1 Step Colder Plugs For The Bmw N54 – Ngk 5992 Laser Iridium – Ilzkbr7a-8g - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Jake@PTF · 01-09-2013, 09:36 PM

Sharing out our recent blog post on alternative 1 step colder spark plugs for your N54..

Quote:

Originally Posted by blog.protuningfreaks.com

If you’ve modified your N54 based BMW extensively pushing well past the stock power levels or you’re just looking to run a different plug than the OEM Bosch ZGR6STE2 for any reason the NGK 5992 (ILZKBR7A-8G) are a great alternative. They can be had for about the same price as the OEM Bosch with some searching, $10.79 from http://www.sparkplugauto.com for instance.

Now, I’ve been running them for the last 30,000km, racing, pushing high boost with race tunes with and without meth and these have performed strong as well as set some records without any issues.

Thing to note is that these plugs off the shelf come with a larger gap than we can use on the N54 so just direct swapping them in won’t work and the car will stumble/misfire that way. You MUST have them gapped either to the OEM 0.7mm (0.0275″) or, which I’d recommend, to 0.56mm (0.022″) for high boost. The original gap on the NGK 5992 plugs is 0.8mm (0.031″) so make sure to GAP them before installation!

Some of the reasons I personally like them vs. the OEM Bosch ZGR6STE2 plugs are as follows:

1) Single ground prong vs. 3-prong OEM (makes the NGKs easily gappable when/if required)
2) 1 heat range COLDER than Bosch – standard recommendation is to go 1 heat range colder for every 100hp past stock. I’m at ~300hp above stock at the motor currently so can’t hurt.
3) Iridium center tip
4) They haven’t let me down with literally TONS of very very hard driving on 20+psi boost on RBs, pump+meth. Literally hundreds of 3-4 gear pulls, many drag strip runs and 60-130mph runs.
5) They’ve helped set some records too

Here’s what the NGK 5992 plugs look like and some of its specs:

Features & Benefits

OE style long life spark plug. Laser welded iridium center electrode and platinum ground electrode, tapered ground electrode to minimize quenching, consistent and stable spark and outstanding acceleration, high fuel efficiency and durability.

Part Number: 5992
Weight: 0.09 lbs
Ngk Part Number: ILZKBR7A-8G
Thread Size: 12 mm.
Resistor: Yes
NGK Heat Range: 7
Center Electrode Material: Iridium
Ground straps: 1
Insulator Type: Ceramic
Ground Electrode Material: Copper core
Thread Reach: 1.043 in. (26.5 mm.)
Seat Type: Gasket

Here’s the BMW N54′s OEM Bosch replacement spark plug and specs for comparison:

Part Number: ZGR6STE2
Weight: 0.12 lbs
Thread Size: 12 mm.
Resistor: Yes
Bosch Heat Range: 6
Center Electrode Material: Copper
Ground Straps 3
Insulator Type Ceramic
Ground Electrode Material Nickel Alloy
Thread Reach: 1.043 in. (26.5 mm.)
Seat Type: Gasket

One thing you may be left wondering about is the heat ranges. These are “manufacturer” heat ranges on the plugs and Bosch and NGK don’t have the same scaling. In fact they go in opposite directions to each other. Once you work it all out though, if you’re up for digging up the info on heat ranges (which is a bit painful by the way), you’ll realize the NGK 5992 are 1 step COLDER than the OEM Bosch.

In the end, nothing wrong with OEMs but there is a solid 1 step colder alternative out there that is easily gap-able.

For information on how to gap plugs and what tool to use see this instructional video from NGK:

neilvosko · 01-10-2013, 12:54 AM

Awesome, thanks for the upgrade. I am changing Bosch at 10k miles at 15 psi

pinto · 01-10-2013, 03:20 AM

Already have these, great plugs!

import36 · 01-10-2013, 08:45 AM

thanks for the great info Jake....gonna give these a shot at the next plug change

neilvosko · 02-01-2013, 10:07 PM

what tool did you use, most out there are 0.025 to 0.045'' so how did you get to 0.022" ?

psmitty95 · 02-01-2013, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilvosko

what tool did you use, most out there are 0.025 to 0.045'' so how did you get to 0.022" ?

