Let's make N63TU 50i great again! Changing spark plugs

DuSh · 05-31-2018, 01:48 AM

Car shuddering on acceleration? Going into limp mode? CEL lights up? Well guess what? We going to fix that (and possibly make it even better than stock with 2 step colder plugs for those of us who are tuned - otherwise we might get that shuddering very soon again under full throttle on our tuned cars).
With 2014 model years approaching an end of 4 year BMW free maintenance program - I think many of us will consider doing a relatively easy DIY job of changing spark plugs. Everyone is welcome to contribute. I'll start with what i know so far. This should take about 1 hour with all the tools.

AFAIK oem part# for spark plugs is 12120040581 BOSCHZR5TPP330A

Here's couple places where we can buy them online:
1. https://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/...120040581.html It comes to about $164 for 8pcs. with tax and shipping.
2. https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog..._pg1.htm#item0 This is even cheaper ($11 per spark plug)

Torque specs: we have M14x1.25 (correct me if I'm wrong) spark plug specs and torque is 23 ± 3 Nm

Tools needed: Flexible ratchet extension 3/8, 14mm Spark Plug 12-point socket (thin walled), a can of compressed air to blow off any dirt or residue from spark plug shaft after removing ignition coil: https://www.amazon.com/Dust-Off-DPSX...compressed+air

More to come:
1. Other tools needed (to take off engine cover etc)
2. DIY instructions/pics/videos
3. For those who are tuned: should we consider using X5M "colder and high performance" spark plugs? part# 12120039634 RB ZMR5TPP330 ironically they cost less lol: https://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/...120039634.html We can also consider some other spark plugs that are 1 or 2 steps colder - this way we might not get into limp mode at full throttle with our tuned cars. Just my opinion. Any suggestions welcome!

pits200 · 05-31-2018, 05:59 AM

As for the plugs, only difference between the two are the more expensive ones have bmw stamped on them.

Just changed the plugs on my 50i a few months ago. Fairly straightforward, a couple of the banks are a little bit hard to get to but nothing a properly lengthen extension and universal can't handle.

This car had 64k miles on oem plugs and gained a ton of smoothness out of new plugs.

Maverik259 · 05-31-2018, 07:26 AM

Very excited for this

spike5150 · 05-31-2018, 09:50 AM

My engine seems to run rougher/have misses at idle after plugs were changed (by dealer at ~55k miles). Very strange.

DuSh · 05-31-2018, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike5150

My engine seems to run rougher/have misses at idle after plugs were changed (by dealer at ~55k miles). Very strange.

Could be if one of coils is not seated properly on the spark plug. They kinda go with a slight muffled pop sound when you press them down on to the plug. Do you have a scanner or CEL? If you are under warranty - just go back to dealer - they did a half-arse job I guess.

Maverik259 · 05-31-2018, 09:18 PM

I'm sorry but htf are the OEM X5M spark plugs $4 a piece when ours are $15! What am I missing here?!

DuSh · 05-31-2018, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

I'm sorry but htf are the OEM X5M spark plugs $4 a piece when ours are $15! What am I missing here?!

I noticed that too, seems strange overall. Maybe just different manufacturers?
BTW spark plugs from X5M are indeed 1 step "colder" ones compared to our stock X5 50i spark plugs. ///M spark plugs have 0.7mm gap, but after I researched this topic - some recommend decrease gap to 0.6mm - in order to decrease possibility of misfire even more. This is just me sharing what I've been able to find so far.

P.S. Also, it turns out N20 engine (like in 3 series) spark plugs are also 1 step "colder" compared to our X5 50i stock plugs and they are used as well by some enthusiasts in X5 50i.

DuSh · 05-31-2018, 10:18 PM

Pics are not mine, so I don't take any credit for them. However, they show nicely first steps.
1. Engine cover pops right up - no tools needed. Rear just pops up and front has 2 tabs - that's it.
2. Airbox is removed on those pics - and you can already see coils. Coil has same old BMW design: disconnect wire-plug, open tab and you can remove coil - that will grant you access to spark plug shaft. This is where we'll need tools to change spark plugs.

I haven't done this job myself yet, so if anyone can share knowledge or tips - it's always appreciated!

