I recently purchased a 2002 530i / Sport Package. The manual says to change the plugs at 100,000 miles. However, some BMW mechanics say to change them at 60,000 miles. Would like to hear thoughts on this.....

SRC

How many miles are on the car?

Change them now if at 60k miles...

Use OEM NGK!

Jason

NGK not sure of the part # but the stock # is 3199

This is for a 528. They didn't have a 530 listed.

Look at the "Regular Class" section for the NGKs.

http://www.sparkplugs.com/results_app.asp?productTypeID=1&AAIA=1313613

It's wierd. The Bentley has the M52TU and M54 using NGK BKR6EQUP while the M62 (V8) to 7/97, shows NGK BKR6EK.
The M62 TU also shows the NGK BKR6EQUP.

That would mean that sparkplugs.com's NGK BKR6EK listing is wrong.:dunno

I went to BMW dealer for new spark plugs and 1 costs me $28. Are they normal?

I went to BMW dealer for new spark plugs and 1 costs me $28. Are they normal?
The NGKs are $4.95 a piece.

go to your lcal shucks they got them too... not that expensive... last i heard they were 7-10max... they are the ngk BKR6EQUP
http://www.oembimmerparts.com/catalog/item/4168850/4086437.htm
you need six... the how to is easy as well go on pelicans forums..
http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/E36-valve-cover/E36-Valve-Cover.htm
your gonna have the bolt less coil packs... just yank them off... easy...

I changed them last year but I didn't put original ones, Bosch Platinum II

http://www.aa1car.com/library/2004/bosch_platinum4.jpg





This time I want to buy BKR6EQUP.

This is for a 528. They didn't have a 530 listed.

Look at the "Regular Class" section for the NGKs.

http://www.sparkplugs.com/results_app.asp?productTypeID=1&AAIA=1313613

It's wierd. The Bentley has the M52TU and M54 using NGK BKR6EQUP while the M62 (V8) to 7/97, shows NGK BKR6EK.
The M62 TU also shows the NGK BKR6EQUP.

That would mean that sparkplugs.com's NGK BKR6EK listing is wrong.:dunno

The NGKs are $4.95 a piece.
I selected the wrong year. Oops. They are a tad cheaper here...

http://www.ngk.com/results_app.asp?AAIA=1383274

I went to Advance auto last night and picked up plugs. I told them I want OE plugs. Their computer shows Bosch platinum as OE. WTF?

I went to Advance auto last night and picked up plugs. I told them I want OE plugs. Their computer shows Bosch platinum as OE. WTF?
I think either Bosch or NGK are OE, depending on the year, don't quote me.
Please call Bill at Bimmer Clinic.
# (732) 218-7632
He can give you the info and the hook-up you need.

Thanks!
Jason

I think either Bosch or NGK are OE, depending on the year, don't quote me.
Please call Bill at Bimmer Clinic.
# (732) 218-7632
He can give you the info and the hook-up you need.

Thanks!
Jason

Thanks Jason..

Highly recommend the NGKs. Also the plugs really are good for 100K. Here is a picture of mine when changed at 82K (was doing valve cover gasket so was 90% there anyway). Obviously a new one in the middle for comparison.

Ive had good luck with Bosche Platimum, I think I used the +4s but Im not positive.

I recently purchased a 2002 530i / Sport Package. The manual says to change the plugs at 100,000 miles. However, some BMW mechanics say to change them at 60,000 miles. Would like to hear thoughts on this.....

SRC

I replaced mine at 43k miles and noticed an improvement in mpg.

This is what they looked like:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d102/escape2music/530i/misc/P1020618.jpg


I'm sure you could run them longer, but if you want the best mpg, change them early. BTW, the OEM plug in my 530i was NGK BKR6EQUP and I replaced them with the same. They are about $7 or $8 each at NAPA. Probably even less on line. No need to pay dealer $28.

I noticed no difference at all when I changed them at 82K.

I noticed no difference at all when I changed them at 82K.
I replaced mine right at 80k miles.
Due to them mis-firing at #3 & 5 cylinders.
I used OE NGK platinums from Bill at Bimmer Clinic.

I noticed that the car idles more rough...

Go figure...

Jason

This is for a 528. They didn't have a 530 listed.

Look at the "Regular Class" section for the NGKs.

http://www.sparkplugs.com/results_app.asp?productTypeID=1&AAIA=1313613

It's wierd. The Bentley has the M52TU and M54 using NGK BKR6EQUP while the M62 (V8) to 7/97, shows NGK BKR6EK.
The M62 TU also shows the NGK BKR6EQUP.

That would mean that sparkplugs.com's NGK BKR6EK listing is wrong.:dunno

James thanks for that link I just bought mine for $22 with shipping. Cant beat that!

Buy the BKR6EQUP at advance auto for 6.98. Just bought mine today.

I just payed $2.24 each from sparkplugs.com

I just payed $2.24 each from sparkplugs.com

The price and part number I gave was for the 4 prong. That's the only thing I would run.

I just payed $2.24 each from sparkplugs.com
You bought plugs for the 528i. In addition, they are not the plugs that are designed to last 100k miles. They're also gapped at 0.035" while your 530i requires a 0.032" gap. The OEM plug for your engine is NGK BKR6EQUP.

Of the two or 3 pics posted about the plugs taken out, are they bad? I cant tell. They look dirty but anything out of the ordinary? My idle is fine right now but I feel the idling through my steering wheel. Car is at 68k and never changed the plugs or pcv. Just want some insight.

Of the two or 3 pics posted about the plugs taken out, are they bad? I cant tell. They look dirty but anything out of the ordinary? My idle is fine right now but I feel the idling through my steering wheel. Car is at 68k and never changed the plugs or pcv. Just want some insight.

