Spark plugs brand: NGK vs NGK Iridium vs Bosch

[mtthmpsn]

Yep. It's a straight six with all plugs on the US passenger side after you remove the engine caps, 2 10mm nuts, oil cap, engine cover, connectors and coils (see DIY link I sent earlier). The plugs near the firewall can be a bit tricky - you need a socket extension long enough to get to the plug but not so long that the ratchet hits the overhanging body. I also highly suggest a torque wrench with the new ones to ensure you don't under/over tighten (spec is in DIY; I think 18-20 ft-lbs).

[babyduke]

Originally Posted by mtthmpsn

Yep. It's a straight six with all plugs on the US passenger side after you remove the engine caps, 2 10mm nuts, oil cap, engine cover, connectors and coils (see DIY link I sent earlier). The plugs near the firewall can be a bit tricky - you need a socket extension long enough to get to the plug but not so long that the ratchet hits the overhanging body. I also highly suggest a torque wrench with the new ones to ensure you don't under/over tighten (spec is in DIY; I think 18-20 ft-lbs).

Thank you so kindly!

[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

[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.

[spork]

Greetings everyone-

I spent some time this morning on the phone with NGK headquarters discussing the proper spark plug for the BMW x5 (all engines).

The answer is NGK BKR6EQUP

They specifically do not recommend the bkr6eix as it is in their words- an inferior plug and fouls more often, and needs to be replaced no longer than every 20k miles.

The BKR6EQUP has a stronger electrode , comes gapped correctly at .032 and will last longer with better results all around.

By the way- if you see the #3199 before or after the NGK or BKR6EQUP, that number is simply a stock number used by the auto parts stores.

[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

[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 -

[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