Maintence questions - Exhaust popping - low oil?

STS-V · 27th June 2012, 18:37

Hi all,

New owner and I have a few quick questions to any of the experienced members on this board.

First off, I noticed recently (maybe after my filter, blockoff plates, scoops and pulley) that the car has A LOT more popping in the exhaust. Almost like back fire. It happens even when driving normally, like between up shifts.

Which brings me to my next issue - I have maintenance required on the spark plugs. Do you think this could be causing the new backfiring / popping in the exhaust? Which plugs do you guys recommend, and is it something I can do (or have my mechanic do) or should this just be a dealer trip? I see that "vehicle check" is required. Do I need a special tool to reset these warnings on the DIC?

I also have a note that I am quart low of oil. Which oil should I use, can I get it at autozone? Does the level reset itself accordingly? I remember seeing some posts that something needed to be done to reset the oil level indicator.

Thanks in advance for any helpful responses!

Tetova5 · 27th June 2012, 19:29

You can do the spark plugs yourself if you have the right tools. I just did mine and it was very easy just take your time don't rush. There's a write up on here if you search. As for the oil you wont find any at AutoZone. You have to go to the dealership for the castrol tws or order from sponsors. If you have liqui moly 10w60 you can get it online or see which store carries it. I got mine at Napa.

STS-V · 27th June 2012, 19:32

Thanks. Any idea which plugs? And how do I reset the DIC?

Tetova5 · 27th June 2012, 19:51

I used the ngk laser platinum LKR8AP. I used this video from YouTube different car but same in operation of DIC. YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

STS-V · 27th June 2012, 19:54

Do you think that plug is inferior to the factory replacement which is a NGK double platinum 4471?

Tetova5 · 27th June 2012, 20:33

LKR8AP is the part number for 4471. Its the same plug so yes. I found mine on ebay because they were cheaper

STS-V · 27th June 2012, 20:36

Thanks I ordered a set. Got the oil from my local BMW dealer in stock for $27 or something for 2 liters.

Any other advice on the other problems?

Tetova5 · 27th June 2012, 20:39

Does your exhaust pop a lot? Your air/fuel mixture might be off for all the changes done so you might wanna think about a tune. Just my thought I could be wrong but thats what was going on with my other car and once tuned it stopped.

STS-V · 27th June 2012, 20:40

Yes it does - and it seems like after I put on the intake scoops filter and pulley. I thought a tune wasnt required with those mods, as the engine computer "self learns." I checked for an exhaust leak, and found nothing.

Im almost wondering if a tune is necessary now.

Tetova5 · 27th June 2012, 20:47

Well you don't have to get a tune for those mods. Take off the negative side of battery for about 10 mins let it reset it computer and see what happens I know when I installed a cai on my GTO it did the same once I unplugged the battery it learned the mods. The directions also said to do so.