Which spark plugs

[SlowX6M]

My 2012 5.0 is at 70k miles, and last time spark plugs were changed is 4 years ago with 34k miles. They were changed at the dealer with whatever the OEM plugs are, coils were also replaced to the newest part. They are probably near the end of their life cycle, and I am also getting a Dinan stage 2 tune, so it is a good idea to replace them sooner than later.

I looked at Pelican parts, and they seem to have two different parts, both Bosch ZR-5-TPP-33, but one 12-12-0-037-580-M14 and the other one is 12-12-0-037-580-BOE, and the BOE is almost twice the price, sold as "genuine BMW". Is there any actual difference between them, or is it just different packaging and price premium?

Also, I hear a lot of people recommend a different plug for tuned engines, I think NGK 97506. Is this a good choice?

[My135i]

Originally Posted by SlowX6M

My 2012 5.0 is at 70k miles, and last time spark plugs were changed is 4 years ago with 34k miles. They were changed at the dealer with whatever the OEM plugs are, coils were also replaced to the newest part. They are probably near the end of their life cycle, and I am also getting a Dinan stage 2 tune, so it is a good idea to replace them sooner than later.

I looked at Pelican parts, and they seem to have two different parts, both Bosch ZR-5-TPP-33, but one 12-12-0-037-580-M14 and the other one is 12-12-0-037-580-BOE, and the BOE is almost twice the price, sold as "genuine BMW". Is there any actual difference between them, or is it just different packaging and price premium?

Also, I hear a lot of people recommend a different plug for tuned engines, I think NGK 97506. Is this a good choice?

From what I've read here, if you're considering getting a tune, they highly recommend 1 step colder plugs...

[Thecastle]

I've used the bosch ZR-5-TPP-33 In my X5M (S63), and ZR-5-TPP-330A in my 550i (N63TU) interchangeable with the 33. the main difference being the size of the center electrode, both are the same step 5 heat range. The change interval on the N63 is every 60K miles and for the S63 is every 30K miles (shorter if tuned, and the gap should get smaller too). Both plugs are the same heat range and are very similar. Some people swear that the OEM plugs are better made, could be but generally most OEM parts just have a logo on the part and an up-charge but are not different then the other parts the supplier makes. Some folks swear by the OE parts.

the NGK 97506 are one step colder than above. The NGK heat range spec is 8, which is equivalent to Bosch 4. https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1393307

since step 5 is fine for a stock x5m, id think they would be fine on a tuned n63.
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1501503&page=4

Even though they come pre-gapped, I've found that most plugs these days are variable in their actual gap.

[SlowX6M]

I ordered the NGK plugs, I will wait to replace the plugs before I install the tune.

[Thecastle]

Good plan, as colder plugs are more prone to fouling and misfires. But ultimately follow the plug gapping and type recommendations of your tuner. Most stage 1 tunes do not require colder plugs.

But I have seen folks bend rods with upgraded turbo setups (big turbo), running stock plugs which developed hot spots and caused detonation and ruined the engine (knocking).

[SlowX6M]

So the shop that installed the NGK forgot to gap them to .020, left them at stock .028 or whatever. How screwed am I?

[My135i]

I've got stock plugs, stock coils and Dinan Stage 3, I don't know what previous owner gap em and since it was done at the dealership im assuming it's a stock gap. No problem yet, it's been running great!

[X5 MAN]

Originally Posted by SlowX6M

So the shop that installed the NGK forgot to gap them to .020, left them at stock .028 or whatever. How screwed am I?

You will know when you drive. If you don't notice any difference, everything is fine.

[SlowX6M]

Originally Posted by X5 MAN

You will know when you drive. If you don't notice any difference, everything is fine.

Yeah, seems to be running just fine.