Maverik259 · 05-31-2018, 10:26 PM

Hey I also found the torque specs to be 23nm/17lb-ft according to burger they also sell the ngk 1 and 2 step colder plugs. $11/15 respectfully. But they say you have to gap them yourself too.

DuSh · 05-31-2018, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Hey I also found the torque specs to be 23nm/17lb-ft according to burger they also sell the ngk 1 and 2 step colder plugs. $11/15 respectfully. But they say you have to gap them yourself too.

That's good to hear! I was going to decrease gap anyway down to 0.6mm - to avoid any misfires in the future - especially on our tuned engines under WOT.

Now if anyone can share what tool to use to gap plugs

I found this video:

Maverik259 · 05-31-2018, 10:39 PM

NGK website recommends the wire gap tool on newer rare metal spark plugs.

DuSh · 06-02-2018, 12:19 PM

One important caution guys: please, please, either don't use a torque wrench on spark plugs - instead just do it gently by hand. There is a washer anyway that is designed to get squished, so all you need to do is gently wrench it down until you feel washer go a bit. That's it. Don't torque any further.

Or if you are anal about it and do want to use torque - then please check that torque wrench of yours before you attempt torque spark plugs down. Cheap or faulty torque wrench can brake the spark plug and you'll end up needing a new head for engine. With N63TU price - it's pretty much game over.

Maverik259 · 06-04-2018, 12:20 PM

Plugs come in today. Fingers crossed they work perfect for $4 a pop

DuSh · 06-04-2018, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Plugs come in today. Fingers crossed they work perfect for $4 a pop

Maverik259 thanks for the update! Please post your thoughts or any tips or pics - anything will be very useful for the rest of us who are yet to accomplish this DIY.

P.S. Do you happen to know if they are pre-gapped and if yes, then what is the gap? I know it's a long shot, they probably don't write it anywhere on spark plugs or box. I know the guy who did it gapped them down to 0.6mm or 0.024 inches to get even better fail proof performance.

Sorry one more thing - would be interesting to see condition of old spark plugs (but of course only if you'll have time to take a pic of all 8 of them)

Maverik259 · 06-04-2018, 04:50 PM

Well they just got in so I'm gonna take a whack at it. And I assume they're gapped for the X5M. I'll see if I can measure it.
Edit: I did just read on the M5 forum that they aren't gapped lol. I was expecting they were. Glad you said this. Cuz I don't have the tool and wasn't planning on doing so. Guess I'm gonna run up to autozone right quick

DuSh · 06-04-2018, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Well they just got in so I'm gonna take a whack at it. And I assume they're gapped for the X5M. I'll see if I can measure it.
Edit: I did just read on the M5 forum that they aren't gapped lol. I was expecting they were. Glad you said this. Cuz I don't have the tool and wasn't planning on doing so. Guess I'm gonna run up to autozone right quick

Please take your time, don't rush

Maverik259 · 06-04-2018, 06:22 PM

Well first these are Bosch plugs with the ///M symbol and while they don't have the gap on them they do have the torque values!

Maverik259 · 06-04-2018, 06:28 PM

I've also found the stock gap of the plugs to be quite narrow. Can't tell how narrow as my tool only goes down to .04in so I may need to get another one that goes smaller.

Maverik259 · 06-04-2018, 07:08 PM

Alright. Got one that does down to .025/.64mm and it's a hair larger than this. So I'm thinking it's probably .66 or .68 stock

DuSh · 06-04-2018, 08:05 PM

Wow - this is like a ///M porn! For some reason now I want to do it too badly.

So we now got torque narrowed down - that's good! Thanks Maverick259!

0.66 or 0.68mm is damn good in my book! What is mind blowing is that ///M OEM plugs are $4!!

Maverik259 · 06-04-2018, 08:56 PM

Teaser....

DuSh · 06-04-2018, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Teaser....

Wow, interesting. The first plug has black line on it - could that be a "carbon tracking" - when spark exits there instead and hence causing misfires?

