x5 - how often need to change spark plugs if at all?

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by X5SilverBeast

I usually change mine on the X5 & 540 every 20-30k. Keeps it a bit cleaner. NGK only. go to oreilly auto, 10x cheaper than the dealer.

20-30k seems like overkill on a modern BMW. By the way, I just called one of the dealers near me for a price quote on OEM NGK's and he told me BMW does not supply the NGK plug any longer. He said the Bosch plug is what is used now.

[X5SilverBeast]

Originally Posted by FSETH

20-30k seems like overkill on a modern BMW. By the way, I just called one of the dealers near me for a price quote on OEM NGK's and he told me BMW does not supply the NGK plug any longer. He said the Bosch plug is what is used now.

Yeah I know it does sound overkill, but for piece of mind, I say the hell with it. I've heard some M5 guys do the same. Thought I do the same and see how it runs compared to 50K or more. I've done this with the 540 since I bought 3.5yrs ago. I've put over 100K miles on it and she still purrrrrs like she was brand new. I think I have OCD when it comes to car maint.

The last time I went to the dealer just to see what they charged, $25ea sounds outrageous for the 540. I've used bosch plugs before and they had the tendency of backing out. Had really good luck with the NGK's. I've already done plugs on the X after the wife and I bought it. Had 78k in march and now at 94K. Probably change around 100-110K, but may go a little longer since the X's plugs cost more.

[1stE53]

Originally Posted by X5SilverBeast

Yeah I know it does sound overkill, but for piece of mind, I say the hell with it. I've heard some M5 guys do the same. Thought I do the same and see how it runs compared to 50K or more. I've done this with the 540 since I bought 3.5yrs ago. I've put over 100K miles on it and she still purrrrrs like she was brand new. I think I have OCD when it comes to car maint.

The last time I went to the dealer just to see what they charged, $25ea sounds outrageous for the 540. I've used bosch plugs before and they had the tendency of backing out. Had really good luck with the NGK's. I've already done plugs on the X after the wife and I bought it. Had 78k in march and now at 94K. Probably change around 100-110K, but may go a little longer since the X's plugs cost more.

I'm the same way with maintenance . I get so bored between the long oil change intervals, I seem to make up stuff I can do to it. Just wondering, how often do you guys change antifreeze? I love maintaining, HATE fixing!!!

[dkl]

Originally Posted by X5SilverBeast

Yeah I know it does sound overkill, but for piece of mind, I say the hell with it. I've heard some M5 guys do the same. Thought I do the same and see how it runs compared to 50K or more. I've done this with the 540 since I bought 3.5yrs ago. I've put over 100K miles on it and she still purrrrrs like she was brand new. I think I have OCD when it comes to car maint.

The last time I went to the dealer just to see what they charged, $25ea sounds outrageous for the 540. I've used bosch plugs before and they had the tendency of backing out. Had really good luck with the NGK's. I've already done plugs on the X after the wife and I bought it. Had 78k in march and now at 94K. Probably change around 100-110K, but may go a little longer since the X's plugs cost more.

M cars use different plugs than the X. That's why M5 guys do it more often. The X should be good for 80K-100K per what FSETH said. 30K for plugs is way overkill on the X5...just like guys that like to change oil every 3K-5K on the X.

[X5SilverBeast]

Originally Posted by dkl

M cars use different plugs than the X. That's why M5 guys do it more often. The X should be good for 80K-100K per what FSETH said. 30K for plugs is way overkill on the X5...just like guys that like to change oil every 3K-5K on the X.

I hear what you are saying. But 10-15K oil interval per BMW is nuts . I've done every 5K on both the X and the 540i. 96 pickup and my old honda got every 3K. I've done this kind of maint. on every vehicle I've owned. My truck has 173K, wife's old honda had 279K when sold, 540i has 175K and the X5 is at 94K. Not trying to compare BMW with chevy or honda. BMW also claims lifetime fluid on tranny and differential(atleast on the older ones, not sure what the new standard is), which I never trust. People are amazed when I pop the hood on all the rides and tell them the actual miles on them.

Really it is up to the owner. Everyone has a preference on car maint. Me, I love to tinker with cars. Grew up around cars and drag racing. So I pretty much live and breath cars. It truly is amazing seeing and hearing people that just get in the car and drive and never check issues that arise or take care of their car. Not saying that people here do that, but just from personal encounters and some friends that just don't take care of their car. then they act all surprised when their car breaks down.

Sorry for the long post, don't mean to thread jack. Just try to share my personal experience when it comes to car maint. By all means I'm not saying go by what I've said or do what I do. just my 2 cents.

[m5james]

Originally Posted by X5SilverBeast

I hear what you are saying. But 10-15K oil interval per BMW is nuts . I've done every 5K on both the X and the 540i. 96 pickup and my old honda got every 3K. I've done this kind of maint. on every vehicle I've owned. My truck has 173K, wife's old honda had 279K when sold, 540i has 175K and the X5 is at 94K. Not trying to compare BMW with chevy or honda. BMW also claims lifetime fluid on tranny and differential(atleast on the older ones, not sure what the new standard is), which I never trust.

The 10-15k intervals aren't all that unrealistic considering the fluid capacity of the oil pans, using a quality oil and BMW filters. I've read countless posts of people sending their oil to Blackstone Labs to have it analyzed and still have life left in the oil. I personally follow the lights on the dash but I do it sooner than later, meaning like 2 or 1 green left instead of waiting till it's yellow or red.

My highest mileage vehicle is a 90 S10 Blazer with 270k...transmission serviced every 75k, oil changes every 5k at the local Jiffy Lube for a measily $10-$15, which is cheaper and quicker than me doing it myself. The M5 has 198k, 740iL has 136k and X5 has 109k...Mobil 1 oils and BMW filters everytime.

I completely agree about the trans fluid, that was a bad call on BMW's part...50k on average for me.

[X5SilverBeast]

Originally Posted by m5james

The 10-15k intervals aren't all that unrealistic considering the fluid capacity of the oil pans, using a quality oil and BMW filters. I've read countless posts of people sending their oil to Blackstone Labs to have it analyzed and still have life left in the oil. I personally follow the lights on the dash but I do it sooner than later, meaning like 2 or 1 green left instead of waiting till it's yellow or red.

My highest mileage vehicle is a 90 S10 Blazer with 270k...transmission serviced every 75k, oil changes every 5k at the local Jiffy Lube for a measily $10-$15, which is cheaper and quicker than me doing it myself. The M5 has 198k, 740iL has 136k and X5 has 109k...Mobil 1 oils and BMW filters everytime.

I completely agree about the trans fluid, that was a bad call on BMW's part...50k on average for me.

It is finally great to see someone else that does take pride in their car maint. Well done on the m5 with 198k, that is outstanding. I wish every car owner would be like this. It is amazing how far vehicles will last when you stay on top of taking care of them. If everyone took care of the maint. like this, you probably wouldn't have to worry about getting a PPI done when buying(although I do recommend for piece of mind). Keep up the great work.

I get what you are saying as far as fluid capacity. I was blown away when I bought the 540 and seen it holds 8qts and the X at 8.5qts. Wasn't used to buying so much oil at once.

[aimtimes100]

Originally Posted by FSETH

20-30k seems like overkill on a modern BMW. By the way, I just called one of the dealers near me for a price quote on OEM NGK's and he told me BMW does not supply the NGK plug any longer. He said the Bosch plug is what is used now.

which is why i went with Bosch platinum +4 despite everyone using NGK.hopefully that choice doesn't come with any consequences.as far as when to replace them i go with every 50k