SPARK PLUGS

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by dkl

FSETH,
The question isn't really the difference between the OEM NGK plug and iridium, it's whether the BMW branded NGK laser platinum BKR6EQUP (BMW stock #12129071003) = NGK branded laser platinum BKR6EQUP (NGK stock #3199).

The rep never really clearly answered that question for me. At the end of the day, if they are the same exact plug as OEM, then there is no point paying more at the dealer. I would like to see some proof though to make me feel better about it.

[salia]

Fseth,

The INSPECTION II shows the following:

Items Covered on Inspection II Undercarriage

• Change engine oil and filter while engine is at normal operation temperature.
• Check transmission for leaks.
• Check rear axle for leaks.
• Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
• Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
• Check power steering system for leaks.
• Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
• Examine brake disc surfaces.
• Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
• Grease wheel center hubs.
• Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
• Check front control arm bushing for wear.
• Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
• Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
• Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
• Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.
• Check thickness of parking brake linings.
• Half-shafts; check for leaks at flexible boots.
• Inspect entire body according to terms of rust prevention limited warranty.

Engine Compartment

• Read out diagnostic system
• Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
• Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
• Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
• Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
• Check air conditioner for operation.
• Reset Service Indicator.
• Replace spark plugs.
• Replace intake air cleaner element.

Body/Electrical Equipment

• Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
• Perform batter load test.
• Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.

[FSETH]

Dealer didn't change my plugs during inspection II.

I have always heard that they are good for around 100k. That is also what the NGK rep told me today, 80-100k for OEM.

[m5james]

I've put my .02 in. Hopefully Killcrap or Weasel will jump into the ring.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by FSETH

The rep never really clearly answered that question for me. At the end of the day, if they are the same exact plug as OEM, then there is no point paying more at the dealer. I would like to see some proof though to make me feel better about it.

I kinda doubt the NGK rep even knows that answer. What the rep is saying is the NGK OEM plug - BKR6EQUP - will last 80-100K miles. But that doesn't mean that is the same thing as the BMW PN.

I think I will pull a plug from my motor and see what it is. I know on the Audi the factory plug was a Bosch and there was no Audi PN listed on it - only the Bosch PN.

[m5james]

Originally Posted by CharlieHustleX5

Days later, replaced them with NGK Iridiums....Couldn't be happier with that decision.

Off the shelf NGK's from an autoparts store or the stealership? People keep referring to you and your Bosch experience and are trying to relate it to the NGK's also.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by c4racer

I kinda doubt the NGK rep even knows that answer. What the rep is saying is the NGK OEM plug - BKR6EQUP - will last 80-100K miles. But that doesn't mean that is the same thing as the BMW PN.

I think I will pull a plug from my motor and see what it is. I know on the Audi the factory plug was a Bosch and there was no Audi PN listed on it - only the Bosch PN.

Your plugs are probably going to be Bosch, so that may not help with NGK part numbers.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by FSETH

Your plugs are probably going to be Bosch, so that may not help with NGK part numbers.

right. It is interesting that my Audi S4 had the NGK's from the factory and I replaced those with Bosch. Not dealer units either - from the parts store. They work just fine.

BTW - the NGK's in there had an Audi label on them, but the Audi PN was not used. So I am unsure what that means if anything. NGK might just stamp the Audi logo on the standard plug and call it a day.

On the boards it seems that everybody I have seen post including several Audi tuner shops all use the parts store OEM NGK plug, not the one from the Audi dealer. No issues reported. The motor is very similar to the BMW motor - both are 340hp from the factory and 4-valve V8's in the mid 4L range that rev to 7K.

One thing I am thinking - why would NGK make a special plug for BMW when Bosch is used in the factory? I am thinking probably they did not.

Bosch may have - they were used at the factory, so there would be more incentive.

[MESTRE]

Hello everyone!!! I've been reading this thread and wondering if this could be my problem, if it is, then it is proof that you should really spend the extra money and get "oem bmw recommended", because I got my plugs replaced about 4k miles ago from the original plugs at 117k miles to the bosh platinum +4 plugs, at first it worked fine just like the oem, and I found it very hard to believe that the recommended plugs were any more special then the regular off the shelf bosh, now I'm stuck with a problem, my car does not want to start, it start having a hard starting in the morning, and now does not want to start at all, the fuel filter is brand new, replaced it with the plugs, fuel pump works, checked crank sensor, cam sensor, everything seems to work fine, but the darn car won't start, now I'm considering going to get NGK's recommended plugs and try. Did anyone ever have any similar issue or any ideas if I should look for anything else.


Thanks everyone,



2002 x5 4.4i

[m5james]

I still don't know why +4's were used in the X5 anyways. I'd go w/ NGK Iridiums from the cheapest place you can get them and be done w/ it.