When Do You Need To Upgrade Your Ignition Coils? | BMW N54 DIY

In this video we discuss a new ignition coil option for the N54. I go over their design and show you how to install them.
These coils are a safe bet for any car making over 450 WHP. It is recommended to use these with colder plugs, ideally 2 steps colder. You could consider the NGK 97506.
It is also recommended to use these on the stock spark dwell in MHD unless you're making over 600 WHP.
I sourced this new ignition coil offering from Spool Performance LLC:
spoolperformanc...
If you tell them that you watched my video and are interested in a set they'll sell them to you for $399. I'm not making anything from the referral.
It's exciting to have another option for the BMW N54!
Thank you for watching.
If this is the first video of mine that you're watching please consider subscribing. I upload regularly. When you see the word "affiliate" listed beside any link in my description please know that this is a custom link and I will earn a small commission if you opt to purchase using said link. This is at no extra cost to you so it's a win all around :) Thank you!

[@jake_spence]

You've been pumping out the content lately... love it! Keep it up, this channel will continue to grow.

[@nickolascain2994]

Jake, he is getting close to racecar status. Might need some seats too haha

[@jake_spence]

@@nickolascain2994 haha it's a rabbit hole that's hard not to go down once you get so far.

[@georgehanley3333]

Ct

[@Riv015]

I’ve slowly seen the evolution of this n54 channel go from stock maintenance to custom tuning tips and tricks. Great content, keep it up!

[@conconstantinou2890]

I don't say this often but your content is sensational, you call it how it is. Keep up the great work

[@kevman0111]

Definitely a needed upgrade. I put the duralast coils in as well and anytime i was over 14 psi of bost i was loosing spark and misfiring like crazy. Put the precision raceworks coil kit in and bam no more misfiring. All the way to 17psi on stock turbos

[@matt.108]

As long as they get me outside the driveway it’s an upgrade...

[@kylehanaway1613]

hands down the most informative N54 content on youtube. thanks for helping the community!

[@bimmerfab]

Since you don't wanna name any names my guess is the blue one is a Precision race works coil

[@morganlingsweiler9813]

Since the owner of precision is in Houston, I'd bet money your right.

[@mohammedqayyum1140]

This is actually a spool street coil

[@freemaysin5088]

it could be but the PRw coils have the logo on the side? But i've never seen another blue one either

[@milksnake8]

Thank you for your post it helps a new person like myself on what routes I should go to achieve and maintain my beloved N54 Twin Turbo.

[@skizzlemane1]

I love this channel 🙌🏼 this is exactly how I nerd out on my mods. Thinking outside the box when you understand the fundamentals with a dash of engineering. Nice... 👌🏼 I put together a water to air inter cooler for my WRX with the cooler located in the factory position and everything plumbed to look factory 👍🏼 one of the many projects I accomplished with this school of thought. Now I’m on my 3rd 335xi and still going strong... Subscribed 🤘🏼 for sure!

[@zmanphx]

I have 07 335 with over 100k miles. I am on bosch spark plugs with OEM coils. FBO tune. No misfires . Scotty Kilmer has video where he changes the spark plugs on n54. He makes a good point about BMW. A lot of plastic on the engine which gets hot. Then they put an insulated cover on top of the valve cover to keep the heat in. What if we ditch the engine cover so it doesn't trap the heat ? I replaced my VC at 100K.

[@Objectional_Opinion]

zmanphx I did this. Absolutely no problems yet, just a bit louder BMW noises. Just took of the entire cover as it wouldn’t really fit with my cold air intake on my N55. I also cut down the plastic piece that holds the cabin air filter to mock the M3 style. You just have to get something to stop the rain/car wash from dripping straight from the windshield down onto the hot engine. Weather molding or something to direct everything water related to the sides only.

[@freemaysin5088]

i've been using the precision raceworks coils for awhile, same exact setup. I did have a coil plug fail, had to purchase x6 new ones but been great since.

[@chingo3625]

If it fails quite often even with free replacement, but it is hassle to replace it. It is normal for its failure due to burnt coil.

[@murk1352]

Ever think about running a crank case breather? Im running one...well i have it it's going on this spring with all my other goodies...👍🏁

[@SupraSav]

I clicked the link, that website had nothing for N54 in regards to coils. Personally, I would highly recommend precision raceworks coils.

