For The Love Of God...Which Spark Plugs Do I Need?!?!

Infamouz627 · 08-05-2019, 03:36 PM

Before I get flamed. I've searched and researched and continue to receive conflicting information; therefore I am reaching out to the fine members of Bimmerpost for a "once and for all".

So just a little background, I have a 2013 (PWG) F30 N55 running BM3 stage 2 with all recommended bolt-ons. Looking to change my spark plugs now and read from different sources that I should stick with stock plugs, Bosch ZR5TPP33S (PN: 0242145518) whereas PTF recommends NGK SILZKBR8D8S (97506). Considering I'm not planning on going beyond the OTS stage 2 map I decided to stick with stock. I placed the order with FCP Euro and received the Bosch ZR5TPP33 (without the "S" PN: 0242145515) even though I ordered the ZR5TPP33S. I was told by a rep that what I ordered was actually discontinued and what they sent me was the identical and upgraded version; he even pointed me to their product description page which reads as follows:

"Product Details
Bosch ZR5TPP33 spark plug, same plug specified by BMW

Spark plugs are an often overlooked maintenance item. If your BMW has developed a misfire, studders, or feels down on power it could be due to worn out spark plugs.

As of January 2019 Bosch is no longer supplying ZR5TPP33S. It has been replaced by ZR5TPP33. The spark plug specs between ZR5TPP33S and ZR5TPP33 are identical making one plug work for both N55 and N63 applications."

With that being said, FCP Euro also has "Genuine BMW parts BMW-12120037582" which is described as the MFG Number ZR5TPP33S but are $20 a pop. Should I just pony up the extra $72 and go with the Genuine BMW plugs or will the ZR5TPP33 work? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Eschmacher · 08-05-2019, 03:52 PM

Just run the ones they sent, you'll be just fine.

JaredG_F30 · 08-05-2019, 04:27 PM

What you have will work just fine. IMHO people put too much weight on spark plugs. I've run stock BMW plugs, NGK 97506 gapped at 0.022" and 0.028". They all ran fine, however, my idle did seem a bit rougher and some hesitation under light load with the NGK at 0.022". The best thing you can do is install the new plugs then log to see how your timing is. Currently, I'm running NGK 97506 at 0.028" but I ran stock plugs before that and the car ran great even on Stage 2 E30 tune.

Infamouz627 · 08-05-2019, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaredG_F30

What you have will work just fine. IMHO people put too much weight on spark plugs. I've run stock BMW plugs, NGK 97506 gapped at 0.022" and 0.028". They all ran fine, however, my idle did seem a bit rougher and some hesitation under light load with the NGK at 0.022". The best thing you can do is install the new plugs then log to see how your timing is. Currently, I'm running NGK 97506 at 0.028" but I ran stock plugs before that and the car ran great even on Stage 2 E30 tune.

Perfect, just the reassurance I needed. I'm planning log before and after to see if there's a difference as well as any improvement. I am getting slight stumbling now on cold start but that goes away after warming up. Thanks!!

peteg1789 · 03-29-2023, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infamouz627

Before I get flamed. I've searched and researched and continue to receive conflicting information; therefore I am reaching out to the fine members of Bimmerpost for a "once and for all".

So just a little background, I have a 2013 (PWG) F30 N55 running BM3 stage 2 with all recommended bolt-ons. Looking to change my spark plugs now and read from different sources that I should stick with stock plugs, Bosch ZR5TPP33S (PN: 0242145518) whereas PTF recommends NGK SILZKBR8D8S (97506). Considering I'm not planning on going beyond the OTS stage 2 map I decided to stick with stock. I placed the order with FCP Euro and received the Bosch ZR5TPP33 (without the "S" PN: 0242145515) even though I ordered the ZR5TPP33S. I was told by a rep that what I ordered was actually discontinued and what they sent me was the identical and upgraded version; he even pointed me to their product description page which reads as follows:

"Product Details
Bosch ZR5TPP33 spark plug, same plug specified by BMW

Spark plugs are an often overlooked maintenance item. If your BMW has developed a misfire, studders, or feels down on power it could be due to worn out spark plugs.

