Spark plugs brand: NGK vs NGK Iridium vs Bosch

[babyduke]

2005 X5 3.0i 126K miles

NGK BKR6EQUIP
NGK IRIDIUM BKR6EIX
BOSCH FGR7DQP

Which should I use? I see many recommendation for NGK Iridium but someone mentioned the Iridium part cannot touch the connector whatever that means. I thought for spark plugs, you basically remove the old part and screw back the new ones to a proper torque.

Also, are NGK spark plugs made in china?

[mtthmpsn]

I just put those iridium ones in my '06 3.0i @ 143k miles. I've heard you shouldn't gap the iridium but I think they come within spec when ordered so not sure it's needed. There's a DIY thread here I used and plenty of other threads on the subject if you do a search:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...m-bkr6eix.html

Not sure the iridium made a difference in performance/mileage but the plugs I pulled out didn't look too bad. My understanding is iridium are recommended as they can provide both longevity and performance whereas platinum plugs don't perform as well and copper plugs don't last as long. But I'm sure there's a lot of guys that know more about this than me.

[kvc]

I just replaced mine with the NGK platinum ones (NGK BKR6EQUIP) as per specifications for the N-62 motor. The OEM bosch plugs I pulled out @ 140,000 kms were a bit sad, but not totally stuffed. Have not noticed any difference in performance or economy (only done 100 kms ago). Changing plugs was not a difficult task at all. I laid out the coils in the order I removed them, so they all went back on the same cylinder. Oh - and by the way, NGK are made in Japan and probably one of the best spark plugs you can get (all my petrol/gas/lpg vehicles, stationary motors and machines have them).

[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

[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 (Updated 4/28/2020)

3.0
Laser Platinum Part No. BKR6EQUP Stock Number 3199 Plug Gap .032"*
Iridium IX Part No. BKR6EIX, Stock No 6418, Plug gap .032”
Ruthenium HX Part No. FR6AHX-S, Stock 94279, Plug Gap .032”

4.4
Laser Platinum Part No. BKR6EQUP Stock Number 3199 Plug Gap .032"*
Iridium IX Part No. BKR6EIX, Stock No 6418, Plug gap .032”
Ruthenium HX Part No. FR6AHX-S, Stock 94279, Plug Gap .032”

4.6is
Laser Platinum Part No. BKR6EQUP Stock Number 3199 Plug Gap .032"*
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.

* Actual OE plug

Note corrected info
4/28/20

[mr_robot]

Originally Posted by 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. IZFR6H11, Stock No 4294, Plug gap .044” (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.

Iridium IX part# is 6441

Laser Iridium is 4294

[crystalworks]

^Single tip NGK iridiums for all of my bimmers as well. Never had a problem.

[Ricky Bobby]

^I agree with Stephen to check the gap as well out of the box

[babyduke]

Thanks for all your input. Youtube videos on replacing E53 spark plugs seem to be for 4.4 engine which requires 8 pcs. Since mine's a 3.0i, I just need 6, correct? Are they located 3 on each side of the engine block when you take the cover off? Just wanted to clarify before ordering.