Opinions on spark plugs?

Specific conversations and info for the BMW E28 M5 and M535i.
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Mark 88/M5 Houston
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Location: Far North Houston

Post by Mark 88/M5 Houston »

Has anyone tried any of the following plugs in a S38?

Beru 12-5DU?

NGK D7EA?

Bosch XR2CS?

If you have, I'd be interested in hearing you evaluation compared to the Bosch X5DC's.
Rich Euro M5
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Joined: Mar 10, 2006 6:20 AM
Location: Klein, Texas

Post by Rich Euro M5 »

[QUOTE="Mark 88/M5 Houston"]Has anyone tried any of the following plugs in a S38?

Beru 12-5DU?

NGK D7EA?

Bosch XR2CS?

If you have, I'd be interested in hearing you evaluation compared to the Bosch X5DC's.[/QUOTE]

Mark,

The Bosch XR2CS is the plug spec'd for the Euro M88/3 engine. It would probably work, but might foul easier than the X5DC.

Rich
ricky-b
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Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: South Bend,IN

Post by ricky-b »

I just bought some NGK's that'll be going in Wednesday. Figured I'd try em' for under $2 per.
I'll let ya' know.
Matt
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Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Fargo

Dealer only

Post by Matt »

I tried the "suggested" NGK plugs once for my S38. They didn't even fit.

Not all plugs are equal. The Bosch X5DC you get from an independant plug distributor will not have the correct screw-on terminal for the M5 factory plug wires. The dealer in-box X5DC for the S38B35 has the appropriate screw-on connector that makes plug wire insertion/removal an absolute breeze. Until i put in dealer-sourced plugs i had always wondered why getting the plug wires off and on was such a hassle.

Now I know.
ricky-b
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Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: South Bend,IN

Post by ricky-b »

thanks for the reply.
Those suckers are going back to AutoZone. I was nervous about using them anyway.
lkfoster
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Location: Phoenix, AZ sometimes. Fishkill, NY at the moment

Post by lkfoster »

I've run a couple sets of NGK (D7EAs?) over the years and didn't have any problems. Had to swap out the end connectors, but otherwise no issues. Can't say they ran any better than Bosch X5DCs though either.
ricky-b
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Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: South Bend,IN

Post by ricky-b »

The NGK's I bought are D7ea's. I was gonna say screw it and put em' in but the plug socket I bought is'nt slim enough to fit down the Sleeve. I need a 12 point I suppose.
After contemplating switching out the ends I decided enough is enough and ordered the Bosch stockers from BMW.
lkfoster
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Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Phoenix, AZ sometimes. Fishkill, NY at the moment

Post by lkfoster »

The only plug wrench I've ever used is the one that's included in the trunk tool kit. Normal plug wrenches are too large by a couple millimeters.
Mark 88/M5 Houston
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Location: Far North Houston

Post by Mark 88/M5 Houston »

Brian at Chatanooga BMW can get a 3/8" drive plug socket that works great.

PN is 88 88 6 121 160

Can't remember the price right off.
Steve Haygood
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Location: Thomaston Ga
Contact:

Post by Steve Haygood »

going rate is about 35 or so
Bryan in SB
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Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM

Post by Bryan in SB »

How about a tagalong question here if you all don't mind.

Let's hear from those guys running M88's.
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