New spark plugs

[m3f_Norlin]

Looking to put some new spark plugs in my car and was checking out sparkplugs.com

I was looking at NGK and there was a lot of discussions about iridium vs platinum vs copper.

So I'm looking at:

BKR6EIX : NGK Iridium 6418 $6.95

BKR6EQUP : NGK Platinum Multi-ground 3199 $8.07



Many people were saying that iridium isn't worth the extra cost, but in this case the iridium plug is actually costing less...however the iridium plug isn't listed as working with BMWs, however some people said that this plug would work fine...not sure what to do, what do people suggest? Iridium work better? If that's the case and advise going against the NGK Iridium since it doesn't list BMW as a possible application, perhaps go with the more expensive:

IK20 : Denso Iridium 5304 $11.99



Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks!

[m3f_imports4ever858]

Well the whole confusion became from the 2 different types of users, FI and NA.. FI users prefer copper plugs for the reason that if you have some problem with your FI, the copper spark plug will "take a **** before the motor will" there for saving your motor from messing up more than it should. Heat destroys the copper plug and the car shuts off before the motor blows up.. Iridium can withstand a lot more heat and will not "take a ****" there for it will keep sparking and messing up the motor.. But on the other hand i also heard from one guy that BKR7EIX showed better results, he also has a lot more than just FI, aftermarket coils for the ignition, etc.. If you are NA, u don't have to worry about that problem.. the NGK iridium plugs used to be around $12 a plug and just recently dropped down to $7. for a daily driving NA car, with mods or without, the iridium is a way to go, they last longer than platinum, deliver a more precise spark to one electrode rather than 4, etc.. now as far as sparkplugs go in general, as long as the thread mm, reach, gap, heat range, and hex are within the correct specs, then you can safely use them.. that's why when u put in your year and make and model you see a list of different plugs show up, all having the same specs in common.. BKR6EIX and BKR6EQUP are identical plugs, the only difference is, one happens to be iridium with one prong, and the other, platinum with 4.. they made 4 to make the plug last longer, it doesn't make it perform better.. but the iridium plug with one prong will outlast the platinum 4.. either plug is good, and ok to use in our cars, i just believe that iridium is better.. besides they cost less than platinum now.. i don't know much about denso, i think that you have to gap them, more hassle, and they cost more.. NGK - cheaper and pregapped.. Give the iridium a try and you'll like the results.. i did. btw i think the reason being for the BKR6EIX not being in the list is that the lists are old and not refreshed with newer parts.. i know a few people that use them with no problems, race shop recomended me to use them about 8 months ago, till this day they look new..

[m3f_eXpLiCiT_4_fb030f9c5e]

Denso and NGK are about the same thing. NGK is just more popular. I was in the same place you were in and I decided to go with the 3199 since NGK did not list any iridium plugs for our cars. Next time I change them I'll try the 6418 see how they compare. If you really want iridiums and are worried about the fitment just go for the Densos. Should perform the same if not better.

[m3f_Max M3]

Yup, reasonably accurate... except the part about copper plugs shutting the car down??? say what? FI of ALL users should use the plug with the greatest, most precise spark available. They're just so much more volatile they shouldn't take a chance with anything that can't take the heat. Have you ever seen the damage caused to a head or cylinder from a broken piece of plug?



Aside from that, Denso has a great reputation and I've seen tests showing Iridium being much more efficient even to the length of adding a couple of extra MPG!

[m3f_resisTm3]

yo norlin, post some pics of ur car, would love to see some.

[m3f_Tpb31_67f747186d]

I think what he was saying is that the copper plug will fail at high temps, not break apart. When I was driving my nissan, we used to get plugs that were one heat range colder than stock levels. Is that something that is recommended for an M3?

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Why on earth would you get a plug thats rated lower than whats recommended?

[m3f_Norlin]

For some pics of my car go to http://mkg.planetdns.net/gallery/M3

I have some new headlights coming in Thursday, so I'll probably install them this weekend and end up posting some more pictures, thanks for the interest



Also thanks for the help guys, in post #2 imports4ever858 mentions BKR7EIX which shows up as well, I think I'll go with the BKR6EIX because I'm not sure if that was a typo and is the plug he keeps mentioning further in his post and was the one I was initially considering. I'm also considering getting those plasma ignition coils that you can get from bavauto since I think I've found them much cheaper.

[m3f_Max M3]

Why on earth would you get a plug thats rated lower than whats recommended?



He said "colder", not lower.

Colder plugs are used in hotter motors... The FI guys are apparently running 1-2 levels colder depending on the amount of boost. We use heat level 6 plugs, so the FI guys are using 7 or 8.

[m3f_imports4ever858]

For some pics of my car go to http://mkg.planetdns.net/gallery/M3

I have some new headlights coming in Thursday, so I'll probably install them this weekend and end up posting some more pictures, thanks for the interest



Also thanks for the help guys, in post #2 imports4ever858 mentions BKR7EIX which shows up as well, I think I'll go with the BKR6EIX because I'm not sure if that was a typo and is the plug he keeps mentioning further in his post and was the one I was initially considering. I'm also considering getting those plasma ignition coils that you can get from bavauto since I think I've found them much cheaper.



the BKR7EIX wasn't a typo, this guy that i was talking about with FI, also has ignition coils and 36lbs injectors that require the BKR7EIX plugs, but in your case stick with the BKR6EIX.. great thread btw..