DIY - 50i Spark Plugs

Silververtu · 12-08-2020, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S1nner

Just out of curiosity, how much $ did they charge you?

2 hour job. My dealer wanted $350+tax. I laughed and asked for oil change only.

rbehniwal · 01-21-2021, 01:39 PM

Saved me a lot of time and money. Thanks for the detailed guide!

skoold2003 · 02-11-2021, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by classic_erik

$404 for the labor. He actually tried charging me extra to gap the plugs and I almost laughed in his face.

Another interesting part of this story is that the service manager said they always install out of the box and don't even check the gap. The fact that they don't even check them when there are so many factors that could shift the gap during packaging and transit is crazy to me.

This would explain why I'm having to change my plugs after getting my motor replaced a few months ago

Fxcardo · 03-08-2021, 02:26 PM

Just curious, what's the part number on the NGK spark plugs? Dealer quoted me these spark plugs and I am unsure which to buy as I'm going to change them myself. Thanks in advance.

Mikegfx4 · 05-26-2021, 03:47 PM

im looking at getting a new set of plugs for my 50i as well and found these on FCP (https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...sch-0242145541) they say they are gapped to 0.8mm (says thats OEM) but that seems large compared to what people have been saying in this thread. What should the gap be for a stock 50i TU engine? Also, is there a better plug to buy for this engine other than the ones I linked above?

Silververtu · 05-26-2021, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fxcardo

Just curious, what's the part number on the NGK spark plugs? Dealer quoted me these spark plugs and I am unsure which to buy as I'm going to change them myself. Thanks in advance.

NGK 97506

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...plug-ngk-96987

Silververtu · 05-26-2021, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikegfx4

im looking at getting a new set of plugs for my 50i as well and found these on FCP (https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...sch-0242145541) they say they are gapped to 0.8mm (says thats OEM) but that seems large compared to what people have been saying in this thread. What should the gap be for a stock 50i TU engine? Also, is there a better plug to buy for this engine other than the ones I linked above?

0.8mm = 0.031in. Stock gap is 0.03in.

Mikegfx4 · 06-01-2021, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silververtu

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikegfx4

im looking at getting a new set of plugs for my 50i as well and found these on FCP (https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...sch-0242145541) they say they are gapped to 0.8mm (says thats OEM) but that seems large compared to what people have been saying in this thread. What should the gap be for a stock 50i TU engine? Also, is there a better plug to buy for this engine other than the ones I linked above?

0.8mm = 0.031in. Stock gap is 0.03in.

Thanks for the info there. Is the recommendation to stick with the stock gap for this engine or change? I don't have any plans to modify the engine at all.

Silververtu · 06-02-2021, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikegfx4

Thanks for the info there. Is the recommendation to stick with the stock gap for this engine or change? I don't have any plans to modify the engine at all.

Stick to the stock gap if it's not tuned.

adonnan · 06-25-2021, 11:09 AM

Stage 2 off-the-shelf tune put down 487 whp and 573 tq. I didn't know to put it in roller mode and thought the dyno operator knew to do so, so we only got one good run with the time I paid for.

Silververtu · 06-25-2021, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adonnan

Stage 2 off-the-shelf tune put down 487 whp and 573 tq. I didn't know to put it in roller mode and thought the dyno operator knew to do so, so we only got one good run with the time I paid for.

Saw your post on BM3 Facebook page.

texasrr · 08-25-2021, 11:00 AM

This was a really helpful DIY and learned a lot along the way, but there are a few things in here that are missing because of the mistakes I made. I'm still thankful I did it myself, bc the Dealer in Houston wanted to charge me $363.66, of which $207.62 was spark plugs. I picked those up from FCP for $50. Below are a few things to watch.

