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Thread: Rough idle after plug change?

  1. 04-09-2003, 10:06 AM #1
    John V
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    Rough idle after plug change?

    Hey guys,

    I just did an inspection II (minus the fuel filter, which is currently on order) including new plugs (NGK BKR6EK) replacing the original plugs. The car drives great, excellent power, except the idle has what feels like an occasional hard miss.

    I torqued all the plugs to 15 ft-lbs, and put O2-safe anti-seize on the threads.

    With the coil on plug configuration, it's not exactly as easy to throw a timing light on it to see if it's a miss or what.

    I'm going to go in and check all the coil connections and plug torques tonight... but anyone ever have a problem like this?

    Car is a '95 M3 with 39,000 miles.

    TIA,

    John V
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  2. 04-09-2003, 10:22 AM #2
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    Hey, i just changed my plugs last night as well. I did the same procedure as you minus the anti-seize and everything worked good for me...Im not really sure what you might have done different except you used NGK plugs and i used Bosch...
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  3. 04-09-2003, 10:38 AM #3
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    BS05ZHP
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    Do a search...

    on my old username '95MPower' and spark plugs. The OEM recommended (NGK or BOSCH) will make some cars do this.

    Solution is another NGK plug. The part number is in the aforementioned threads.

    It WILL fix your problem.

    I tried both OEM recommended (Bosch and NGK) before finding the newer plug reference. Most cars this happens to are 95's, but there have been newer ones as well.

    Good Luck!
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  4. 04-09-2003, 10:44 AM #4
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    actually they migrated all my old posts...

    to my new username. So search for AlpineWeisWurst and spark plug.

    The NGK part # is BKR6EQUP.

    That'll take care of it.
    05 Black Sapphire 330i ZHP
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  5. 04-09-2003, 10:51 AM #5
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    Any idea what the difference is between the plugs?

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  6. 04-09-2003, 10:58 AM #6
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    I believe the OEM recommended (even though now, the new NGKs are recommended as a retro to all 6 cylinder engines) are non-platnium. The pre-set gap is supposed to be the same.

    This does not mean use the Bosch +4! People have also had issues with those.
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  7. 04-09-2003, 12:26 PM #7
    John V
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    Hm... dissecting the part number BKR6EQUP versus BKR6EK:

    BKR indicates 14mm threads, Hex size 5/8, projected tip, resistor type. 6 is the heat rating where lower is hotter and E indicates thread reach = 12.7mm

    The difference is the QUP versus K..

    K means 2 ground electrodes

    QU indicates 4 semi-surface ground electrodes, the the P indicates platinum.

    Maybe the M motor likes the surface ground electrodes... (shrug)

    John
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  8. 04-09-2003, 12:31 PM #8
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    Sounds reasonable...

    Just an FYI...EVERY 95 I have seen with my eyes try to change the plugs have had this issue. YMMV

    I went ahead and ordered the QUP as well last week for my new 99.
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  9. 04-09-2003, 12:31 PM #9
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    Hmm.. another one of lifes mysteries...

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  10. 04-09-2003, 01:23 PM #10
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    I also changed my plugs recently and went with BKR6EQUP

    There have been numerous threads on people having problems after changing to the recommended BMW ones, so when I ordered mine I just went with the BKR6EQUP instead....
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  11. 04-09-2003, 01:40 PM #11
    John V
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    Damn.

    Well, I guess being a newbie did me in! I'll have to eat the $4.50/plug I wasted on the EK's and get the EQUP's...

    John
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  12. 04-09-2003, 01:45 PM #12
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    Hey....

    when I figured this out I had spent the $ on both sets of OEM recommended plugs.

    Any one wanna buy some Bosch OEM plugs for cheap? (gave the NGKs to a buddy....same result in his 95)
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  13. 04-09-2003, 03:27 PM #13
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    Where can I buy some BKR6EQUP plugs online? The local auto stores all say they have to special order it. So I might as well order it myself.

    DesmoBob in Paradise
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  14. 04-09-2003, 03:52 PM #14
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    www.sparkplugs.com

    is where I got mine. At $8/per they are pretty pricey plugs...but they work good!
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  15. 04-09-2003, 04:00 PM #15
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    there is a thread on the GB forum where Zygmunt (bimmerparts.com) has some new, super-dee-duper plug from Denso, DENSO IRIDIUM POWER PLUGS 1996-99 M3 PART # IK20 $10 EACH.

    http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...threadid=89517

    Anybody know anything about these?
    97 Estoril/Black M3/4/5

    "Although we've experienced an M3 sedan with an automatic, our test car came fitted as God intended, with a 5-speed manual ..."
    Road & Track May 1997, testing the M3 Sedan
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  16. 04-09-2003, 04:03 PM #16
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    I've heard good and bad...

    I'd read up more definetely before putting them in your car.

    I think turbo'd guys like them for lower heat range or something.
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  17. 04-09-2003, 04:20 PM #17
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    95MPower:

    I wondered where you went... I used to be JAdoreM3, both of us were having this problem...

    I now have Bosch +4 Platinums in my car and do not have the problem...

    -Nate
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  18. 04-09-2003, 04:24 PM #18
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    ah hah....

    I recognized your avatar, but not the username.

    Why did you switch to +4's? There were some threads where the electrodes were breaking off or something a while back.

    Maybe the solution is just a platnium 4-pronger plug?

    Oh well, the 'regular' solution continues to work on my cars....so I'll stick with it!
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  19. 04-09-2003, 04:28 PM #19
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    The problem was that you got the "NEW M3" plugs and I just happen to get the Boch +4, we were both waiting to see what solved the problem....I think BMW updated the recommendation to the new plugs anyways...but I would use the new M3 plugs...that is what I will be going to...

    -Nate
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