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

Probably all in my head. 2001 88k miles. Do I need to change them to regain any lost power?

If they are the original plugs, you should change around 80,000 to 100,000 miles. I think BMW recommends 100,000. Mike Miller suggests every 60,000 or so. If you replace with OE plugs from the dealer, which are more expensive than compatable plugs from aftermarket sources, they can last 80,000 - 100,000 miles according to BMW. If you go aftermarket, plan on changing every 40,000 - 50,000 miles. I would go with NGK or Bosch OE from the dealer, but if you decide to go aftermarket, I would go NGK.

I changed at 65000. It was so easy I will do every 50k. I used NGK

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.

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 :D. 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!!!

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.

Better to over maintain than neglect. 80-100k is a good mark for a lot of replacement items..entire cooling system, MAF, precat 02's, diffs, transfer case, transmission (should be the second time this was done), plugs (Autozone for $8 each). You should have probably replaced pads, if not at least replaced the fluid.

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.