NGK 97506 colder plugs

[MBoss_F86]

Are NGK 97506 1 step or 2 step colder plugs? Ecstuning says they are 1 step, burgermotorsports say 2 step. Or is it the gap the detemines how cold they are?

0.022 gap for stage 1 tune and 0.020 for stage 2?

[NikNala]

Originally Posted by MBoss_F86

Are NGK 97506 1 step or 2 step colder plugs? Ecstuning says they are 1 step, burgermotorsports say 2 step. Or is it the gap the detemines how cold they are?

0.022 gap for stage 1 tune and 0.020 for stage 2?

Compared to the S63tu they are the stock heat range. When they talk about 1 or 2 heat ranges colder they are referencing different BMW engines. 8 is the stock heat range in the OEM plugs and so are these.

[Silververtu]

0.024 to 0.028 (stock gap) for stage 1 and 0.022 for stage 2. I used 0.025 and no trouble at all. Tighter gap may create rougher idle especially when the engine is cold.

[MBoss_F86]

So gap is the only difference that makes it step 1 or 2?

[Chilled]

Originally Posted by MBoss_F86

So gap is the only difference that makes it step 1 or 2?

The step colder has got nothing to do with the gapping. The tighter gapping is usually to account for higher boost, so you actually get a spark.

The temp rating to account for the actual temperature of the plugs/head so you don't get a premature detonation.

Here is a brief view from NGK
https://www.ngk.com/what-is-a-spark-plugs-heat-range-2

[Blue By You]

Originally Posted by Chilled

The step colder has got nothing to do with the gapping. The tighter gapping is usually to account for higher boost, so you actually get a spark.

The temp rating to account for the actual temperature of the plugs/head so you don't get a premature detonation.

Here is a brief view from NGK
https://www.ngk.com/what-is-a-spark-plugs-heat-range-2

I just put new OEM plugs in my M for a self-imposed 50K maintenance interval. (NGK laser iridium silzkbr8d8s)

Wondering if I'll want to go one stage cooler when I add my tune, based on the info I found by clicking around. Or it was mentioned that the plugs discussed here are in the same heat range?

Will be bumping up to over 700hp at the crank with a Carbahn Stage I tune. Will I be okay with the plugs I installed?

Thank you for the info!

[Chilled]

I haven't done to much reading on tunes vs plugs for F85 and gapping vs cooler plugs.

It seams most guys that run a tune go for the cooler NGK 97506 and gap them to .022+/- or even down to .019.

If i am not mistake the stock plugs are at .03+/-.

I would guess, is if you are running a tune but your Engine/Cooling Temps are the same. If you have decent plugs (you do), All you would need to do is gap down your current plugs to .02ish.


The question would be, is it the cooler plugs or tighter gap that make it run better?

[NikNala]

Originally Posted by Blue By You

I just put new OEM plugs in my M for a self-imposed 50K maintenance interval. (NGK laser iridium silzkbr8d8s)

Wondering if I'll want to go one stage cooler when I add my tune, based on the info I found by clicking around. Or it was mentioned that the plugs discussed here are in the same heat range?

Will be bumping up to over 700hp at the crank with a Carbahn Stage I tune. Will I be okay with the plugs I installed?

Thank you for the info!

The plugs you installed are the NGK 97506. The tighter plug gap(.020-.022) is what you need when tuned(higher boost). If not some people experience spark blowout. These plugs are the same heat range as the factory Bosch plugs.

[Blue By You]

Originally Posted by NikNala

The plugs you installed are the NGK 97506. The tighter plug gap(.020-.022) is what you need when tuned(higher boost). If not some people experience spark blowout. These plugs are the same heat range as the factory Bosch plugs.

Makes sense. I'll ask my tuner about doing it. Thanks

[h6mid]

just to make sure we need 8 of these right? thanks!

[Chilled]

Originally Posted by h6mid

just to make sure we need 8 of these right? thanks!

yep,

Also just FYI. you will need the thin walled socket. Regular will not fit.

[h6mid]

Originally Posted by Chilled

yep,

Also just FYI. you will need the thin walled socket. Regular will not fit.

