Alternative Spark Plugs ~ original poster wmax351

[johnny]

From the list at IBMWR.org, with a few annotations from me (wmax351).

NGK spark plugs for K100 spark plugs
Date: Sat, 22 Nov 1997 18:09:53 -0600 (CST)
From: Geoff Adams <tbc@dfw.net>
A couple of weeks ago I was wondering why I was paying around $5.00 each for Bosch spark plugs every 10,000 miles and my Honda Civic with 96k on it still had its ORIGINAL plugs in it (running perfectly, I might add).
Anyway, I got on the phone and called a few auto parts houses and inquired about a crossover for the Bosch X5DC in my '85 K100RS. They all gave the same NGK number and one of them had them in stock. So for $1.17 each I bought a set of NGK 7912 (formerly D7EA). I've put about 3k on them including the run to Savannah III, so I decided to pull a couple and see how they looked. They look exactly like the Bosch's always look, which is to say, perfect. The run to Savannah was over 1k each way and included quite a bit of 90+ speeds. I'd say the bike has never run better. It turned over 100k on the Savannah trip. FWIW, etc, etc.

Bosch spark plugs for K1 / K100 4v / K1100 spark plugs
Date: Thu, 05 Mar 1998 11:20:48 +1000
From: Graham Smith <Graham.Smith@cbr.clw.csiro.au>
K1 / K1004v / K1100
I'm working on getting you the part number of the BMW 3 series car oil filters that fit the K's. Most bmw mechanics just see the BMW logo on the filter and assume it's the expensive bike one. => no warranty problems.
The spark plugs are Bosch XR5DC's which can be bought as a Bosch item instead of in a BMW box.
I would not recommend using the NGK equiv, as I burnt a valve in my K1 when i had them in. May just co-incidence, who knows? I stick to the Bosch now, in Bosch boxes.
Regards.

Four spark plug manufacturers for K100 spark plug
Date: Sat, 7 Aug 1999 08:08:24 -0500
From: Jonathan Hutchins <hutchins@kc.net>
Gathering together information to service my '85 K100, I found some details that didn't seem to be on the current parts list:
Spark Plugs:
•   Bosch X5DC (Stock)
•   Champion A 85 YC (Old designation per Clymer, 1990)
•   NGK 7912 (previously D7EA, per your list)

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Just spoke with an NGK tech rep regarding plugs and plug terminals for BMW K bikes. 

While the NGK cross reference lists the D7EA for the Jetronic equipped K bikes, the terminal is not correct for the wires used.  The proper number should be a D7EB, but they do not make that number anymore. 

For the Motronic equipped models the correct plug is the DR7EB which has the correct heat range, threads, and terminal. 

With regards to the Jetronic, the rep said that their DR7EB resistor plug will work with no negative effects on those bikes as well. 

Bottom line is that I am using DR7EB plugs in all my bricks now. 

[Martin]

A local workshop with a BMW trained mechanic told me to run resistor plugs on my K75 DR7EA. So I did give it a go and ran one set I could not discern any difference in performance, so I went back to D7EA.  I kept thinking why would having twice the resistance at the plug be beneficial, but as I said I could discern no difference either way.
Regards Martin.

[Laitch]

I kept thinking why would having twice the resistance at the plug be beneficial, but as I said I could discern no difference either way.

Weren't messages from the mothership coming in with less static?

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Martin, the reason for using the DR7EB plugs in K75's is to get the solid terminal that works with the BMW plug wires without having to fool around with terminal nuts.   I'm happy with performance either way.

With three bricks in the garage it's nice to know that I only need one model plug for all of them.  And, I don't have to swap terminal nuts anymore. 

Simplicity for the simple minded.

[Martin]

 :nono  Gryph what are you doing using OEM wires on one of your Bricks, you need to swap to NGK immediately post haste. You are now dammed and will now be stuck in limbo.
Regards a concerned Martin.

[F14CRAZY]

Optionally, NGK will mail you those terminals if you need them, right?

[thecableguy]

Optionally, NGK will mail you those terminals if you need them, right?

Not likely..  They can be had at this site, I've used them before in my previous life riding Chinese scooters.


Jim

[The Mighty Gryphon]

You can get the terminal nuts for free from NGK if you email their tech support and ask nicely.  I have done this in the past.  Maybe if enough of us bothered them every time we change plugs they would bring back the D7EB, but really, why bother when you can just use the DR7EB and not have to screw(no pun intended) with the terminal nut?

