DISCLAIMER2000 BMW 328i (E46) Technical Service Bulletin # 120199 Date: 011201
Spark Plug (HP Platinum) - Application Chart
GROUP 12
Engine Electrical Systems
12 01 99
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Service Engineering
December 2001
This Service Information bulletins supersedes S.I. 12 01 99 dated November 2000 and S.I. 00 22 92 dated December 2000.
SUBJECT
High Performance Platinum Spark Plug/Spark Plug Application Chart
MODEL
All
SITUATION
High Performance Platinum Spark Plugs also referred to as High Power, Longlife or Quad Electrode Platinum Spark Plugs are incorporated on 1999
model year and later vehicles with M44, M52TU, M54, M62TU, N62, M73TU and S62 engines.
High Performance Platinum Spark Plugs incorporate a platinum plated center electrode and four ground electrodes.
The service life of the new High Performance Platinum Spark Plug is 100,000 miles except for the M5 and Z8 (S62) which is 60,000 miles.
Semi-surface discharge technology is used on the High Performance Platinum Spark Plugs which allows the spark to slide over the insulator before it
flashes over. This prevents sooty deposits from forming which can lead to spark plug misfire.
The spark always flashes over taking the path of least resistance which allows for an optimum combustion process. This also causes the electrodes to
wear evenly throughout the service life of the spark plug.
The platinum plated center electrode is highly resistant to spark erosion which allows for a consistent spark during the entire spark plug service life.
The advantages of the High Performance Platinum Spark Plug with semi-surface discharge technology include:
-- Increased service life.
-- Consistent operation throughout the entire service life.
-- Outstanding cold start performance.
-- Improved combustion characteristics - better idle quality and acceleration.
-- Less susceptible to misfire under all engine operating conditions - including extreme short distance driving, stop and go traffic, etc.
PROCEDURE
The High Performance Platinum Spark Plug tightening torque of 31 Nm (2 Nm (23 (1.5 ft.lb.) remains the same as the specification used on other
standard BMW engines.
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The Spark Plug Application Chart shown includes the spark plug manufacturer, plug designation, tightening torque and special tools to be used when
removing and installing spark plugs on all BMW engines.
Notes:
-- A mix of platform tri-electrode, dual electrode and High Performance Platinum spark plugs and/or different manufacturers spark plugs, i.e.,
Bosch/NGK should never be installed in one engine.
Spark plugs must always be torqued to the proper specifications as outlined on the chart shown.
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High Performance Platinum Spark Plugs are also approved for use in the following early BMW models shown.
Note:
When installing High Performance Platinum Spark Plugs in earlier BMW models a spark plug installation label part number 99 00 0 001 500
should be filled out (mileage and date) and installed on the front radiator support or the right side shock tower in the engine compartment which
indicates the 100,000 mile service interval of the new style spark plugs.
In addition to the engine compartment label, a note on the repair order or in the customer file will also prevent an unnecessary spark plug
replacement during a scheduled maintenance on vehicles which have been equipped with the new style 100,000 mile spark plugs.
High Performance Platinum Spark Plug Appearance
The following pictures illustrate various conditions which may be observed on the High Performance Platinum Spark Plugs:
Normal appearance.
Normal appearance.
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Normal appearance.
Slight material loss on the insulator due to spark erosion during operation.
This material loss is not in the form of cracks or fractures, but resembles more of an intended channeling in the tip of the insulator, which does not
affect spark plug operation.
Soot fouling.
Caused by faults in the ignition system which eventually lead to spark plug misfire.
It is advisable to replace the spark plug in this case.
Oil fouling.
Caused by an excessively high oil level (over filling) or by wear in the piston rings and/or in the valve guides.
After performing the appropriate engine repairs the spark plugs should also be replaced in this case since misfiring will occur.
PARTS INFORMATION
Note:
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An initial supply of 10 spark plug labels was sent to every BMW center, Attn: Service Manager in February 1999. These spark plug labels
should be used on early BMW models as described in the procedure section of this bulletin.
Additional labels can be ordered using the BMW part number listed above.
