Bosch spark plugs 582, R3

[babyduke]

X5 3.0i 126K miles

Just replaced the spark plugs with NGK Iridium. Much easier than I thought thanks to youtube videos and feedback from many of you here. Also, picking up this magnetic was huge! Gear Wrench 5/8" x 6" Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket 80546: Advance Auto Parts

Couple questions
1) Old spark plugs removed were Bosch 582 R3 and it had BMW stamped on it. Does this mean they were replaced before? I first leased for 3yrs then purchased my X5 so technically I'm the original owner. If they were replaced, I'm assuming it was done at the dealership when I ended the lease and purchased it. It had to go through a complete inspection/service before I took possession.

2) I purchased the NGK Iridium spark plugs from Amazon. Car runs fine after I replaced them but how do I know these 6 spark plugs are all good?

[Ricky Bobby]

1) Not sure if they were OE plugs or not - but they probably were original if you are the only owner and never changed them, end of lease service or even Inspection II to my knowledge doesn't address spark plugs

2) If the car runs fine - they are good. Drive for another 80k-100k miles and then you may need to replace them again, maybe.

I just put in Iridium's as well, very pleased.

[StephenVA]

I can help answer your question. The logo plugs are inserted in the factory and are also available through the dealer service lines. Most dealers install the unbranded plug as it provides a 32% greater margin on the parts invoice. They just use the same part number and bill the owner accordingly.

The NGK Iridium plugs as Ricky Bobby mentioned will provide great service, long life and provide a little more tip in acceleration response.
Enjoy!

[Ricky Bobby]

^I love when you give away dealer secrets - which is why I went for the Delphi coils in the Delphi box when I refreshed my ignition, rather than pay 55% more for "Genuine BMW" Delphi coils in a blank box with a BMW part #

[white46]

1. probably those plugs were installed from factory.

2. if the car runs find without missfire or CEL, consider the plugs are good.

[babyduke]

If those plugs were the original, I got real lucky I got 126K miles out of them.

[StephenVA]

With today's ignition systems, especially Coil on Plug Ignition, the ability to deliver increased dwell to ensure coil saturation (hi-power) and a clean long (mili seconds) plug burn time is a technology wonder compared to old style one coil to many plugs, wires, cap, rotor, etc.

As the plug wears, the coil just increases output to jump the gap, carbon buildup etc. all the way to the coil over heating on long extended runs. Most owners never notice a plug change at 100k, so you are not alone. If you measured the improvements, you will see an increased fuel economy (check them tires pressures), tip in acceleration response, and lower emissions.

Your butt dyno needs a little tuning

I have seen cars with out any side electrodes left after 150K that the owner did not notice anything. "It cranked a long time to get it to start"....daaaaa

[StephenVA]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

^I love when you give away dealer secrets - which is why I went for the Delphi coils in the Delphi box when I refreshed my ignition, rather than pay 55% more for "Genuine BMW" Delphi coils in a blank box with a BMW part #

Yep

When I worked for Dana Corp we owned Borg Warner Ign, Accell Ign, Napa, Nieghoff, Beck Arnley, Mr Gasket, Hurst, and a host of other Engine management components. We built everyone's coils. Want it yellow? = Accel, Blue?= Ford Motorsports, everyone else got black with a decal.....
I was funny to watch the packers picking up a coil and slapping on a competitors decal and sliding it into a corresponding box. OE parts with logos destined for factories and dealer service distribution center and then to your local dealer for installation or resale. Always interesting to say the least.

When I worked for Champion, we built a TON of OE parts with logos and all. Audi, Mercedes, BMW plugs logos and all. All shipped without boxes as they were packed in Styrofoam bricks holding 12 or 24 plugs depending on the customer's specs. I still have a whole collection for "show and tell".

Delphi, the old Delco Remy GM company, was spun off from GM to go after world wide demand for quality parts. They are one of Dana's main competitors.

The term for all of this is WORLD SOURCING. That why a lot has moved to China and India as the cost to produce killed US factory Hi costs. The only saving factor is poor quality from outsourcing that is bringing back a few opportunities.

[Ricky Bobby]

Yes I noticed that the Delphi coils are Chinese made but they do look robust quality - I'm sure that has happened within the last 10 years or so, but when TiAgX5 posted a year or two ago that he paid for Genuine BMW coils (Bremi) for his M62 at the dealership and found them Chinese made and was furious, I figured a lot of these parts are world sourcing and just being packaged differently. Which is why I always recommend the $15 GKN boot kits vs. $45 "Genuine" outer cv axle kits, etc....

[StephenVA]

That is a great example and answers the question how do you want to buy the right item. In a BMW logo box or from the manufacture w/o the dealer mark up.

Another real world industry example
Dana makes 90% of the carb rebuilding kits in the world. One part number is made for the last Dodge Dakota so equipped. Manufacturing costs $5.50, the part is only available thru Chrysler Parts Distr, Dealer retail $55.00+.

We could go on and on. Buy the right products for the right application and install. Technology moves forward every day.