BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-01-2019, 08:13 PM   #1
rennwerkes
Private First Class
rennwerkes's Avatar
United_States
33
Rep
170
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i, 2013 135i, 1999 Z3M
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Honolulu

iTrader: (0)

Spark Plug Questions

Short of buying the plugs from the dealer, where is everyone picking up their spark plugs from for 135i's? I'm having a hard time believing BMW marked plugs in BMW boxes are selling for $30 or less on Ebay. I'm guessing these are counterfeit?
Also, which spark plug socket is recommended? I know Hazet is more expensive but I enjoy using their tools. But seems like in this case they don't make a socket for this application. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2019, 08:39 PM   #2
CivicDuty
Private
Canada
51
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: BMW 135i
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Southern Ontario

iTrader: (0)

I ordered my plugs from Rock Auto. Borrowed a socket for a friend that has a shop. You'll definitely need to get hold of a thin wall, 3/8 drive, 12 point.
Appreciate 1
      06-01-2019, 09:47 PM   #3
Gangplank
Brigadier General
Gangplank's Avatar
United_States
1539
Rep
3,071
Posts

Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Vero Beach, FL

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2011 135i  [0.00]
Check out FCP Euro. Lifetime warranty on parts believe it or not...
__________________
2011 135i w/ DCT | ZSP Sport Pkg | PPK | Ohlins R
Appreciate 0
      06-02-2019, 12:11 AM   #4
rennwerkes
Private First Class
rennwerkes's Avatar
United_States
33
Rep
170
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i, 2013 135i, 1999 Z3M
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Honolulu

iTrader: (0)

Looks like I'll go with RockAuto.
I wanted to support FCP but shipping just the spark plugs to Honolulu would have been $20! And I'll just pick up a generic 14mm magnetic swivel socket from Amazon.
Thanks for the info
Appreciate 0
      06-02-2019, 12:12 AM   #5
rennwerkes
Private First Class
rennwerkes's Avatar
United_States
33
Rep
170
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i, 2013 135i, 1999 Z3M
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Honolulu

iTrader: (0)

By the way, is there a consensus on what mileage to change the plugs?
Appreciate 0
      06-02-2019, 09:42 AM   #6
blue135
Captain
327
Rep
628
Posts

Drives: 2008 135i Convertible
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Sarasota, FL

iTrader: (1)

May want to pay attention to the "thin wall" part for your generic socket.
Appreciate 0
      06-02-2019, 11:15 AM   #7
Tuxedo
Bowties r cool ▶:◀
Tuxedo's Avatar
United_States
1399
Rep
793
Posts

Drives: 09' 128i MT e88, 24'G05 X5 50e
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
ngk plugs is BMW oem supplier
13' 135 shows
Part Number: SILZKBR8D8S
Product Description: NGK Laser Iridium Spark Plug
https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/part-finder
Appreciate 1
      06-02-2019, 01:44 PM   #8
MightyMouseTech
Major General
MightyMouseTech's Avatar
4335
Rep
6,196
Posts

Drives: 13 135i 6MT LeMans Blue MSport
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Ottawa, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tuxedo View Post
ngk plugs is BMW oem supplier
13' 135 shows
Part Number: SILZKBR8D8S
Product Description: NGK Laser Iridium Spark Plug
https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/part-finder
The only plug listed by BMW for the N55 1er is the Bosch ZR5TPP33S, which is a double platinum plug. Both the firing pin and ground electrode is platinum. The NGK has an iridium firing pin, but the ground electrode is only copper. The Bosch version should last considerably longer.

That NGK plug is used in the newer N20 engines, and they fail often.
Appreciate 2
CH400EM117.50
      06-02-2019, 01:51 PM   #9
rennwerkes
Private First Class
rennwerkes's Avatar
United_States
33
Rep
170
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i, 2013 135i, 1999 Z3M
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Honolulu

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by blue135 View Post
May want to pay attention to the "thin wall" part for your generic socket.
Yes, made sure that the socket was thin wall.
Thanks
Appreciate 0
      06-02-2019, 04:26 PM   #10
Gangplank
Brigadier General
Gangplank's Avatar
United_States
1539
Rep
3,071
Posts

Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Vero Beach, FL

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2011 135i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by rennwerkes View Post
By the way, is there a consensus on what mileage to change the plugs?

