What spark plug do you guys recommend for my E53 4.8is?

[rogerkiu]

Hi all! Now I have 90k Kms on my E53 4.8is, due to the traffic condition in Hong Kong, the spark plugs are approaching their end of life. Now I am planning replace all spark plugs and ignition coils. I searched in Bosch and NGK website and found below spark plugs saying fit for my car:

Bosch FR7KPP332
NGK 4294
NGK 6441
NGK 7100

Which one do you guys recommed for better performance and longer life? In Realoem.com, it only shows Bosch. Moreover, regarding ignition coil, no search result in Bosch or NGK website, it also shows Bosch in Realoem.com for the coil.

Thanks for advice.

[jcp240z]

I don't have a 4.6 which takes a different plug. That said from what I've read a lot of people prefer the NGK. I believe BMW used both NGK and Bosch as factory plugs.

[525iT_Feen]

NGK: IZFR6H-11 which is the same as 4294

I never run nor recommend Bosch in any BMW and chances are, if they are original, you will be pulling an NGK plug out.

[Motorsport1207]

I just replaced my 4.8 is plugs with NGK iridium

[tmv]

NGK Iridium IX

[StephenVA]

There are two suppliers to BMW on the X5 NGK and Bosch.
Most of the US cars came with NGK out of the factory.
The OE plug is NGK, Part Number IZFR6H11 Stock No. 4294 OE Laser Iridium
The upgrade plug (was NOT available way back then) is Iridium IX Part Number ZFR6FIX-11, Stock No 6441.

More Information on these plugs NGK Spark Plugs USA

There are some who say use the multiple side electrode plugs like NGK 3199 More Information for NGK 3199
This is a step backwards in plug technology and the side effect is a slight harder start when cold due to the shrouding of the center of the electrode.
I have tried both and I would stay with the single fine wire center electrode for all around performance.

There are some who swear by a brand (pick one). Having worked for Champion Spark Plug Champion Spark Plugs for a few years, the real issue is heat range compatibility and center electrode materials and design. When the fine wire ones were introduced way back in the 80's the increase in performance was measurable (.5 sec on the qtr mile, 1 sec on a road track, and 2 MPG on a steady fuel economy run). Now days every car has them OE. (Except E39 M5 the engineers found the multiple side straps last longer so that is what we screw in there.)

Bottom Line: Screw in the Iridium IX Part Number ZFR6FIX-11, Stock No 6441 and you will be happy.
Where to buy? Try RockAuto Parts Catalog if you can not find them locally as I see you are in Hong Kong China.

[thrillcat]

Originally Posted by tmv

NGK Iridium IX

Put these in about 6 weeks ago.

[rogerkiu]

Thanks for comment!

How about ignition coil? Do you guys have any recommendation on ignition coil?

[StephenVA]

Are you having any miss fires on acceleration? The reason I ask is most coils last 100K. The OE ones are fine. See Penske parts for the OE number Penske Parts - Technical Diagrams & Parts Catalog

#1 *12131712219 *IGNITION COIL - BOSCH*(to 06/09) QTY 8 * $62.84
#1 *12137594938 *IGNITION COIL - BOSCH*(from 06/09) QTY 8 * $62.84 12137594938 was superseded by 12137594937.
#1 *12137594937 *IGNITION COIL - BOSCH*(from 06/09) QTY 8 * $64.71
#2 *12131437986 *LOCKING MECHANISM QTY 8 * $1.17

[g300d]

Originally Posted by StephenVA

There are two suppliers to BMW on the X5 NGK and Bosch.
Most of the US cars came with NGK out of the factory.
The OE plug is NGK, Part Number IZFR6H11 Stock No. 4294 OE Laser Iridium
The upgrade plug (was NOT available way back then) is Iridium IX Part Number ZFR6FIX-11, Stock No 6441.

More Information on these plugs NGK Spark Plugs USA

There are some who say use the multiple side electrode plugs like NGK 3199 More Information for NGK 3199
This is a step backwards in plug technology and the side effect is a slight harder start when cold due to the shrouding of the center of the electrode.
I have tried both and I would stay with the single fine wire center electrode for all around performance.

There are some who swear by a brand (pick one). Having worked for Champion Spark Plug Champion Spark Plugs for a few years, the real issue is heat range compatibility and center electrode materials and design. When the fine wire ones where introduced way back in the 80's the increase in performance was measurable (.5 sec on the qtr mile, 1 sec on a road track, and 2 MPG on a steady fuel economy run). Now days every car has them OE. (Except E39 M5 the engineers found the multiple side straps last longer so that is what we screw in there.)

Bottom Line: Screw in the Iridium IX Part Number ZFR6FIX-11, Stock No 6441 and you will be happy.
Where to buy? Try RockAuto Parts Catalog if you can not find them locally as I see you are in Hong Kong China.

Lots of interesting info here, thanks for sharing.

Can you elaborate on the difference between the Iridium 4294 and 6441?

I'd be interested to know how they are different from each other and what advantages the upgraded model gives.