understanding spark plugs

cojomo2

Tried to find a guide that explains what all fhe various numbers on a spark plug mean, but no luck.

My car is supposed to take NGK BKR 7EQUP
Currently, they have a bosch plug FGR 7DQP

is the bosh plug rated lower? They have been in the car for about 22k miles..is it now time to replace? Thanks

ShiresV2

cojomo2 wrote: »

Tried to find a guide that explains what all fhe various numbers on a spark plug mean, but no luck.

My car is supposed to take NGK BKR 7EQUP
Currently, they have a bosch plug FGR 7DQP

is the bosh plug rated lower? They have been in the car for about 22k miles..is it now time to replace? Thanks

Some kind of BMW? If so factory fit would likely be the Bosch plug although NGK would be fine too.

Here's an NGK plug chart that explains the numbers and letters.

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/tech_support/spark_plugs/faqs/faqcode.asp

If the plugs are for a reasonably modern, standard road car then don't be seduced by all the nonsense about high performance plugs. They're just out to get your money. Almost invariably the best plug will be the type put in at the factory and it's guaranteed to be trouble free.

EDIT: what does your manufacturer say the plug change interval is? At 22k miles those are probably fine unless your engine has some sort of problem.

cojomo2

ShiresV2 wrote: »

cojomo2 wrote: »

Tried to find a guide that explains what all fhe various numbers on a spark plug mean, but no luck.

My car is supposed to take NGK BKR 7EQUP
Currently, they have a bosch plug FGR 7DQP

is the bosh plug rated lower? They have been in the car for about 22k miles..is it now time to replace? Thanks

Some kind of BMW? If so factory fit would likely be the Bosch plug although NGK would be fine too.

Here's an NGK plug chart that explains the numbers and letters.

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/tech_support/spark_plugs/faqs/faqcode.asp

If the plugs are for a reasonably modern, standard road car then don't be seduced by all the nonsense about high performance plugs. They're just out to get your money. Almost invariably the best plug will be the type put in at the factory and it's guaranteed to be trouble free.

EDIT: what does your manufacturer say the plug change interval is? At 22k miles those are probably fine unless your engine has some sort of problem.

Thanks for that. It's a r53 mini Cooper s john Cooper works edition, don't have it long and think that it's slightly down on power at times ..checked the coil pack..all looks good, then checked the plugs,look fine but that bosch plug is an equivalent of the ngk bkr 6equp, which is the plug that comes standard in a normal cooper s, however, the tuning cert from john cooper works stages to always use ngk bkr 7equp instead of the usual 6equep they use with the standard ,cooper s.

These plugs are nearly 3 times the price, do u think they will make a difference?thanks

cojomo2

cojomo2 wrote: »

Tried to find a guide that explains what all fhe various numbers on a spark plug mean, but no luck.

My car is supposed to take NGK BKR 7EQUP
Currently, they have a bosch plug FGR 7DQP..............

they mean little/nothing across brands
It's not like tyres

Google for a cross reference and see are they plugs you mention equivalent.

cojomo2

Is there such a thing a fake spark plugs!?

I rang local motor factors, 40 euro each these plugs cost, then went on to ebay..going for about 20 sterling off many sellers, but one guy, with great feedback , iss selling them for 6.90 sterling!..is this too good to be true?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MINI-BMW-COOPER-210-BHP-JCW-NGK-SPARK-PLUGS-BKR7EQUP-/190715224306?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2c678360f2&_uhb=1

Chriscl1

opie oils are very good for spark plugs. Ordered 4 denso last week for £32.

Nissan doctor

cojomo2 wrote: »

Thanks for that. It's a r53 mini Cooper s john Cooper works edition, don't have it long and think that it's slightly down on power at times ..checked the coil pack..all looks good, then checked the plugs,look fine but that bosch plug is an equivalent of the ngk bkr 6equp, which is the plug that comes standard in a normal cooper s, however, the tuning cert from john cooper works stages to always use ngk bkr 7equp instead of the usual 6equep they use with the standard ,cooper s.

These plugs are nearly 3 times the price, do u think they will make a difference?thanks

The heat range 7 plugs will be specified due to the higher boost/performance level of the JCW mini.

Using the 'hotter' plugs(6's) could pose very serious danger to your engine at high rpm/boost.

goz83

Just get the right plugs, as stated on the cert and you won't be worrying. If they cost you 3 times more, so be it. Is it cheaper than a new engine? I would imagine so. If they are selling cheap on ebay, well that's fine as long as the seller is a trusted one. Opie Oils are also great as mentioned above. I get my oils and plugs and filters from there and I drive a high performance jap car.

goz83

goz83 wrote: »

........... I drive a high performance jap car.

Thought you had a GR FTO ?

rebel.ranter

BMWs are generally supplied with either NGK or Bosch plugs from the factory (& servicing in the main dealer), most models show a Bosch part number & an NGK part number. i.e. BMW themselves soirced plugs from both manufacturers for the same model car. However the r53 JCW only shows NGK as being original equipment.

I have read that the NGK is a better quality plug than the Bosch ones, but do your own research on this.

See here on Realoem.com (it's nearly identical to the BMW ETK system*):

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=RE92&mospid=51242&btnr=12_1097&hg=12&fg=05

* Realoem.com is like an older version of BMW ETK, www.bmwfans.info is more like the current ETK system but the r53 is not on bmwfans.

Here's an example of a listing of both Bosch/NGK for an e39 5 Series:

cojomo2

Thank for the info lads.

got the required plugs and made the silly mistake of replacing them while the engine was hot..will take them out and retighten them in the morning.

how necessary is it to use a torque wrench? they are supposed to be tightened to 28nm..have read horror stories about people not tightening them enough and they have launched out of the cylinder destroying threads and bonnet ..

If i must buy a cheap torque wrench then i will..appreciate any pointers.thanks.

cojomo2

cojomo2 wrote: »

..........

how necessary is it to use a torque wrench? .........

Have never used one and plenty of plug spanners are sold too that don't offer a Nm readout Can't really imagine anyone using a torque wrench to replace plugs, might just be me.

cojomo2

RoverJames wrote: »

Have never used one and plenty of plug spanners are sold too that don't offer a Nm readout Can't really imagine anyone using a torque wrench to replace plugs, might just be me.

Ok, maybe im overhanging this! So, if I take them out in the morning,thread them back by hand until the stone, then starch ratchet and go , say 1/4 turn..that sound about ok? Thanks.