* Spark plugs: not sure about consensus but...

n55 @ 60k, unless tuned then 45k mi.
n54 @ 45k, if tuned? .
__________________
2011 135i w/ DCT | ZSP Sport Pkg | PPK | Ohlins R
Appreciate 0
      06-02-2019, 07:33 PM   #11
iminhell1
C2H5OH
iminhell1's Avatar
United_States
3907
Rep
2,141
Posts

Drives: 2010 SG 135i auto
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Darwin, MN

iTrader: (1)

I go through BMS.
I like Terry's socket and the plugs are on par price wise with everyone else.
And if you're west coast shipping should be faster and less.
Appreciate 0
      06-02-2019, 09:12 PM   #12
rennwerkes
Private First Class
rennwerkes's Avatar
United_States
33
Rep
170
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i, 2013 135i, 1999 Z3M
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Honolulu

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gangplank View Post
* Spark plugs: not sure about consensus but...

n55 @ 60k, unless tuned then 45k mi.
n54 @ 45k, if tuned? .
Just wanted to double check.
Saw some comments about changing at 30k.
Thanks
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2019, 10:32 AM   #13
Tommm
Driven Crazy
Tommm's Avatar
United_States
190
Rep
505
Posts

Drives: his wife nuts 128i 6m
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: The Mile High

iTrader: (1)

When you connect the coil pack give a little extra squeeze. I let the clamp connect and i got a misfire code. Of course I put the motor cover and the cabin filter piece back on before i realized i had the misfire. Then I started swapping plugs with old until i saw the hairline distance between the connection. Nothing like doing the job three times.
__________________
'08 128i 6M
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2019, 11:07 AM   #14
dtla1
Colonel
dtla1's Avatar
826
Rep
2,232
Posts

Drives: 2011 135i, Space Grey
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Silicon Valley

iTrader: (2)

Every time I've done my plugs I've always lost the socket on the first try. My socket has an o-ring that grabs onto the sparkplug really well, so well the spark plug to my ratchet extension looses hold. I always tape them together to hold, but it's never enough on the first one so I need to fish the socket out and re-do my tape job.
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2019, 02:51 PM   #15
Tommm
Driven Crazy
Tommm's Avatar
United_States
190
Rep
505
Posts

Drives: his wife nuts 128i 6m
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: The Mile High

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dtla1 View Post
Every time I've done my plugs I've always lost the socket on the first try. My socket has an o-ring that grabs onto the sparkplug really well, so well the spark plug to my ratchet extension looses hold. I always tape them together to hold, but it's never enough on the first one so I need to fish the socket out and re-do my tape job.
Two sockets. One with the gasket, the other without. With the gasket to remove the plugs, the one without to install the plugs. Thread lightly. I havent tested the magnet on the antenna to see if it has enough guts to pull the plug. If id does, done tuse the socket with the gasket.
__________________
'08 128i 6M
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2019, 03:01 PM   #16
dtla1
Colonel
dtla1's Avatar
826
Rep
2,232
Posts

Drives: 2011 135i, Space Grey
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Silicon Valley

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommm View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by dtla1 View Post
Every time I've done my plugs I've always lost the socket on the first try. My socket has an o-ring that grabs onto the sparkplug really well, so well the spark plug to my ratchet extension looses hold. I always tape them together to hold, but it's never enough on the first one so I need to fish the socket out and re-do my tape job.
Two sockets. One with the gasket, the other without. With the gasket to remove the plugs, the one without to install the plugs. Thread lightly. I havent tested the magnet on the antenna to see if it has enough guts to pull the plug. If id does, done tuse the socket with the gasket.
I'd rather just learn how to do the tape job on my socket right the first time. Also, gaffers tape is no go, i think I need to stick to duct tape
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2019, 04:10 PM   #17
Tommm
Driven Crazy
Tommm's Avatar
United_States
190
Rep
505
Posts

Drives: his wife nuts 128i 6m
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: The Mile High

