SPARK PLUGS

[m5james]

Originally Posted by JCL

While it is certainly possible that several real Bosch plugs failed, I would wager that you unknowingly purchased counterfeit parts.

Counterfeit automotive maintenance items account for up to 10% of parts sold in the US in certain high-moving categories, according to some studies. Back in 2006 it was estimated to be a $3b industry in the US alone. Parts often fail within several hundred miles.

This is not a reason to beat on Bosch plugs (since NGK is targeted at least as often, as are AC, Motorcraft, and others), but it is a reason to purchase critical parts from the dealer. Sure, they are more expensive. You are likely to avoid this particular issue, however. Remember too that the retailers won't know where the parts came from, they will just know that they got a good price. The counterfeiting is at the manufacturing and distribution level, not at the retail level.

I've bought crappy radiators (another cracked neck), waterpumps (counter guy insisted the plastic impellar is all they had) and a thermostat (3wk old replacement failed and seized shut 2hrs from my house) from the dealership before when I didn't have the time to wait for them in the mail when my 7 overheated on a jobsite. I find it hard to believe that BMW is buying them from anyone else but the same people. Distributors are everywhere, they goto the mom and pop shops along w/ the dealerships. Sometimes it just comes down to brand, not the retailer. BMW is trying to buy low and sell high, just like everyone else.

Originally Posted by MESTRE

Thanks for the eye opening advice, will definitely pay attention to new parts bought, is there anyway to check on differences between counterfeit and actual real product???

Thanks again.

In regards to JCL's reply, that is the question of the day!