-Driver side coil removal. Because it's tucked back so close to the firewall it's hard to get enough leverage to pull it out. I accidently broke the clip off. I was able to order a replacement clip from FCP that's labeled as "BMW Ignition Coil Locking Mechanism 12131437986." After putting on the new clip, use the same extension to slide through the clip, but this time use a long screwdriver and place on the metal bracket just above the coil. I used that as leverage and got a smooth upward pull without breaking the clip

-Pay attention to the spark plug socket with a rubber gasket on the inside of it. Of course it helped pull the plugs out, but I didn't realize the rubber gasket stayed on one of the spark plugs after putting it into the cylinder. Trying to pull it out proved to be difficult and rubber particles broke off. Was able to back out the plug and then used my vacuum cleaner hose to pull out the broken particles. If you're using a nonmagnetic spark plug socket, always make sure to use the rubber gasket when pulling the plugs out, but have no rubber gasket in the socket when putting the plugs in.

-I also found it helpful to have an extendable magnetic reacher to pull the plugs out and put the plugs in. Helps with not dropping the spark plugs in the engine bay.

Hope this info helps with anyone else trying to DIY. The OP DIY instructions are really helpful and this wasn't too challenging when you have the right tools.

Mikegfx4 · 10-13-2021, 10:58 AM

So I've had a sort of shudder under medium acceleration since I bought my 50i. This seems a bit worse in very hot weather but it happens most times, it's not severe but can be felt the rpm doesn't fluctuate at all when this happens, just feels like I'm running over some bumps sort of. No warning lights or codes at all.

I recently swapped the plugs thinking it might be an intermittent miss and it might have gotten slightly better but not gone. most plugs looked good to me, driver side rear plug was pretty carbon covered, actually had a carbon bridge between the electrode and ground, the passenger side rear looked oddly clean when compare to the rest of them as well. Are coils the next thing to do or am I looking in the wrong place?

BMWdmk · 10-13-2021, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikegfx4

So I've had a sort of shudder under medium acceleration since I bought my 50i. This seems a bit worse in very hot weather but it happens most times, it's not severe but can be felt the rpm doesn't fluctuate at all when this happens, just feels like I'm running over some bumps sort of. No warning lights or codes at all.

I recently swapped the plugs thinking it might be an intermittent miss and it might have gotten slightly better but not gone. most plugs looked good to me, driver side rear plug was pretty carbon covered, actually had a carbon bridge between the electrode and ground, the passenger side rear looked oddly clean when compare to the rest of them as well. Are coils the next thing to do or am I looking in the wrong place?

I'd try coils next

Maverik259 · 10-14-2021, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikegfx4

So I've had a sort of shudder under medium acceleration since I bought my 50i. This seems a bit worse in very hot weather but it happens most times, it's not severe but can be felt the rpm doesn't fluctuate at all when this happens, just feels like I'm running over some bumps sort of. No warning lights or codes at all.

I recently swapped the plugs thinking it might be an intermittent miss and it might have gotten slightly better but not gone. most plugs looked good to me, driver side rear plug was pretty carbon covered, actually had a carbon bridge between the electrode and ground, the passenger side rear looked oddly clean when compare to the rest of them as well. Are coils the next thing to do or am I looking in the wrong place?

Yes to coils

JMAN1111 · 10-14-2021, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikegfx4

So I've had a sort of shudder under medium acceleration since I bought my 50i. This seems a bit worse in very hot weather but it happens most times, it's not severe but can be felt the rpm doesn't fluctuate at all when this happens, just feels like I'm running over some bumps sort of. No warning lights or codes at all.

I recently swapped the plugs thinking it might be an intermittent miss and it might have gotten slightly better but not gone. most plugs looked good to me, driver side rear plug was pretty carbon covered, actually had a carbon bridge between the electrode and ground, the passenger side rear looked oddly clean when compare to the rest of them as well. Are coils the next thing to do or am I looking in the wrong place?

Yes to coils

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikegfx4

So I've had a sort of shudder under medium acceleration since I bought my 50i. This seems a bit worse in very hot weather but it happens most times, it's not severe but can be felt the rpm doesn't fluctuate at all when this happens, just feels like I'm running over some bumps sort of. No warning lights or codes at all.

I recently swapped the plugs thinking it might be an intermittent miss and it might have gotten slightly better but not gone. most plugs looked good to me, driver side rear plug was pretty carbon covered, actually had a carbon bridge between the electrode and ground, the passenger side rear looked oddly clean when compare to the rest of them as well. Are coils the next thing to do or am I looking in the wrong place?

