spark plugs

[Billyuk1966]

hi all,
its my 1st post so be gentle with me.
just got myself a 1997 z3 1.9 think its the 140bhp version?
was wondering if any of you kind people could tell me what engine code it is eg m42.
also what code for ngk spark plugs just want the standard ones not the long life 4 electrode jobs.
cheers...

 

[hard top]

If it is the 1.9 16 valve, that will be the M44 lump.
A quick 'how to with sparks'
http://bmwz3diys.weebly.com/tune-up-spark-plug-wires-coil-bmw-z3-19-m44.html

 

[Billyuk1966]

thank you so much for the link.
regards..

 

[jonco]

Further to HT's comment pop your VIN in here to get manufacture details http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html
Would advise you go for Iridium upgrade plugs - bit more expensive but you'll really notice the difference.

 

[t-tony]

hi all,
its my 1st post so be gentle with me.
just got myself a 1997 z3 1.9 think its the 140bhp version?
was wondering if any of you kind people could tell me what engine code it is eg m42.
also what code for ngk spark plugs just want the standard ones not the long life 4 electrode jobs.
cheers...

Hi Billy, and a big welcome from here in Lincoln. This is a great forum with loads of info and just a little friendly banter.
You've chosen a great car to have some fun in.
Cheers, Tony.

 

[vintage42]

... Would advise you go for Iridium upgrade plugs....

I asked about those plugs, and NGK does not recommend them in the M44 engine. Their OE copper plug for the M44 is their BKR6EK (stock #2288). The exchange below says if you want a rare metal plug for the M44, use their platinum PFR6Q #6458

From: Allan...
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 3:57 PM
To: Info
Subject: Re: NGK Form Mail
Andrew,
I appreciate the info, and would like to explore the question of using the NGK BKR6EIX Iridium in the 1997 BMW Z3 1.9L.
I know the NGK BKR6EIX Iridium is not a two-electrode plug like the NGK BKR6EK, which is more similar to the OEM Bosch F7LDC that had four electrodes.
But many people have used the NGK BKR6EIX Iridium in the BMW M44 4-cylinder 1.9L motor, claiming advantages like better spark, better idle, and longer life. So if that plug, though differentfrom the OEM design, is apparently compatible, then why not list it as compatible?
Are there any problems, or could there be any advantages, to using the NGK BKR6EIX Iridium in the BMW 1.9L?

From: Info <Info@ngksparkplugs.com>
Subject: RE: NGK Form Mail
Date: November 29, 2012 at 5:02:39 PM EST
To: Allan...
Sure,
The BKR6EK has a 6.0mm firing position with two ground electrodes and a 1K ohm internal resistor. The BKR6EIX has a 3.5mm firing position, with a single ground electrode and a 5K ohmresistor. The firing position might create some engine response lag, but the real concern in the 1K ohm resistor. The ignition in the Z3 is setup for a 1K Ohm resistor and the 5K resistor maycause random misfires. Here is a picture to explain firing position visually. I would realistically not recommend the BKR6EIX for the Z3. Instead I would recommend a PFR6Q #6458. This is a finewire Platinum center electrode, which will perform just as well and the IX and it has the correct 1k Ohm resistor internally.
Best Regards,
Andrew Hauenstein
Technical Training Specialist
NGK Spark Plugs USA Inc

 

[Billyuk1966]

hi,
thanks all for the very useful information.
for now i might try the Iridium upgrade plugs as i seem to be suffering from a slightly lumpy idle.
a few users have reported good results with them..
regards...

 

[ge45ton]

I changed to the BKR6EIX 6418 sparkplugs after a try with the 4 electrode Bosch, there seems to be quite an improvement all round with a better tickover, still slightly lumpy but that's fairly common for the M44.

cheers

 

[vintage42]

I changed to the BKR6EIX 6418 spark plugs... seems to be quite an improvement...

Odd that NGK would say

"The BKR6EIX... firing position might create some engine response lag, but the real concern in the 1K ohm resistor. The ignition in the Z3 is setup for a 1K Ohm resistor and the 5K resistor may cause random misfires... I would realistically not recommend the BKR6EIX for the Z3. Instead I would recommend a PFR6Q #6458.

Either NKG does not know enough about its plugs, or the Z3 does not care what NKG knows. Like with gear oil, if it feels good, use it.

 

[jonco]

Bit confused here as NGKpart finder does now list the 6418 upgrade. http://www.ngkpartfinder.co.uk/car_commercial_extra.php?id=11152 -
Maybe opinions have changed since correspondence quoted in 2012. The writer did cover himself by saying it `might create' and `may cause random'.
I've had the BKR6EIX 6418's installed for ~3000 miles now and the error codes have not captured any misfires.

 

[lightning]

BMW say the OE spark plugs are good for 100,000 miles.
I took mine out after twelve years/54,000 miles and they were like new, so l put them back in.

 

[t-tony]

If it ain't broke ...... . . ..... don't fix it.

 

[ge45ton]

well that's interesting, on the US NGK website it says the BKR6EIX are not compatible but on their UK website they are? I'd still recommend them..

 

[jonco]

well that's interesting, on the US NGK website it says the BKR6EIX are not compatible but on their UK website they are? I'd still recommend them..

Very interesting .......... must admit I did not check US site only UK.

 

[jonco]

BMW say the OE spark plugs are good for 100,000 miles.
I took mine out after twelve years/54,000 miles and they were like new, so l put them back in.

Good point - but they may contradict that when their service book says change them at Service 1 - now very

 

[bmac109]

I think you have to be careful when looking at spark plugs, If my memory serves me right there is rather a difference in the octane level in American/North American fuel than UK/EU fuel, I can never remember wich one burns hotter, I dare say someone on here will know, so American spark plugs may very well differ from uk Spark plugs for that reason.

But if you fancy some light reading then try here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating

 

[t-tony]

American petrol is also mixed with ethanol and various other additives. Fuel mix also varies from winter to summer fuel and from state to state depending on ambient temperatures I understand.
I once filled a car just north of Key West and when I smelled the fuel on my hand I thought I had inadvertently filled up with diesel. So I asked the guy in the shop, to which he courteously replied " Ain't no diesel out there " A cheerful chap !

 

[vintage42]

American petrol is also mixed with ethanol and various other additives. Fuel mix also varies from winter to summer fuel and from state to state depending on ambient temperatures I understand...

Yes, there is a mandate to dilute gas with ethanol to reduce oil import. Some states use more ethanol than the minimum, and for them, several manufacturers make FlexFuel engines, proclaimed by a badge on the vehicle.
Then in big cities, if they do not control their pollution by testing vehicles, or scrubbing smoke stack emissions, they are required to use "reformulated gas", which costs more, has less energy, but burns with less emissions.
And in the northern half of the country which has cold winters, additives are universally mixed into the gas to absorb moisture and encourage faster starting at frigid temperatures.
In my city we get ethanol, reformulation, and the "winter blend".

 

[lightning]

Good point - but they may contradict that when their service book says change them at Service 1 - now very

Maybe you have to change them at service 1, and then you can leave them in for 100,000 miles.
Or it might depend on the country, due to different fuels, heat range etc.

 

[jonco]

i

Maybe you have to change them at service 1, and then you can leave them in for 100,000 miles.
Or it might depend on the country, due to different fuels, heat range etc.

I have had a look at the TIS - SI High Power Spark Plugs to try and clarify (see attached). This was issued in 10/98 and approved Longlife plugs for all models from `99. The change period is referred to as `per inspection sheet'.
There were also retrospective approvals for various models including the E36 M44 and the change period was extended to 60000km (37200 miles) and not the Inspection schedule.