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      08-01-2010, 11:51 PM   #42
Chriztofor
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Drives: '06 325i and '13 X5
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chicago Burbs

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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlanAZ View Post
I just replaced my plugs this weekend, 66K mls, dead easy to do. It now idles smoother from a cold start. I went with the revised NGK plug to produce a more powerful spark, which might be reason enough to change them early, but I've also read that as the plug becomes weaker towards the end of it's life, it stresses the coil more, and may lead to it failing sooner. I don't know if that's true, but given the cost of coils, seems like cheap insurance.

In the photos of the plugs above, bear in mind that the plugs shown aren't the same. NGK revised the plug for the N52 for 3/2007, so the difference you see is probably that revision. The old plug is NGK part ILZFR6D11, and the new is PLZFR6A11S (I can just make out the part number stamped in the collar of the plug in the photo.) Make sure when you buy new plugs that you're getting the updated plug, I saw both avail for purchase on-line, including at the link below. Realoem parts page:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...17&hg=12&fg=05

I bought mine from Partsgeek for under $11 each.

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...park_plug.html

Also, since you'll have the engine cover off, clean under the rubber gasket around the oil fill cap. It's designed to trap any oil that's spilled when filling.

Update: after the change, it would rough idle for short periods of time. I read that with a BT tool I could clear historical info in the ECU so it relearns with the new plugs, the alternative is drive it enough miles so the previous plug info is aged out, and that works. Took 500+ miles.
1) Let us know if you are getting better gas mileagae
2) I wonder if you reset the spark plug info on the CBS using the stalk would that reset the ecu? Here is the link for people that don't have the BT scan tool. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=360706
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If no codes are being thrown use Chevron Techron fuel injector cleaner (concentrate). It solves rpm fluctuating upon cold start-up. Also, for most BMW problems start off by scanning your car with the Peake Research Tool. It contains the actual BMW codes. If you want to register a newly installed battery for free (just buy a $10 cable) and google/download BMWLogger
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