Ask MF: R53 JCW Spark Plug Bulletin

michael Nov 14th, 2007 Link

I replaced mine at 50K miles and at 110,000K miles. So every 15K miles these should be replaced?

todd Nov 14th, 2007 Link

To clarify – the JCW recommended plugs are not Iridium plugs (as pictured) but instead are multi ground plugs, in this case – four ground points per plug. (EDITED)The standard MCS plugs are also singlemulti ground spark plugs.

Clearly MINI engineers decided this was necessary for performance and longevity so I would recommend if you have a JCW R53, get to your dealer and make sure this has been done or schedule it to be done at your next service. BTW, be sure to print the bulletin and take it with you. It should supercede the standard MCS maintenance recommendation which is, I believe, 100,000 miles.

chris Nov 14th, 2007 Link

hmm.. Still a little unclear on this. I have a 2006 cooper S. I check the plugs today and they are the plugs with the 4 ground points (ido not have a JCW car. I have not yet replaced plugs so these came form the factory. Are these not just for works cars? And is a maintenance interval a oil change? When i did check the plugs today they are jet black.

bluzeke Nov 14th, 2007 Link

Could you please provide us with the entire Service Bulletin or at least the number. Showing my Service Manager a partial quote off an Internet site or playing a podcast for him isn’t going to cut it. The last time I brought this subject up to him at a dealer open house he claimed total ignorance. We need the complete document. I’m going in for my JCW’s 25K Service next week and would love to get this done if I really have it coming.

And please, nothing more on the Iridium plugs – it’s just confusing the real issue.

Thanks guys!

DB Nov 14th, 2007 Link

I am fairly certain that the pdf linked above is the entire service bulletin. At least, it’s all we have.

todd Nov 14th, 2007 Link

I stand corrected on the single ground spark plug. The standard MCS plug is the NGK BKR6 EQUP which is also a multi ground plug (four grounds) and is the same plug used in virtually all BMWs (per the NGK web site). I cannot find the difference between the BKR6 and the JCW recommended BKR7 plug other than the BKR7 may be a one stage colder plug.

More to come.

pbraun Nov 14th, 2007 Link

Remember, folks, just because something may be “recommended” to use, doesn’t mean it is covered under the Full Maintenance program. The replacement of these plugs on a MINI factory installed JCW kit is not required. Only for the dealer installed kits, and then it’s still NOT FREE! Just recommended.

greg Nov 14th, 2007 Link

How does this translate to R56 stage one JCWs?

dr Nov 14th, 2007 Link

Might these plugs be the appropriate plug to choose when moding and upgrading to a 15% pulley?
With the vast number of issues with aftermarket plugs being blown out of the head it seems that the JCW plugs may be a better upgrade choice?

MINIAC Nov 14th, 2007 Link

The replacement of these plugs on a MINI factory installed JCW kit is not required. Only for the dealer installed kits.

Unless the plugs are different, why should factory fitted be any different than dealer installed?

dave Nov 14th, 2007 Link

new plugs ever 15k miles? is this a joke???

jas cooper Nov 14th, 2007 Link

Couldn’t an inspection suffice to determine if new plugs were required, rather than throwing a new set on in such short intervals?

RoccoRocket Nov 14th, 2007 Link

dr Nov 14th, 2007 Link Might these plugs be the appropriate plug to choose when moding and upgrading to a 15% pulley? With the vast number of issues with aftermarket plugs being blown out of the head it seems that the JCW plugs may be a better upgrade choice?

The plug should not matter when it comes to popping out of the head. What matters is that the person installing them torques the spark plug properly. Lube should be used to let the threads pass without resistance too. The change of plugs with engine mods is for performance temperature. Not fit.

Brian Nov 14th, 2007 Link

I had looked into this issue before and this is what I came up with.

The part number NGK BKR 7 EQUP is the plug that NGK makes ONLY for BMW. Which means you can only buy it at the dealer = very expensive plugs. Yes, they are multi-ground plugs and they are made that way for longevity.

The number 7 indicates that it is 1 temperature grade colder that the standard MCS plug. Thats because the JCW engine with a reduced pulley needs a plug that can withstand the higher internal temperatures and prevent early detonation.

