Spark plugs brand: NGK vs NGK Iridium vs Bosch

[babyduke]

Would this be the correct choice? 5/8" x 6"
Gear Wrench 5/8" x 6" Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket 80546: Advance Auto Parts

[Ricky Bobby]

^^YES! I picked one up at Pep Girls last week, the magnetic socket is so much better than the rubber one - I threw out my old rubber spark plug socket lol

[StephenVA]

That back one nearest the firewall is the hardest but it is just a question of taking your time.
If you are planning a life of DIY on this and additional vehicles, may I suggest that it maybe a good time to think of investing in a great selection of automotive hand tools. These will provide a Rate of Return (ROI) that will measure 3x your investment in a few months. Most simple tools like sockets, combo wrenches (Open on one end box end on the other) will provide a positive return on one or two usage. See Sears Craftsman tool sets to get you started.
Buying a set will provide additional saving compared to "as needed tools" due to the fact they match and compliment each other.

Pay attention to needing 16MM sockets and wrenches as they typically are missing in most metric wrench and socket sets and our X5 tend to use them on everything.

Oh and buy that Bosch spark plug gaping tool they have also.
Bosch Spark Plug Gap Gauge Y101150379BOS: Advance Auto Parts

[lo_jack]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

Yep besides cylinder 6 which is tricky with the length of extension but extremely doable, just take off the engine cover and pop each coil out individually and R&R - spark plugs on these cars are very easy - I'm doing the Iridiums this weekend with new Delphi coils just as preventative spring maintenance at my mileage of 86k and 13 years of age

OEM coils don't tend to call it quits until well over 100k, and when they go, they go and you can tell. I had a BMW tech in my other car club (pontiac 3.8 v6, go figure) and he advised me to hold onto those oems until they absolutely croak.

He also advised me to use NGKs. Japanese plug in a German car...but they tend to like them across most BMW, not just E53/M54.

[Ricky Bobby]

I got a good deal on the Delphi (OE for the M54) coils from a distributor for $150 for the set - I probably wouldn't pay the $300-400 for Genuine BMW coils - for one the coils I have are the exact same Genuine coils just in a Delphi box instead of BMW, and 2, I agree the OE coils are robust - I was just putting in Iridiums and wanted to do the whole set of coils while I was in there

OE coils for the M54 are currently made by Delphi and no longer Bosch as I cross referenced RealOEM for my 9/2003 built X5 earlier this week -

[mr_robot]

Originally Posted by StephenVA

Use these, you will be happier in the long run.

From NGK website
The Spark Plug Serious Enthusiasts Rely On

Designed specifically for the performance enthusiast. Iridium IX® offers extreme ignitability, improved throttle response and superior anti fouling

Fine Iridium tip ensures high durability and a consistently stable spark
Iridium alloy has extremely high melting point, perfect for today’s high-tech, high-performance engines
Trivalent Metal Plating - superior anti-corrosion and anti-seizing properties
Outstanding acceleration, high fuel efficiency and durability
Ultimate design, technology and performance.
NGK WEBSITE: https://www.ngksparkplugs.com/produc...ugs/iridium-ix

BUY AND USE A GAPING TOOL GAP setting is .032"

Buy the BKR6EIX as it is designed for .032 gap setting
The other part number is BKR6EIX-11 is designed for .044 gap setting

.032” gap setting is correct for the n62b48? All sites show.044” for the 4.8is.

Just confirming before I order a set.

[StephenVA]

NGK Plugs and gap settings for X5's

3.0
Iridium IX Part No. BKR6EIX, Stock No 6418, Plug gap .032”
Ruthenium HX Part No. FR6AHX-S, Stock 94279, Plug Gap .032”

4.4
Iridium IX Part No. BKR6EIX, Stock No 6418, Plug gap .032”
Ruthenium HX Part No. FR6AHX-S, Stock 94279, Plug Gap .032”

4.6is
Iridium IX Part No. BKR6EIX, Stock No 6418, Plug gap .032”
Ruthenium HX Part No. FR6AHX-S, Stock 94279 , Plug Gap .032”

4.8is
Iridium IX Part No. ZFR6H11, Stock No 6441 Plug gap .044”
Lazer iridum part No. IZFR6HFIX-11 stock No. 4294 (OE plug)
Ruthenium HX Part No. FR6AHX-S, Stock 94279, Plug Gap .044”

I added the newest plug the "Ruthenium" that has some added burn enhancements and longevity properties. In the engine world nothing stands still. Technology is always moving forward.

