Smart way to buy plugs?

paris1 · 10-19-2022, 04:21 PM

I'm trying to figure out the best way to purchase plugs for my 35i. There doesn't seem to be anything as straightforward as a simple catalog listing from the plug manufacturers and when I run the VIN through an online dealer parts finder it comes up with (12-12-0-037-244) which is a Bosch plug that everyone seems to charge about $15/ea for. Is that the best way to go, or are there better choices/sources for this item?

ray7792 · 10-19-2022, 05:21 PM

Yeah thats the right part number, bosch ones will most likely do perfectly fine.

I usually just order from fcp euro, they got the bosch ones you're looking at. Set of 6 for 40 or if you want to go oem its like 2.5x more

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...12120037244kt1
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-12120037244kt

paris1 · 10-20-2022, 04:22 PM

Can anyone tell me if there's anything tricky about changing the plugs on a 35i that I should be aware of? The videos I have watched make it look pretty easy (except maybe for the last two plugs?). I generally don't work on this car myself, but I'm getting crazy high estimates from indies and dealers alike ($375-$650!) and I can get OE BMW plugs online for $100.

B21 · 10-21-2022, 03:08 AM

Good torque wrench and a fully articulating multipoint deep reach spark plug spanner and you are sound…just be careful adjusting plug gaps to avoid cracking the central insulator..no 6 is a bit fiddly but access on a Z4 so much easier than other N54 engined BMWs..

golfguy · 10-23-2022, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B21

Good torque wrench and a fully articulating multipoint deep reach spark plug spanner and you are sound…just be careful adjusting plug gaps to avoid cracking the central insulator..no 6 is a bit fiddly but access on a Z4 so much easier than other N54 engined BMWs..

I replaced the plugs on my 2011 35is and it was easier than the N52 128i I used to have. The back two are much more accessible. I was surprised. As was suggested, make sure you have the proper spark plug socket.

paris1 · 10-23-2022, 08:28 PM

I would assume there is no need to gap the plugs due to their design. Am I wrong?

golfguy · 10-23-2022, 08:37 PM

I haven't found it necessary. Others may differ in their opinions.

Lurcher · 01-24-2023, 08:16 PM

Late to this, but if you start modding to +1,+2, you should move to colder plugs. Also remember, the coils are considered wear items too.

10-19-2022, 04:21 PM	#1
paris1 Captain 89 Rep 745 Posts Drives: 2013 35i Space Grey over Coral Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Northern Calif. iTrader: (0)	Smart way to buy plugs? I'm trying to figure out the best way to purchase plugs for my 35i. There doesn't seem to be anything as straightforward as a simple catalog listing from the plug manufacturers and when I run the VIN through an online dealer parts finder it comes up with (12-12-0-037-244) which is a Bosch plug that everyone seems to charge about $15/ea for. Is that the best way to go, or are there better choices/sources for this item?
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10-19-2022, 05:21 PM	#2
ray7792 Private 12 Rep 65 Posts Drives: '14 35is Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Yeah thats the right part number, bosch ones will most likely do perfectly fine. I usually just order from fcp euro, they got the bosch ones you're looking at. Set of 6 for 40 or if you want to go oem its like 2.5x more https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...12120037244kt1 https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-12120037244kt
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10-20-2022, 04:22 PM	#3
paris1 Captain 89 Rep 745 Posts Drives: 2013 35i Space Grey over Coral Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Northern Calif. iTrader: (0)	Can anyone tell me if there's anything tricky about changing the plugs on a 35i that I should be aware of? The videos I have watched make it look pretty easy (except maybe for the last two plugs?). I generally don't work on this car myself, but I'm getting crazy high estimates from indies and dealers alike ($375-$650!) and I can get OE BMW plugs online for $100.
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10-21-2022, 03:08 AM	#4
B21 Lieutenant 141 Rep 594 Posts Drives: E89 Atacama Yellow 35is Join Date: May 2022 Location: Scotland..God’s own country iTrader: (0)	Good torque wrench and a fully articulating multipoint deep reach spark plug spanner and you are sound…just be careful adjusting plug gaps to avoid cracking the central insulator..no 6 is a bit fiddly but access on a Z4 so much easier than other N54 engined BMWs.. __________________ Much modified 2011 Atacama Yellow 35is…previously a much modified 2012 Atacama Yellow 20i MSport Change history here… https://www.dropbox.com/s/8h1vabklgz...0List.pdf?dl=0 Build thread here… https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=131886
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10-23-2022, 08:28 PM	#6
paris1 Captain 89 Rep 745 Posts Drives: 2013 35i Space Grey over Coral Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Northern Calif. iTrader: (0)	I would assume there is no need to gap the plugs due to their design. Am I wrong?
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10-23-2022, 08:37 PM	#7
golfguy New Member 0 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 35is Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Tucson, AZ iTrader: (0)	I haven't found it necessary. Others may differ in their opinions. __________________ 2011 Z4 35is Atacama Yellow/Black Alcantara DCT 2018 X2 XDrive28i Galvanic Gold/Black AT 2015 ///M235i Estoril Blue/Terra Brown (gone) 2008 ///M Roadster Black Sapphire Metallic/Imola Red 6sp manual (gone and lamented) 2012 128i Convertible Vermilion Red/Oyster AT (gone) 2007 335i Convertible Space Gray Metallic/Light Silver Gray AT (gone) 2006 Z4 3.0i Montego Blue/Sand Beige AT (gone) 2000 323i Sienna Red/Beige AT(gone) 1985 318i Alpine White/Navy cloth 5sp manual (gone)
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01-24-2023, 08:16 PM	#8
Lurcher Captain 75 Rep 679 Posts Drives: 2012 z4 Join Date: May 2013 Location: Buford, GA (right side of ATL) iTrader: (0)	Late to this, but if you start modding to +1,+2, you should move to colder plugs. Also remember, the coils are considered wear items too.
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