+1 also wondering this

Transport3r · 02-06-2013, 08:08 PM

This one does:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/po...0/media/images

robc1976 · 02-06-2013, 08:59 PM

Been, using these with my RB's gapped at 022 and they are great!

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 02-06-2013, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilvosko

what tool did you use, most out there are 0.025 to 0.045'' so how did you get to 0.022" ?

Spark plug gap tool, sells for peanuts at any auto parts store.

robc1976 · 02-06-2013, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

Spark plug gap tool, sells for peanuts at any auto parts store.

Ditto

neilvosko · 02-06-2013, 10:29 PM

i have to go on a search because all the local ones sell old school garbage ones.

rob, whed did you get RBs?

robc1976 · 02-06-2013, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilvosko

i have to go on a search because all the local ones sell old school garbage ones.

rob, whed did you get RBs?

a couple months back I got them, all ou need is a 99 cent round spark plug gapper or get this one.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E90-335...lug/ES2592838/

CHECKERED · 02-07-2013, 10:27 AM

Copper >>> iridium

<<< Still waiting for one step colder copper plugs

Transport3r · 02-07-2013, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robc1976

a couple months back I got them, all ou need is a 99 cent round spark plug gapper or get this one.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E90-335...lug/ES2592838/

That one doesn't have a .022" wire though?

N54 TuNeR · 02-07-2013, 10:57 AM

I did mine to .025 which is the lowest I found gap wise.if I get misfire then can it be that?curious to know this incase I do.

Transport3r · 02-07-2013, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N54 TuNeR

I did mine to .025 which is the lowest I found gap wise.if I get misfire then can it be that?curious to know this incase I do.

Yes. regap them to 0.022".
You can use a feeler gauge too.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...fier=1931_0_0_

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 02-07-2013, 12:24 PM

I hope everyone knows you can re gap any plug... if its too big gently push on the ground strap and use a spark plug gap tool to adjust it to the right gap.

zeenon53 · 02-07-2013, 12:39 PM

I've been wondering for a while why no one here has been running colder plugs.

robc1976 · 02-07-2013, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Transport3r

That one doesn't have a .022" wire though?

your right!! I am glad I didn't get it...my bad lol!! And good eye

Transport3r · 02-07-2013, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robc1976

your right!! I am glad I didn't get it...my bad lol!! And good eye

lol no worries. like I said above, feeler gauges are cheap too.

D25mn · 02-07-2013, 06:00 PM

Been running these 2000 miles with the suggested gap settings. The car runs great.

minivan · 02-07-2013, 09:31 PM

Any downside to them being single prong vs the Bosch/OEM triple prong?

01-10-2013, 08:45 AM	#4
import36 Burrito bowl connoisseur Drives: E92 335i MT, E46 M3 SMG Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Seven Cities Posts: 3,331 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2005 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 BMW 335i Coupe [0.00]	thanks for the great info Jake....gonna give these a shot at the next plug change __________________ Mods: Procede Rev3 9-10\|AE Catless Dual Exhaust\|AR Design Catless DPs\|AMS FMIC\|Stett Charge Pipe w/Tial BOV\|Stett CAI\|BMS OCC\|BMS CDV\|Volk TE37 SLs + Varrstoen ES7s\|KW V2 Coilovers\|Cusco OS Strut Brace\|Macht Schnell Stud Conversion\|Work RS-R Lugnuts\|Gloss Black Roof\|Matte Black Kidney Grills\|UED Lower Bumper Grills\|OEM Aero Lip and Painted Reflectors\|M3 Sideskirts\| VRS Decklid Aero Spoiler\|Gloss Black Roof\|M Peformance Alcantara Steering Wheel(blue)\|OSS V2.0 LED Angel Eyes\|8000k HID Fog Lights\|8000k MTEC Xenons

02-06-2013, 08:08 PM	#7
Transport3r Captain Drives: 2007 N54 E92 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Melbourne, FL Posts: 880 iTrader: (2)	This one does: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/po...0/media/images __________________ Josh-