I can also see that there are signs of wear on all spark plugs - those deposits on electrodes for sure were necessitating higher voltage needed to make a spark go through. No wonder there were misfires. I think those who were saying that spark plugs on n63tu need to be changed every 3rd oil change or about every 25-30k miles - were possibly right

05-31-2018, 01:48 AM	#1
DuSh Colonel 2114 Rep 2,388 Posts Drives: F15 X5 50i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Let's make N63TU 50i great again! Changing spark plugs - community DIY (in progress) Car shuddering on acceleration? Going into limp mode? CEL lights up? Well guess what? We going to fix that (and possibly make it even better than stock with 2 step colder plugs for those of us who are tuned - otherwise we might get that shuddering very soon again under full throttle on our tuned cars). With 2014 model years approaching an end of 4 year BMW free maintenance program - I think many of us will consider doing a relatively easy DIY job of changing spark plugs. Everyone is welcome to contribute. I'll start with what i know so far. This should take about 1 hour with all the tools. AFAIK oem part# for spark plugs is 12120040581 BOSCHZR5TPP330A Here's couple places where we can buy them online: 1. https://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/...120040581.html It comes to about $164 for 8pcs. with tax and shipping. 2. https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog..._pg1.htm#item0 This is even cheaper ($11 per spark plug) Torque specs: we have M14x1.25 (correct me if I'm wrong) spark plug specs and torque is 23 ± 3 Nm Tools needed: Flexible ratchet extension 3/8, 14mm Spark Plug 12-point socket (thin walled), a can of compressed air to blow off any dirt or residue from spark plug shaft after removing ignition coil: https://www.amazon.com/Dust-Off-DPSX...compressed+air More to come: 1. Other tools needed (to take off engine cover etc) 2. DIY instructions/pics/videos 3. For those who are tuned: should we consider using X5M "colder and high performance" spark plugs? part# 12120039634 RB ZMR5TPP330 ironically they cost less lol: https://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/...120039634.html We can also consider some other spark plugs that are 1 or 2 steps colder - this way we might not get into limp mode at full throttle with our tuned cars. Just my opinion. Any suggestions welcome! Last edited by DuSh; 06-04-2018 at 09:33 PM..
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05-31-2018, 05:59 AM	#2
pits200 Colonel 547 Rep 2,590 Posts Drives: 09 335i X-Drive Black Sapphire Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (1)	As for the plugs, only difference between the two are the more expensive ones have bmw stamped on them. Just changed the plugs on my 50i a few months ago. Fairly straightforward, a couple of the banks are a little bit hard to get to but nothing a properly lengthen extension and universal can't handle. This car had 64k miles on oem plugs and gained a ton of smoothness out of new plugs.
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05-31-2018, 07:26 AM	#3
Maverik259 Major General 4140 Rep 7,160 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M5 [10.00] 2014 X5 50i [0.00]	Very excited for this __________________ '07 Yamaha R1 (sold) '06 C55 AMG (sold) ‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe '14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
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05-31-2018, 09:50 AM	#4
spike5150 Captain 422 Rep 982 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 M50i Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Denver Area iTrader: (0)	My engine seems to run rougher/have misses at idle after plugs were changed (by dealer at ~55k miles). Very strange.
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05-31-2018, 09:18 PM	#6
Maverik259 Major General 4140 Rep 7,160 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M5 [10.00] 2014 X5 50i [0.00]	I'm sorry but htf are the OEM X5M spark plugs $4 a piece when ours are $15! What am I missing here?! __________________ '07 Yamaha R1 (sold) '06 C55 AMG (sold) ‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe '14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
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		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5 and X6 (F15/F16) Forum
Let's make N63TU 50i great again! Changing spark plugs - community DIY (in progress)

