[F87source]

Originally Posted by smurchill

Awesome, thanks for the info! Pretty amazing how much that ///M logo costs lol.

Another quick question while I have you, I was searching around for the E18 inverted torx bolts that fasten the strut brace and I think I finally found them as part #2 (07147270121) here: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=51_8381

Are all 4 torqued to 56Nm + 90 degrees? I have also seen some people say the brace doesn't need to be removed to access the plugs, but it seems like it would be easier. Trying to find torque specs without newTIS is kind of a pain, although I suppose I could just pay the $30, but it's the principle of the thing!

If I get some time I'll check on ista and let you know. But I guess do whatever gives you the most access because the plug holes are slightly bent so if you strip the spark plug hole you are pretty much screwed because helicoiling it won't be easy.

[smurchill]

Originally Posted by F87source

If I get some time I'll check on ista and let you know. But I guess do whatever gives you the most access because the plug holes are slightly bent so if you strip the spark plug hole you are pretty much screwed because helicoiling it won't be easy.

Great, thanks for the info!

[F87source]

Originally Posted by smurchill

Great, thanks for the info!

No problem.

[smurchill]

Originally Posted by F87source

No problem.

Just as an update, I ordered Bosch ZR5TPP330A from FCP Euro, but received ZR5TPP330 (no A suffix). I tried searching for what the A suffix means, but couldn't find anything. There is a PDF on Bosch's site here: https://www.boschautoparts.com/en/au...gs?partId=8165 (titled Spark Plug Number System or Design Codes), but no indication of what that last 'A' might stand for. I'm assuming it is some sort of revision but based on the same design/specifications. I saw a previous comment where you mentioned a TSB about cracking and the only thing I could find was TSB SI B12 25 14, which defines switching from Bosch ZR5TPP339 to Bosch ZR5TPP330A to solve a cracked insulator issue.

I can search ZR5TPP330A images and see the 'A' stamped on the plug itself, but mine do not. The boxes also looked pretty old and beat up, which leads me to believe they were old stock.

Another interesting point is the box is labeled with a 0.032" gap and I believe OE is 0.028".

Anyway, I am returning them and I think I'm either going to order the genuine BMW replacements from FCP (because of their lifetime replacement program, I can spend the OEM money once and keep replacing them) or just order the ZR5TPP330A from somewhere else and see how they turn out.

[F87source]

Originally Posted by smurchill

Just as an update, I ordered Bosch ZR5TPP330A from FCP Euro, but received ZR5TPP330 (no A suffix). I tried searching for what the A suffix means, but couldn't find anything. There is a PDF on Bosch's site here: https://www.boschautoparts.com/en/au...gs?partId=8165 (titled Spark Plug Number System or Design Codes), but no indication of what that last 'A' might stand for. I'm assuming it is some sort of revision but based on the same design/specifications. I saw a previous comment where you mentioned a TSB about cracking and the only thing I could find was TSB SI B12 25 14, which defines switching from Bosch ZR5TPP339 to Bosch ZR5TPP330A to solve a cracked insulator issue.

I can search ZR5TPP330A images and see the 'A' stamped on the plug itself, but mine do not. The boxes also looked pretty old and beat up, which leads me to believe they were old stock.

Another interesting point is the box is labeled with a 0.032" gap and I believe OE is 0.028".

Anyway, I am returning them and I think I'm either going to order the genuine BMW replacements from FCP (because of their lifetime replacement program, I can spend the OEM money once and keep replacing them) or just order the ZR5TPP330A from somewhere else and see how they turn out.

That's weird I think FCP messed up and sent you the wrong boxes, reach out to them and see what is up.

Also the bosch plugs should be pregapped to 0.028" (but if this is not the case then I am mistaken) but if not then you will have to manually gap them down yourself.

[F87source]

Originally Posted by smurchill

Just as an update, I ordered Bosch ZR5TPP330A from FCP Euro, but received ZR5TPP330 (no A suffix). I tried searching for what the A suffix means, but couldn't find anything. There is a PDF on Bosch's site here: https://www.boschautoparts.com/en/au...gs?partId=8165 (titled Spark Plug Number System or Design Codes), but no indication of what that last 'A' might stand for. I'm assuming it is some sort of revision but based on the same design/specifications. I saw a previous comment where you mentioned a TSB about cracking and the only thing I could find was TSB SI B12 25 14, which defines switching from Bosch ZR5TPP339 to Bosch ZR5TPP330A to solve a cracked insulator issue.

I can search ZR5TPP330A images and see the 'A' stamped on the plug itself, but mine do not. The boxes also looked pretty old and beat up, which leads me to believe they were old stock.

Another interesting point is the box is labeled with a 0.032" gap and I believe OE is 0.028".

