Apparently, I'm not driving my new car hard enough!

That's odd because my '07 MS3 seems to be running just fine on one step colder plugs than stock. I'll pull them out when I get back from Dad (he's borrowing it right now. Long story). I also put a lot of highway miles on it and make sure to open the car up from time to time (force of habit from driving my RX-7s). If I were driving in mostly stop-and-go traffic the colder plugs would probably foul up in no time.

I'd be careful about going with one step hotter plugs. At least on the 07-09 MS3s going one step hotter than stock can introduce more knock.

fastbmw wrote:

belteshazzar wrote: speaking of bmw, the owners manual for my '88 e30 suggested in no uncertain terms, an occasional beating to clear out carbon deposits.

On the owners manuals of my previous 80's era bmw's they always state if you do alot of bumper to bumper, you should drive at 4000rpms or higher for the next few kilometers to clear it out. I like the way they think!

I do ensure that my M5 sees WOT and, uhh, well, higher speeds almost every time it's out of the garage. It's the right thing to do.

Keith wrote:

fastbmw wrote:

belteshazzar wrote: speaking of bmw, the owners manual for my '88 e30 suggested in no uncertain terms, an occasional beating to clear out carbon deposits.

On the owners manuals of my previous 80's era bmw's they always state if you do alot of bumper to bumper, you should drive at 4000rpms or higher for the next few kilometers to clear it out. I like the way they think!

I do ensure that my M5 sees WOT and, uhh, well, higher speeds almost every time it's out of the garage. It's the right thing to do.

It really is. An old German mechanic told me that all these cars (specifically Mercedes) were built with the autobahn in mind. They need to be opened up.

Its just a hunk of metal, as long as its well lubricated and well cooled you're not going to hurt it driving it a little aggressively.

I'd like to get one thing straight, that is often confused. Is the following correct?

Hotter Plug: tip of plug stays hotter, helps to burn off combustion gases, carbon, etc...

Colder Plug: tip of plug burns cooler(stays cooler) to help prevent preigntion,

So, if plugs are fouling a bit, all things being equal, switch to a plug one heat range hotter.

I've seen this hot and cold plug explained this way, and exactly the opposite..

What is it?

This is like "higher" and "lower" rear axle ratios...?

I like to think of my cars and bikes as an obedient if demanding group of red-headed step children. The receive well-intended beatings daily, and plenty of Redline oil regularly.

Except the KTMs that take some hideously expensive "Motorex Cross Power 4T 10w60" at $18 a liter. Plus 2 oil filters and 2 oil screens.

They love their beatings.

triumph5 wrote: I'd like to get one thing straight, that is often confused. Is the following correct? Hotter Plug: tip of plug stays hotter, helps to burn off combustion gases, carbon, etc... Colder Plug: tip of plug burns cooler(stays cooler) to help prevent preigntion, So, if plugs are fouling a bit, all things being equal, switch to a plug one heat range hotter. I've seen this hot and cold plug explained this way, and exactly the opposite.. What is it? This is like "higher" and "lower" rear axle ratios...?

I think you've got it.

I took great care to drive it more appropriately on the way home from the dealership this afternoon.

I only wish they turbo was just a hair larger and gearing a little longer. I hate the way the car falls on its face before 6k.

In reply to TJ: Thanks, I've seen and heard arguments over this, and wanted to make sure we're all talking with the same terms.

Two guys went at it at a local parts place for a while over this. Two sets of plugs went out the door, "bring back the one you don't use."

And I've seen it explained in print as I wrote above, and exactly the opposite--in the same respected publication at different times..

I've always used the terms as above, but wanted to make sure others were thinking the same way. Thanks

z31maniac wrote: I took great care to drive it more appropriately on the way home from the dealership this afternoon. I only wish they turbo was just a hair larger and gearing a little longer. I hate the way the car falls on its face before 6k.

Don't forget that the fuel pump is near its limit on the MS3s. Any power mods more than intake/cat-back exhaust/upgraded bypass or blow-off valve really need a tune and the fuel pump internals upgraded, otherwise you'll be running dangerously lean.

I agree about the dinky K04. I was thinking of upgrading to a Disco Potato (GT28)-sized turbo sometime in the future, when the car's almost paid off and the warranty is long gone. It should give a more usable powerband without being too laggy.

Funny, I'm under mechanics orders to drive my car 80mph on the freeway, he said, "you know it might be good for the car to drive the car 80mph on the freeway" in a thick croatian accent. Who am I to argue!

You need to run it at 100 mph or so, maybe on a side street or something.

benzbaron wrote: Funny, I'm under mechanics orders to drive my car 80mph on the freeway, he said, "you know it might be good for the car to drive the car 80mph on the freeway" in a thick croatian accent. Who am I to argue!

Maybe with a judge. How well would this reasoning go with the cop writing the ticket?

I drive that on the freeway also so maybe I'll have to try that the next time I'm pulled over. The last time the patrolman acknowledged that a truck was tailgating me but still gave me the ticket.

TJ wrote: I'm sure that I do not have a carbon buildup problem in my cars.

I don't either. In fact since I took over my daughter's RX8, I seem to be getting better gas mileage than she did. She baby'd it and be in 6th at 45mph. I'm just shifting to 3rd at that speed (maybe ) and only use 6th on the freeway when going over 60.

mtn wrote: It really is. An old German mechanic told me that all these cars (specifically Mercedes) were built with the autobahn in mind. They need to be opened up.

Similarly, an Alfa mechanic told me of a little old lady who used to come to his shop, complaining that her Giulia Super was running rough. They'd take it for a good thrash 'round the block, then hand it back to her, running like a top.