Which Spark Plugs Do I Need?

[Snoop D]

Needing to replace my spark plugs. There is so many to choose from, i.e. Bosch, NGK, Denso etc. All have different part numbers, different gaps, different number of prongs, different materials... :idunno:

The ones in my car are original 4 prong Bosch R3 ones I think.

I am currently looking at these:

https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/ngk-spark-plug-408110105

They do not specify if they are Iridiums, although you can see from the picture it does have the code BKR6EQUP. I presume these are the platinum versions??

My car is a 2003 E85 3.0i M54.

Which is the best plugs for this engine?
What gap do I need?
And does it make a difference if I go for a single prong or do I have to stick to 4 pronged plugs like the originals?

Thanks!

 

[Jl-c]

Here is the reason if you can be bothered to read it, it is a bit long winded https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090447912000883
Personally I use platinum 4 electrode plugs, make is your choice as long as the correct heat rating and change them every 12 months. If this leaves you cold :rofl: then just replace like for like but I would still replace every year, let’s face it they are not expensive in the grand scheme of things!

 

[mjennings23]

The part numbers given by BMW on their own technical systems are Bosch FGR7DQP or NGK BKR6EQUP. Either of them could be fitted to the car new, albeit with a BMW stamp added, so you won't go wrong with either.

4 prong plugs are generally used because they're more durable, hence the 100k mile timeframe for changes. If you stick singles in (I have them and they run perfectly, NGK part number listed above) you'll want to limit this to around 25/30k. Do them every 2 years and you'll likely be well under this.

 

[road warrior]

Here is the reason if you can be bothered to read it, it is a bit long winded https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090447912000883
Personally I use platinum 4 electrode plugs, make is your choice as long as the correct heat rating and change them every 12 months. If this leaves you cold :rofl: then just replace like for like but I would still replace every year, let’s face it they are not expensive in the grand scheme of things!

now im gonna play devils advocate here for a moment, given that iridium last 100k , and most z4 owners dont do 30k in 5 years, why would you suggest changing plugs of ANY flavour every 12 months ?

 

[Jl-c]

Here is the reason if you can be bothered to read it, it is a bit long winded https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090447912000883
Personally I use platinum 4 electrode plugs, make is your choice as long as the correct heat rating and change them every 12 months. If this leaves you cold :rofl: then just replace like for like but I would still replace every year, let’s face it they are not expensive in the grand scheme of things!

now im gonna play devils advocate here for a moment, given that iridium last 100k , and most z4 owners dont do 30k in 5 years, why would you suggest changing plugs of ANY flavour every 12 months ?

for exactly that reason! Most Z's (not all, we know) are used for short journeys and pottering about locally. If you read the thread https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=118047 then those plugs are buggered with arc welding deposits on most of the electrodes. I wouldn't consider cleaning those, just throw them and replace. Modern engines are fussy buggers to say the least (mainly because of the emission laws forced upon us ) so in my view it is false economy. The best way to keep plugs clean is to give it an italian tune-up regularly. In other words a nice long journey where you thrash the hell out of it after it is up to temperature first, of course
You (of course :evil: ) are allowed you own view!
oke: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

 

[road warrior]

"The best way to keep plugs clean is to give it an italian tune-up regularly."

ahh then mine will be clean then.. :rofl:

 

[Jl-c]

"The best way to keep plugs clean is to give it an italian tune-up regularly."

ahh then mine will be clean then.. :rofl:

good man...............you know it makes sense :driving: :rofl: :driving:

 

[Adam D]

I use Denso iridiums myself and find them to work well

 

[skelters]

£7.87 each from Carparts4Less.