Now if you want to buy a plugs for your car you have the following options. 1) For either MCS or JCW models: Buy them for the dealer at a very premium price. 2) If you want Iridium plugs the NGK website recommends for a Standard MCS, plug model ZFR6FIX-11 which is the same temperature grade as the BMW ONLY NGK BKR6 EQUP that comes on all MCS’s from factory. 3) If you have a JCW, or an MCS with a reduced pulley, you need to go one step colder and get NGK BKR7EIX-11 which is the same temp as the BMW NGK BKR 7 EQUP that comes on all JCW’s. Again, this is only if your getting Iridium replacement plugs. If you want regular platinum replacement plugs then the parts are different.

Todd Nov 14th, 2007 Link

Remember, folks, just because something may be “recommended” to use, doesn’t mean it is covered under the Full Maintenance program. The replacement of these plugs on a MINI factory installed JCW kit is not required. Only for the dealer installed kits, and then it’s still NOT FREE! Just recommended.

Why would this not be covered under the maintenance agreement if things such as brake pads/rotors and wiper blades are covered – all “consumable” items? And what difference does it make if the kit as installed at the factory or at the dealer. It’s the EXACT same thing.

BTW, my dealer covered the new plugs and had no problem submitting the charges to MINI under the 3/36 maintenance agreement.

pbraun Nov 14th, 2007 Link

It would appear to me they mis-interpreted the bulletin, luckily for you.

Jason - MINI Parts Rep Nov 14th, 2007 Link

Please be advised that this also applies to the R56 ‘Stage 1′ Performance Package. There is a supplemental sticker in that package that is supposed to be affixed to the car stating that the plugs are to be changed at each service interval.

Cheers, Jason.

Todd Nov 14th, 2007 Link

It would appear to me they mis-interpreted the bulletin, luckily for you.

Then why did MINI (not the dealer) pay for my plugs as submitted under the 3/36 included Free Maintenance?

BTW – my plugs were changed out under the maintenance agreement on my Factory JCW GP and not a dealer installed kit. I guarantee you it was not a mistake or a mis-interpretation. The mistake would be for a dealer to refuse the service of replacing the plugs for free if service is performed within 3 years or 36K miles.

zm Nov 14th, 2007 Link

so, every time my maint mileage counter goes to zero, it’s time for new plugs?

Ian C. Nov 14th, 2007 Link

Hmmm … I just re-read the document, and it suddenly read differently to me!

1 It says “same service/maintenance as standard Cooper S” (which I think is 100,000 miles for spark plugs)

2 It advises “NGK BKR 7 EQUP spark plugs are used”, and says you should fit those [and not any other spark plug], at the subsequent service/maintenance intervals [of the spark plugs]

I think it’s simply pointing out that these different to stock Cooper S spark plugs are used, and should be used when you have to change them. I think you’re misreading the language if you read to change spark plugs every 10K-15K miles. Admittedly, the language could be written more clearly!

[edited by db]

Ian C. Nov 14th, 2007 Link

? Why did the writing get so giant – I didn’t want to be that emphatic!

DB Nov 14th, 2007 Link

Mark down does that with the pound sign. I have fixed it.

zm Nov 14th, 2007 Link

this smells like we need a clarification from miniusa.

zm Nov 14th, 2007 Link

i mean, when you think about it, it seems absurd that the plugs need to be changed everytime.

lavardera Nov 14th, 2007 Link

I agree with Ian. It does not read as if plugs are changed on a shorter interval than a standard S.

sandm4130 Nov 14th, 2007 Link

Hmmm………

Yes, I am questioning the statements made both here as well as on WRR.

The langauge in the “Document” reads very clearly to me but one mans interpretaion is just still an opinion.

Unless the statements made can be substantiated by an individual directly associated with the vehicles

srvice requirements then i fail to see the point of this discussion.

I do not believe a grain of salt of opinion spewed by the local dealer network.

There have been more than a few unrecognized concerns with my vehicle alone.

My question is then is there anyone able to give merit to these statements or should i take this info as fact or some new religion and go blindly spending on faith.

06 JCW MCS Factory kit with 51k driven.

Gabe Nov 15th, 2007 Link

i mean, when you think about it, it seems absurd that the plugs need to be changed everytime.

I agree. But hell, I’ll take new plugs if they’re being offered.