Yes to coils

Eldors are fantastic

MY15.50i · 10-16-2021, 05:29 PM

Is this the correct Eldor coil for 2016 x6 50i with the n63tu engine?

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...657273#reviews

All websites (ecs, turner, fcp) say it's incompatible. The only ones it finds compatible are Bosch brand.

Also, what NGK spark plugs will work?

Car is stock.

N7_Prolific · 10-16-2021, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikegfx4

So I've had a sort of shudder under medium acceleration since I bought my 50i. This seems a bit worse in very hot weather but it happens most times, it's not severe but can be felt the rpm doesn't fluctuate at all when this happens, just feels like I'm running over some bumps sort of. No warning lights or codes at all.

I recently swapped the plugs thinking it might be an intermittent miss and it might have gotten slightly better but not gone. most plugs looked good to me, driver side rear plug was pretty carbon covered, actually had a carbon bridge between the electrode and ground, the passenger side rear looked oddly clean when compare to the rest of them as well. Are coils the next thing to do or am I looking in the wrong place?

Yes to coils

Could you advise me if it's best to stick with stock plugs for now instead of m plugs? Am not tuning right this minute have some other stuff I want to do before but I want to change my plugs.

BMWdmk · 10-17-2021, 05:03 PM

Myself, I'd stay with oem plugs if I'm NOT tuned
But if you have the M plugs in right now without issue then no need to touch them

JMAN1111 · 10-19-2021, 09:22 AM

I'm running m plugs in 50i with no tune and it runs much better.

Maverik259 · 10-19-2021, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N7_Prolific

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikegfx4

So I've had a sort of shudder under medium acceleration since I bought my 50i. This seems a bit worse in very hot weather but it happens most times, it's not severe but can be felt the rpm doesn't fluctuate at all when this happens, just feels like I'm running over some bumps sort of. No warning lights or codes at all.

I recently swapped the plugs thinking it might be an intermittent miss and it might have gotten slightly better but not gone. most plugs looked good to me, driver side rear plug was pretty carbon covered, actually had a carbon bridge between the electrode and ground, the passenger side rear looked oddly clean when compare to the rest of them as well. Are coils the next thing to do or am I looking in the wrong place?

Yes to coils

Could you advise me if it's best to stick with stock plugs for now instead of m plugs? Am not tuning right this minute have some other stuff I want to do before but I want to change my plugs.

You can run M plugs. Just make sure you gap them before installing.

N7_Prolific · 10-22-2021, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Quote:

Originally Posted by N7_Prolific

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikegfx4

So I've had a sort of shudder under medium acceleration since I bought my 50i. This seems a bit worse in very hot weather but it happens most times, it's not severe but can be felt the rpm doesn't fluctuate at all when this happens, just feels like I'm running over some bumps sort of. No warning lights or codes at all.

I recently swapped the plugs thinking it might be an intermittent miss and it might have gotten slightly better but not gone. most plugs looked good to me, driver side rear plug was pretty carbon covered, actually had a carbon bridge between the electrode and ground, the passenger side rear looked oddly clean when compare to the rest of them as well. Are coils the next thing to do or am I looking in the wrong place?

Yes to coils

Could you advise me if it's best to stick with stock plugs for now instead of m plugs? Am not tuning right this minute have some other stuff I want to do before but I want to change my plugs.

You can run M plugs. Just make sure you gap them before installing.

Just to be sure, so your saying gap the plugs even if am not running a tune?

