SPARK PLUGS

[juppalgae]

Hey guys, upon reviewing spark plugs threads here, many of you have tried either BOSCH or NGK. I'm planning on ordering them within a few days, so I would like to get some inputs from you who have used them.

Thanks!!!

[dkl]

Either should be fine since they're both OEM plugs. I've tried both (Bosch came equipped with the car, then swapped to the NGK recently on routine maintenance) and they performed equally well.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by dkl

Either should be fine since they're both OEM plugs. I've tried both (Bosch came equipped with the car, then swapped to the NGK recently on routine maintenance) and they performed equally well.

Just a side note: The Bosch plugs that come installed from the factory are NOT the same as the Platinum +4 plugs you can find at your preferred auto parts store. They may look identical, but there's a difference in how they perform.

I changed my plugs with the Bosch Platinum +4's @ 45k miles, expecting them to be an ideal replacement for the OEM Bosch plugs. After they were installed, I noticed poorer gas mileage, odd behaviors from the engine that seemed like misfires, and no "rejuvinating" feeling upon acceleration that I would normally experience after a spark plug change.

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

[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.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by m5james

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.

NGKs from the auto parts store.

BKR6EQUP is the same plug at the parts store and the dealership. There is no difference in them like the Bosch counterparts. I'll try to find the visual comparison photo I have, but performance wise I believe they are exactly the same.

[roadfrog]

For those who've gone for either.....were they the 4 electrode (+4) plugs? I've heard and read some less than favorable reviews about the Bosch +4's on other boards (though not neccesarily from BMW owners). When my son was Kart racing a few years back some drivers went with the +4's and quickly changed them back out for single electrode.

ON EDIT: Wow CharliehustleX5, you must have read my mind and posted at the same time I posted my response! Kinda confirms what I heard.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by roadfrog

ON EDIT: Wow CharliehustleX5, you must have read my mind and posted at the same time I posted my response! Kinda confirms what I heard.

Yeah, that is pretty coincidental judging by the times posted.



Just a quick snap of the Bosch plugs side by side. Minor cosmetic differences can be seen, while significant performance differences are noticed behind the wheel. Hard to understand why the 2 are so different.

[TheKingSim0n]

I went with NGK at around 117k. They were exact like OEM.

[FSETH]

I personally prefer Bosch, but there isn't anything wrong with the NGK's. Be sure you get the exact plugs BMW's recommends. Part numbers are important, not just brand names. You can look up your particular X here and see the exact part numbers for the OEM recommended Bosch and NGK plugs..

RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog

[X5rolls]

Originally Posted by FSETH

I personally prefer Bosch, but there isn't anything wrong with the NGK's. Be sure you get the exact plugs BMW's recommends. Part numbers are important, not just brand names. You can look up your particular X here and see the exact part numbers for the OEM recommended Bosch and NGK plugs..

RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog

Also different heat ranges (hotter or colder) will make a difference - getting the exact heat range for a replacement is key.