2007 X3 Spark Plugs and VCG replacement

Hello All,

My X3 is currently at ~80k and I'll be doing preventative maintenance this weekend to replace the valve cover gasket. I figured I'd replace the spark plugs since I'll have the engine cover off. I did a search on this forum and there seems to be various suggestions to using either Bosch or NGK plugs with no real consensus. I couldn't decipher if there were different recommendations based on year of vehicle. My local BMW dealer quoted US $28/plug and that seems excessive for a stock plug.

According to Amazon and NKG, this plug will fit my 2007 X3 and is ~$20/plug less expensive: http://www.amazon.com/NGK-LFR6AIX-11...pr_product_top

Are there any other recommendations for a 2007 X3 spark plug? Anything else I should consider replacing while I have the engine cover off?

Thanks,
Mike

I switched to the NGK Iridium BKR6EIX in my 06 and it runs great.

+1 on NGK.

I put NKG on my 07 3.0si almost a year before and they are running fine without any issues. A DIY on a N52 engine is much more involved than M54's as it includes the removal of valvetronic motor to get the cover off. So I guess, you might as well want to replace the gasket on the valvetronic moter while you are there.

Also, may I request you to take some pictures (if you can) so that a VCG DIY on N52 can be shared on the forum. My VCG is long due and I tried doing it myself but couldn't go past the O2 sensor removal. Got confused with all the mess going on the engine bay area and esp. the removal of valvetronic. I would appreciate your help in this and I am sure so would others who need it.

Here is the instructions from Mike Miller of Roundel magazine. Just did mine Monday. Be prepared to be down a day if your rubber boots stick, you may have to order them. I got my NGK's from a BMW parts dealer online for $8. If I can find out from where I will post it. Make sure you have the exact part number- NGK Laser Platinum BKR6EQUIP 3199

"Tightening torque is 22 ft-lb and I use a light coating of high temperature copper based anti-seize compound so they'll come out next time. Yes, I know the manuals say 18 +/-2 ft-lb. These spark plugs are known to back out at that torque spec.

Anti-seize compound has no effect whatsoever on tightening torque and anyone who tells you otherwise is a stark raving Internet lunatic. I have encountered them. They could be a danger to themselves and others."

I would highly recommend the anti seize as two of mine really came out hard. Check the small hose on your intake boot while you are into maintenance. It is known to crack at the odd bend it makes. Poor design in my opinion.

I used to work for NGK--that's all I buy for ALL of my cars. So they get my vote. And how does a spark plug "back out"? I'd torque to 18 ft-lbs personally.

Originally Posted by X3emist

Anti-seize compound has no effect whatsoever on tightening torque and anyone who tells you otherwise is a stark raving Internet lunatic. I have encountered them. They could be a danger to themselves and others.

Not to doubt Mike Miller's expertise, but .......

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/pdf/tb-...1antisieze.pdf

I agree with Mike on anti seize compound.....been using it since 1994 every 30,000 miles with copper plugs and 100k with platinum plugs (moving to 50k on my x3) and never have had any problems...

Hello All,

I went with NGK's based on your recommendations; however, BKR6EQUIP 3199 is not the correct plug for a 2007.

The image below shows the worn out Bosch plug I removed next to a brand new BKR6EQUIP 3199. There is obviously a difference.

I went with NGK Iridium IX LFR6AIX-11 6619 (not pictured) and no anti-seize. It's running great with these.

I took pictures during the VCG change and will add a DIY when I get done editing (a few more days).

Thanks,
Mike

mchova01,

Please look at the 1st post in this thread. It is recommending a LFR6AIX-11 plug for the 2007 and later models (with N52 engine). The plug you are comparing is for the M54 engined X3's (prior to 2007). NGK is definitely the plug to use but you need to make sure you get the right one.

I took pictures during the VCG change and will add a DIY when I get done editing (a few more days).
Look forward to it. Thanks!

Originally Posted by mhughett

mchova01,

Please look at the 1st post in this thread. It is recommending a LFR6AIX-11 plug for the 2007 and later models (with N52 engine). The plug you are comparing is for the M54 engined X3's (prior to 2007). NGK is definitely the plug to use but you need to make sure you get the right one.

The first post is mine However, at least two others replied suggesting to use BKR6EQUIP 3199 plugs. I just wanted to let others know to use LFR6AIX-11 if they come across this in a search for new plugs.

Thanks,
Mike

Originally Posted by mchova01

If that single electrode Bosch is what you had in there, I'm pretty sure someone had put the wrong plug before. OEM plugs are "BMW" branded and are 4 prongs.

Originally Posted by X3-terrestrial

If that single electrode Bosch is what you had in there, I'm pretty sure someone had put the wrong plug before. OEM plugs are "BMW" branded and are 4 prongs.

The plug I pulled out has a BMW logo on the side not originally pictured. I included a shot of the other side of the plug below (sorry for crappy iPhone pic).

Given the condition of the plugs I replaced, I'm fairly certain these were the originals?

Originally Posted by X3-terrestrial

If that single electrode Bosch is what you had in there, I'm pretty sure someone had put the wrong plug before. OEM plugs are "BMW" branded and are 4 prongs.

I just changed the plugs in my 07 X3 (75K miles) a few days ago, and the plugs I pulled out said bosch on one side, bmw on the other. They also had a single tip like in the picture. But I just bought it, so I can't know for sure if the plugs have ever been changed. I also switched to the NGK LFR6AIX-11 and it's running great.

Hmm...So maybe BMW switched to single electrode plugs on the N52 motor...strange

Originally Posted by X3-terrestrial

Hmm...So maybe BMW switched to single electrode plugs on the N52 motor...strange

Apparently, having multiple electrodes isn't all it's cracked up to be - depending on the application.

See:

So probably best to go with the same number of electrodes as the car came with, or switch to a single electrode type if in doubt.

Many Bosch plugs are made in Japan and could be very close to NGKs in design and quality if BMW uses either as an OES.