ZPOST
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   ZPOST > BMW Z4 Roadster and Coupe > General BMW Z4 Forum
  TireRack

SUPPORT ZPOST BY DOING YOUR TIRERACK SHOPPING FROM THIS BANNER, THANKS!
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-27-2012, 03:18 PM   #1
3002 tii
Lieutenant General
3002 tii's Avatar
United_States
2257
Rep
12,546
Posts

Drives: Z4 M, 550i, X3
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (99)

Garage List
When Do You Change Spark Plugs?

Assuming stock motor, no FI... at how many miles do you guys typically throw in new spark plugs? Does it matter on driving style too (daily commuter, normal track usage, etc.)?
__________________
Follow for latest mods
Appreciate 0
      06-27-2012, 03:47 PM   #2
Karacticus
Second Lieutenant
Karacticus's Avatar
United_States
15
Rep
222
Posts

Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Iowa

iTrader: (0)

I changed mine just before I got to 60,000 miles, not necessarily becuase they needed it, but because I don't like having to remove plugs that have been in for 100,000 miles.

While there's some risk everytime you do any maintenance on the car, plugs are relatively cheap, and the jobs easy to do (given the correct tool), so why not.

Access to the plugs is also way more open in the Z4 than about anything else modern I've had the opportunity to work on. Certainly easier than on my wife's E90 328xi.
__________________
2007 3.0si Coupe
Dinan Stage I Suspension (Shocks, Struts, Springs), Ground Control Front Camber Plates, Treehouse Racing Front Control Arm Bushings, RTAB Bushing Limiters
Appreciate 0
      06-27-2012, 04:03 PM   #3
3002 tii
Lieutenant General
3002 tii's Avatar
United_States
2257
Rep
12,546
Posts

Drives: Z4 M, 550i, X3
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (99)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Karacticus View Post
I changed mine just before I got to 60,000 miles, not necessarily becuase they needed it, but because I don't like having to remove plugs that have been in for 100,000 miles.

While there's some risk everytime you do any maintenance on the car, plugs are relatively cheap, and the jobs easy to do (given the correct tool), so why not.

Access to the plugs is also way more open in the Z4 than about anything else modern I've had the opportunity to work on. Certainly easier than on my wife's E90 328xi.
I agree, cheap (just bought these to pad my free shipping & discount order) but was contemplating on if I should replace these now or later down the road.
__________________
Follow for latest mods
Appreciate 0
      06-27-2012, 04:20 PM   #4
pokeybritches
Colonel
pokeybritches's Avatar
United_States
479
Rep
2,782
Posts

Drives: ESS/G-Power Z4M, VF Z4, 996tt
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (12)

Garage List
2006 BMW Z4M  [10.00]
2006 BMW Z4M  [8.50]
2003 BMW Z4 3.0i  [9.00]
I would say 60k miles depending on driving style. On the track with the higher engine temps, rpm, and fuel pumped through the engine, you probably want to change them sooner. I waited until over 90k to change mine, and that was too long.

Make sure you use a torque wrench and anti-seize.
__________________


VF Engineering Z4 3.0i, ESS Z4M, G-Power Z4M, 996 Turbo
Appreciate 0
      06-27-2012, 04:41 PM   #5
thekurgan
Bad Lieutenant
thekurgan's Avatar
United_States
232
Rep
3,517
Posts

Drives: E90M3
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sacramento

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2008 BMW M3  [0.00]
I usually change them yearly or around 20k, when i do a valve adjustment/check, I don't like to re-use the plugs as they have the crush washer (one time use?) and plugs are very cheap. I went with the NGK iridium as opposed to the OEM, gapped them, no grease or anti-seize after cleaning the wells.
__________________
02 E39M5 | TiAg/Schwartz | Tubi Rumore | Ultimate Ti Pedals | E60 SSK | Jim Blanton 3.45 40/100% | Coby Alcantara | StrongStrut STB
Appreciate 0
      06-27-2012, 05:33 PM   #6
DreamTheater
Enlisted Member
2
Rep
46
Posts

Drives: E85 Z4
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

My Z4 is sitting at 83,000km I did my plugs at 80,000 but I'm not sure if it's the first or second change as I bought the car at 70,000ish.

