Re: Spark Plug Question

["Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

The factory BMW spark plugs for the M50/S50 engines (E36 325i, E34 525i from 
91 thru 95, '95 E36 M3), use dual electrodes.  I believe that the M52/S52 
engines (96+ E36 328i & E36 M3, not sure about the E39 5-series) use 
four-electrode plugs.

So, the multi-electrode plugs aren't being chosen for a mystical performance 
improvement.  It's what BMW recommends.

But, they do not have platinum electrodes.

- -rb


Ron Buchalski
BMWCCA #76387
1995 E36 M3
1993 E34 525iT
1999 Mazda Miata


>
>Date: Fri, 06 Dec 2002 17:56:33 -0500
>From: "Gregory F. March" <march@domain.elided>
>Subject: Re: Spark Plug Question

<snip>

>
>Not to start a debate that may have occured here before, but...
>
>My understanding is that the difference between multi-electrode (rim
>or split types) is marginal, if anything.  The spark will still jump
>from the easiest place which will usually be close to the same spot
>every time.
>
>There was a BIG discussion when Splitfire brand plugs first came out,
>and IIRC, a report (circa early 90's) I read said they weren't any
>better at providing a hot spark than any other plug.
>
>In addition, the report stated that platinum plugs were actually worse
>than regular plugs for vehicles that didn't use them as OE because the
>platinum spark was much cooler than an steel/iron (or whatever they
>use in regular plugs).
>
>Where they (split and platinum plugs) did help, the report continues,
>is when the car's ignition could not produce enough voltage to jump
>the gap consistently because they required less voltage to jump the
>same gap.
>
>I know there are a lot of fanitical Bimmer owners out there who will
>not accept anything without the BMW seal of approval (no offense with
>that statement - I suffer that disease for the most part too), but
>blind faith should be practiced with your eyes open...
>
>OTOH, if things have changed since that report and there is scientific
>data to back it up, I'd like to read it!
>
>Cheers!
>
>/greg
>
>'99 MZ3, '02 325xi, '98 K12RS, and an M3 on the way...



_________________________________________________________________
The new MSN 8: advanced junk mail protection and 2 months FREE* 
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail

------------------------------