Note corrected info
2/17/2019

[StephenVA]

Plug tools to add to your tool box that will make your life easier

GearWrench (KD 41740)
3 Piece 5/8 in. Magnetic Universal Spark Plug Service Kit
MFG: GEARWRENCH
Part No: 41740
Item Number: KD 41740
In stock: Yes www.tooltopia.com
MSRP: $84.20
PRICE:
$36.69

Thexton (THX492)
Spark Plug Installer/Remover Kit
MFG: THEXTON
Part No: 492
Item Number: THX492
In stock: Yes www.tooltopia.com
MSRP: $14.15
PRICE:
$11.34
Features and Benefits:

Start and remove spark plugs in deeply recessed cylinder spark plug holes
Set includes 3" and 6" plug starters
6" length is designed for coil-on plug applications and other engines with recessed spark plugs
The shorter version is for other applications where space is limited
Can't reach or safely start spark plugs in deep recessed holes? This kit contains the tools to fit most spark plugs especially coil-on-plug. Tools are made of flexible, heat-resistant plastic to reach into recessed areas or over, under and around hot manifolds. Shaft is stepped to grip insulator. Non-slip, black grip surface for sure handling.

Bosch Spark Plug Gap Guage - 0986600000
Part # Y101150379BOS
In Stock: Yes https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...bos/10853051-P

[andrewwynn]

I had a bad experience using other than OE plugs (they lasted less than 30,000 miles) so I stick with the NGK on our 3.0s now. I've exclusively used bosch platinum on previous cars though, and if other people have good luck with them i wouldn't recommend against them. I don't have a 4 wire gap tool, but was careful to check the cardboard protection tube was intact and each plug looked as if factory gap was identical.

[StephenVA]

Plugs manufacturers actually make a tool to check the gap on the older style three/four prong ground strap plugs. Looks like a small steel tube. NO ONE buys one. They assume the factory knows what they are doing and just screw them in. 99% of the time they are golden.

Regarding plug manufactures and good VS bad experiences, in the mid '80s to late 90's, gasoline in the US was in a constant state of change (see winter blend mandates in CA and New England). This mix of solutions to gov mandates resulted in combustion temps that were and still are 100 degrees colder at idle when compared to lead based fuels. Add in NOX reduction attempts (Early EGR valves, etc)and other engineering first steps and you get poor running engines where the plug got the blame. Too many techs relied on one example to assume everything was bad. I spent way too many hrs dealing with "Bloc Heads"and bench racers at dealerships and race tracks that I now twitch uncontrollably at the conversations.....

In response, most manufacturers revamped their plug heat range recommendations and at the same time introduced precious metal plugs that provided the added flex in performance that mitigate gas variations.

All brands/plugs that are the right heat range, sizing, and fit for our applications will deliver as they were designed. The newer releases from every plug brand will be an improvement from the OE single ground strap "copper plugs" (REALLY OLD STYLE) to multi-prong plugs that were all the rage in 1998. The precious metal plugs like the NGK IX will provide a driver noticeable improvements in tip in acceleration, idle stability, and longer running life. On the 4.8is they came with the first versions of the NGK IX as OE installed.

I just pulled a set of plugs out that had 70K of idling, highway, and city short runs. The gap was on target to .020" wider on the cyl that were nearest the firewall. Car ran fine. The installation of new plugs and boots resulted in a return to smoother idle and an improvement in tip in. All normal results. Could the driver tell? NO. She noticed the car was washed and vacuumed that is all.

I would recommend the IX and any other brand to everyone based on real world results.

Helpful? As I did not want to add to a "my brand is better than your brand" back fires and mud slinging. Disclaimer: I worked for Champion in a previous life for what that is worth. As there were lots of individuals who were my counterparts who could have cared less about cars other than at work. They were into to golf...