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      06-03-2019, 11:20 PM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone View Post
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.

Maybe if you want to save a few bucks... try FCP.com
Agreed on buying "BMW" branded plugs from a dealer only.

I recently ordered the Bosch "ZR5TPP33S" OEM plugs (not BMW branded) along with a CTA 12 point 14 mm spark plug swivel socket from FCP and will be installing asap since I just flashed a different tune. I will report back how they both perform.

Really appreciate all of your input and DIYs on here, Dack.
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      06-04-2019, 12:47 PM   #24
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Mike Miller (writes a maintenance column for the Roundel) says the plugs from the dealer are different, even when they have the same part number, as the parts sold elsewhere. The problem with that theory is that would be fraudulent behavior if the manufacturers ever did that. Why would they risk it? I like Mike's column but I do not believe he is correct on this point. If the manufacturer really provided different parts to the dealer, they would just give them a different number.

I put in NGK spark plugs from Rock Auto about 30K miles ago. They work just fine. Miles per gallon is the same as before.
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      06-04-2019, 02:23 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimD View Post
Mike Miller (writes a maintenance column for the Roundel) says the plugs from the dealer are different, even when they have the same part number, as the parts sold elsewhere. The problem with that theory is that would be fraudulent behavior if the manufacturers ever did that. Why would they risk it? I like Mike's column but I do not believe he is correct on this point. If the manufacturer really provided different parts to the dealer, they would just give them a different number.

I put in NGK spark plugs from Rock Auto about 30K miles ago. They work just fine. Miles per gallon is the same as before.
Same here along with Delphi coils right after I bought the car to get it on my own schedule. I've only put about 3K mikes on it, but it's been running great.
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      06-04-2019, 09:44 PM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CH400EM View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone View Post
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.

Maybe if you want to save a few bucks... try FCP.com
Agreed on buying "BMW" branded plugs from a dealer only.

I recently ordered the Bosch "ZR5TPP33S" OEM plugs (not BMW branded) along with a CTA 12 point 14 mm spark plug swivel socket from FCP and will be installing asap since I just flashed a different tune. I will report back how they both perform.

Really appreciate all of your input and DIYs on here, Dack.
They sell both, but who knows if there is actually a difference.

OEM - Bosch plug
BMW ZR5TPP33S Spark Plug - Bosch 0242145518
"Bosch ZR5TPP33S spark plug, same plug specified by BMW"
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...lug-0242145518

OE - Actual BMW plug
BMW High Power Spark Plug - Genuine BMW 12120037582
"Genuine BMW High Power spark plug, sourced directly from the dealer"
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ug-12120037582
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      06-04-2019, 10:48 PM   #27
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I put the German plugs in my Swedish car with the Japanese motor.
I put the Japanese plugs in the German car with the German (I think) motor.
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      06-05-2019, 12:19 AM   #28
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If you're tuned, you might consider running the M plugs used in the S55, BMW part no. 12120039634, Bosch no. ZMR5TPP330. It's my understanding that they're one step colder than the factory ZR5TPP33S.
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      06-05-2019, 02:29 AM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tock172 View Post
If you're tuned, you might consider running the M plugs used in the S55, BMW part no. 12120039634, Bosch no. ZMR5TPP330. It's my understanding that they're one step colder than the factory ZR5TPP33S.
Thanks. I considered that, but I don't plan on anything more aggressive than my current MHD Stage 1+ which by standards around here is pretty mild. What do you think?
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      06-05-2019, 11:21 AM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CH400EM View Post
Thanks. I considered that, but I don't plan on anything more aggressive than my current MHD Stage 1+ which by standards around here is pretty mild. What do you think?
Don't know the numbers MHD Stage 1+ puts down, but I also have a small tune (Dinan S2 - 355 HP and 401 lb-ft torque) and I use the factory plugs that tock172 mentions above and my car is running smooth and strong. No problems at all.
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      06-05-2019, 11:19 PM   #31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Esteban View Post
Don't know the numbers MHD Stage 1+ puts down, but I also have a small tune (Dinan S2 - 355 HP and 401 lb-ft torque) and I use the factory plugs that tock172 mentions above
I haven't put the car on a dyno, so this is just going off of MHD's reference. Stage 1+ "up to 350 hp and 590 Nm" for an octane range of 91, 93, 95. I'm using 93, so will be less than the max stated.

When you said you're using the stock plugs mentioned above, were you referring to the S55 plugs or standard N55 plugs?
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      06-05-2019, 11:46 PM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CH400EM View Post
When you said you're using the stock plugs mentioned above, were you referring to the S55 plugs or standard N55 plugs?
N55.

And the numbers I quoted above are off of Dinan's website and are at the flywheel, so that would be less to the rear wheels. Like I said, "a small tune," but I'm perfectly happy with it.
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      06-06-2019, 12:35 AM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Esteban View Post
N55.
Much appreciated.

And yeah, I understand completely. I wanted something a little more than the PPK and don't want to get into FBO territory. So the MHD stage 1+ was perfect for me (only upgraded FMIC and charge pipes). With this level of power I don't need to constantly be logging/adjusting.. just plug and play
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      06-06-2019, 04:59 AM   #34
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rennwerkes View Post
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.
I wasn't talking about counterfeit plugs... more of BMW OE vs OEM plugs.

