Spark Plugs / DIC ? Types, brand differences

JJZ4MR · 12-11-2016, 05:35 PM

I'm looking into changing my spark plugs, local parts store had copper and iridium. Not much advice. While shopping on CarId, saw that they were recommending changing the Direct Ignition Coils at 60 K. Just bought a 2006 Z4M Roadster, with 55 K. Car runs perfect, but I figured I may want to get new coils. Anyone have and info to share on plugs/DIC's ? Choices, brands, upgrades ?

XMetal · 12-12-2016, 02:25 PM

Personally, I would just replace the coils when it fails.

As for plugs, just like motor oil, everyone's got their favorite. IMHO, pick whatever you like or feels comfortable running. So far, I'm happy with NGK DCPR8EKP/7415 (OE equivalent).

StickMon · 12-12-2016, 04:09 PM

I was using the stock platinum plugs until I found you can get the NGK DCPR8EIX iridiums cheaper from Amazon.
Couldn't find the platinums on Amazon. The iridiums must be used in more models.

Bought these coils in 2013 and installed preemptively at 93k miles.
Just had one fail last week just under 150k miles. It started arcing through the side to the spark plug tube.

XMetal · 12-12-2016, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickMon

I was using the stock platinum plugs until I found you can get the NGK DCPR8EIX iridiums cheaper from Amazon.
Couldn't find the platinums on Amazon. The iridiums must be used in more models.

Bought these coils in 2013 and installed preemptively at 93k miles.
Just had one fail last week just under 150k miles. It started arcing through the side to the spark plug tube.

You're right about the iridiums being cheaper - I might give them a go on the next set since I replace it on every valve adjustment...so the platinums may be an overkill for 25k replacement interval. Here's the platinums on Amazon => https://www.amazon.com/NGK-DCPR8EKP-...words=dcpr8ekp

On second thought, It's probably a good idea to preemptively replace the coils at 100K, I guessed. Although, my 13-year old M54 X5 is still on their original coils at 120K. I'm contemplating if I should replace them now

JJZ4MR · 12-16-2016, 04:57 AM

Thank you for the input, I've decided I'm going to do a spark plug change and just take a good look at the coils making sure they're in good order. I'm still a little torn between iridium ore Platinum/ copper but for now since I'm having no problems I'm going to leave them as they are.

StickMon · 12-19-2016, 02:00 PM

Iridium last longer, but you should do a valve clearance check about every 20,000-25,000 miles.
Good idea to replace the plugs when you do the valve check, so get whichever plugs are cheapest.
If you're going to replace them every 20,000-25,000 miles, it doesn't matter if you use 60k mile plugs or 100k mile plugs.

12-11-2016, 05:35 PM	#1
JJZ4MR Private First Class 30 Rep 194 Posts Drives: 06 Z4M Roadster Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Largo Fl iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Z4MR [0.00] 1972 For Sale Datsun [0.00] 2001 Dog/kayak haul ... [0.00] 2010 Daily Driver H ... [0.00]	Spark Plugs / DIC ? Types, brand differences I'm looking into changing my spark plugs, local parts store had copper and iridium. Not much advice. While shopping on CarId, saw that they were recommending changing the Direct Ignition Coils at 60 K. Just bought a 2006 Z4M Roadster, with 55 K. Car runs perfect, but I figured I may want to get new coils. Anyone have and info to share on plugs/DIC's ? Choices, brands, upgrades ?
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12-12-2016, 02:25 PM	#2
XMetal Colonel 1127 Rep 2,861 Posts Drives: Anything Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 Z4M Coupe [10.00] 2018 Audi S3 [0.00] 2004 X5 [8.50]	Personally, I would just replace the coils when it fails. As for plugs, just like motor oil, everyone's got their favorite. IMHO, pick whatever you like or feels comfortable running. So far, I'm happy with NGK DCPR8EKP/7415 (OE equivalent).
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12-12-2016, 04:09 PM	#3
StickMon My other car is on Mars 636 Rep 3,124 Posts Drives: 2006 MR Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lo-Cal iTrader: (1)	I was using the stock platinum plugs until I found you can get the NGK DCPR8EIX iridiums cheaper from Amazon. Couldn't find the platinums on Amazon. The iridiums must be used in more models. Bought these coils in 2013 and installed preemptively at 93k miles. Just had one fail last week just under 150k miles. It started arcing through the side to the spark plug tube. __________________ Warning: May contain traces of nuts.
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12-16-2016, 04:57 AM	#5
JJZ4MR Private First Class 30 Rep 194 Posts Drives: 06 Z4M Roadster Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Largo Fl iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Z4MR [0.00] 1972 For Sale Datsun [0.00] 2001 Dog/kayak haul ... [0.00] 2010 Daily Driver H ... [0.00]	Plugs first and just inspection of coils Thank you for the input, I've decided I'm going to do a spark plug change and just take a good look at the coils making sure they're in good order. I'm still a little torn between iridium ore Platinum/ copper but for now since I'm having no problems I'm going to leave them as they are.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-19-2016, 02:00 PM	#6
StickMon My other car is on Mars 636 Rep 3,124 Posts Drives: 2006 MR Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lo-Cal iTrader: (1)	Iridium last longer, but you should do a valve clearance check about every 20,000-25,000 miles. Good idea to replace the plugs when you do the valve check, so get whichever plugs are cheapest. If you're going to replace them every 20,000-25,000 miles, it doesn't matter if you use 60k mile plugs or 100k mile plugs. __________________ Warning: May contain traces of nuts.
	Appreciate 0 Quote