Spark plugs

Ok just need some advice?

Hmm platinum + 2 or platinum +4 or ???

Which is better for my 98 528i , I want to do a basic tune up. Also want advice about
Coils to go with the plugs?

BMW engineer's recommends Bosch F7LDCR. This is original.

You don't need coils unless they are defective, in which case you would be getting a check engine light.

Go with the NKG Iriduims for plugs and there are others about that will give the same advice--these plugs are the stuff

Originally Posted by poolman

Go with the NKG Iriduims for plugs and there are others about that will give the same advice--these plugs are the stuff

+1

This has been discussed many times so I simply point the OP to one of the discussions:
- What is the best plug to use in the BMW E39 (1) (2)

If the user wants a DIY, I point to this highly pictorial DIY that is easy to follow:
- One user's pictorial DIY for replacing the BMW M54 engine spark plugs (1)

Let me give a few more details bought this car as adaily driver . Love the 18-20 city/ 27-34 hwy average in my first 1000 miles.
1998 528i base,
153k on clock
Have no idea when last service
Just did Lof service. 5/30w royal purple syn. Oil
Changed some nasty air filters-cabin & engine.

Just figuring it would be good place to start at the 150k service recomended by book.

Coils & plugs recommened hince my looking for advice.
Also trying to get major systems checked for posssible problems coming up

Originally Posted by Fuzzykb001

Just figuring it would be good place to start at the 150k service recomended by book

Typing /maintenance F3 in the bestlinks nets a whole bunch of printable service checks you should make.
- A BMW CPO PPI inspection checklist (1) (2) & an official BMW CPO retailer operations manual (1) (2) & a BMW certified preowned pre purchase inspection brochure (1) (2) (3) & a BMW service/maintenance schedule & checklists I, II, and III (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & a classic E39 inspection I, II, III DIY (1) (2) (3) & tips for BMW E39 150K mile maintenance issues (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) & a glovebox printout for the most often recommended BMW E39 fluids (1).

Just pick one of those, for example:
- BMW_realistic_maintenance_schedule_2009.pdf

My I also recommend a fresh set of these

Yours, if they have never been replaced, are probably overdue.

Originally Posted by AnotherGeezer

My I also recommend a fresh set of these

Yours, if they have never been replaced, are probably overdue.

+1, if over 100k miles, it is good preventive maintenance to replace the spark plug boots. I have seen enough posts about failures after that point to figure it is worthwhile to avoid problems in the future.

Originally Posted by AnotherGeezer

My I also recommend a fresh set of these

Yours, if they have never been replaced, are probably overdue.

Any more details? I see boots reccomended a lot on the benz board but not much here, and they are pretty cheap. Did you fix a specific issue or see any kind of improvement?

I did my plugs at 94k and the boots were in great shape. Plugs had never been done. on a Coil on plug application like we have I've had good results with putting di-electric grease on the boots; inside and out. Nice coating all over the outside and put a small squirt into the boot for it going on the plug. Next time it's much easier and it keeps moisture out. Extends the life of the boot tremendously too. Just my 2 cents.


As for plugs. You have 3 to choose from the way I see it.

1- OE NGK plugs (What I did due to they will last a 100k interval, are OE and cheapest option of the list)
2- Irdium NGK .6mm tip Will last about 40-60k
3- Iridium Denso .4mm tip Will last about 40-60K


I steer clear of the Bosch +'s. Never had good results. Nor have I seen them come as OE. If I use a Bosch, it's the OEM Bosch. Like in my 335i. Very odd plug. Stuck with the OE bosch. I wanted to use a OE Irdium NGK, but they don't make that plug for our car. That would be sweet if they did. That's probably my favorite plug. 100K life and iridium. And it DOES come as an OE plug in a ton of cars. even the corollas have them OE, Lexus, ETC. One of the best overall plugs you can buy IMO. Not sure why they don't have a listing for it on the 530i.