Thanks for the reply. Do you know where I can find the thin walled version?

[bmwx5er]

Originally Posted by h6mid

Thanks for the reply. Do you know where I can find the thin walled version?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0977LK9KS/

Or similar. Just search for 12 pt, 14mm thin walled spark plug socket.

[h6mid]

got it! thank you so much!

[priceaction]

Just sharing my experience to the information already contained within this thread.

I purchased a Weistec tune for my 2017 X5 M.

They advised I run NGK 97506 spark plugs and the gap they recommended was .022 to .024 inches.

[JasonDavis]

According to Carbahn techs different plugs are not needed

[YvesD]

Originally Posted by JasonDavis

According to Carbahn techs different plugs are not needed

I agree, shouldn't need different plugs/gaps with a quality re-map and no other complicating factors, UK based tuners don't advocate this anyway.

Maybe it's a US thing with the comparatively lower pump fuel quality/higher sulphate content than what we have in Europe?

[NikNala]

Originally Posted by YvesD

I agree, shouldn't need different plugs/gaps with a quality re-map and no other complicating factors, UK based tuners don't advocate this anyway.

Maybe it's a US thing with the comparatively lower pump fuel quality/higher sulphate content than what we have in Europe?

Anytime you up the boost you run the risk of spark blowout. Too large a gap and the spark can't make the jump and you get a misfire. It doesn't matter the octane or the sulphur content in the fuel. The recommended NGK and the factory plugs are the same heat range so even if they say they don't need new plugs you may not be asking the right question. Ask them if you need to narrow the spark plug gap.

[JasonDavis]

Originally Posted by NikNala

Anytime you up the boost you run the risk of spark blowout. Too large a gap and the spark can't make the jump and you get a misfire. It doesn't matter the octane or the sulphur content in the fuel. The recommended NGK and the factory plugs are the same heat range so even if they say they don't need new plugs you may not be asking the right question. Ask them if you need to narrow the spark plug gap.

Me: Hey since the power in this Stage 1 kit is the same as the Dinan Stage 2 kit, do I need to get new plugs?
Carbahn: Nope
Me: Is there anything I need to do other than install the tune?
Carbahn: Well it's not just install a tune, but when you get the modified file back from us, all you need to do is flash it into your car, nothing else. You have the intake, right?
Me: Yep
Carbahn: Then yes, you don't need to do anything else, no plugs, nothing. It's simple.

[Blue By You]

Originally Posted by JasonDavis

Me: Hey since the power in this Stage 1 kit is the same as the Dinan Stage 2 kit, do I need to get new plugs?
Carbahn: Nope
Me: Is there anything I need to do other than install the tune?
Carbahn: Well it's not just install a tune, but when you get the modified file back from us, all you need to do is flash it into your car, nothing else. You have the intake, right?
Me: Yep
Carbahn: Then yes, you don't need to do anything else, no plugs, nothing. It's simple.

Same thing they told me.

[BMWNYC1]

I still have no idea why guys are bothering with going with colder plugs on a pretty much stock setup. Overkill. I have 3 stage 2 S63 engines all with stock plugs. The only thing you might see is premature coil failure bc of the tune. Swap in replacement coils and be on your way.

[NikNala]

Originally Posted by BMWNYC1

I still have no idea why guys are bothering with going with colder plugs on a pretty much stock setup. Overkill. I have 3 stage 2 S63 engines all with stock plugs. The only thing you might see is premature coil failure bc of the tune. Swap in replacement coils and be on your way.

There aren't any colder plugs available. The issue is a tighter gap than stock when you run higher boost. If you don't increase boost and/or timing then you won't have increased cylinder pressure. That's the only time you would need to decrease your spark plug gap. I'm not making this stuff up. Many of the people on this board with F85/F86's have had to narrow the gap to stop misfires with an aftermarket tune. You want to run the largest gap possible without misfires at high load. This will give you best fuel economy and part throttle response. Look at the F10 and F90 forums as well. Bootmod3 and MHD will tell you the same.