2002-2006 MINI Cooper S (R53): Spark Plug Service

[@paul9912]

NGK spark plugs feature what is known as trivalent plating. This silver-or-chrome colored finish on the threads is designed to provide corrosion resistance against moisture and chemicals. The coating also acts as a release agent during spark plug removal. NGK spark plugs are installed at the factory dry, without the use of anti-seize. NGK tech support has received a number of tech calls from installers who have over-tightened spark plugs because of the use of anti-seize. Anti-seize compound can act as a lubricant altering torque values up to 20 percent, increasing the risk of spark plug thread breakage

[@user-yo6cb1sf2n]

So, is it recommended?

[@paul9912]

@@user-yo6cb1sf2n no it's not recommended

[@WormBurnin]

@@user-yo6cb1sf2n not with ngk spark plugs

[@nintendiehard]

I'm not a car guy at all, but I was surprised with how easy this is. Thanks for the video.

[@AKJeeper]

Glad this video was helpful for showing you the process. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

[@albirasistendragen]

car sounds brand new, thank you for the help from 2022! also ive been changing spark plugs without anti seize or dialectric grease for years now, thank you for giving me some proper tips others have never shown me!

[@AKJeeper]

You're welcome!

[@kimisdaman]

My MINI dealer just quoted me $330 for a spark plug change. $50 per plug, and another $30 per for installation. The auto parts store a mile from the dealer has the plugs for less than $10 each . . .

[@rjadragel]

lmao

[@Bryanbobber]

Yeah. Thats how a business makes money.

[@timr7619]

Thanks for the help. I was able to change my ignition coils and spark plugs very easily. Keep up the good work

[@robertsetting7036]

Just purchased an 05 R 53 with 125K on it from 2nd owner..well taken care of it appears but I am definitely going to change out the plugs and wires as I don't think it was done for awhile.... Great Vid! That engine is purring after that change. Thanks for explaining everything, it helps tremendously.

[@nicshadow4840]

Did yours start to make a little whine

[@grayjc]

Good video. Try "burping" the air from the coil wires with string next time. Place a small string in the boot. After engaging the metal clip continue to push in the rubber boot as you slowly remove the string. The string should allow the air to escape. Ensure the string isn't clamped on the metal clip. It might work easier.

[@AKJeeper]

Great tip. I've done this using dental floss in the past, just didn't have any with me at the time and I just used what was immediately available to me at the time. :)

[@patryksodzinski9461]

NGK recommends not to use the anti seize grease as the threads are coated and using the grease will affect the torque value needed to tighten them.

[@susannal.9147]

thank you for this. I just found this video and am about to install those plugs. Glad I didn't follow the grease advice here.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Nice job with the video AK. Keep turning those wrenches! Take it easy. -Glen

[@AKJeeper]

Thanks for the kind words! I've got more videos in the pipeline, I just need to get over having my butt being kicked by illnesses.

[@cacadeperro]

Great Video, very straight to the point and I appreciate the easy steps. Thank you!

[@rare6499]

Nice comprehensive video thanks!

[@adolforeyes2177]

Great vid.... Question what would case the boot to vibrate? thanks

[@nintendiehard]

I have a quick question on the type of plug you're using. I have an R53 WITHOUT the JCW package. I don't understand what you meant by 15% pulley (at 0:57) so I'm not sure if I can use the NGK: BKR7EQUP or should stick with the NGK: BKR6EQUP. I wouldn't mind going with the ones you used, but I don't know if I CAN.

[@AKJeeper]

The JCW package includes a supercharger that has a smaller pulley than the stock Cooper S, so the supercharger spins faster at a given engine RPM. This gives you more boost at lower RPMs, as well as an increase of boost at max RPM. Many people elected not to go for the full JCW package, and instead - modify the stock Cooper S supercharger by swapping the stock pulley with a smaller one. Common sizes are 15% and 17%. The percentage is how much the new pulley is smaller than the stock one, so for example a 15% pulley is 15% smaller than the stock one. Some will even install oversized crankshaft pulleys to get even more effect out of their superchargers. You 'can' run the BKR7EQUP spark plug, but if your MINI isn't modified - you won't see any benefits of running this plug. In fact, it may actually run less smoothly and possibly be less fuel efficient than running the stock plugs. The only difference between the BKR7EQUP and stock BKR6EQUP is that the JCW plug is one heat range cooler than stock. This means the JCW plugs dissipates head a little more efficiently than stock. Unless you've got modifications to your fuel/spark map, and are running additional boost from the supercharger (by way of a smaller pulley), I'd stick with the stock BKR6EQUP spark plugs.

[@nintendiehard]

Wow. That answered all my questions. Thanks a lot. I really appreciate that your videos explain things in a bit more detail than you probably NEED to. Helps guys like me figure things out. Thanks again.

[@AKJeeper]

I try to make videos so that someone who is "handy" but perhaps not very experienced working on cars can follow the steps. It might annoy more experienced folks that I explain things the way that I do, but I'd rather be thorough than miss/skip something an inexperienced person might find important. Thank you for your feedback, I really appreciate it!

[@nintendiehard]

Exactly! Keep up the good work.

[@ernestoolarte3052]

the pulley of super charger was reduced because this form the super charger blow more air bar/ psi (more performance)

[@stefano5981]

hello, how much does the tightening torque with the grease in the thread correspond to? thank you

[@alliallikas8326]

You should show how to gap as well

[@seanlazaroo2774]

Do all r53 use same spark plug

[@nicshadow4840]

I did this used these ones on my s and now it whines that normal ?

[@dallaserraco]

Thanks bud!

[@nicshadow4840]

Are these ok for the 04 s super charged I did and now my car makes a little whine

[@AKJeeper]

The MINI in the video is a supercharged R53 car. The supercharger makes a whine, which is completely normal. Please see my 0-60 acceleration video and compare the noise with what you are hearing on your car.

How do you know if you have jcw pack?

[@user-yo6cb1sf2n]

How can you tell when this service is needed ?

[@AKJeeper]

MINI recommends the followin spark plug replacement intervals: Cooper (non-S): 100,000 miles Cooper S (non John Cooper works): 60,000 miles Cooper S (w/ John Cooper Works package): 30,000 miles

[@Cyprin86]

what good sparks for an r 50 mini 2006? i need to change them

[@streetlife8244]

NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs lol I Guess Not Sure... I’ve Bought Them For Three Cars...

[@Cyprin86]

@@streetlife8244 thanks 🙂

[@AKJeeper]

I use NGK Laser Platinum 3199 (BKR6EQUP) on R50 models. The NGK Iridium IX 6418 (BKR6EIX) also works quite well.

[@SambodhaWellness]

Is this a 12-point 14mm socket that you're using?

[@AKJeeper]

The Freedom Forager It is a 5/8” spark plug socket (6-point).

[@SambodhaWellness]

@@AKJeeper Hmmm, I have a 2006 r50 and can't seem to find anywhere online which is the proper socket... a 6 point or a 12 point. Do you have any idea?

[@AKJeeper]

The Freedom Forager I generally prefer a 6-pt socket as they usually have better “bite” on stubborn fasteners, but a 12-pt would work just fine so long as the size is correct. 5/8” in the case of these spark plugs. You will also want to use a socket dedicated for use on spark plugs, as it will have a rubber insert that will provide protection over the porcelain section of the spark plug, and will be deep enough to accommodate the entire length of the spark plug.

[@SambodhaWellness]

@@AKJeeper Thanks for giving so much detail. Very helpful. I believe this tool should do the job: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RR7KWXT/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=A1S731XAYKTTWV&th=1

[@kaypea4874]

sadly very poor sound