Go with the oem plug.

Damn, I just paid $25 at the dealer for those!

Odometer just turned 68k

stick with oem, unless you hardcore race your X5

NGK offer three different plugs for the 2000 X5 4.4, similar for other years/engines. Posters comparing prices should be aware that these for $6 are not necessarily the same as the ones the dealer is selling

I got the number from a bmw parts vender. Then went to Autozone with the NGK part number NGK BKR6EQUP and they had it. I didn't ask the guy behind the counter for plugs for my X5. How can they differ if the part numbers are the same?

The three plugs that fit are the EGP, EIX, and EQUP. All are different prices, and different technologies, but they all have the same dimensions and threads. Real OEM lists the EQUP as the original part number, although I don't have a BMW cross-reference handy, that may be a changed-up number since the vehicle was manufactured. If your BMW parts vendor was a dealer, and not aftermarket, then you can be comfortable with the accuracy of the part number that was provided.

The part is well over $20 at a dealer, listed at $16.63 at Real OEM, and you paid $6.xx. If the part is new stock, actually made by NGK and not a counterfeit, and that part number you list, that's a great price. There are several reasons why parts can be sold for such a discount. If it was a loss-leader sale to get you in the door, great, congratulations. If it doesn't last 100,000 miles like the original is designed to do, you may want to investigate to see why. I am just cautioning others that there isn't just one plug made by NGK, and there are often reasons why parts are very cheap. In my industry we regularly deal with counterfeit industrial machinery parts. Ignition parts for vehicles are famous for this. Often the retailers don't know they are selling counterfeit parts. You may want to look on the NGK site where they list the ways of identifying counterfeit NGK spark plugs. Just a caution. If they are the real thing, then great, good job. :thumbup:

Jeff

The plugs that are listed by BMW for my 4.6 are
SPARK PLUG, HIGH POWER BOSCH FGR7DQP 8 12120141871 $16.63
SPARK PLUG, HIGH POWER NGK BKR6EQUP 8 12129071003 $16.63

I agree with everything you said. Everyone should be aware that their are issues with discounted prices. But the plugs were identical even down the the writing on the plugs. As far as if they last 100,000 miles. I would never let my plugs go that long no matter what the dealer suggests. One batch of bad gas could foul out a plug. Maybe not enough that would cause any real noticeable differance. I never had a problem the car skipping, etc.. but I do feel that the X is alittle more responsive. I would not have found this out for another 32k miles.

Yeah I agree. On my e39 M5 I changed the plugs ever 20.000miles! It always kept the car running smooth and very responsive. Havent done a change yet on my 4.6is, its done only 14k, but going to change them shortly.