Spark plug confusion !?!?

[tkelsb]

In the process of doing the valve cover gaskets and pulled the plugs because had to clean the oil out. Turns out that the local shop who did the plugs a year or so ago used two different Bosch plugs which I couldn't believe:

- The right side of the motor had 4 Super FR8LDC plugs part#????
- The left side of the mother had 4 Super Plus FLR8LDCU+ plugs part #7404

So I bought 8 new plugs for my 98' M62 from AutohausAZ and they gave me Bosch Super Plus FR7LDC+ or #7402

I checked the Bosch catalog and the 7402 seems correct.

Am I right on this being the proper OEM plug?

[Edwin NL]

No

BOSCH FGR7DQP
NGK BKR6EQUP

These are OEM and tested-approved by BMW

[tkelsb]

BOSCH FGR7DQP are Platinum +4 plugs, didn't the car come with standard 2 electrode copper plugs?

Am I okay to use the FR7LDC+ as well?

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=1ulwdj55a0ccuy55r2nmmc55&makeid=800003@BMW&modelid=1303265@740IL&year=1998&cid=25@Ignition%20Parts&gid=7212@Spark%20Plug

What is the advantage to running the Platinum+4's?

[Qsilver7]

If you're shopping for the correct parts for you car...it's better to find the original 11 digit BMW part nbr FIRST, then shop the aftermarket vendors for what they offer.

So go to a site like www.realoem.com or www.bmwfans.info FIRST...then enter the last 7 digits of your car's VIN which will allow you to find the BMW part nbrs for your car. Then shop the vendors you like using the 11 digit BMW part nbr that is specific for your car based on your car's VIN, build date, model, model year, etc. :)

You didn't really share much info about the e38 you're working with (its not in a signature or in the car info that appears in the upper right of your posts)...but certain things change during production from 1995-2001 which really requires more specific info to answer your questions properly. The spark plugs are one of these things. The M60/M62/M62TU have different spark plug requirements...and oddly the 1998 M62 engine used different spark plugs vs the 1996-1997 M62 e38.

So again, this is why it is wise to look up the BMW part nbr first, then shop using that nbr for equivalent or compatible aftermarket items...you won't have to guess as much as to which one of the aftermarket components is for your car.

Use the links above to the online part databases...look up the BMW part nbr for spark plugs, then shop the online vendors...and you'll know which spark plugs you can safely use. Good luck. :D


See item #1 in the part nbr index at this link to the diagram seen below:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=GJ83&mospid=47531&btnr=12_0409&hg=12&fg=05
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/f/f/1.png

[tkelsb]

Thanks, yeah read what the ETK had listed last night too. That's probably like you mention the safest play and it lists the F8LDCR plugs. My VIN production date is 3/98

01 SPARK PLUG BOSCH F 8 LDCR 8 07/1997 09/1998 12129064617 $9.66
01 Spark plug, High Power BOSCH FGR7DQP 8 09/1997 12120141871 ENDED
01 Spark plug, High Power 8 09/1997 12120037607
01 Spark plug, High Power NGK BKR6EQUP 8 09/1997 12129071003 ENDED
01 Spark plug, High Power 8 09/1997 12120037607

The two plugs that Edwin listed come up as correct for the year and guess I'll try and return the FR7LDC+ plugs and throw down another $20 for the platinums. Sounds like that's what others are running too and like he said there tested by BMW.

[Edwin NL]

Get the NGK's they last longer and the prongs don't fall off, also the NGK's can be found for $6.99

[tkelsb]

Get the NGK's they last longer and the prongs don't fall off, also the NGK's can be found for $6.99

NGK's are excellent, much better than a mixed set of Bosch copper :)