3.0i BMW Z3 Spark plugs

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

3.0i BMW Z3 Spark plugs

Post by johnz3 »

I want to change my spark plugs. Is there a view on what the best plugs are please. Also do they come already 'gapped' Thanks.
Cooper01
Joined: Tue 29 Apr, 2014 08:06
Posts: 163

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: 3.0i BMW Z3 Spark plugs

Post by Cooper01 »

Hi, I just replaced mine on the 2.2i. I got the platinum ones with the 4 arc points all went in just fine with no gap adjustment required. I cant remember the brand sorry but if you go to a supplier website and indicate your vehicle it will show you what you require. Hope this helps. Cooper
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: 3.0i BMW Z3 Spark plugs

Post by johnz3 »

Thanks. I will have a look.
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: 3.0i BMW Z3 Spark plugs

Post by Del »

Do your own verification but I believe the main (current day) choice is:-

NGK BKR6EQUP - quality platinum plug

or

Bosch FGR7DQP+ - quality platinum & iridium plug

I am aware that BMW dealers have used both in the past. These may differ from the recommendation in the handbook as spark plug technology has moved on. Both have "4 prongs" and do not need adjusting. I put the latter Bosch in my 1.9 a year or so back and did notice an immediate improvement over the copper ones I took out - that still looked in reasonable condition. :)
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Brian H
Joined: Tue 16 Dec, 2008 19:55
Posts: 2505

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: 3.0i BMW Z3 Spark plugs

Post by Brian H »

Del wrote:Do your own verification but I believe the main (current day) choice is:-

NGK BKR6EQUP - quality platinum plug

or

Bosch FGR7DQP+ - quality platinum & iridium plug

I am aware that BMW dealers have used both in the past. These may differ from the recommendation in the handbook as spark plug technology has moved on. Both have "4 prongs" and do not need adjusting. I put the latter Bosch in my 1.9 a year or so back and did notice an immediate improvement over the copper ones I took out - that still looked in reasonable condition. :)
Agree with the NGK for our cars.
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: 3.0i BMW Z3 Spark plugs

Post by johnz3 »

Great. Thanks everyone.
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lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: 3.0i BMW Z3 Spark plugs

Post by lightning »

At what mileage should they be changed? My 3.0 has done 55,000 miles and l don't think the engine covers have ever been off.
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: 3.0i BMW Z3 Spark plugs

Post by Del »

Copper "supposed" to have a maximum life of 30,000 miles, platinum 60,000 and iridium 90,000. OE service manuals normally combine it with a number of years and so might say something like "the first to come of 4-years or 60,000 miles". I've seen past posts on this forum where very old, original plugs in low mileage cars, have virtually started to disintegrate. If you suspect they are the originals I would definitely get a new set in there. :)
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