[@Kipitrl]

Awesome content! Just purchased the turbos/turbo install kit/inlets/outlets..going to check these out for sure almost 100 less than the other...

[@alchampion340]

I’m going to try these coils, I’m going for reliability. I’m not running any Tune. Thinks for your videos .

[@ItsBabaEro]

i went with the oem eldor coils and for now my misfires have been fixed. im running stage 2+ with 91 oct and i think the eldors should be eliable enough for up to 500 hp since rolls royces use them

[@chrisplayz9739]

eldor is the way to go

[@ThePandasian34]

Great product, and great video, just one thing thats slightly off though. The position of the coils where the harness is crossing with the spark plug wire. When you do that, you have a higher chance of misfire because of the high current going through the spark plug wire creating a type of a magnetic field and will disrupt the 5 volt signal from the DME to command the coil to fire the spark

[@Truufreshjay]

So I’ve seen people use R8 coils are those a lot better than stock? This seem super easy to install. This guy is the best for the BMW N54 community.

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks, maybe someone can chime in with regards to how much power they support. I'm not quite sure how much power they can generate.

[@isfngu4213]

Most have gone the easy route of using precision coils aka your same Gm style. But the majority that have look into stock simplicity have gone with R8 coils because the Same coils are use Lamborghini V10 Twin turbo and support over 1500hp . Those are offer by Bimmerlife are little expensive just for the harness but if you can read and figure out Systematic from a 3 wire to 4 wires you can save $300 and buy the coils under $160 can be found everywhere online. Here is the link where I had it running in mine . m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWbXaJ-Knausrrs

[@twinscrolled]

I have the spool ignition kit on my N55 and love it. But it is not a GM or LS coil and never came on any GM vehicle, it's actually based off a Marine coil design. Oh and that hardware will likely rust quick so get some blingware.

[@StraightOuttaTheSandbox]

How did you buy it? It's not on thier website

[@DBHHellhound]

Man you are upgrading every corner of that BMW love it. Maybe you should install an aftermarket infotainment system and add better sounding speakers and subs 😁

[@joshsabino2065]

I had my ground wire break on that noise filter while wrapping some harness on my car. Could that filter just be deleted?

[@j.delaney5525]

Did Spool stop selling these?

[@big_poppa4037]

Are these plug n play? I saw another video where he was talking about having to tune your car to run these

[@maxnix346]

I have always wondered if these were worth it and at what point they would be necessary. Well done. BTW, if you have a Continental HPFP, there have been reports the Spool It overdrive unit will kill it.

[@ak540i2]

There website does not show these coils anymore.

[@ooozturk9195]

Keep up with the good content man, helping the world 💪

[@PAPIZ06]

Where can I buy them at? I went to the website and it's not there

[@AdrianSinner97]

hmm, either these are not available anymore.. or their website is quite poorly done

[@bencastleman7982]

Can’t find this spool bracket and kit?

[@menjicar]

What about the eldor coils?

[@Hidavi]

Spoolperformance.us doesn't seem to show this product on their website

[@TH3M0NSTR1NU]

Hidavi I massaged them on Instagram and it looks like they’ve made an agreement with precision raceworks to stop selling them

[@Hidavi]

@@TH3M0NSTR1NU why? Was precision racewerks going to sue them?

[@nothsim]

Love the idea to bad there not offering anymore.

[@dru9918]

Get Precision Raceworks coils its the same thing same price

[@stevenschwander5990]

My 2008 e90 335i was manufactured in January. Came with MSD81 DME. However I’m not sure if that was the original DME since I was not able to talk to the previous owner. Also was fitted with index 12s

[@VehicularDIY]

yeah I think I have a late 2007 production and ended up with an MDS80. Yeah good thing you already have 12s, that'll save you a tone of money.

[@david-tracy]

would u ever put seaform or b-12 in your n54?

[@Mike-hf7kd]

So spool doesn’t sell them any more???

[@freddienz68]

Are these kits available for a ls1 engine ? These brackets look much better than the factory ls style brackets.

[@e85johnson68]

Video on point as always, I'll be picking this kit up! Thanks!👌👍💪😎

[@copper067]

Respect To your channel i think it's really good content. Great vids all the time.

[@ItzLune]

They are red. I am sold.

[@thee90kid]

I’m stock but want to do preventative maintenance are these a good option?

