[NiVeDh]

I know this is a common question here: is there any difference between the Bosch branded ZGR6STE2 spark plugs vs. the BMW OEM branded ones?

As far as I can tell, they are essentially identical.

One difference, if it can be called that, is the torque specification on the boxes. The Bosch box calls for 20 N-m while BMW calls for 23±3 N-m but I guess 20 is covered by that then. One other difference I noticed is that the central electrode on the BMW plug shows some minor oxidization.

I have used both kinds in my car and it runs the same.

Here are some photos so you can judge for yourself.

[tmo24]

When I did my plug swap a while back, the BMW branded ones that I took out had the same Bosch part number stamped on them as the Bosch branded ones. I didn't want to pay extra for the BMW ink. I read a thread on this also and the end result was that they should be identical. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

[jpirelli]

Good info, should save everyone a few bucks.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Yep they should be the same, one has the BMW tax

[pits200]

I thought this was already known?

And that they're about $10-$12 per plug.

[dAng! E90]

Thanks for the info. I'll be saving a few bucks on plugs now!!!

[E90Company]

Cool, good to know. Saves some $

[benzy89]

This is good, but if you're running high boost they'll need to be replaced just as often (10k-15k miles). Does anyone have an idea what the NGK 5992 Spark Plugs + Okada Ignition Coils go for?? These seem to not only hold up to the performance and FBO/meth N54 puts out, but also hold up a little longer.

EDIT:
Okada Plasma Direct Ignition Coil 6 Pack -- $1,200
(6) NGK 5992 Laser Iridium Spark Plugs -- $90 (~$15 a piece)

[nitehawk]

I believe its the same case with the OEM vs Bosch branded coils. Exact same, Bosch being cheaper than the other

[cleex024]

Originally Posted by benzy89

This is good, but if you're running high boost they'll need to be replaced just as often (10k-15k miles). Does anyone have an idea what the NGK 5992 Spark Plugs + Okada Ignition Coils go for?? These seem to not only hold up to the performance and FBO/meth N54 puts out, but also hold up a little longer.

EDIT:
Okada Plasma Direct Ignition Coil 6 Pack -- $1,200
(6) NGK 5992 Laser Iridium Spark Plugs -- $90 (~$15 a piece)

jesus that is so much for some coil packs.

[PINeely]

10-15k is too soon to be changing them IMO. I'm FBO and change them at 35k with no issues. Regular Bosch plugs

[benzy89]

Originally Posted by PINeely

10-15k is too soon to be changing them IMO. I'm FBO and change them at 35k with no issues. Regular Bosch plugs

I mean BMW recommends you change them every 25k-30k, but as long as you're not misfiring there's no reason to replace them.

Originally Posted by cleex024

jesus that is so much for some coil packs.

They are pricey, but they're also the highest quality ignition coils, so you def won't be replacing them as often. enrita is using them & his 335i is not something that fux around (basically a science project for new/top-quality parts)

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

We recommend 15-20K changes when tuned. We sell the Bosch plugs and don't recommend anything other then them or if you feel like over paying the BMW branded plugs

Mike

[CSL335i]

I am using Okada coils for my n54 since the two years with Bosch spark plugs. They are really doing their jobs fine. Never had any misfires (with VP and JB4 as well) on 16PSI with my stock and modified stock turbos.
Currently we are working on my n54 engine rebuilt and developing new turbos with custom made exhaust manifolds. I will give a try for the NGK spark plugs and Okada combos.

Laszlo

[najin23]

Originally Posted by tmo24

When I did my plug swap a while back, the BMW branded ones that I took out had the same Bosch part number stamped on them as the Bosch branded ones. I didn't want to pay extra for the BMW ink. I read a thread on this also and the end result was that they should be identical. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

To be honest, after 45k miles from factory, my newly replaced bosch plugs are pulling my car better. Throttle feels much harmonious with no vibration upon WOT on higher gears. I am getting NGK brands also in about a week to compare. Yes, I am planning to gap the plugs down to 0.022" for all six of them and see how it will help with my occasional sputtering misfires that I still have.
My call, bosch is fine as long as I replace it every 15-20K miles.

[najin23]

Originally Posted by cleex024

jesus that is so much for some coil packs.

Advanceauto has them, NGK 5992.
Stack with other items to use both coupon codes and free shipping. If you have chase freedom cards, use their Ultimate mall to get 4 extra points. I literally got one for $9 after savings and some extra point for the ultimate mall.

[themyst]

Originally Posted by PINeely

10-15k is too soon to be changing them IMO. I'm FBO and change them at 35k with no issues. Regular Bosch plugs

+1 I swapped plugs at 32k miles and they looked new with very minor electrode wear. Probably could have gone another 20k miles easy before the car would start complaining.

[BMJ]

Originally Posted by NiVeDh

I know this is a common question here: is there any difference between the Bosch branded ZGR6STE2 spark plugs vs. the BMW OEM branded ones?

As far as I can tell, they are essentially identical.

One difference, if it can be called that, is the torque specification on the boxes. The Bosch box calls for 20 N-m while BMW calls for 23±3 N-m but I guess 20 is covered by that then. One other difference I noticed is that the central electrode on the BMW plug shows some minor oxidization.

I have used both kinds in my car and it runs the same.

Here are some photos so you can judge for yourself.

common in the auto world, Bosch would make plugs for BMW branded as BMW.

[I M LEGEND]

good to know, thanks!

[kaigoss69]

Hey Nivedh, sorry to hijack this thread... I wanted to PM you for some more coding but you seem not to accept PMs anymore. Can you Pm me pls? Thx.

[maxipad96]

Just swapped mine out again after about 20k on Cobb tune. Had a misfire in 6 sometimes 5. Fixed it right up with new plugs.

I think 20k is about right on high boost tunes w/ fbo.

Pretty easy job that feels rewarding when you are finished. Always amazes me the throttle response after.

[STONEY_M5]

They cost $111 bucks at the dealer and $91 at auto zone... 10 bucks is killing anyone of you especially if your mom didnt buy you the car... lol jk