Difference between the BOSCH ZR5TPP33 & ZR5TPP33S?

[turbo v6]

What is the difference between the BOSCH ZR5TPP33 and ZR5TPP33S spark plugs?
Thanks

[Rock1965]

I have the same question. DOes anyone know the difference between these two plugs. They both list as plugs that will work for the N55 for 2011. Is it because BMW sells it as stock that it has an S versus the regular retail without the S?

Anyone know?

[dtla1]

Some will swear that the BMW branded ones (with the s IIRC) work a lot better than Bosch branded ones.

[Solo_M_Tech]

Buy the NGK 5992 and don't worry about it. Everyone freaks out about OE plugs and missfires, and i've been running the NGK's in my car without any issues.

[Rock1965]

I posed the question in a message to Bosch on their Facebook USA Page and here is the response. No closer to an actual answer.


Chat Conversation Start
MAR 14TH, 12:27PM

ROCK:
Can someone tell me the difference between ZR5TPP33S versus ZR5TPP33? I need to change my plugs in my 2011 BMW 135i and want to make sure I use the correct one. Looking at the specs, they seem to be the same and there is a substantial difference between the two in price. Many retailers seem to use them both as applicable plugs for the car. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Rock 305-xxx-xxxx
In Miami Fl
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Miami Florida 3xxxx
MAR 14TH, 2:05PM

BOSCH:
Per our vehicle part finder, the ZR5TPP33S is the plug that is made for your application. We can only advise you to use that specific spark plug.
MAR 15TH, 1:09PM

ROCK
YEs i realized this
let me rephrase my question
What is the difference between ZR5TPP33S versus ZR5TPP33?

BOSCH
These are two different plugs. They are intended for applications covering different time model years. .

This is why we recommend using the part that we provided you.
MAR 15TH, 7:05PM

ROCK
I GUESS THIS IS A MORE DIFFICULT QUESTION TO ANSWER THAN I THOUGHT. THANKS
MAR 16TH, 10:39AM


BOSCH:
The answer isn't that difficult. It's simply that the plugs are designed for different age vehicles.
MAR 16TH, 5:48PM


ROCK:
Quite honestly many, many sites list both these model spark plugs for this car, specifically 2011 135i M Sport. Many! but besides that, lets not talk about model cars. My question is what is the distinct difference between the model with the S and not the S. This is a technical question about the difference between the two. All the specs appear to be the same so I would like to know the difference between the two from a technical standpoint.
MAR 18TH, 10:13AM

BOSCH:
Hello ROCK,
We've shared your inquiry with our spark plug manager. He is out of the office and will return Monday. We will let you know as soon as we hear back from him.
The Bosch Digital Team
MAR 18TH, 2:51PM

ROCK:
thank you. I'll be waiting for the response.
WED 11:38AM


BOSCH:
Which engine do you have in your vehicle? Do you have the N55?
WED 3:57PM

ROCK:
YES I do.
WED 5:07PM

BOSCH:
Thank you.


BOSCH:
OE and Bosch catalogue the ZR5TPP33S for the N55 Engine.
THU 12:30PM

ROCK:
LOL I guess no one really answer the question here.
THU 5:10PM

BOSCH:
The plugs are extremely similar. It is possible that the difference lies in using the product number to distinguish which applications are purchased.
Chat Conversation End

[dhturk]

I called Bosch and spoke to a technician. He stated that the "s" plug is a redesigned upgrade (improved internal ground). That the non "s" plug would work, but that it was older stock.

[atroader]

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=881687

[The Wind Breezes]

Originally Posted by Rock1965

Chat Conversation Start

Oh. my. GOD. That was the most painful thing I've ever read. Bosch needs to immediately can those responsible.

Aside from Bosch, the entire forums crowd seems to be pretty dumb about spark plugs. This motor is not that special, and you don't need to use BMW branded plugs. There are actually a lot of plugs that will work without issue in a N55 motor.

[Freon]

Do you expect they have their chief engineer just sitting around waiting to answer internet chat questions?

[turbo v6]

Just an update, I have been using the BOSCH ZR5TPP33 plugs in my 135 N55. All seems well so far.

[feche]

i saw this. i bought one 135i 2012 N55, are those correct? ZR5TPP33S

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ZR5TPP33S-fo...5YGf5O&vxp=mtr

[velociti]

Originally Posted by feche

i saw this. i bought one 135i 2012 N55, are those correct? ZR5TPP33S

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ZR5TPP33S-fo...5YGf5O&vxp=mtr

I bought from the same seller and installed last week. Car runs great, and the plugs look authentic.

[feche]

Originally Posted by velociti

I bought from the same seller and installed last week. Car runs great, and the plugs look authentic.

thnaks! i will buy it NOW!


I WILL PUT JB4, ARE THOSE SPARKS OK?

[velociti]

Originally Posted by feche

thnaks! i will buy it NOW!


I WILL PUT JB4, ARE THOSE SPARKS OK?

The plugs should be fine, but you'll want to gap them lower. Mine were not consistently gapped right out of the box...they varied from .032-.037 or something. Someone else with more knowledge might want to speak up here, but I've read a few folks say that with a tune and basic mods (intake and exhaust, for instance), .025-.027 would probably be ideal. I think I did mine at .025 or .026. If you've got full bolt-ons and are running a high-boost tune, something like .022 might be better.

[feche]

Originally Posted by velociti

The plugs should be fine, but you'll want to gap them lower. Mine were not consistently gapped right out of the box...they varied from .032-.037 or something. Someone else with more knowledge might want to speak up here, but I've read a few folks say that with a tune and basic mods (intake and exhaust, for instance), .025-.027 would probably be ideal. I think I did mine at .025 or .026. If you've got full bolt-ons and are running a high-boost tune, something like .022 might be better.

one time i changed the gap and was a dissaster!!! are you sure than with CAI+DP+JB4 i will have problems?

[velociti]

Someone else will have to chime in here. At the very least you'd want your plugs to be gapped consistently from one to the next -- the ones I received from that seller were not. I think the suggestion would be to gap them around .025, which might be a good balance between plug longevity and accounting for your tune and mods.

[feche]

Originally Posted by velociti

Someone else will have to chime in here. At the very least you'd want your plugs to be gapped consistently from one to the next -- the ones I received from that seller were not. I think the suggestion would be to gap them around .025, which might be a good balance between plug longevity and accounting for your tune and mods.

nice information! i will see if my menaic do this shop, i repeat last time was a dissaster

[feche]

he will do it! jajajajaja

to be sure, .025 is the perfect gap with JB4+CAI+DP?

[velociti]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1049417

I believe I saw another thread about it -- you'd have to google it. .022 is another common gap I've seen, but I wasn't getting consistent info on whether to use that gap for just a tune, or FBO, or upgraded turbo. I think .025 is a good, safe target.

[feche]

Originally Posted by velociti

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1049417

I believe I saw another thread about it -- you'd have to google it. .022 is another common gap I've seen, but I wasn't getting consistent info on whether to use that gap for just a tune, or FBO, or upgraded turbo. I think .025 is a good, safe target.

thanks!

[galifardo1971]

I have a 2012 135i e82, with jb4, downpipe, and intercooler active, intake injen, just change the sparks to the non s, and when i go slow and then push a litle the car make some cough, i dont know why, do i have to change the gap? Or what, thanks

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by galifardo1971

I have a 2012 135i e82, with jb4, downpipe, and intercooler active, intake injen, just change the sparks to the non s, and when i go slow and then push a litle the car make some cough, i dont know why, do i have to change the gap? Or what, thanks

would love to help you but don't know what plugs you're using or if you're actually getting misfires.