Please take a look at these spark plugs

[bigtisas]

I am a new E34 owner. I just replaced the old spark plugs with NGK. The old plugs had been in the car for 2-3 years. By looking at the old plugs, can we tell how healthy the engine is?

TIA,
David
92 E34 525ia 151k miles

[shogun]

http://www.centuryperformance.com/spark2.asp

[bigtisas]

Forgot to upload the pic of the plugs. Here you go.


http://taxaid.net/gooddrink/sparkplugs.jpg

[ryan roopnarine]

my monitor is really, really dark, so i might miss something. i have an unused f7lcdr on my desk. those look like a slightly lean (ie OK for a modern engine, because they usually tend towards that). the gaps look like they've been in for 30k miles or so, maybe causing a little lope in your idle by now. they look like normal, ready to be replaced plugs to me.

[indierthanthou]

way off topic, i just realized what your quote is from!

gotta love pulp fiction

[SnakeyesTx]

For being in there for 3 years, they look pretty darn good. Electrodes aren't worn, and they're not excessively ashy. Lean is mean, but your motor isn't running too lean. Looks like you have a pretty healthy motor there :D

[bigtisas]

Good to know. Thanks folks.