BMW M54 Spark Plug info: updated torque spec & more

[aurelius]

August (2011) issue of Roundel has an interesting Q&A letter re spark plugs in the M54 motor.

Of note is that the E46 Bentley manual says to torque plugs to 25 Nm but that is apparently incorrect. Correct spec, using anti-seize or not, is 30 Nm (22ft-lb). Updated spec is due to plugs backing out at the lower torque spec.

Also says definitely use copper-based, high-temp, anti-seize product on the plug threads. Light coat.

FWIW, the columnist (Mike Miller) is also a proponent of Genuine BMW/Bosch plugs, which are apparently different than the Bosch-branded plugs. He doesn't mention the NGK plugs.

* Tech Talk, p.119, Aug '11 Roundel.

NOTE: BMWCCA members can log in and read past issues of Roundel in their entirety. But there is no way to hyperlink to Roundel articles. See bmwcca.org

[Hermes]

Will read when I get home. Is this his opinion or BMWs?

[kayger12]

So my question is- is anyone on here who is torqued to 18 going to open her up and re-torque to 22?



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[aurelius]

Will read when I get home. Is this his opinion or BMWs?

He says it's now standard shop procedure.

[Hermes]

So my question is- is anyone on here who is torqued to 18 going to open her up and re-torque to 22?



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I'm kinda tempted, just put new plugs in not too long ago

[johnnyrad]

I just did my plugs 2 weeks ago with NGK and torqued to 18. I'm not cutting her back open and going in there again. 18 seemed tight when I was doing it at the time, so I'll take my chances.