Spark plugs

[Ulrich]

I changed mine around the 12 000 mile mark ... not because they needed it ... but to have a good spare set around ... these are not that easy to get and if one should fail I can't run down to the car parts store and get another one ... and my nearest BMW dealer is almost 200 miles away ... just my 2¢

 

[Keehn]

What's the consensus on replacing the Spark-Plugs every 12,000 miles? I only ask, because it was a huge topic of discussion with my Harley buddies while riding this weekend...?

BMW states 12,000 in the maintenance manual; however, the use of iridium plugs seem to offer much more longevity (closer to 50,000 to 100,000)..

I was convinced that I should replace them after this 1,000 mile ride (~14,000 on my bike); but after some reading, I don't think I'm going to touch them...

I do inspect the primary plugs when doing the valve adjustment, but didn't notice anything concerning..

View attachment 18416

I have no plans on replacing mine at 12k, as it's clearly a waste of $$$$. Plus, I'll be out of warranty by then, so nothing lost for me.

One has to ask themselves: what's so damn different between our engines using iridium plugs, versus a car using the same? I don't know ANY vehicle manufacturer who advises 12k change intervals (??? on Bugatti and other hypercars) on normal vehicles.

Just seems like a cash grab IMO.

Mike

 

[2021FE]

Hopefully if I (we) wait long enough there will be an option available other than purchasing through BMW at $25 a piece. They are manufactured by NGK aren’t they? Why aren’t they available in the “aftermarket”? I just swapped spark plugs top to bottom for the first time at 16,000 miles. I check/adjust the valves every 6,000 and have been keeping an eye on the primary plugs. This was the first time I had the secondary or bottom plugs out and there was no discernible difference between the two. I had to set them down apart from each other while adjusting the valves so that I wouldn’t get them mixed up when reassembling.