Spark plugs/oil question..

[bmwowner]

Hello all, I got myself some NGK spark plugs today for my 1989 2.5 touring and thought i would check the zone wiki to see if it had the plug gap listed, But! The plugs that They had listed for my car at where i got them were NGK ZGR5A and that is what i bought, but when looking on zone wiki it has the plugs i need listed under servicing a M20 as NGK BPR6ES.. Does anyone know the diffrence in the plugs is and have I got the wrong ones?
Also my car has done near on 160k now and the engine still pulls ok but I know it's getting a bit tired, I am going to do a oil change and wondered what anyone thought of using Mobil super 1000 15/40 oil? I think it's could do with a slightly thicker oil now but would like your opinions please..
Cheers ,
Dan.

[ETERNITY]

I always prefer bpr6es

Oil wise 5/40 semi/full synthetic works well

For a lively engine adjust tappets too

[Barx325i]

This isn't a reflection on NGK quality, but the iS decided to pop the ceramic core free from the threaded section after a replacement. Misfiring as though the engine was goosed, it had me confused for a day or so.

[maggspower]

Hi there Dan, I think NGK recomend the ZGR5A for facelift engines and the BPR6ES for the early ones so there are no problems with what you have, as long as they are not fancy 4 electrode and made from unobtainium as they are just not necessary.

As for the oil use the correct grade 5w40 or 10w40 are fine, don't be tempted to go thicker as on start up when the engine needs lube the most the oil is at its thickest, the oil pump then struggles to send this round at optimum pressure, resulting in the opposite of your plan.

HTH

[Brianmoooore]

Also my car has done near on 160k now and the engine still pulls ok but I know it's getting a bit tired

What makes you think it's getting a bit tired?
Unless this engine has seen serious neglect or abuse during its life so far, I would expect it to still be in excellent condition and have more life left in it than the engines in brand new cars from lesser manufacturers that are still sitting in their showrooms.
I am currently running two BMW engines every day, that each have over 240,000 miles on them, and they both perform as new.

[bmwowner]

Thank you all for your help, glad the plugs are ok and thats that out the way ↲As for the oil i can see exactly what your saying and i have some 10/40 semi as well, i was only thinking of using 15/40 as i have got to do a 4 hour drive to lincoln next weekend fully loaded and also if the weather is hot the oil would be a bit thin. But i will take your advice. Thanks again

[bmwowner]

Thanks for your reply brianmoooore, there's nothing that sticks out to say its getting a bit tired really and it does still go pretty well for a car of its age but it just feels a bit loose if you know what i mean compared to my 95k 320 engine wise, but after reading what you have said i will now say its just a bit more bed in. Lol. Cheers again all, i really appreciate your help. Dan.

[Speedtouch]

The difference is the heat rating, ZGR5A is a hotter plug than the BPR6ES.

Both will work fine in an M20, although the preferred choice is the BPR6ES.

[daimlerman]

..... i have got to do a 4 hour drive to lincoln next weekend fully loaded and also if the weather is hot the oil would be a bit thin. But i will take your advice. Thanks again.

Cathedral or football end?

If you get stuck in Lincoln over the weekend,drop me a PM,I may be able to help.

[bmwowner]

just been told its down from lincoln, a town called Leasingham. Very good of you to offer your help though. Thank you Daimlerman

[Morat]

Thank you all for your help, glad the plugs are ok and thats that out the way ↲As for the oil i can see exactly what your saying and i have some 10/40 semi as well, i was only thinking of using 15/40 as i have got to do a 4 hour drive to lincoln next weekend fully loaded and also if the weather is hot the oil would be a bit thin. But i will take your advice. Thanks again

15/40 and 5/40 will have the same viscosity once they are up to temperature. The first number describes the viscosity when cold, the second when hot. This is the beauty of multigrade oil

[bmwowner]

That's cool, thank you Morat