Spark plug replacement

[DallasDave X5M]

I'm surprised I couldn't locate anything on this forum regarding spark plug recommendations (unless I just completely missed it, lol).

It seems that the BMW service guide recommends new plugs every 30k miles. That seems quite frequent, but I'm up for it and certainly what to keep things running optimally. So, what brand of plugs should I purchase?

ECS has an option that looks great and the plugs are around $15ea (Brisk Silver Racing 2MOR10S Spark Plug), these are supposed to be better than OEM

FCP Euro has the OEM available for just over $27ea (BMW RB ZMR5TPP330 High Power Spark Plug - Genuine BMW 12120039634)

Is the consensus to just stay with the OEM? Our X5M is bone stock.

[Chilled]

Most go with the NGK 97506, but if you are not running a tune, just gap them up to OEM spec as these will come tighter.

To date, no one has been able to definitively say what is the difference between the BMW OEM //M plugs and the BOSCH equivalent. They both seem the same.

[DallasDave X5M]

Thanks! BTW, what is the recommended gap for a non-tuned motor?

[ArthurMorgan]

Changed my plugs at 29k. Went with stock gap on the "stock" 12120039634 plugs in my stock F85, because as Chilled says, nobody seems to be able to discern what makes the two different outside of 20 extra bucks for the ///Money logo.

If I were tuned I'd go NGK.

[musa]

Buy from FCPEuro and you will always get your money back from future purchases of the same plugs - it's a no-brainer!

[///Motivated]

Bought the Bosch plugs from FCP. 52k miles and not sure whether they had been changed before. Runs like a champ. Couldn't pay an extra $20 per plug for the ///M logo.

[Chilled]

Originally Posted by DallasDave X5M

Thanks! BTW, what is the recommended gap for a non-tuned motor?

Could not find a BMW article on it, but FCP has the OE plugs at 0.031. With a tune the NGK are in the 0.02 range.

[Bobby_Drake]

For those who DIYers, what socket did you use? I recently replaced the coils and wanted to do the spark plugs but my local AutoZone didn't have the socket for the spark plugs. They said it's not a "standard" one. Also did you guys use a magnetic one?

TIA

[ArthurMorgan]

I used this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FRH2PYL/

I found that it gave me the most flexibility by allowing me to attach my own various wobble/straight extensions in various lengths to get the job done. I bought one that FCP Euro sells (this one), but I found the attached extension generally too long to not be annoying. I also don't think it's magnetic. I threw it back in my tool box and I haven't touched it since.

[bmwx5er]

The one i bought is no longer available at Amazon, but it’s similar to this: https://a.co/d/2ajnB4v

[FirstBMWLA]

Whatever you do, tape every connection together. Socket to extension etc etc
PITA when socket get stuck on plug

[DallasDave X5M]

https://www.amazon.com/LOGOL-Magneti...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==That is great advice, as it took forever for me to change the plugs on my Audi for the reason you mention.

I purchased a sparkplug socket that has a built-in extension. It is magnetized, so no more dealing with the rubber insert in my old sockets. There is no way this one can get stuck, lol.

[ArthurMorgan]

I found the ones with the attached extensions are too long to get to the rearmost cylinders. You may have slightly better luck if you use swivels or something in conjunction with it, but that's the primary reason why I didn't like it.

Did not have any issues with plugs getting trapped in the magnetic socket and my wobbles pulling loose.

Also be completely sure they are torqued properly when you install them.

[DallasDave X5M]

Yep, I was a little concerned about the length of the extension, so I purchased a shorter version too.

My torque wrench hasn't been touched since swapping my Audi plugs, so I will use whatever setting it is on. I think it is around 17ft/lbs (snug, then a little more). Is there a specific torque I should be using? Also, what is your take on anti-seize applications? I normally put just a small dab on the plug threads.

[DallasDave X5M]

I have done my own spark plugs for almost forty years, lol, and only had one issue. I over-torqued a plug in our old Mercedes GL550 and the plug snapped in half. Yikes, getting goose-bumps just thinking about it scenario again.

[bmwx5er]

Don’t apply anti-sieze, the official documentation explicitly calls for not applying it. It has the effect of amplifying the torque resulting in over torquing.

[DallasDave X5M]

Got it, I have heard the same thing and that's why I asked.

[Chilled]

Originally Posted by DallasDave X5M

Yep, I was a little concerned about the length of the extension, so I purchased a shorter version too.

My torque wrench hasn't been touched since swapping my Audi plugs, so I will use whatever setting it is on. I think it is around 17ft/lbs (snug, then a little more). Is there a specific torque I should be using? Also, what is your take on anti-seize applications? I normally put just a small dab on the plug threads.

um, don't leave your torque wrenches set after use. That's bad for them.

Reset them to 0.

[DallasDave X5M]

Oh my, I would have bet the $200 in my pocket your were stoned but a quick Google search confirms. Learn something new everyday. I'm going to go change it right now, lol.

BTW, one article said don't set it to zero. Sounds strange, but so did your comments a couple of hours ago.

[bmwx5er]

All my research suggests to set a click-style torque wrench to min setting (and never zero) before storage.

[Chilled]

Originally Posted by DallasDave X5M

Oh my, I would have bet the $200 in my pocket your were stoned but a quick Google search confirms. Learn something new everyday. I'm going to go change it right now, lol.

BTW, one article said don't set it to zero. Sounds strange, but so did your comments a couple of hours ago.

Sorry should of been more careful, lack of caffeine. Yep set them to the lowest value on the scale.

If you have the newer with like a rubber grip that rotates and internal scale. Those have a "stop", where you need to leave them at.

[Bobby_Drake]

Completed coils and spark plugs DIY. Had to remove the piece on the photo (not sure which fluids it holds) and the bracket holding it. Also the hoses in the back can be unclipped to allow for a bit of wiggle room when removing the coils/plugs.

Bosch plugs from FCP euro. Gapped from the factory. See comparison to OEM plugs.

Overall not a difficult DIY. But takes a bit of work in order to remove the plugs in the back. Total time spent 2.5 hrs - with me taking the time not to damage hoses, lose bolts, etc. Not bad considering this is my first time doing this.

BTW, Amazon magnetic spark plugs socket worked great. Highly recommend.