I'll generally inspect the plugs, filters, belts etc every 2 months myself and replace when needed.
Appreciate 0
      06-27-2012, 07:35 PM   #7
Walkurie
Lieutenant
Walkurie's Avatar
United_States
9
Rep
452
Posts

Drives: 06 M Roadster / 99 Jaguar XK8
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Surf City, CA

iTrader: (2)

I changed at 50,000 because that is when I did the valves and the vanos filter. Figured to do everything at once and avoid the work of pulling it apart twice. Call me lazy.
__________________
Vibra Technics engine mounts / Rogue trans mounts / Stoptech brakes / original owner
Appreciate 0
      06-27-2012, 07:52 PM   #8
fercho
Lieutenant
fercho's Avatar
United_States
29
Rep
518
Posts

Drives: 2005 z4 2.5
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Diego, CA

iTrader: (2)

i just replaced mine, my car is a 05 with 100k
__________________
2005 z4 2.5i/// Aero front bumper, m rear bumper,08 rear lights, custom quad exhaust, matte black front grill, OEM alarm, llumar security film,m wheels, HID lights, LED interior and trunk light,Ipod integration, stubby antenna,tein s-tech springsx
Appreciate 0
      06-28-2012, 12:04 PM   #9
Traveler218
Enlisted Member
3
Rep
43
Posts

Drives: Z4 3.0i Montego Blue Matalic
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Madison, Al

iTrader: (0)

I have a 2007 3.0i and I just replaced mine at 32,000 miles. I drive mine pretty hard and was having a miss fire problem. I was about to change oil and filters anyway and figure plugs are pretty cheap.
Appreciate 0
      06-28-2012, 06:54 PM   #10
Stromtech
Private
Stromtech's Avatar
0
Rep
69
Posts

Drives: 2004 Z4 3.0i 6-speed Sport
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Victoria BC

iTrader: (0)

Replaced mine around 60K miles....the old ones did not look too bad at that point but it does start better and run smoother now. Or is that Figment talking.
Appreciate 0
      06-28-2012, 07:47 PM   #11
Caddyshk
M = Midlife Crisis
Caddyshk's Avatar
Canada
65
Rep
2,006
Posts

Drives: 2006 Z4MC Interlagos
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dubbedown View Post
Assuming stock motor, no FI... at how many miles do you guys typically throw in new spark plugs? Does it matter on driving style too (daily commuter, normal track usage, etc.)?
Here's the plugs from 2 M's each with ~ 22,000 miles...

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showpost...1&postcount=47
__________________
2006 Z4MC - #LL93158
SS Race Cans, RE X Pipe, DKF Sec 1, Fabspeed Headers, OE STB, AS Shifter, Dave Z CDV, GC Coil Overs, Stoptech lines, Hawk DTC Pads, RE Clutch Stop, RE Transmission Mounts, Vibra-Technics Engine Mounts, Poly FCAB & RTAB, LeatherZ M Shift Boot, Tekarbon Rear Spoiler, CF Grills, Advan RS DGM
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2012, 03:32 PM   #12
rsutoratosu
Captain
113
Rep
777
Posts

Drives: Z4 3.0i
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by thekurgan View Post
I usually change them yearly or around 20k, when i do a valve adjustment/check, I don't like to re-use the plugs as they have the crush washer (one time use?) and plugs are very cheap. I went with the NGK iridium as opposed to the OEM, gapped them, no grease or anti-seize after cleaning the wells.
how are the iridium on this car ? I have them for my accord and tsx (factory oem). I was going to change mine to iridium but must have read somewhere that its not recommended
__________________
-Roranji
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2012, 03:39 PM   #13
thekurgan
Bad Lieutenant
thekurgan's Avatar
United_States
232
Rep
3,517
Posts

Drives: E90M3
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sacramento

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2008 BMW M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by rsutoratosu View Post
how are the iridium on this car ? I have them for my accord and tsx (factory oem). I was going to change mine to iridium but must have read somewhere that its not recommended
They are fine, they gap easy (they are NOT pre-gapped), I found variances when I took them out of the box. NGK makes great plugs and they are fine to use in the S54.
__________________
02 E39M5 | TiAg/Schwartz | Tubi Rumore | Ultimate Ti Pedals | E60 SSK | Jim Blanton 3.45 40/100% | Coby Alcantara | StrongStrut STB
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 01:29 AM.




zpost
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