01-21-2021, 01:39 PM	#134
rbehniwal Private 3 Rep 82 Posts Drives: 2018 M4 ZCP, 2015 x5 50i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wenatchee, WA iTrader: (1) Garage List [0.00]	Saved me a lot of time and money. Thanks for the detailed guide!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-08-2021, 02:26 PM	#136
Fxcardo New Member 4 Rep 24 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW X6 50i Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Just curious, what's the part number on the NGK spark plugs? Dealer quoted me these spark plugs and I am unsure which to buy as I'm going to change them myself. Thanks in advance. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-26-2021, 03:47 PM	#137
Mikegfx4 Private 37 Rep 60 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 328i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	im looking at getting a new set of plugs for my 50i as well and found these on FCP (https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...sch-0242145541) they say they are gapped to 0.8mm (says thats OEM) but that seems large compared to what people have been saying in this thread. What should the gap be for a stock 50i TU engine? Also, is there a better plug to buy for this engine other than the ones I linked above?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-25-2021, 11:09 AM	#142
adonnan Private 41 Rep 77 Posts Drives: 09 E91 Join Date: May 2017 Location: SC iTrader: (0)	Stage 2 off-the-shelf tune put down 487 whp and 573 tq. I didn't know to put it in roller mode and thought the dyno operator knew to do so, so we only got one good run with the time I paid for.
	Appreciate 1 classic_erik2808.50 Quote

08-25-2021, 11:00 AM	#144
texasrr New Member 5 Rep 16 Posts Drives: BMW X5 F15 50i Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Helpful, but few things I learned along the way This was a really helpful DIY and learned a lot along the way, but there are a few things in here that are missing because of the mistakes I made. I'm still thankful I did it myself, bc the Dealer in Houston wanted to charge me $363.66, of which $207.62 was spark plugs. I picked those up from FCP for $50. Below are a few things to watch. -Driver side coil removal. Because it's tucked back so close to the firewall it's hard to get enough leverage to pull it out. I accidently broke the clip off. I was able to order a replacement clip from FCP that's labeled as "BMW Ignition Coil Locking Mechanism 12131437986." After putting on the new clip, use the same extension to slide through the clip, but this time use a long screwdriver and place on the metal bracket just above the coil. I used that as leverage and got a smooth upward pull without breaking the clip -Pay attention to the spark plug socket with a rubber gasket on the inside of it. Of course it helped pull the plugs out, but I didn't realize the rubber gasket stayed on one of the spark plugs after putting it into the cylinder. Trying to pull it out proved to be difficult and rubber particles broke off. Was able to back out the plug and then used my vacuum cleaner hose to pull out the broken particles. If you're using a nonmagnetic spark plug socket, always make sure to use the rubber gasket when pulling the plugs out, but have no rubber gasket in the socket when putting the plugs in. -I also found it helpful to have an extendable magnetic reacher to pull the plugs out and put the plugs in. Helps with not dropping the spark plugs in the engine bay. Hope this info helps with anyone else trying to DIY. The OP DIY instructions are really helpful and this wasn't too challenging when you have the right tools.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5 and X6 (F15/F16) Forum
DIY - 50i Spark Plugs

10-13-2021, 10:58 AM	#145
Mikegfx4 Private 37 Rep 60 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 328i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	So I've had a sort of shudder under medium acceleration since I bought my 50i. This seems a bit worse in very hot weather but it happens most times, it's not severe but can be felt the rpm doesn't fluctuate at all when this happens, just feels like I'm running over some bumps sort of. No warning lights or codes at all. I recently swapped the plugs thinking it might be an intermittent miss and it might have gotten slightly better but not gone. most plugs looked good to me, driver side rear plug was pretty carbon covered, actually had a carbon bridge between the electrode and ground, the passenger side rear looked oddly clean when compare to the rest of them as well. Are coils the next thing to do or am I looking in the wrong place?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-16-2021, 05:29 PM	#149
MY15.50i New Member 2 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2015 X5 50i Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: On the coast iTrader: (0)	Is this the correct Eldor coil for 2016 x6 50i with the n63tu engine? https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...657273#reviews All websites (ecs, turner, fcp) say it's incompatible. The only ones it finds compatible are Bosch brand. Also, what NGK spark plugs will work? Car is stock.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-17-2021, 05:03 PM	#151
BMWdmk Rollin 3rd 106 Rep 1,232 Posts Drives: Something fast Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chino Hills iTrader: (15)	Myself, I'd stay with oem plugs if I'm NOT tuned But if you have the M plugs in right now without issue then no need to touch them
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10-19-2021, 09:22 AM	#152
JMAN1111 First Lieutenant 227 Rep 338 Posts Drives: F86 Black Fire X6M, F16 X6 50i Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	I'm running m plugs in 50i with no tune and it runs much better.
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