Anyway, I am returning them and I think I'm either going to order the genuine BMW replacements from FCP (because of their lifetime replacement program, I can spend the OEM money once and keep replacing them) or just order the ZR5TPP330A from somewhere else and see how they turn out.

What is the part number on the box? Becasue iirc there is a chance they don't stamp the A on the plug body - i think they should but I do not remember.

The part number on the box is different between the 330 version and 330A version.

[smurchill]

Originally Posted by F87source

What is the part number on the box? Becasue iirc there is a chance they don't stamp the A on the plug body - i think they should but I do not remember.

The part number on the box is different between the 330 version and 330A version.

The box and the plug are both stamped without the 'A'

I've also realized that Bosch refers to their parts by the 4 digit number. When searching on their site for a 2017 M2, it comes back with 8165. This is the part number that is printed under 'ZR5TPP330' on the box that I received. It also mentions a 0.8 gap on the site, which I'm assuming is mm, which correlates to 0.032".

So if I were to just use Bosch's recommended scheme, I'd think I'd need 8165 and never even know there was a 330 vs. 330A.

[smurchill]

Also, just wanted to mention that according to FCP Euro, BMW part number 12120039634, which is what is specified on the realoem diagram, is Bosch part number ZMR5TPP330, which we knew. However, on this site, is also mentions the gap to be 0.8mm/0.031".

I plan on checking the gap on the plugs that come out of the car, but I bought it used, so unless they're branded with the full OEM markings, I can't be sure they're correct. In the same line of thinking, I can't guarantee the FCP Euro specifications are exactly correct either, but it does seem as though 0.8mm is the stock gap from what I can tell.

[F87source]

Originally Posted by smurchill

The box and the plug are both stamped without the 'A'

I've also realized that Bosch refers to their parts by the 4 digit number. When searching on their site for a 2017 M2, it comes back with 8165. This is the part number that is printed under 'ZR5TPP330' on the box that I received. It also mentions a 0.8 gap on the site, which I'm assuming is mm, which correlates to 0.032".

So if I were to just use Bosch's recommended scheme, I'd think I'd need 8165 and never even know there was a 330 vs. 330A.

I see what you mean now about the 9165 p/n: the 330a version has these as the manufacturer part numbers: ZR5TPP330A, ZR5TPP330, 0242145541, ZMR5TPP330, 0242145590, 8179, 8165

8165 was listed so the 8165 number you mentioned is also the same as the 330a version. It does mention 330 as being the same but that is not the case with the update.


Yeah 0.8 is the mm size, bmw doesn't mention stock gap sizes anywhere but from alot of looking I also came to several conclusions the stock gap was 0.7 mm or 0.028" and the bosch plugs were supposed to be pregapped to this size. However they might not be, or the knowledge that the stock gap size is 0.7 mm might be inaccurate.

I have some old plugs at home I can check if I get some time.

[smurchill]

Originally Posted by F87source

I see what you mean now about the 9165 p/n: the 330a version has these as the manufacturer part numbers: ZR5TPP330A, ZR5TPP330, 0242145541, ZMR5TPP330, 0242145590, 8179, 8165

8165 was listed so the 8165 number you mentioned is also the same as the 330a version. It does mention 330 as being the same but that is not the case with the update.


Yeah 0.8 is the mm size, bmw doesn't mention stock gap sizes anywhere but from alot of looking I also came to several conclusions the stock gap was 0.7 mm or 0.028" and the bosch plugs were supposed to be pregapped to this size. However they might not be, or the knowledge that the stock gap size is 0.7 mm might be inaccurate.

I have some old plugs at home I can check if I get some time.

Awesome, thanks. I'm starting to lean towards just using the ones I got because of the 8165 part number, but ideally I'd like to get confirmation from Bosch for what the actual difference between 330 and 330A is.

[F87source]

Originally Posted by smurchill

Awesome, thanks. I'm starting to lean towards just using the ones I got because of the 8165 part number, but ideally I'd like to get confirmation from Bosch for what the actual difference between 330 and 330A is.

Yeah that's why I wanted you to read the pn off the box because if you notice on fcp euro, the 330a and 330 have different p/n on the boxes.

But yeah you can email Bosch and ask that's always best. All I know is that BMWs tsb says the A version is updated due to the 330 having a cracked body.

[gsxr750v4]

any feedback yet? From BOSCH? on the differences between the 330 vs 330A plug?

[mikeyryap]

Should I change my spark plugs after I just tuned to MHD stage 2 and did multiple bolt ons, plus going to do more?

[AFatMiata]

Originally Posted by mikeyryap

Should I change my spark plugs after I just tuned to MHD stage 2 and did multiple bolt ons, plus going to do more?

Yeah they're pretty cheap and don't take too long to do. When tuned it's best to do them on shorter intervals than when on a stock tune as well.