H/B-S Nov 15th, 2007 Link

ok, i am a little confused.. that is not a bulletin, those are installation instructions.. there IS a difference. and, it also states plugs are to be “used” at every service interval, not “replaced”…? what the heck does that mean?

pbraun Nov 15th, 2007 Link

I think this all simply means you are supposed to have the right plugs in the car.

bluzeke Nov 16th, 2007 Link

BINGO H/B-S!!! I’m with you. Ever since this whole issue came up on Woof 186 I’ve been searching for this supposed “Service Bulletin” which has forever appeared to me to be nothing more than an installation pdf. Throw in the word Iridium and a sideshow over the design of the plug tip and you’ve got a recipe for Total Confusion. (and no real evidence of an official MINI Service Bulletin calling for a particularly different plug replacement regimen on R53 JCW’s) I’ll bring this issue up one more time today when I turn my JCW in for its 25K Service but I’ll bet it elicits nothing but shrugged shoulders. I love you guys, but on this one, I think we’ve been led needlessly astray! ;-)

Gabe Nov 16th, 2007 Link

I love you guys, but on this one, I think we’ve been led needlessly astray! ;-)

Yeah… stop leading us astray Todd!!!!!!! :-)

Todd Nov 16th, 2007 Link

Yeah… stop leading us astray Todd!!!!!!! :-)

Ok then. If you have a JCW MINI and don’t think it’s necessary then don’t bother. I’m just reading the English from the “Official” BMW/MINI install instructions and taking that for fact. Some people think I’m reading it incorrectly but my dealer read it the same way I did and besides what can it hurt?

Do I think it’s extreme? Maybe, but why should I turn down free parts. I’m not trying to confuse people just help them out. It’s not that complicated.

Is it that hard to believe that when you spend six grand for an upgrade that you might also get a couple sets of new plugs in the first three years? And when was the last time someone said, “You changed the plugs too often on that car.”

BTW – Gabe, I know you’re being facetious. : )

Ian C. Nov 16th, 2007 Link

Todd, I totally agree with you – if your dealership’s willing to give you freebies, why not take them :) But, I don’t see a need to pay for them at every 15K, if the dealership doesn’t agree with your interpretation.

pbraun Nov 17th, 2007 Link

Yo, Todd, get me a free set while you’re at it! ;)

Brice Nov 21st, 2007 Link

I’m with Todd on this on, it doesn’t say that they should be fitted at THE subsequent service interval though, it says at EACH subsequent service interval, which to me implies that they need to be replaced.

Given how rich I saw the A/F ratios get when we dyno’d ours (especially at higher rpm), I don’t find replacing the plugs at each interval to be that ridiculous. I mean, the A/F dipped BELOW 10:1 @ 6250 and never came back up. Its conservative fuel tuning to make sure that it doesn’t detonate, but excessively rich A/F ratios can be really hard on spark plugs (this is why they are jet black when you pull them out). Does the stock Cooper S run this rich? This might be the reason why.

CARdiac Dec 3rd, 2007 Link

The part number NGK BKR 7 EQUP is the plug that NGK makes ONLY for BMW. Which means you can only buy it at the dealer = very expensive plugs. Yes, they are multi-ground plugs and they are made that way for longevity.

That is not true. I searched the web and you can find them for $8-9… the NGK site actually lists them for the 2006 Porsche 911 w/3.6L H6 engine.

Chad Dec 20th, 2007 Link

The literature stated that “These spark plugs are to be used at all subsequent service and maintenance intervals”

I read this to mean that always use these plugs at the standard reccommended intervals instead of the “non” JCW cars.

Chad

Neuron Feb 14th, 2008 Link

“Tried to get my plugs replaced and they said, ‘no, no, no’”

Service director says the plugs cost $212 for four and she’s afraid she won’t get reimbursed by MINI.

Group B Apr 8th, 2008 Link

I am the MINI Service Advisor at a MINI Dealer in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I asked our Warranty Administrator if the install instructions could be construed as indicating that the Maintenance Warranty would pay for replacement of the JCW Spark Plugs, as some here are suggesting/implying/recommending, and the answer is NO.

Group B

Brice Jul 9th, 2008 Link

It doesn’t say they are to be “used” at each service interval, it says they are to be “fitted”. BIG difference.

Josh Wardell’s MINI Cooper S » Service Soon Feb 22nd, 2009 Link

[...] task. – New spark plugs and boots/wires – NGK BKR 7 EQUP plugs as Motoringfile specifies for JCWs here. – New accessory belt – Specially ordered the JCW size. This will be one of the harder jobs I will [...]