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

[X5SilverBeast]

Originally Posted by m5james

I'm HARD on all my vehicle, so I'm more proactive when it comes to maintenance vs most who are reactive. I replace things before they break, so then I can PLAN on having a vehicle down instead of the stresses of having it leave me on the side of the highway, middle of a road trip, etc when I count on it the most. I'm still blown away when customers bring me their cars and I start going down a grocery list with them of things that are wrong, far overdue, etc as they're wonder why it's wobbly, bad gas mileage, has that oily/burning smell, whatever. The cost of being proactive is cheaper than the stress, towing costs, headaches and inevitable downtime of just waiting till it breaks. Just my .02.

I don't remember how thorough the inspections were, but I remember feeling a little better about purchasing used cars when I lived in VA. To me it was basically a state mandated "get off your ass" way of making people maintain their vehicles at least a little better...or pay out the ass to get a inspection sticker from a shady shop.

Completely agree. Wife and I are the same. Drive on average of 20-30K a year on all cars. We drive hard and fast. Got tickets to prove it. lol. We drive around 300-500 miles a week and the cars get a ton of use. Which reminds me, I need to change rear control arms and ball joints on the 540i.

On a side note, took a huge hit replacing the ENTIRE cooling system on the 540. went the zionsville route, change all hoses, belt drive, intake gaskets, vac lines, and valley pan. I was amazed how easy they are to work on. Just time consuming. It's really funny when I tell people that I do all the work on the X and 540i. They are completely shocked that I have the nuts to touch a bmw. Never went to tech school, just bought the bentley manual and became a member here & bimmerforums. Tons of useful info.

I did some side work for the wife's coworker 96 grand cherokee. This lady overheated the engine for long periods of time and was shocked when she ended up blowing a head gasket. I was like .