Spark plugs

[sandbar]

That works!!

But are they any good on the S?? As good as or better than the Bosch??

sandbar

[Gromit]

That works!!

But are they any good on the S?? As good as or better than the Bosch??

sandbar

I'd say from experience that pretty much any plug (in the recommended fitment obviously) works 'well' in the S - and the fitting of a platinum Bosch, for example, will feel pretty much the same as fitting a brand new plug of another type/make.

A test worth trying would be to fit a 5000 mile-old FR6DP after having done a few miles on a brand new, bog-standard NGK. I'd reckon there's a fair chance that the fresh NGK would feel better, or at least no worse. There's a certain placebo effect going on here - if you fit a fancy plug, and therefore have that knowledge in mind whilst riding, your motor will run better. Whether it is or not may be subjective. Of course, if someone wants to do some dyno work with the various different plugs fitted to the exact same bike - plus do detailed fuel consumption tests etc - it'd be quite interesting...



...perhaps even a topic for a BMW Club meeting

[Gromit]

I did have the url to a site where you can cross-reference the different makers' plug specs. I'll try and find it for you.

Was it http://www.spark-plugs.co.uk/ by any chance?

Adam

One very similar to that Adam - but not a trader's site.

I use spark-plugs.co.uk to get my NGK iridiums - they're one of the only places which carries a regular stock of them.

[sandbar]

...perhaps even a topic for a BMW Club meeting

Ah Yes!!

You had better let us know if the debate reaches a conclusion

sandbar

[Gromit]

...perhaps even a topic for a BMW Club meeting

Ah Yes!!

You had better let us know if the debate reaches a conclusion

sandbar

LOL

I doubt it.

<I went to a BMW Club meeting once...


...just the once>

[winger]

First lot of Bosch FR6DP's that i bought cost me 28 quid for ten the next lot were 32,the price has since gone throught the roof,but still miles cheaper than NGK(iridium),and i get those trade!!

[speedmachine]

I have fitted new spark plugs brisks
there is definitely a big in improvement

in engine running smoothly
also in acceleration
definitely worth £7:50 each

Feels like a different bike to be honest

Also did oil and filter used Castrol R4, fully synthetic oil
as recommended by BMW.
Gear changes is so slick now, big, big improvement


Speedmachine

[NA1959]

Just a bit of advise I have a 2003 twin spark model, with 2600 miles, what would you Guy's recomend would be the best plugs and Oil?

[Paul]

Just a bit of advise I have a 2003 twin spark model, with 2600 miles, what would you Guy's recomend would be the best plugs and Oil?

I'd stick with mineral oil until you get to at least 6k.

Cheers,

Paul

[winger]

used Castrol R4, fully synthetic oil

In the engine or gearbox???

[Gromit]

I'd stick with mineral oil until you get to at least 6k.

Cheers,

Paul

What he said, certainly at that mileage.

I always used Castrol GPS (semi-synth) or Halfords semi in my S's - don't see fully-synth as worth it tbh. Just stick in any good, branded 10w40 and rag the crap out of it. That motor won't be fully run-in until at least 20k. Rather than pay a fortune for expensive fully-synthetic oils, use cheaper and change it every 3k.

F/Synth transmission oil is very worthwhile though - definitely makes a difference. Lighter gear change and less notchiness.

[NA1959]

Thanks chaps I'll use mineral oil and let her bed in.

Still feals very tight! and needs more miles on her! Weheeeee! Keep e'r lit!!!

[Gromit]

Thanks chaps I'll use mineral oil and let her bed in.

Still feals very tight! and needs more miles on her! Weheeeee! Keep e'r lit!!!

Castrol GP's good stuff (not GPS which is a semi).

If we get any warm weather, I can most certainly recommend (hold your breath) Harley-Davidson 20w50 oil. It's a very high quality, low-additive mineral oil which is superb and designed specifically with hot-running air-cooled motors in mind. About 4 quid a litre. Proably wouldn't use it in the winter though as it's viscosity may be a bit heavy.

[sandbar]

Another good reason is that I think I have good trade access to NGK.

Well I do - sort of!!

I had to buy a box - so I have a few spares! If anybody wants a pair of NGK BKR7EKC for £6.50 the pair, then I will have them with me at Burton.

sandbar

[madman]

I am now running my 8000 mile twinspark on 5W50 fully synthetic as it is cheap to buy. It does not rattle as much when hot and there is less vibration.