Also be aware that N55 plugs don't work in a N54's and vise versa. Be sure to get the correct plugs for your engine code.

The plugs sold by BMW say "BMW Bosch" while the cheaper aftermarket plugs say just: "Bosch". Many people have reported problems(misfires) with using the aftermarket plugs. But then again some people have had no issues.

For me, I only want to do a job ONCE! So I have always used plugs bought at a BMW dealership. Most dealers will give you a good discount. So that's what I went with.

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      06-06-2019, 07:23 AM   #35
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I will try this again with some part numbers for my N52.

RealOem lists this as the BMW part number for my plugs if I use NGK (which is what it came with and what I used for replacements) PLZFR6A11S and says the dealer price is $21.32 each.

RockAuto lists the same part number, PLZFR6A11S as a "double platinum" plug and prices it at $8.38 each. (they also have lots of other NGK plugs they list for my engine at prices as cheap as 3.48 each)

Even if I got a 15% discount at the dealership, that is more than twice the price. But roughly an extra $50 wouldn't be a huge hardship either. I just cannot see paying twice as much so the dealership can have more profit.

If NGK were to sell the dealer different plugs with this part number and then market plugs through RockAuto at the same part number, that is fraud. They could be fined or somebody could go to jail. Putting a bmw logo on it does not change anything. I don't think the plugs I pulled from mine had any logo or BMW lettering on them. I think the plugs are the same except for possibly a cosmetic lettering difference.

I think everybody has a right to make this decision themselves. I just refuse to believe there is any benefit from getting plugs from the dealer - other than there should be less chance of getting the wrong plugs.

I also looked at FCP Euro and I may not understand how to use their website but it did not seem like they were showing the right part number. They said they were selling the same as BMW offers but they didn't provide the same part number. Their price was also higher than Rock Auto (by literally a couple bucks a plug).

Jim
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      06-06-2019, 08:53 PM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimD View Post
I also looked at FCP Euro ... Their price was also higher than Rock Auto (by literally a couple bucks a plug).
However you only buy plugs once. Free lifetime replacement
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      06-07-2019, 10:31 AM   #37
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However you only buy plugs once. Free lifetime replacement
From what I understand, you have to ship the old parts back first. Don't know if there is an option to do advance shipping or to cross ship.
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      06-07-2019, 03:37 PM   #38
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rennwerkes View Post
Just wanted to double check.
Saw some comments about changing at 30k.
Thanks
The BMW Performance Power Kit for the N55 cars reduces the interval to ~30k miles. There was a thread on here just a little bit ago discussing it...
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      06-07-2019, 03:38 PM   #39
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From what I understand, you have to ship the old parts back first. Don't know if there is an option to do advance shipping or to cross ship.
Yeah, you have to pay shipping for both your new parts, and for your old parts. For little things like spark plugs and oil filters, it doesn't make sense, but for big (or expensive) things like large quantities of brake fluid, oil, valve covers, et cetera, it's a great deal.
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      06-07-2019, 03:54 PM   #40
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The BMW Performance Power Kit for the N55 cars reduces the interval to ~30k miles. There was a thread on here just a little bit ago discussing it...
It's actually 45k miles. There's a sticker which comes with the "kit" that alerts the mechanic about the new spark plug interval.
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      06-07-2019, 04:02 PM   #41
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It's actually 45k miles. There's a sticker which comes with the "kit" that alerts the mechanic about the new spark plug interval.
This sticker:
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      06-07-2019, 05:31 PM   #42
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zx10guy View Post
From what I understand, you have to ship the old parts back first. Don't know if there is an option to do advance shipping or to cross ship.
I bought a door actuator from them for my wife's Volvo. It went after a year. Dealer replaced it again, gave me the old part. I think I paid to ship it back, they sent me a credit, or credited my card.

It was a defective part. LL Bean ended their warranty program because of abuses like some are saying. If I bought something that turned out to be defective, yes give me my money back. If i bought something that i wore out, and took advantage of the "warranty" and the shop ends up closing like LL Bean almost did I would not sleep well. YSMV
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      06-07-2019, 07:35 PM   #43
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Esteban View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by zx10guy View Post
It's actually 45k miles. There's a sticker which comes with the "kit" that alerts the mechanic about the new spark plug interval.
This sticker:
That's it
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      06-07-2019, 10:55 PM   #44
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CH400EM View Post
Thanks. I considered that, but I don't plan on anything more aggressive than my current MHD Stage 1+ which by standards around here is pretty mild. What do you think?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Esteban View Post
Don't know the numbers MHD Stage 1+ puts down, but I also have a small tune (Dinan S2 - 355 HP and 401 lb-ft torque) and I use the factory plugs that tock172 mentions above and my car is running smooth and strong. No problems at all.
Yes, to be clear, I am running the factory N55 plugs. I had mine changed right around 40k miles. Before I had Dinan S2 flashed, my car already had the BMW PPK, along with the 45k mile spark plug sticker under the hood.

When I had my plugs changed, it hadn't occurred to me that I might consider the S55 units. I think I'll give them a shot next time if I haven't replaced the car with an M2. Interestingly enough, the M2 (not the Competition) uses the ZMR5TPP330 M plugs in its N55.
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