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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Engine, Transmission, Exhaust, Drivetrain, ECU Software Modifications Spark Plugs and gapping
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      04-10-2017, 03:41 PM   #1
535_BiTurbo
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Spark Plugs and gapping

So I was running my buddies Cobb Pro-tuned 2015 Subaru WRX on E30 (30% E85/93 mix) a few weeks ago, and we ran from a roll and were dead even from 40 to 100. My mouth was like "" because my car (2012 550i JB stage 1) hadn't giving me any issues other than an occasional Drivetrain Malfunction.

I figured it would be an easy win for me again a car weighing almost 1000 lbs less and making about 270-290 rwhp. I also noticed that his top end was stronger than mine and I had to short shift at 5900 rpms just to keep up. I realized something was wrong with my top end, the pull wasn't there and it felt like the car was running out of steam up top.

I just replaced my plugs (BMW originals) about 12,000 miles ago and didn't think to check to gap. So today I pulled the plugs to clean them and check the gap. I found about 5 plugs gapped between .040 - .041 and 3 plugs gapped between .035 - .037. I gapped all of them down to .029 and WOW, what a HUGE difference! I'm ready to re-run my buddy again with my night and day difference on the top end.

Always check the gap when you purchase plugs.
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      04-11-2017, 04:09 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 535_BiTurbo View Post
So I was running my buddies Cobb Pro-tuned 2015 Subaru WRX on E30 (30% E85/93 mix) a few weeks ago, and we ran from a roll and were dead even from 40 to 100. My mouth was like "" because my car (2012 550i JB stage 1) hadn't giving me any issues other than an occasional Drivetrain Malfunction.

I figured it would be an easy win for me again a car weighing almost 1000 lbs less and making about 270-290 rwhp. I also noticed that his top end was stronger than mine and I had to short shift at 5900 rpms just to keep up. I realized something was wrong with my top end, the pull wasn't there and it felt like the car was running out of steam up top.

I just replaced my plugs (BMW originals) about 12,000 miles ago and didn't think to check to gap. So today I pulled the plugs to clean them and check the gap. I found about 5 plugs gapped between .040 - .041 and 3 plugs gapped between .035 - .037. I gapped all of them down to .029 and WOW, what a HUGE difference! I'm ready to re-run my buddy again with my night and day difference on the top end.

Always check the gap when you purchase plugs.
I'm gapped to .22 MPG is destroyed though and yeah we have a much stronger top-end then a 4 banger
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      04-11-2017, 10:01 AM   #3
everkain
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Does the OP have a 550i or a 535i? I have a stage 2 wrx and run a 12.7ish at sea level in the 1/4 mile @ 108 on 93 pump. I have been trying to decide between the 535i and 550i. If the 535i with a tune can keep up with a corn fed stage 2 wrx, then i'll get a 535i.
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      04-11-2017, 04:17 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by everkain View Post
Does the OP have a 550i or a 535i? I have a stage 2 wrx and run a 12.7ish at sea level in the 1/4 mile @ 108 on 93 pump. I have been trying to decide between the 535i and 550i. If the 535i with a tune can keep up with a corn fed stage 2 wrx, then i'll get a 535i.
Get the 550. The new 540 is a different game if you go 6 cylinders
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      04-11-2017, 06:31 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by everkain View Post
Does the OP have a 550i or a 535i? I have a stage 2 wrx and run a 12.7ish at sea level in the 1/4 mile @ 108 on 93 pump. I have been trying to decide between the 535i and 550i. If the 535i with a tune can keep up with a corn fed stage 2 wrx, then i'll get a 535i.
I have a 550i

What year WRX? whats in a stage 2?
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      04-11-2017, 06:34 PM   #6
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I'm gapped to .22 MPG is destroyed though and yeah we have a much stronger top-end then a 4 banger
What are your mods? Why did you gap them so tight?
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      04-11-2017, 08:10 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 535_BiTurbo View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bmw doubles View Post
I'm gapped to .22 MPG is destroyed though and yeah we have a much stronger top-end then a 4 banger
What are your mods? Why did you gap them so tight?
Mod list are in my footer. Followed instructions from mission
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      04-12-2017, 06:14 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 535_BiTurbo View Post
I have a 550i

What year WRX? whats in a stage 2?
i have a 2013 wrx. A stage 2 package is basically an intake, downpipe and a tune (either off the shelf or pro tune.) I also have equal length headers and a pro tune. In the newer 15+ models its a j-pipe instead of a downpipe, and to run E, you have to change out the fuel pump and go with bigger injectors. Simply put, stage 2 is bolt ons without upgrading the turbo and intercooler.

Stage 2 wrx's on E run in the 11.8-12.2 @ 116ish range at englishtown by me, I'm definitely interested in the 550i if they are running those times with just a tune. What does a 535i with a tune run?

Sorry for the questions, I new to BMW and am trying to make an informed decision.
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      04-12-2017, 11:20 PM   #9
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Im running the Jb stage 1 tune on my 550i so im ruuning 13psi, stock boost is 10psi.

Last edited by 535_BiTurbo; 06-07-2017 at 04:19 PM..
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      04-15-2017, 01:21 AM   #10
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What is gapping?
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      04-15-2017, 07:56 PM   #11
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What is gapping?
The distance between the center and ground electrode.
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      06-07-2017, 04:02 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by everkain View Post
i have a 2013 wrx. A stage 2 package is basically an intake, downpipe and a tune (either off the shelf or pro tune.) I also have equal length headers and a pro tune. In the newer 15+ models its a j-pipe instead of a downpipe, and to run E, you have to change out the fuel pump and go with bigger injectors. Simply put, stage 2 is bolt ons without upgrading the turbo and intercooler.

Stage 2 wrx's on E run in the 11.8-12.2 @ 116ish range at englishtown by me, I'm definitely interested in the 550i if they are running those times with just a tune. What does a 535i with a tune run?

Sorry for the questions, I new to BMW and am trying to make an informed decision.
Im not sure what F10 535s run, you might have to ask "Bmwdoubles", (I traded my E60 535i awhile ago and Im in a F10 550i now) but he is planning to put down 330-350whp on E85, he purchased the fuel pump and flex fuel lines, tgv/egr deletes and downpipe.
He purchased these mods because I corrected my spark plug gap and was putting a few car lengths on him from a dig. He wants to run again after he get his mods installed and the only thing Im going to do differently is run race gas and gapping plugs to .022

Last edited by 535_BiTurbo; 06-07-2017 at 07:11 PM..
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