05-31-2018, 10:18 PM	#8
DuSh Colonel 2114 Rep 2,388 Posts Drives: F15 X5 50i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Pics are not mine, so I don't take any credit for them. However, they show nicely first steps. 1. Engine cover pops right up - no tools needed. Rear just pops up and front has 2 tabs - that's it. 2. Airbox is removed on those pics - and you can already see coils. Coil has same old BMW design: disconnect wire-plug, open tab and you can remove coil - that will grant you access to spark plug shaft. This is where we'll need tools to change spark plugs. I haven't done this job myself yet, so if anyone can share knowledge or tips - it's always appreciated! Attached Images Last edited by DuSh; 05-31-2018 at 10:31 PM..
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05-31-2018, 10:26 PM	#9
Maverik259 Major General 4140 Rep 7,160 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M5 [10.00] 2014 X5 50i [0.00]	Hey I also found the torque specs to be 23nm/17lb-ft according to burger they also sell the ngk 1 and 2 step colder plugs. $11/15 respectfully. But they say you have to gap them yourself too. __________________ '07 Yamaha R1 (sold) '06 C55 AMG (sold) ‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe '14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
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05-31-2018, 10:39 PM	#11
Maverik259 Major General 4140 Rep 7,160 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M5 [10.00] 2014 X5 50i [0.00]	NGK website recommends the wire gap tool on newer rare metal spark plugs. __________________ '07 Yamaha R1 (sold) '06 C55 AMG (sold) ‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe '14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
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06-02-2018, 12:19 PM	#12
DuSh Colonel 2114 Rep 2,388 Posts Drives: F15 X5 50i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	One important caution guys: please, please, either don't use a torque wrench on spark plugs - instead just do it gently by hand. There is a washer anyway that is designed to get squished, so all you need to do is gently wrench it down until you feel washer go a bit. That's it. Don't torque any further. Or if you are anal about it and do want to use torque - then please check that torque wrench of yours before you attempt torque spark plugs down. Cheap or faulty torque wrench can brake the spark plug and you'll end up needing a new head for engine. With N63TU price - it's pretty much game over.
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06-04-2018, 12:20 PM	#13
Maverik259 Major General 4140 Rep 7,160 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M5 [10.00] 2014 X5 50i [0.00]	Plugs come in today. Fingers crossed they work perfect for $4 a pop __________________ '07 Yamaha R1 (sold) '06 C55 AMG (sold) ‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe '14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
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06-04-2018, 04:50 PM	#15
Maverik259 Major General 4140 Rep 7,160 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M5 [10.00] 2014 X5 50i [0.00]	Well they just got in so I'm gonna take a whack at it. And I assume they're gapped for the X5M. I'll see if I can measure it. Edit: I did just read on the M5 forum that they aren't gapped lol. I was expecting they were. Glad you said this. Cuz I don't have the tool and wasn't planning on doing so. Guess I'm gonna run up to autozone right quick __________________ '07 Yamaha R1 (sold) '06 C55 AMG (sold) ‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe '14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
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06-04-2018, 06:22 PM	#17
Maverik259 Major General 4140 Rep 7,160 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M5 [10.00] 2014 X5 50i [0.00]	Well first these are Bosch plugs with the ///M symbol and while they don't have the gap on them they do have the torque values! Attached Images __________________ '07 Yamaha R1 (sold) '06 C55 AMG (sold) ‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe '14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
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06-04-2018, 06:28 PM	#18
Maverik259 Major General 4140 Rep 7,160 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M5 [10.00] 2014 X5 50i [0.00]	I've also found the stock gap of the plugs to be quite narrow. Can't tell how narrow as my tool only goes down to .04in so I may need to get another one that goes smaller. Attached Images __________________ '07 Yamaha R1 (sold) '06 C55 AMG (sold) ‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe '14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
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06-04-2018, 07:08 PM	#19
Maverik259 Major General 4140 Rep 7,160 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M5 [10.00] 2014 X5 50i [0.00]	Alright. Got one that does down to .025/.64mm and it's a hair larger than this. So I'm thinking it's probably .66 or .68 stock Attached Images __________________ '07 Yamaha R1 (sold) '06 C55 AMG (sold) ‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe '14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
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06-04-2018, 08:05 PM	#20
DuSh Colonel 2114 Rep 2,388 Posts Drives: F15 X5 50i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Wow - this is like a ///M porn! For some reason now I want to do it too badly. So we now got torque narrowed down - that's good! Thanks Maverick259! 0.66 or 0.68mm is damn good in my book! What is mind blowing is that ///M OEM plugs are $4!! Last edited by DuSh; 06-04-2018 at 08:32 PM..
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06-04-2018, 08:56 PM	#21
Maverik259 Major General 4140 Rep 7,160 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M5 [10.00] 2014 X5 50i [0.00]	Teaser.... Attached Images __________________ '07 Yamaha R1 (sold) '06 C55 AMG (sold) ‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe '14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
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