Pls Help: Spark Plug Socket for N54?

[Baracus]

So decided to sell the piggy chip and go back to stock again as I kept getting knock codes in the thin highveld air. However after going back to stock the car just didn't feel right, so today I went back to dyno at Snail and it seems power is down like 15kw:dunno:???
The before and after stock graphs are exactly the same until 3500 rpms, and then the new dyno line starts to drop off? The guys reckon that the loss in power at high rpms is likely spark related and is the result of getting the 30F2 Glow ignition code, which has damaged the plugs? So off I went to BM today and bought 6 plugs at R1 300 bucks :bawling:,
Now the thing is I can't change the f#@cking plugs coz BM use an odd sized 12pt spark plug on the N54 and you need a special thin walled socket for this???:banghead:
Riaan suggested The Tool shop in Randburg but they couldn't help, showed them the plug and they didn't have a socket and hadn't seen anything like it? Have found a tool on the net but it’s like $171 and I'll need to import. So I'd really appreciate it if anyone knows where I can find the right plug socket locally or maybe borrow one from somebody that works at BM?

 

[Twinz]

You need the entire set not just the socket...give zeemax (on the forum) a call...or you can order the set from turnermotorsport in the US...check their website...will take 5 days to deliver if you use Fedex:thumbsup:

Or if you have a (Bosch services centre) nearby, they will change the plugs gladly...lastly, if you run a tune your plugs have to be changed/switched more often than if you run stock...i replace mine every 3 000km...the downside to running high boost more than often.

I also hear there are stronger NGK plugs available but have not imported them yet. :excited:

 

[Baracus]

You need the entire set not just the socket...give zeemax (on the forum) a call...or you can order the set from turnermotorsport in the US...check their website...will take 5 days to deliver if you use Fedex:thumbsup:

Or if you have a (Bosch services centre) nearby, they will change the plugs gladly...lastly, if you run a tune your plugs have to be changed/switched more often than if you run stock...i replace mine every 3 000km...the downside to running high boost more than often.

I also hear there are stronger NGK plugs available but have not imported them yet. :excited:

Thanks Twins but phoned around 10 different Bosch auto service dealers today around Jhb and only found 1 in Weltervreden park that had the correct BMW socket, thing is they want R650 + VAT just to change the plugs, and I'm supplying the plugs:shocked: Found the tool on turnermotorsport but they want $177 just for the socket and then another $17 for the install tool :shocked: Not sure why I need the entire set though? Wont just the socket with a normal torque wrench work?

 

[Twinz]

yip changing plugs on the 335/135 is expensive.
The install tool is used to guide and glide the plug in and to ensure that it "seats" properly. You will be changing plugs more than often while you have the 135...just one of those things. some people get 10 000km out of their plugs others like me 2000km...Zeemax installs mine on request...i have quite a few new plugs ready for the next install:thumbsup:

 

[Baracus]

yip changing plugs on the 335/135 is expensive.
The install tool is used to guide and glide the plug in and to ensure that it "seats" properly. You will be changing plugs more than often while you have the 135...just one of those things. some people get 10 000km out of their plugs others like me 2000km...Zeemax installs mine on request...i have quite a few new plugs ready for the next install:thumbsup:

:mmm: 1300 bucks + 650 install every 2000k's is a bit heavy for me, are you using BMW OEM plugs or other more affordable alternatives like Bosch or NGK plugs?

 

[Twinz]

ya it is expensive but one pays for power.i use the OEM plugs

 

[Baracus]

Was MAJORLY PISSED OFF yesterday:cursin::cursin::cursin: went to the Bosch in Weltervredenpark (behind Hillfox) to get the plugs changed and the f#@cking bastards lied to me! Phoned them a couple of days ago and the owner promises me he has the necessary BMW socket to do the job, I even phone he workshop manager and he says no problem bring the car through. Anyways get there yesterday and the owner Marcel is not in, they tell me I have to wait coz he has the tool with him. They sms him and he says he on his way, they keep telling me to wait, so I have to wait coz these are the only guys that apparently have the tool. 2 hours the f@#cker decides to rock up!!! So they take the car through to the back and keep telling me to wait in reception, I think bugger this and go through to see what they doing. See the macky has stripped everthing and is about to loosen the first plug, ask to check the spanner and see its a normal socket :shocked::dropjaw: So I start swearing and ask why he isn't using the special tool as the standard socket will damage the plug head and it will get stuck in the block! Says to me he knows nothing about the special tool!:cursin: So now I'm really pissed and call the manager over and ask where the freaking socket is, tells me he left it at his other branch! Could see he was lying a mile away! I lose it big time and am about to throw a right hook of note, but an old lady walks past and I think rather not. Tell them to f#@ck off and shove their business up their ass!
Wouldn't recommend them to my worst enemy!

Anyways so Sherwin managed to help me out and got one of his mates Chris from Motortechnik in Mondeor to change the plugs, went pass this morning and Chris had the tool . All sorted for only R350:thumbsup: Sherwin u the man!

Plugs were badly burnt and the ceramic outside of the plugs was yellow, must have really been getting hot! Car seems much better and is farking off like it used to

 

[George Smooth]

Sounds like this plug story is a major ordeal. Why didn't you get BMW to change them, its your choice if you want to change things earlier than recommended and I do not think you would have had hassle. I am planning this, will update this thread with costs.

 

[Kruzo]

Anyone heard of plugs from Brisk Racing ? Apparently used on the Afrox 335 production car.

 

[Twinz]

nope...find out more and let us know:thumb:

 

[LukeHawk]

Reviving a REALLY old topic...

Did anybody come right in finding a place to buy one of these thin-walled 14mm 3/8" sockets? They seem near impossible to find online locally. Need one for my F30 N20 engine..

 

[KarshS]

King Tony 14mm thin wall 12point socket. I got mine at Frontline Midas for R70. Has the spring on the inside to lift the spark plug out as well.