (2013 35i....or is anything even available?) |
12-11-2018, 11:08 AM | #2 |
Lieutenant
165
Rep 533
Posts |
For those that have tuned their engines, reducing the gap to .023 has proven to provide good results. There isnt as much chat about here in the X5 forums, but when you venture over to other forums that use the same N55 engine ( E92 etc...) or N54 engine, its talked about a lot more.
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-11-2018, 12:37 PM | #3 |
Captain
107
Rep 994
Posts |
Yes, higher boost, often means a slightly closer/smaller gap. Assuming you're tuned for high boost. It also means usually a step colder plug too. These are preventative steps, not power adders.
If stock, just changing them more often than the normal 100k interval, could mean easier starting, smoother idle, and smoother acceleration. Doing it at 30k-50k is not terrible IMO. 100k seems way too long IMHO. yeah, BMW says it'll last, but again, there are benefits to fresh plugs. You don't touch the coldness, maybe you could gap a few hundredths smaller, but it's not necessary.
__________________
2012 X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity - Alpine White - M Sport Package
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-11-2018, 01:05 PM | #4 |
Lieutenant
55
Rep 415
Posts |
I think the spark plug change interval is every 4th oil change, so 60k miles. If you're tuned, it would make sense to change it before the tune or to shorten the interval. I changed mine near 50k miles and I'm tuned.
I thought the spark plugs come pre-gaped. Not sure which ones the X5 is, but I see some pics of spark plugs with a tri tip? (not sure what the term is) so I don't see how we can gap those. As for running colder, it's usually for every 100hp increase, you run 1 step colder. 200 hp increase, 2 step colder, etc. I seriously doubt we make that kind of power with just a tune to run colder than stock plugs right now. |
Appreciate
0
|
12-11-2018, 01:22 PM | #5 |
Private
14
Rep 66
Posts |
Thanks all. Mainly just wanted to bring the topic up to see if it was any different from what I was used to and didn't really see much here about it.
I have a supercharged Mustang and a turbocharged Focus where plug changes of all sorts are common. The X5 is my wifes car. Its stock and will probably stay there as there isn't pcm tuning available for the 2013 without paying extra to have the pcm unlocked. My company doesn't support BMW so I can't use our tools so I'll just beat up on my cars lol |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|