I have the same issue, with the rough idle...
Have you cleaned the MAF?
I would change the plugs.
Mine looked really bad at 80k miles.

Let me know!

Thanks!
Jason

I have the same issue, with the rough idle...
Have you cleaned the MAF?
I would change the plugs.
Mine looked really bad at 80k miles.

Let me know!

Thanks!
Jason

Never touched the Maf. I have the Maf cleaner just sitting here. Tomorrow is should be nice out so I will try to give it a cleaning tomorrow. Thursday Im heading back into Bimmerclinic and getting Plugs, fuel filter, pcv, all engine and tranny mounts, airfilter and anything else that might cause the vibration. I already found a broken exhaust/tranny mount which was driving me crazy for the past 6 months. It was making an old school bus ringing noise and couldnt figure it out for the longest. took it to Bimmerclinic today and they found the problem. I owe those guys big time.

Never touched the Maf. I have the Maf cleaner just sitting here. Tomorrow is should be nice out so I will try to give it a cleaning tomorrow. Thursday Im heading back into Bimmerclinic and getting Plugs, fuel filter, pcv, all engine and tranny mounts, airfilter and anything else that might cause the vibration. I already found a broken exhaust/tranny mount which was driving me crazy for the past 6 months. It was making an old school bus ringing noise and couldnt figure it out for the longest. took it to Bimmerclinic today and they found the problem. I owe those guys big time.
Can you explain or show where this broken exhaust/ tranny mount is?
I might have the same damn thing...

Also, please let me know what you find out from Bill?!!!

You are replacing your PCV, (pressure regulator valve, right?)?

Thanks!
Jason

I replaced mine right at 80k miles.
Due to them mis-firing at #3 & 5 cylinders.
I used OE NGK platinums from Bill at Bimmer Clinic.

I noticed that the car idles more rough...

Go figure...

Jason
Could be an issue with the coil packs...I just read something about it when searching to avoid starting a thread that has already been and gone. :D I would provide a link but I read like 250 posts and still didn't get an answer to my question. :shifty
Never touched the Maf. I have the Maf cleaner just sitting here. Tomorrow is should be nice out so I will try to give it a cleaning tomorrow. Thursday Im heading back into Bimmerclinic and getting Plugs, fuel filter, pcv, all engine and tranny mounts, airfilter and anything else that might cause the vibration. I already found a broken exhaust/tranny mount which was driving me crazy for the past 6 months. It was making an old school bus ringing noise and couldnt figure it out for the longest. took it to Bimmerclinic today and they found the problem. I owe those guys big time.
Glad to hear you FINALLY solved that ringing noise Gumb. I know it was driving you crazy, :eyecrazy so CONGRATS! :buttrock Now all the little things can take the place of the pinging sound cause since it's gone, they'll be easier to notice without the pinging distraction. :lol Oh well, we'll help you fix 'em quick...:D

When you clean the MAF, remember to use a q-tip soaked in cleaner to carefully wipe all sensor areas i.e. the sensor wire, sensor plate, etc. and let us know if it solves the rough performance. :cool

Could be an issue with the coil packs...I just read something about it when searching to avoid starting a thread that has already been and gone. :D I would provide a link but I read like 250 posts and still didn't get an answer to my question. :shifty

Glad to hear you FINALLY solved that ringing noise Gumb. I know it was driving you crazy, :eyecrazy so CONGRATS! :buttrock Now all the little things can take the place of the pinging sound cause since it's gone, they'll be easier to notice without the pinging distraction. :lol Oh well, we'll help you fix 'em quick...:D

When you clean the MAF, remember to use a q-tip soaked in cleaner to carefully wipe all sensor areas i.e. the sensor wire, sensor plate, etc. and let us know if it solves the rough performance. :cool

How do I know if the coil packs are bad?
Jason

You bought plugs for the 528i. In addition, they are not the plugs that are designed to last 100k miles. They're also gapped at 0.035" while your 530i requires a 0.032" gap. The OEM plug for your engine is NGK BKR6EQUP.

Thanks for pointing that out Pete. They are gapped at 0.032" but its still not the right one. Will have to exchange them.

NGK Traditional spark plug 6962 BKR6E .032"DOHC$2.24 http://www.sparkplugs.com/images/btn_moreinfo.gif (http://www.sparkplugs.com/more_info.asp?AAIA=1370977&pid=3488)

I guess its not a multi ground plug??

Thanks for pointing that out Pete. They are gapped at 0.032" but its still not the right one. Will have to exchange them.

NGK Traditional spark plug 6962 BKR6E .032"DOHC$2.24 http://www.sparkplugs.com/images/btn_moreinfo.gif (http://www.sparkplugs.com/more_info.asp?AAIA=1370977&pid=3488)

I guess its not a multi ground plug??

The multi ground is the part number I listed earlier.

Of the two or 3 pics posted about the plugs taken out, are they bad? I cant tell. They look dirty but anything out of the ordinary? My idle is fine right now but I feel the idling through my steering wheel. Car is at 68k and never changed the plugs or pcv. Just want some insight.

In my case, as indicated at 82K miles they were not bad, but as I had the whole thing disassembled to do valve cover gaskets, changed em anyway. Currently have 99K on the 540 which runs perfectly and still has the original plugs (same NGKs). Will be tackling those with the VC gaskets in the spring.

Thanks for pointing that out Pete. They are gapped at 0.032" but its still not the right one. Will have to exchange them.

NGK Traditional spark plug 6962 BKR6E .032"DOHC$2.24 http://www.sparkplugs.com/images/btn_moreinfo.gif (http://www.sparkplugs.com/more_info.asp?AAIA=1370977&pid=3488)

I guess its not a multi ground plug??
No, it's not, as you can see on the picture on that site. You can still use them, but you will have to replace them early as they're not designed for longer intervals.