NGK Colder Spark Plugs N54
NGK (ILZKBR7B8G) 97968 "1 Step" Replacement Spark Plug
A must for all cars running more than 400hp+ for much reliable and better performance.
1-Step Colder Spark Plugs for BMW N54 Engines
- Iridium electrodes for high performance
- 1-step colder heat range for knock resistance and misfire prevention
- Iridium tip electrodes which are tougher than the stock plugs Nickel-Copper tips
We offer 1-step colder spark plugs for the N54 engine from NGK. These plugs are recommended for any tuned/modified N54 pushing up to 420whp. Any cars running higher horsepower levels than this should opt for the 2-step colder plugs. These spark plugs should be changed every 20,000 miles or when rough idling, long cold starts, or misfires begin to take place.
Note that the Bosch plug is actually the N55 OEM plug, which was made one-step colder by BMW after they realized the N54 OEM plugs were a little too hot. These plugs run great on the N54.
Why Use 1-Step Colder Spark Plugs?
All spark plugs are engineered to ignite upon different engine temperatures, or heat ranges. The more boost, or psi, you are running on your turbocharged car, the hotter the engine temps become as more fuel needs to be burned to accommodate the increased boost. Running spark plugs which are too hot or have too high heat ranges in a car that is tuned, running above stock boost levels, can lead to misfires under full-throttle. And we are running additional boost because...we love full-throttle. Don't let misfires take away your full-throttle happiness - run 1-step colder if you are tuned!
These plugs are suggested for the N54 & N55 motors, for other tuned BMW turbo applications we suggest the NGK "2 Step" plugs.
NOTE: These spark plugs need to be individually gapped to 0.022" (0.56mm) using a spark plug gapping tool.
NGK 97506 "2 Step Colder" Spark Plug
A must for all cars running more than 600hp+ for much reliable and better performance.
2-Step Colder Spark Plugs for BMW N54 Engines
- Copper tipped core with iridium coating for low wear and great conductivity
- 2-step colder heat range for high performance and tracked N54's
NGK offer 2-step colder spark plugs for the BMW N54 engine only. These colder spark plugs are recommended for N54's who are running upgraded turbos or meth injection. Additionally, they may be used for lower horsepower applications if the car is tracked, or driven aggressively for extensive periods of time. The 2-step colder plugs will likely need to be changed every 15,000 miles, on heavily modified cars, or sooner if the engine is experiencing rough idling, longer starts, or misfiring.
Why Opt for 2-Step Colder Plugs?
It should be noted - running colder spark plugs will not necessarily increase power (although it may restore power if the current plugs are old). These spark plugs are not recommended for lower horsepower/boost applications as the spark plug will not retain enough heat to burn carbon deposits, thereby significantly reducing the life and effectiveness of the plugs. If your BMW N54 or N55 is heavily modified, especially if it is driven hard for extended periods, the 2-step colder spark plugs are the best option. These spark plugs are more efficient at transferring heat and reducing the likelihood of engine knocks or pre-detonation, which becomes a concern at higher boost and horsepower levels.
NOTE: These spark plugs need to be individually gapped to 0.020" (0.508mm) using a spark plug gapping tool. Additionally, these are the OEM plugs for the N20 and N26 turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