[@trackar134]

When I go single I’ll definitely jump on this. I’ll keep my Delphis for now since I think I bought them for about 18 bucks each on amazon as “used” from amazon warehouse. They were all brand new, just customer returns I assume.

[@slitherdurant]

That $399 deal still live?

[@wujames486]

So at the end of the day... the take away is there is nothing special with these coils?

[@n54addictmotorsports]

I want to know where to get the spark plug boots and connectors,help a brother out bouts to build my own kit too

[@sebastiandevis1748]

Hello! About the wires, where do you get them? (For what car?)

[@Boosted_Gramps]

Where did you find the generic coils?

[@pennypacker2000]

Hi , great content.. why did you change them to the R8 coils ? :)

[@VehicularDIY]

To actually push more power, they've been serving me well.

[@mariomunoz7167]

@@VehicularDIY Can I use them on my f87 m2?

[@tilovazquezguzman4307]

I just got a stock 328i xdrive and I got some Pro-Formance coils is that a bad thing if its all stock or is it ok

[@demarcodraper4266]

I'm not sure about fitment but another economical option is the VR38dett coils (GTR) not quite as strong as the 1A coils but 1k hp capable.

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah not sure about fitment but the R8 coil is another option with similar fitment or I heard good things about the metal coils on the later N55 or S55 cars. I got a set in my X5, I might just throw them in to see if they can make power.

[@nickolascain2994]

Yeah, Hitachi R35 coils have quite the power output.

[@rayj1988]

Platinum Racing will be releasing a R35 kits soon for N54!

[@nickolascain2994]

That will be interesting to see.

[@nickolascain2994]

I've been looking at making a harness for the R8 coils for the n54. Not in a hurry for it as of yet. I'm not having any misfires (knock on wood)🤣🤣🤣

[@johnforsyth8158]

Any idea when this product will be available for sale? I checked the website in the link and unfortunately its not listed in their BMW products. Thanks in advance! Really interested in ordering this kit before i order my single turbo.

[@nickolascain2994]

I was wondering when i would see this video. Figured after the plug upgrade haha. I've contemplated blue team vs red team or DIY when it comes to it. They both have pros but red team very power-hungry. Dont need IGN-1A coils not running all the boost as one would say haha. Good to see another option. As always quality content thanks for sharing!

[@VehicularDIY]

Haha then I bet you weren't surprised when I said I have a MOSFET replacement video coming next. Thanks!

[@nickolascain2994]

Yeah, Unfortunately, I was not surprised. I luckily have MSD81 already. The bright side of things will be some content and will be able to help others with the same issue.

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah I pushed the dwell in MHD just to see what would happen. It felt awesome but only lasted about three pulls. When I removed the failed transistor it actually flaked apart so I think the transistors were heat cycled too many times and are already weak from the factory. I was wondering if I should just go MSD81 but I figured lets see if we can beef up the MSD80 with upgraded transistors.

[@nickolascain2994]

3 pulls ouch haha... yeah for sure will be interesting to see. pretty cheap fix compared to buying an 81. I would def be interested to see a pull thru datazap when you get your tune and everything squared away. I'm starting to dig into the tuning side myself. definitely interesting.

[@MrNicoe36cabrio]

Another great upgrade! Dutch regards.

[@panamanian_n5x]

will they work on n52?

[@youknowimwhite]

Love your videos! Keep going big!

[@Pat_Riota_Chile]

My Friend, can you tell me if the NGK Ignition coil and NGK Lase Iridium 97506 the best for N54 engine? My car: Z4 2015 N54 3.0 E89

[@beowolf9991]

Very informative videos you post

[@judochopthefed]

Enjoy all your videos. Very informative! Could this possibly be fitted to n62 V8 supercharged running over 15# of boost? 500-600hp? We run the same Pencil style coils but I’m sure at this stage I need something more than my eldor oem coils. Ignition projects seems like the front runner but not sure on them because of cost. Any information is appreciated!

[@vantsen-e]

dose it affect the ecu also when im on stock settings and puting dose red coils in ?

[@cop2506]

The actual installation is at 14:00 You’re welcome

[@natking1u1z99]

Any new coils for n52? No, I didn't think so.

[@Sean-ii6cf]

I don’t see it on website for these ignition coils

[@ernest2284]

Do we have coil upgrade for n52 engine. Like x3 e83 3.0si inline 6 n52 engine? Thank you.