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dtla1 View Post
Every time I've done my plugs I've always lost the socket on the first try. My socket has an o-ring that grabs onto the sparkplug really well, so well the spark plug to my ratchet extension looses hold. I always tape them together to hold, but it's never enough on the first one so I need to fish the socket out and re-do my tape job.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommm View Post
Two sockets. One with the gasket, the other without. With the gasket to remove the plugs, the one without to install the plugs. Thread lightly. I havent tested the magnet on the antenna to see if it has enough guts to pull the plug. If id does, done tuse the socket with the gasket.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dtla1 View Post
I'd rather just learn how to do the tape job on my socket right the first time. Also, gaffers tape is no go, i think I need to stick to duct tape
tape can fall into the well.
__________________
'08 128i 6M
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2019, 04:23 PM   #18
dtla1
Colonel
dtla1's Avatar
826
Rep
2,232
Posts

Drives: 2011 135i, Space Grey
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Silicon Valley

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommm View Post
tape can fall into the well.
Hopefully not if it's doing what it's supposed to be and sticking to the socket and extension. I think I've mostly had fails since the first extension I grab is usually a bit dirty and should be cleaned for the tape to stick to. I usually just end up with a socket with tape around it. Some long needle nose to grab the tape attached to the socket and everything including the plug comes up with it.
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2019, 05:50 PM   #19
Dackelone
European Editor
Dackelone's Avatar
Germany
10511
Rep
22,992
Posts

Drives: N54 e82
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Bayern, Germany

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by rennwerkes View Post
Short of buying the plugs from the dealer, where is everyone picking up their spark plugs from for 135i's? I'm having a hard time believing BMW marked plugs in BMW boxes are selling for $30 or less on Ebay. I'm guessing these are counterfeit?
I would only buy BMW Bosch spark plugs from a dealer. I've read so any times here on the forums people having issues with aftermarket plugs.

Buy from your local dealer... the BMW plugs say: "BMW Bosch" on the ceramic element.

Maybe if you want to save a few bucks... try FCP.com or oembimmerparts.com

BMW dealers also sell a spark plug socket tool as well. They also sell an oil filter cap socket too.


Quote:
Also, which spark plug socket is recommended? I know Hazet is more expensive but I enjoy using their tools. But seems like in this case they don't make a socket for this application. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Hazet DOES make a nice thin walled spark plug socket. I have one, I used it in my DIY bellow.

Hazet #4766-2 It sells for about 30 euros over here. The socket is a 14mm 12 point 3/8th's unit.

Try.... www.kctoolco.com for Hazet tools in the USA. Maybe even on Amazon.com too.


And take a look at my spark plug DIY.

135i Spark Plug replacement...
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=602804


IF you like to drive hard at times... change your spark plugs every 30K miles.

Dackel
Appreciate 1
      06-03-2019, 05:59 PM   #20
Dackelone
European Editor
Dackelone's Avatar
Germany
10511
Rep
22,992
Posts

Drives: N54 e82
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Bayern, Germany

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dtla1 View Post
Hopefully not if it's doing what it's supposed to be and sticking to the socket and extension. I think I've mostly had fails since the first extension I grab is usually a bit dirty and should be cleaned for the tape to stick to. I usually just end up with a socket with tape around it. Some long needle nose to grab the tape attached to the socket and everything including the plug comes up with it.
Tommm


When you have a "loose" socket on your extension... often times the best thing to use is a small dab of wheel bearing grease or CV joint grease(MoS2)... the thin layer of grease will hold your socket onto your extension. Normally.

Dack
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2019, 06:05 PM   #21
dtla1
Colonel
dtla1's Avatar
826
Rep
2,232
Posts

Drives: 2011 135i, Space Grey
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Silicon Valley

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone View Post
Tommm


When you have a "loose" socket on your extension... often times the best thing to use is a small dab of wheel bearing grease or CV joint grease(MoS2)... the thin layer of grease will hold your socket onto your extension. Normally.

Dack
And here I thought grease was for lubricating things to move (and come apart), and not to stick things together. Hmmm...
Appreciate 1
Dackelone10511.00
      06-03-2019, 06:53 PM   #22
rennwerkes
Private First Class
rennwerkes's Avatar
United_States
33
Rep
170
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i, 2013 135i, 1999 Z3M
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Honolulu

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the tip on the Hazet socket. I wonder why it didn't show up when I performed a search???
Regardless, the generic socket is on its way to me so I'll see how that one is. It's got a magnetic insert too.

Regarding counterfeit plugs, they also say "BMW Bosch" on them. The counterfeit ones even come in factory boxes. Hard to tell fake and real ones.
Appreciate 1
Dackelone10511.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:54 AM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST