[stewbets]

Originally Posted by ky0u

Yes, that shelf/cowl thing he removes blocks access to the plug/coils for cyl 6 and i think 5. It looks like a lot of disassembly, but once you're familiar with the process, it's actually a quick job

If you havent already, would suggest looking into BMS cowl filters. It replaces the top half of that cowl assembly and makes future maintenance much easier

I've had my cowl off so many times I don't even bother screwing it back in anymore. I just set the cowl in there, screw the filters on and everything's good to go. It stays put.

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by stewbets

I've had my cowl off so many times I don't even bother screwing it back in anymore. I just set the cowl in there, screw the filters on and everything's good to go. It stays put.

This. Or just remove altogether and get the BMS filters. I ran them for years before buying the m3 cowl.

OP get some DCI just so you don't have to bother with the stock intake box and maybe you have some gains.

[ky0u]

Originally Posted by Torgus

This. Or just remove altogether and get the BMS filters. I ran them for years before buying the m3 cowl.

OP get some DCI just so you don't have to bother with the stock intake box and maybe you have some gains.

DCI's are worth it just for the increase in spool sound imo

[fgpalmer71]

Originally Posted by ky0u

DCI's are worth it just for the increase in spool sound imo

+1

[Gregrobin]

Originally Posted by fgpalmer71

+1

I like the idea of DCIs, I want to keep the car as stock "looking" as possible though. My goal is to make her a sleeper and keep it as stock as possible. But I think that is already changing the more and more I read replies here, watch videos, etc.

[fgpalmer71]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

I like the idea of DCIs, I want to keep the car as stock "looking" as possible though. My goal is to make her a sleeper and keep it as stock as possible. But I think that is already changing the more and more I read replies here, watch videos, etc.

Again.....I was on that same page when this "ride" began. But I've been swept away completely with this car! The DCI's are easy, sound AMAZING, really do make power.....and they're under $100. Worst case scenario, you don't enjoy the noise or power and you post them up for sale and lose maybe half on them....a couple of bucks. I think they're really a worthwhile upgrade.

[whyzee125]

Originally Posted by IllSic_Design

Do NOT go with Dinan. You'll get a more expensive tune, that probably makes less power stage v stage compared to MHD. Plus MHD has a bunch of options for the flashes, I don't think Dinan has anything of the sort.

These cars are so old now there's zero reason to go with Dinan, I agree. They have to be expensive so they can afford to cover warranty issues. I've also heard Dinan tunes run very rich. That being said, I loved the way my car drove with the Dinan stage 2.

[Gregrobin]

I'm going to take the plunge and try to replace plugs/coils myself.

Are these the best plugs: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...87#description

Which coils are the best: https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/33...&keywords=coil

Is this a good charge pipe: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...t-chargepipe-1

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

I'm going to take the plunge and try to replace plugs/coils myself.

Are these the best plugs: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...87#description

Which coils are the best: https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/33...&keywords=coil

Is this a good charge pipe: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...t-chargepipe-1

Replacing the plugs and coils is quick and simple. Make sure you get the right spark plug socket: https://burgertuning.com/collections...ug-socket-tool


Coilpacks you want are the S55 ones: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...6153-1#fitment


Plugs you want are NGK 95770/5992 "1 Step" colder: https://burgertuning.com/collections...ant=7918187651 <--They are out of stock. Be VERY careful, lots of knock offs on the market. Buy from someone reputable. If FCPEuro has them get them there, lifetime warranty. BMS has a nice gapping tool etc.


Charge pipes are hard to F up but VTT is garbage. All of their parts and customer service are horrible. Better off burning your money. VRSF or BMS: https://burgertuning.com/collections...nt=20292918083 or https://www.vr-speed.com/vrsf-charge...i-n54-n55.html Don't buy a knock off tial on ebay for $50.

[Saif2018]

Originally Posted by Torgus

Replacing the plugs and coils is quick and simple. Make sure you get the right spark plug socket: https://burgertuning.com/collections...ug-socket-tool


Coilpacks you want are the S55 ones: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...6153-1#fitment


Plugs you want are NGK 95770/5992 "1 Step" colder: https://burgertuning.com/collections...ant=7918187651 <--They are out of stock. Be VERY careful, lots of knock offs on the market. Buy from someone reputable. If FCPEuro has them get them there, lifetime warranty. BMS has a nice gapping tool etc.


Charge pipes are hard to F up but VTT is garbage. All of their parts and customer service are horrible. Better off burning your money. VRSF or BMS: https://burgertuning.com/collections...nt=20292918083 or https://www.vr-speed.com/vrsf-charge...i-n54-n55.html Don't buy a knock off tial on ebay for $50.

Same coils as S55?

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by Saif2018

Same coils as S55?

You can use whatever you want but the general consensus is the S55 coilpacks are the way to go, unless things have changed. Buy em once from FCP and you are good to go for a lifetime. People use them on 800whp n54s.

Yes, you could buy an upgraded coilpack from PR but afaik the 'dyno gains' that were said to be the result of them was all lies. The PR should be 'better' but you pay over 2x as much. In theory it should allow you to run a wider plug gap.

The advantage of using an OTS S55 coil is you can buy them anywhere same day. If you buy an aftermarket coilpack and one goes back you are waiting on a replacement from the manufacturer.

Get whatever works best for you, both the S55 and PR coilpacks are not expensive in the grand scheme of things.

[Saif2018]

Originally Posted by Torgus

You can use whatever you want but the general consensus is the S55 coilpacks are the way to go, unless things have changed. Buy em once from FCP and you are good to go for a lifetime. People use them on 800whp n54s.

Yes, you could buy an upgraded coilpack from PR but afaik the 'dyno gains' that were said to be the result of them was all lies. The PR should be 'better' but you pay over 2x as much. In theory it should allow you to run a wider plug gap.

The advantage of using an OTS S55 coil is you can buy them anywhere same day. If you buy an aftermarket coilpack and one goes back you are waiting on a replacement from the manufacturer.

Get whatever works best for you, both the S55 and PR coilpacks are not expensive in the grand scheme of things.

I'm using Eldor Coils, I just wasn't aware the same coils used in S55,

Not buying aftermarket coils, they aren't worth it in my opinion. The OEM Eldor or Delphi ones run just fine.

[Gregrobin]

FCP recommend Delphi

[fgpalmer71]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

FCP recommend Delphi

Yes they do.....as a direct replacement. They're telling you that the S55 coils are an upgrade over the stock coils, which might interest you, since your tuning the car.

[ky0u]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

FCP recommend Delphi

Sounds about right. Delphi is the proper part. The s55 set will run direct Plug n Play and have proven to be withstand higher HP set ups, but in the end, they're oe purpose was for different engines, so they wont appear by default. They are compatible if you choose to go that route however

[Torgus]

Just get the ones they use in the S55. No reason not to. About the same cost. Get the lifetime warranty from FCP along with the 1 step colder plugs. You will be good to go ignition wise for a while. When something wears out it is free and a very quick replacement. Again, get a gapping tool and do it right.

[Gregrobin]

Is it ok to.run the upgraded plugs/coils prior to doing the tune?

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

Is it ok to.run the upgraded plugs/coils prior to doing the tune?

yes.

[Gregrobin]

Can I drive the car for a short period of time on the MHD Stage 1 without changing out the plugs/coils/charge pipe? This is a weekend driver car, I'm not racing it or running it hard.

[fgpalmer71]

Only thing I'd personally be worried about is the charge pipe, in that scenario. If the stock plastic pipe bursts with the additional boost fromnl stage 1 it'll leave you stranded.

Edit: but if it happens to stay intact your golden!

[Smgs1992]

I personally wouldnt really risk it. Misfires are annoying and a broken chargepipe will have you waiting for a tow truck.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

I'm going to take the plunge and try to replace plugs/coils myself.

Are these the best plugs: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...87#description

Which coils are the best: https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/33...;keywords=coil

Is this a good charge pipe: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...t-chargepipe-1

The type of charge pipe you get depends on if you want to run dual blow off valves or a single BOV.

Cobb makes the best charge pipe for dual blow off valves IMO

Also, you will be hard pressed to find any negative posts about running Eldor Coils & NKG one step colder plugs. Just make sure you gap them at .022. BMS makes a nice set of gapping tools.