XBimmers.com | BMW X6 Forum X5 Forum
 
TireRack





Go Back   XBimmers.com | BMW X6 Forum X5 Forum > BMW X5 Forums > General BMW X5 (E70) and X5M Forum (2006-2013)

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      12-11-2018, 10:51 AM   #1
Blivit
Private
14
Rep
66
Posts

Drives: 2013 X5
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

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?)
Appreciate 0
      12-11-2018, 11:08 AM   #2
ryansbmw
Lieutenant
165
Rep
533
Posts

Drives: 2013 X5 35i M-Sport, 2010 535x
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: NJ

iTrader: (1)

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.
__________________
VRSF CP & DP | BMS Intake | MHD 2+ Tune | BavSound Stage 1 | 20% Tint
Need coding or modules reset? PM me
Appreciate 0
      12-11-2018, 12:37 PM   #3
mitch808
Captain
107
Rep
994
Posts

Drives: 2012 X5 35i
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (0)

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
omgboost
Lieutenant
55
Rep
415
Posts

Drives: 2012 X5 35i
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: East Coast

iTrader: (0)

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
Blivit
Private
14
Rep
66
Posts

Drives: 2013 X5
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

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
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:30 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST