Spark Plugs?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Silver 5

I got the number from a bmw parts vender. Then went to Autozone with the NGK part number NGK BKR6EQUP and they had it. I didn't ask the guy behind the counter for plugs for my X5. How can they differ if the part numbers are the same?

The three plugs that fit are the EGP, EIX, and EQUP. All are different prices, and different technologies, but they all have the same dimensions and threads. Real OEM lists the EQUP as the original part number, although I don't have a BMW cross-reference handy, that may be a changed-up number since the vehicle was manufactured. If your BMW parts vendor was a dealer, and not aftermarket, then you can be comfortable with the accuracy of the part number that was provided.

The part is well over $20 at a dealer, listed at $16.63 at Real OEM, and you paid $6.xx. If the part is new stock, actually made by NGK and not a counterfeit, and that part number you list, that's a great price. There are several reasons why parts can be sold for such a discount. If it was a loss-leader sale to get you in the door, great, congratulations. If it doesn't last 100,000 miles like the original is designed to do, you may want to investigate to see why. I am just cautioning others that there isn't just one plug made by NGK, and there are often reasons why parts are very cheap. In my industry we regularly deal with counterfeit industrial machinery parts. Ignition parts for vehicles are famous for this. Often the retailers don't know they are selling counterfeit parts. You may want to look on the NGK site where they list the ways of identifying counterfeit NGK spark plugs. Just a caution. If they are the real thing, then great, good job.

Jeff