NGK Spark Plugs?

[pbuckler]

I will be replacing the spark plugs in my E53 very soon as I am approaching 100k miles. I have been shopping for NGK BKR6EQUP plugs and have found a wide variety of prices. My question is whether or not these plugs, found at my local parts store are the same as what some of the more expensive online import sites are selling. Like, Here and Here

[FSETH]

I don't think we have heard from anyone who can say 100% for sure either way.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ark-plugs.html

[pbuckler]

Thanks for the link to the thread. I think I will go with the NGK Iridiums.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by pbuckler

Thanks for the link to the thread. I think I will go with the NGK Iridiums.

No problem. Those should be just as good, if not better performance-wise. Just be sure to change them every 40-50k instead of the recommended 80-100k with OEM plugs.

[juppalgae]

Yes, they may be the same... but I was told that genuine NGK's last longer, approximately 100K. Anyway, I wasn't really in mood for experiments with Plat nor Ig. Plus, got a good deal from Morristown, NJ, so ended up buying the genuine parts. Good luck!

[Werewolf]

Not the same. Platinum is not Iridium. The Iridiums cost more and I guess are a 'higher-end' plug.

Will you notice a difference? Dunno

Best price I got for the Iridiums was thru Amazon when I bought

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by Werewolf

Not the same. Platinum is not Iridium. The Iridiums cost more and I guess are a 'higher-end' plug.

Will you notice a difference? Dunno

Best price I got for the Iridiums was thru Amazon when I bought

Yeah, the NGK OEM plugs are Platunim (or Laser Platinum), not Iridium. According to the NGK rep I spoke with, the OEM style Laser Platinums are meant to last longer and meet OEM standards for performance and life. Iridiums "may" give slightly better performance, but last half the mileage.

[m5james]

This is why I think the first 10 logons for new members should be limited to using the search button and/or posting in The Lounge. Works for M5 and some of the other boards I'm on.

In closing...you can get the same plugs from Autozone or your local parts store from $6-$9, they've been noted to make more power, but last about 1/2 as long as the stealerships $25 plug. So you can either have more power and replace them 3-4x every 50k (which is a super easy thing to do anyways) and pay less in the long run by the time you hit 200k miles, or pay 3-4x as much and still be forced to pay another $200 each 100k. I'd rather have the extra power and take 10 minutes outta my day every 50k as oppsed to having less power, spending more and still taking the 10 minutes outta my day, but at 100k.

[PSUEng]

I was an engineer for NGK. The quality of those plugs is second to none and that is the only brand of plug I use. Period. They make plugs for nearly every automaker. Again--I've seen the processes that make the plugs. The consistency from plug to plug is unreal. Very high quality.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by PSUEng

I was an engineer for NGK. The quality of those plugs is second to none and that is the only brand of plug I use. Period. They make plugs for nearly every automaker. Again--I've seen the processes that make the plugs. The consistency from plug to plug is unreal. Very high quality.

In your opinion, are the NGK 3199's from O'Reilly's (the first link in the original post) the same exact plug as the OEM BKR6EQUP's as listed through the orginal posters thrid link from Bav Auto?

BKR6EQUP is the part number from BMW for the original plug. These plugs are pretty expensive at the dealer and known BMW specialty stores $20+ each, but the 3199 (also labeled BKR6EQUP by some retailers and local parts stores) is much cheaper $10 or less. If it is that same exact plug, that would be great to know.