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2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum Technical Topics N20 (228i) / B46 (230i) Engine, Transmission, Exhaust, Tuning Colder Plugs with tunes a necessity?

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      08-28-2015, 08:29 PM   #1
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Colder Plugs with tunes a necessity?

I've been reading lots of threads where people are correcting pre-detonation and stuttering by using colder plugs in hot climates.

Anyone here changed out their plugs on the N20/N26?
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      08-29-2015, 12:04 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OpenAir View Post
I've been reading lots of threads where people are correcting pre-detonation and stuttering by using colder plugs in hot climates.

Anyone here changed out their plugs on the N20/N26?
Yes. If you have a tune it's a good idea. Engine ran great at first but then myself and others started noticing the rough running when pushing it in hot temps. It was most noticeable when giving it more gas in the lower RPM range. (no issue in cooler ambient temps) Now it's smooth as butter with the M4 plugs, even in 100+ degrees. I'm convinced it's necessary when pushing higher power. The stock plugs run too hot and lose their life quite quickly.
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      08-29-2015, 09:33 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2msport View Post
Yes. If you have a tune it's a good idea. Engine ran great at first but then myself and others started noticing the rough running when pushing it in hot temps. It was most noticeable when giving it more gas in the lower RPM range. (no issue in cooler ambient temps) Now it's smooth as butter with the M4 plugs, even in 100+ degrees. I'm convinced it's necessary when pushing higher power. The stock plugs run too hot and lose their life quite quickly.
Thanks for the response...I already have started to look for them. One thing, are you running an IC?
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      08-29-2015, 12:54 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OpenAir View Post
Thanks for the response...I already have started to look for them. One thing, are you running an IC?
Happy to help. No only the stock one. Maybe down the road I'll upgrade. AFAIK it's recommended but not as necessary as the plugs. Ive monitored the oil temp in harsh conditions and the car never gets above 104 Celsius. It would definitely help with consistent power and internal life longevity. Some water injection for the turbo might be my next move though. I need to research more on that. I usually get sucked into the mod hole but I'm trying to draw the line. Right now the car runs amazing with the GSR tune. Everything feels so balanced and strong. Upgrades from here would be to ensure engine longevity.

Are you thinking of IC? GSR is developing one now. Id probably go with them.

Last edited by 2msport; 08-29-2015 at 12:59 PM..
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      08-29-2015, 02:42 PM   #5
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+1 ^^

Got the M4 plugs + GSR tune.

Look forward to seeing their IC!
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      08-29-2015, 09:31 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2msport View Post
Happy to help. No only the stock one. Maybe down the road I'll upgrade. AFAIK it's recommended but not as necessary as the plugs. Ive monitored the oil temp in harsh conditions and the car never gets above 104 Celsius. It would definitely help with consistent power and internal life longevity. Some water injection for the turbo might be my next move though. I need to research more on that. I usually get sucked into the mod hole but I'm trying to draw the line. Right now the car runs amazing with the GSR tune. Everything feels so balanced and strong. Upgrades from here would be to ensure engine longevity.

Are you thinking of IC? GSR is developing one now. Id probably go with them.
I'm thinking the IC should be the first step to ensure the health of the turbo and heads. ATM has a real nice unit, and right now you can get the ER with free charge pipes for $800 plus change! Kind of hard not to lean towards the ER, but it looks as though the bumper has to be modified to fit...trying to confirm this now, hence the question about your IC.
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      08-29-2015, 09:32 PM   #7
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Do we have a link to the plugs?
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      08-29-2015, 11:28 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OpenAir View Post
Do we have a link to the plugs?

Google:
Stock Code 12120039634
or
Part # RB ZMR5TPP330

BMW OF BRIDGEWATER has them for the cheapest $ but with shipping it's about the same as other places.

http://parts.bmwofbridgewater.com/p/...120039634.html

GSR has some in stock so you can call them too.
I've heard they can be found on ebay as well.
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      08-30-2015, 01:44 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2msport View Post
Google:
Stock Code 12120039634
or
Part # RB ZMR5TPP330

BMW OF BRIDGEWATER has them for the cheapest $ but with shipping it's about the same as other places.