[Scott_]

I used to be able to get the top nuts from a local small engine shop, they used to have a whole bucket full of them...... :2thumbup:
Unfortunately, the owners retired and no one wanted to take over and keep it going.

[K1300S]

or just reuse the old ones...i take the nuts off all the spark plugs i replace before tossing.

[duckytran]

Martin, the reason for using the DR7EB plugs in K75's is to get the solid terminal that works with the BMW plug wires without having to fool around with terminal nuts.   I'm happy with performance either way.

With three bricks in the garage it's nice to know that I only need one model plug for all of them.  And, I don't have to swap terminal nuts anymore. 

Simplicity for the simple minded.

I just ordered the DR7EB for my K75. Does the gap need to be adjusted?


 

[Laitch]

I just ordered the DR7EB for my K75. Does the gap need to be adjusted?

The gap is the same as BMW's spec for your K and NGK's spec for the plug 0.6mm+0.1/0.024"+0.004; the gaps of all new plugs should be checked for conformity to spec. Doesn't matter whether they're nutty or nutless. :yes

[duckytran]

The gap is the same as BMW's spec for your K and NGK's spec for the plug 0.6mm+0.1/0.024"+0.004; the gaps of all new plugs should be checked for conformity to spec. Doesn't matter whether they're nutty or nutless. :yes

Thank you sir Laitch!

[BrickMW]

Doesn't matter whether they're nutty or nutless. :yes

I believe the nutless ones have bigger gaps... :eek: :hehehe

[wardie]

Why buy NGK's when you can get factory Bosch plugs (twin terminal stock) for the same price?


I was sickened (which quickly became pissed)  when I called my local BMW dealer to find that the standard dual electrode Bosch spark plug for my 1995 K 1100 RS was $18.oo!


I own a 1989 Corvette and occasionally get some parts from Summit Racing. I was looking through the catalog and found the EXACT BOSCH plugs
for $4.05.


I called them and confirmed the plug number and price.


They do mail order. Tremendous savings. Makes you know BMW is really gouging its customers charging 18 bucks and Summit sells them everyday for 4 bucks.
Probably someone from BMWNA will read this post and say what the hey..we gotta shut that down now :)


Get them while you can. Wardie

[duckytran]

I ended up purchasing genuine BMW plugs from my local dealer for $10 each. Not sure if they're made by Bosch or not. Is there any advantage, perhaps in term of quality, over the NGK or Bosch made plugs?

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Many, many years ago I used NGK plugs in a little Honda 125.  I spent 5-6 years beating bigger European bikes running Bosch and who know what other plugs in enduros and reliability trials. 

Can't see any reason to stop using them now.

[Martin]

There is definitely nothing wrong with either brand plugs. I've never had a problem with NGK, and for me it comes down to availability and cost.
Regards Martin.

[stevendlarson@hotmail.com]

I installed E33.6 spark plugs in my K100RT this spring and they seem to work great.


https://e3sparkplugs.com/parts/?part=E3.36&sd=TVRrNE5ueENUVmQ4U3pFd01GSlVJQ0E0SUZaaGJIWmxmRGs0TnlBPXxJem85ZUVzeVVUaFJYalo2ZlZwRGNnPT0=

[Chaos]

I ran these in my K75 way back when, got them from Capitol City Cycle and never seen them anywhere else.  I'd still run them if I could find them,  they seemed less prone to fouling than the Bosch.

[BearTrap]

Today I'm replacing the Bosch X52C's with the NGK 7912"s on my K75. The Bosch only lasted 5.5K. When I removed them I noticed they had "Made in India" stamped on them. I couldn't find German made anywhere. Goodby Bosch  :musicboohoo:

[DavidATL]

Today I'm replacing the Bosch X52C's with the NGK 7912"s on my K75. The Bosch only lasted 5.5K. When I removed them I noticed they had "Made in India" stamped on them. I couldn't find German made anywhere. Goodby Bosch  :musicboohoo:

I replaced the plugs in my K75 a couple of weeks ago - Indian Bosch for German Bosch - and kept the older plugs because I felt a bit guilty for putting in plugs that didn't come from the fatherland. They look fine, but I have no information regarding the miles on them (baselining).

[BearTrap]

I replaced my Indian made Bosch at 5.5k. Had no problem with them. Maybe I was lucky.

[gag1025]

It will drive you nuts trying to find parts made where you want them to be made. Do not be surprised where anything is made.