[@StraightOuttaTheSandbox]

I can't figure out how to buy these. Not on thier website

[@jmayor88]

Loving the quality but price conscious mods!

[@seanlau3295]

Can’t find the coils in the website. Please assist

[@1kgeoff]

Curious why you don’t film your test drives? Some pulls in the videos will be nice. Also I might have to try these coils out I had some from another vendor before but I was having problems with them ended up returning it and just going with stock coils.

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah I have tried but typically with a go pro and the quality is pretty crap so I don't bother including it.

[@gatling3372]

Would you happen to know how the cold start on the n54 works? I had a single turbo kit installed and the car hasn't done that elevated rpm cold start since.

[@jay002navarro]

Gatling33 I have the same issue man

[@gatling3372]

@@jay002navarro That sucks. I still haven't figured it out yet.

[@br4d101]

Gatling33 it’s mapped out by your tuner, if ur running mhd or jb4 u can turn it back on

[@gatling3372]

@@br4d101 Thnx. I actually figured out how to enable it by comparing the stock map to the BEF map in Tuner Pro.

[@supraboy82]

is it me or i cant find these on spool website?

[@Turbo2Pete]

9 months later and there are NO coil options on spoolstreet - not these, not the R8, nothing :(

[@POMAH_MOHISH]

Do I need to tune to runs these coils

[@ameryousef2719]

Hi I have a misfire on my n63 engine. Am thinking to do the same for this engine so do you recommend? From where I can purchase those coils?

[@2jzking124]

Hi, I'm trying to buy those coil but I can't find the coil in the website the spool, can you send me the link please.

[@spoder6358]

Same

[@vonknight5311]

Why didnt you opt for the Precision Racing coil pack kits?

[@VehicularDIY]

I wanted to show you guys something new.

[@eriqm1]

hi v-diy, another awesome video, I guess I am one of your fortunate follower as we have the same engine and be able to learn from you. I will be buying the same coil pack and using NGK laser iridium spark plug 95770 - what is your "spark gap" recommendation for this setup. I know you mentioned it, but I hoping you could type your specs here. Again, Thanks, EriqM from Toronto, ON Canada.

[@in54ne82]

Does anyone know how long the last? Is it cheaper than using Delphi coils?

[@TheParped]

Hey buddy. Am I Getting these confused with something else but do these need to be coded with the car / auto box ? I'm getting a miss fire code at the moment and looking at upgrading to some hybrids in the next couple of weeks so it would make sense to replace the OEM with these and the sparks that you have another video with ?

[@StraightOuttaTheSandbox]

Tuning the car specifically for these is not needed but it will aid in performance. There is a check mark in MHD for upgraded couls

[@alexlee4929]

how's your turbos doing? I may be getting a set from them soon. And as always love the videos!

[@zachnorton5233]

Any noticable performance or fuel evonomy gains since install?

[@VehicularDIY]

I'm running a set of Audi coils now and I notice a difference in performance when running E85. You will find a video on my channel regarding the Audi R8 coil coversion.

[@Gendo3s2k]

...so if one of the coils die, I could throw on a spare ls coil while the replacement is in the mail?

[@VehicularDIY]

You mean a stock coil in it's place?

[@Gendo3s2k]

@@VehicularDIY yeah. Like, I have an ls engine, could I grab a coil from there and put it in my 335I?

[@BimmerTV]

Good information in this video. I agree with what @Jake Spence said as well.

[@kingme6109]

Can u do the same think to a 2005 BMW 645Ci

[@VehicularDIY]

You could but would need special metal brackets to hold the coils for that engine.

[@jacobhauenstein]

I am on MHD2+, so around 400whp, below 500 for sure, I have those coils installed, you are saying I should not switch over to them in MHD?

[@VehicularDIY]

If you have enough spark dwell where it's not misfiring then yeah no need to tell MHD to drive them harder as that can be harder on the ECU.

[@sammyjames1929]

If your going to need coils like that shouldn't you be getting a professional custom tune?

[@VehicularDIY]

By the times coils like this would be required you'd likely already have a custom tune. Even stock turbo on ethanol etc.

[@mikkihintikka7273]

i hit 540hp now and my target is 600hp with ethanol so are these coilpacks good for that?

[@VehicularDIY]

I made a video on converting my car to run on R8 coils. I'd recommend those.

[@mikkihintikka7273]

@@VehicularDIY thanks💪

[@greentom]

Would you change your stock coils on an unmodified engine ( 140000km) preemptivly just for maintance?