02-06-2013, 08:59 PM	#8
robc1976 Colonel Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,546 iTrader: (8)	Been, using these with my RB's gapped at 022 and they are great! __________________ JB4 G5 ISO+BMS flash,Walbro 455 LPFP, DO meth kit 4-AN SS lines, BMS OCC, RB turbos W/3.5 N20 sensor, RB valve, BMS DCI, 3" AR kittyless Dps, Strett 2 oil OC W/ SS lines, ER FMIC, ER CP W/HKS BOV, M3 control arms, M3 Strut Brace, M3 front sway-bar, Meyle HD tie-rods, HPA rear toe arms, Wavetrac LSD, DEFIV differential kit, BC Coil-overs, Power-Flex subframe bushings, stoptech slotted rotors, Rogue Tranny Mounts, Concept 1 CS-5.0 rims,

02-07-2013, 10:27 AM	#13
CHECKERED Racing is Life, Everything Else is Just Waiting. Drives: 335i E92, 05 Audi S4 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: a Treacherous Canyon Road in SoCal Posts: 139 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2005 Audi S4 [0.00] 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	Copper >>> iridium <<< Still waiting for one step colder copper plugs __________________ Garage Queen: 2005 Audi S4 4.2L V8, Vortech Supercharger, PSS9 coilovers, Sway-bars, RS4 brakes, Cat-less Exhaust, 550hp Daily Driver: E92 335i Space Gray on Gray: JB4 G5, quaife LSD, Euro Light Switch (for rear fogs), LEDs everywhere. 12.4@114 Company Car: 997 GT3 RSR

02-07-2013, 10:57 AM	#15
N54 TuNeR Cool ///Member Drives: E90 '08 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Jersey Posts: 58 iTrader: (0)	I did mine to .025 which is the lowest I found gap wise.if I get misfire then can it be that?curious to know this incase I do. __________________ *SOLD* 2004 E46 ///M3 MODDED *PRESENT RiDE* 2008 E90 SEDAN FBO w/FSB/METH KiT

01-10-2013, 12:54 AM	#2
neilvosko Major Drives: 335i e92 FBO Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: miami Posts: 1,178 iTrader: (12)	Awesome, thanks for the upgrade. I am changing Bosch at 10k miles at 15 psi

01-10-2013, 03:20 AM	#3
pinto Private Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: France Posts: 58 iTrader: (0)	Already have these, great plugs!

02-01-2013, 10:07 PM	#5
neilvosko Major Drives: 335i e92 FBO Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: miami Posts: 1,178 iTrader: (12)	what tool did you use, most out there are 0.025 to 0.045'' so how did you get to 0.022" ?

02-06-2013, 10:29 PM	#11
neilvosko Major Drives: 335i e92 FBO Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: miami Posts: 1,178 iTrader: (12)	i have to go on a search because all the local ones sell old school garbage ones. rob, whed did you get RBs?

02-07-2013, 12:24 PM	#17
Jeff@TopGearSolutions BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: C6 Z06, GSXR-750, 09 335i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: TopGearSolutions.com Posts: 12,712 iTrader: (25)	I hope everyone knows you can re gap any plug... if its too big gently push on the ground strap and use a spark plug gap tool to adjust it to the right gap. __________________ Latest Discounts and Specials Email Me! Jeff@TopGearSolutions.Com Evolution Racewerks Charge Pipes and FMIC Sale ETS FMIC INTERCOOLER SALE! Cobb AP for BMW N54 & N55, Lowest Price! Facebook Discounts!!

02-07-2013, 12:39 PM	#18
zeenon53 Major Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: obx Posts: 1,024 iTrader: (3)	I've been wondering for a while why no one here has been running colder plugs. __________________

02-07-2013, 06:00 PM	#21
D25mn New Member Drives: 2011 BMW 335is Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: South Florida Posts: 21 iTrader: (0)	Been running these 2000 miles with the suggested gap settings. The car runs great.

02-07-2013, 09:31 PM	#22
minivan Private Drives: 335i Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 61 iTrader: (0)	Any downside to them being single prong vs the Bosch/OEM triple prong?

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