2 Questions

[DeadpaN]

1. How do you remove the parking brake handle so as to remove the leather boot/cover?

2. I'm currently using the Bosch +4 Platinums but hear that the NGK equivalent is a superior plug, anyone offer any personal advice/anecdotes for switching?

Thanks,

Eric

[L84THSKY]

I've had this debate before. I'm using the Bosch plugs, and they work great for me.

Originally Posted by DeadpaN

2. I'm currently using the Bosch +4 Platinums but hear that the NGK equivalent is a superior plug, anyone offer any personal advice/anecdotes for switching?

Thanks,

Eric

[FATHER]

the handle: pull it with force in bottom releace direction.

the leather/cover: behind it, close to the front it have a "strap" cut it and finish, the you need a new "strap"

is very easy, i work today in thet area

[Panzer_M]

NGK plugs are a colder plug than Bosch, and then to work better in Forced induction setups. If I recall correctly.

Also the M42/44 tend to foul plug more than the M50/52 engines, So the +4 runs better in a N/A setup.

[DustenT]

Originally Posted by Panzer_M

NGK plugs are a colder plug than Bosch, and then to work better in Forced induction setups. If I recall correctly.

Also the M42/44 tend to foul plug more than the M50/52 engines, So the +4 runs better in a N/A setup.

What's wrong with the BMW recommended plugs? I've had nothing but problems with +4 plugs, they are garbage if you ask me.

NGK and Bosch are the same heat range if you use the plug recommended in the owner's manual. Drop to a colder plug for FI applications, I recommend using NGK Race plugs.

[Etienne]

Has anyone got any solid info on the benefits of the +4's? I've heard comments like Dusten's quite a bit, so I never bothered with them because I couldn't figure out what the great advantage was (talking about everyday driving here).

I've also heard about people losing prongs from the +4's...?

[bullmand]

I agree with DustenT based on my personal experience and the advice of a master BMW tech at a local dealership. After a very bad experience with some fancy aftermarket plugs I went back to the stock plugs purchased at the dealership. BTW, these plugs are of a 2 prong design. My car runs much more smoothly now than it ever did with the +4 plugs in it. So, my humble opinion is that if your engine is stock, use the stock plugs. YMMV.

[L84THSKY]

Actually, now that I think about it, I am probably using 2 prong Bosch plugs. I remember the parts dealer looking up the stock ones, and I bought the stock Bosch plugs.

Originally Posted by bullmand

I agree with DustenT based on my personal experience and the advice of a master BMW tech at a local dealership. After a very bad experience with some fancy aftermarket plugs I went back to the stock plugs purchased at the dealership. BTW, these plugs are of a 2 prong design. My car runs much more smoothly now than it ever did with the +4 plugs in it. So, my humble opinion is that if your engine is stock, use the stock plugs. YMMV.

[S10mafia50]

The plat 4's sucked...I found myself changing them every 6k miles, the plat 2's aren't any better, Once I changed to autolite's, I'll never go back!!!!
Andrew

[DustenT]

Originally Posted by S10mafia50

The plat 4's sucked...I found myself changing them every 6k miles, the plat 2's aren't any better, Once I changed to autolite's, I'll never go back!!!!
Andrew

I blew the center out of an autolite at full boost. Seperated the ceramic from the steel threaded section. I'll never use Autolites.

[CirrusSR22]

I just recently switched from the Bosch Platinum +2, to the stock NGK plugs. http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12007

I went from getting 30-31MPG freeway, to almost 34 MPG. I hit 33.7 this weekend, and that was with 3 large traffic jams (total of 20-30 minutes at idle) and one stop. I felt no difference in idle or power after the switch.