http://parts.bmwofbridgewater.com/p/...120039634.html

GSR has some in stock so you can call them too.
I've heard they can be found on ebay as well.
Thanks, I'm on it!
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      09-01-2015, 10:55 AM   #10
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Heard of this from Stubok on his F30 328
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      09-01-2015, 01:46 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBNYC View Post
Heard of this from Stubok on his F30 328
Yeah he's definitely the one to thank for this
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      09-04-2015, 11:45 PM   #12
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Wonder if this would be needed for us in the North East, our Summers are pretty harsh and extreme maybe not all year long but when it hits you feel it lol.
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      09-05-2015, 10:52 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBNYC View Post
Wonder if this would be needed for us in the North East, our Summers are pretty harsh and extreme maybe not all year long but when it hits you feel it lol.
Id say so. Especially with an ECU tune like Enzo. I'm wondering if they have figured it out yet since their numbers are similar to GSR.
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      09-12-2015, 11:49 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2msport View Post
Id say so. Especially with an ECU tune like Enzo. I'm wondering if they have figured it out yet since their numbers are similar to GSR.
Just had the tune done, and I brought this issue up and he agreed that it could make a difference. As such, I had the plugs installed and the car is very responsive now!

Like to shout out to mge92 for his support, he was there with me all day!
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      09-12-2015, 12:50 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OpenAir View Post
I'm thinking the IC should be the first step to ensure the health of the turbo and heads. ATM has a real nice unit, and right now you can get the ER with free charge pipes for $800 plus change! Kind of hard not to lean towards the ER, but it looks as though the bumper has to be modified to fit...trying to confirm this now, hence the question about your IC.
Where are you finding this deal for the ER I/C and Chargepipes? Could you PM, because I'm trying to decide after the Enzo tune whether to go IC & CPs first and then DP and cat-back or vice versa...
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      09-12-2015, 01:00 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by kanucks View Post
Where are you finding this deal for the ER I/C and Chargepipes? Could you PM, because I'm trying to decide after the Enzo tune whether to go IC & CPs first and then DP and cat-back or vice versa...
I've looked for that deal again and I can't find it! Regardless, before you pull the plug on the ER FMIC I would recommend that you look at the ATM FMIC.

I also talked to Enzo and he didn't feel the need for charge pipes at this time as the extra boost his tune is making is minimal with regards to the durability of the charge pipes, especially with the newer models. As such, I'm not going to be upgrading my CP at this time.

As for the DP, I'm going to be the beta for his 228 DP. I was looking and talking with the guy (can't remember his name) who does the welding and he has some serious skills...I've never seen such nice welds and he consistently performs at this level, hence I'm not going to run an ER DP!

Hope this helps!!!

Last edited by OpenAir; 09-12-2015 at 01:14 PM..
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      09-12-2015, 04:29 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OpenAir View Post
Just had the tune done, and I brought this issue up and he agreed that it could make a difference. As such, I had the plugs installed and the car is very responsive now!

Like to shout out to mge92 for his support, he was there with me all day!
Niiiice dude! how do you like it? The car should really kick now. Sound beefier too?
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      09-12-2015, 06:04 PM   #18
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Heading down to GSR next week to get Stage 1
I wasn't aware of changing the spark plugs, I'm assuming the m4 plugs are a step colder? Is this required for daily driving?

I wonder what the maintenance schedule for the OEM plugs are, it would suck for the dealer to change them and notice they are the wrong ones
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      09-12-2015, 06:15 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2msport View Post
Niiiice dude! how do you like it? The car should really kick now. Sound beefier too?
So far I love it! Sound is nice as I can now here the "wooosh" from the turbo. Took Mother out for a quick drive today and busted the tires loose coming around a corner and kept it loose till I hit 3rd!

She didn't like the feeling !!!
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      09-12-2015, 06:18 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MG 228i View Post
Heading down to GSR next week to get Stage 1
I wasn't aware of changing the spark plugs, I'm assuming the m4 plugs are a step colder? Is this required for daily driving?

I wonder what the maintenance schedule for the OEM plugs are, it would suck for the dealer to change them and notice they are the wrong ones
I believe the plugs are 40k items, and the S55 plugs are two steps colder I believe. Cold start this morning was fine and I don't think it will effect any scheduled maintenance, but since the engine is running hotter with a tune, I plan on changing my plugs every 25K. HTH.

Talk to Nick about the plugs, he should be able to inform you better then me!
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      09-12-2015, 10:00 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OpenAir View Post
So far I love it! Sound is nice as I can now here the "wooosh" from the turbo. Took Mother out for a quick drive today and busted the tires loose coming around a corner and kept it loose till I hit 3rd!

She didn't like the feeling !!!
Lol! Nice man. I will tell you, you'll need new stickier tires a lot sooner now. I have 19k miles, it won't be long until I get PSS's.
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      09-12-2015, 10:04 PM   #22
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Originally Posted by 2msport View Post
Lol! Nice man. I will tell you, you'll need new stickier tires a lot sooner now. I have 19k miles, it won't be long until I get PSS's.
Yep, Looking at a new set tonight. I need to sell my stock wheels ASAP to pick up some new wheels and meat!
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