[@guillermolopez1690]

Their supposed to be changed every 30,000 miles/ 50,000 KM on an unmodified car. No need to upgrade IMO unless you plan to push beyond 450 whp in the near future.

[@VehicularDIY]

Not necessarily, it might not hurt to have one new coils with you as a spare. If you're going to tune it then yes they should be changed but stock I wouldn't worry.

[@bigfwopl4873]

hmmmmm....I'm running Delphi coil packs at 453 wheel with no issue

[@apexholland7427]

Great content

[@amoslutaaya5257]

Do u need to tune for the coils, like with MHD

[@VehicularDIY]

No you don't.

[@StraightOuttaTheSandbox]

Not needed. But there is a checkbox in MHD for upgraded coils that should net more performance

[@clivechalres4183]

What's. A Ms81 where does it go how do I upgrade it please

[@VehicularDIY]

MSD81 came out with LCI models, it's the DME or ECU and it has an upgraded power rail and transistors so you don't burn them up.

[@JQ_Unity]

You didn't talk about smart vs dumb. Imo smart coils are better. I run Audi/vw coilpacks. Ngk makes em.

[@VehicularDIY]

I did mention it when referring to R8 coils at one part of the video. My next video is going to be on upgrading the MOSFETs in the DME for early cars with the MSD80 ECU. Smart coils could potentially save you burning out a MOSFET, I'm not sure how much power the Audi coils can support.

[@JQ_Unity]

Vehicular DIY they support about 700 to the wheels.

[@VehicularDIY]

Nice, good to know thanks.

[@quik5ltr]

I went with the Audi coils from Bimmer life, unbelievable now smooth the car runs and idles. Which plugs do you use and what gap are you running ?

[@TheRealHypervizor]

@@quik5ltr With BL coils I run the NGK iridiums 95770s (not sure if the product name is still the same) @ out the box gap of .25. That's FBO stock turbo's on mhd stage 2+. When I finally install my stage 3 hybrids i'll try .22 or .20

[@socalbmwla]

Will these work for n55? I will buy them ASAP

[@twinscrolled]

I have them on my E90 N55 but had to work around some things since the N55 kit was designed for the F series N55 cars.

[@twinturbo8304]

Cool

[@DkKristie]

Why wouldn’t you just go the ones from Precision race works which proven for people to make over 750whp for around the same price I mean 30 difference or more. I just don’t know how good they are until people actually put them to the test but great video keep it up like to see what your N54 will make

[@VehicularDIY]

Mostly to get you guys content and show you something new. More interesting really. The PR coils have proven themselves on many high HP builds so they're definitely a safe bet, I'd imagine the Spool coils will compare but I'll never be able to push them to their limit.

[@ejk2482]

Outro song please?

[@redactedmind7115]

Anyone using ECS built Performance updated coil?

[@jhrodriguez08]

So moving from pencil coils to coil and wires ? It’s almost like having a distributor with rotor and contacts plus the capacitor 😂

[@Godsy_Garage]

Hey I live in the Houston area we’re area you based man?

[@VehicularDIY]

I'm in Houston too.

[@shneidersevere1726]

What about the precision race work ignition system for the n54

[@VehicularDIY]

They have proven to be effective on many cars.

[@TDCfiero]

So... lots of wrong in this video, I'll try to help. Those aren't anything near LS coils, Google a LS coil and you'll see. Not even close, wires different and everything. Spool and PR are both in Houston, Spool either completely copied the PR design, which is unique from the AEM, or copied the AEM. Their helix is nice, but product is a knock off of others. None of these are an OTS coil. That coil shell is off the shelf as a mercury marine coil that is wound for CDI. You cannot buy these in a store. The transistor grounds are shared, yes. The drive circuit ground for the coil is different. Injector mosfet fail because of flyback voltage, coil igbt are fine. For the resistance you're measuring secondary I presume, not primary. You can't measure secondary on OEM coils. Primary resistance is what the DME sees and wouldn't be 8, it should be closer to 0.5ohm. The secondary also isn't 8, it's more like 8,000ohm. Higher is generally better on secondary, but design matters too. Gap of .019" or .022" I presume you meant, not .19" or .22" Nice marketing video though.

[@mariomunoz7167]

So what upgraded ignition coils do you recommend for an f87 m2? Fbo.