2nd Gen Coupe wrong spark plug, ok?

Discussion in '2nd Generation: 2007+ R55 through R61' started by MiniBilly, Nov 4, 2017.

  1. MiniBilly

    MiniBilly New Member

    Nov 4, 2017
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    #1 MiniBilly, Nov 4, 2017
    Last edited: Nov 4, 2017
    Recently installed Bosch ZQR8SI302 Iridium-Platinum Spark Plugs in our 2012 Mini R56 that were purchased at local parts store. Discovered after that ZQR8SI302 were recommended for years 2007-2010 only and deemed "non-compatible" on 2012.

    Will this create an issue?? Car runs mighty good after changing plugs at 85k miles.
     
  2. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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    Sorry I don't have any knowledge on your sparkplug conundrum but I can Welcome you to Motoring Alliance !!
     
  3. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Bosch plugs suck in a MINI you should run NGK’s.
     
  4. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    If that was my car I would only run the recommended plug in it. Seems like your parts store needs to swap plugs with you. I have found that buying parts from MINI shops pays dividends. The local parts place know less than zero about these cars.
     
  5. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Welcome to MA!

    Bosch is a good plug and I have used them many times in other cars, but like the rest I only use NGK in my mini. When I went to get plugs for my 02 the guy at the parts store told me that the type of NGK I wanted was only for motorcycles. If the thread and depth is the same it wont hurt you car they just might not last as long or are note the proper heat plug. Here is a good article about spark plugs and it list the correct ones.

    https://www.motoringalliance.com/library/theory-and-practice-22/a-basic-guide-to-spark-plugs-80/

    Also do you have a S or non S, and is it a R56 or R58. I ask because this in in the Coupe R58 section.

    Good luck let us know what you do It may help some mini owner.
     
  6. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    And, just a FYI, if you own a second generation MINI (R56) that was made in the first few years (2007 and 2008) and you are looking for parts online, it's going to get confusing. I keep seeing R52 (the first gen convertible 2004-2008) parts on Amazon and R56 buyers are buying the parts, then are confused/mad when they don't fit. That's because MINI made 2 completely different models in 2007-2008 and non-MINI people don't seem to get that you just can't call something a 2007 MINI Cooper part without asking 'hardtop or convertible'.

    It is worth while doing your own research into part numbers and working with vendors who know the history of the brand.
     

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