As of January 2019 Bosch is no longer supplying ZR5TPP33S. It has been replaced by ZR5TPP33. The spark plug specs between ZR5TPP33S and ZR5TPP33 are identical making one plug work for both N55 and N63 applications."

With that being said, FCP Euro also has "Genuine BMW parts BMW-12120037582" which is described as the MFG Number ZR5TPP33S but are $20 a pop. Should I just pony up the extra $72 and go with the Genuine BMW plugs or will the ZR5TPP33 work? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

They are Different spark plugs........from Bimmerworld: This spark plug is made by Bosch (part #ZR5TPP33S) but is a BMW exclusive and not available from Bosch directly. The "S" version is preferred because of its tighter electrode gap and larger internal resistor that dissipates heat faster but it is only available through BMW

n55david · 03-30-2023, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peteg1789

They are Different spark plugs........from Bimmerworld: This spark plug is made by Bosch (part #ZR5TPP33S) but is a BMW exclusive and not available from Bosch directly. The "S" version is preferred because of its tighter electrode gap and larger internal resistor that dissipates heat faster but it is only available through BMW

The post was from 2019 man wtf lol

mike@x-ph.com · 03-30-2023, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n55david

The post was from 2019 man wtf lol

harkes · 04-04-2023, 02:51 AM

Guys first post... Give him some slack. Rookie mistake

n55david · 04-04-2023, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harkes

Guys first post... Give him some slack. Rookie mistake

No.. its impossible to be a mistake. He would to have specifically searched to find that post and then reply to it. Like most of the others like this.. its usually a scammer just slowly adding to post count to be able to message and stuff. When people look at their history it shows up with posts from a while back giving a false sense of history.

yupetc · 04-07-2023, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n55david

No.. its impossible to be a mistake. He would to have specifically searched to find that post and then reply to it. Like most of the others like this.. its usually a scammer just slowly adding to post count to be able to message and stuff. When people look at their history it shows up with posts from a while back giving a false sense of history.

If you haven't said that, I would have never figured that out. Keep giving him a hard time and see if he'll pop.

n55david · 04-07-2023, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yupetc

If you haven't said that, I would have never figured that out. Keep giving him a hard time and see if he'll pop.

Unlikely, he won't post again for a while and it'll be random again.. usually they just ask for more info while being vague.

yupetc · 04-07-2023, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n55david

Unlikely, he won't post again for a while and it'll be random again.. usually they just ask for more info while being vague.

Seems like you've been onto these folks a while. Do you know what's their ulterior motive doing this? I just don't know how they can end up scamming us over here. Unless they end up in the classified section and start posting some thing expensive for sale or something.

n55david · 04-07-2023, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yupetc

Seems like you've been onto these folks a while. Do you know what's their ulterior motive doing this? I just don't know how they can end up scamming us over here. Unless they end up in the classified section and start posting some thing expensive for sale or something.

Classified section sending PMs mostly now but with some for sale posts etc. Last time I really tried I found one with a for sale post, called him out and then it was suddenly sold to another member.. turns out it was just another scammer account and that's how they tried to make it look legit after the fact.. nobody does anything about it. Doesn't really seem to help to report them etc. Either the admin/mods are too lazy or they have just given up.

yupetc · 04-07-2023, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n55david

Classified section sending PMs mostly now but with some for sale posts etc. Last time I really tried I found one with a for sale post, called him out and then it was suddenly sold to another member.. turns out it was just another scammer account and that's how they tried to make it look legit after the fact.. nobody does anything about it. Doesn't really seem to help to report them etc. Either the admin/mods are too lazy or they have just given up.

We need a volunteer in the bimmer forums to catch this sort of non-sense. Will you take a hint?

n55david · 04-07-2023, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yupetc

We need a volunteer in the bimmer forums to catch this sort of non-sense. Will you take a hint?

I'd love to do it lol

AmuroRay · 04-07-2023, 09:35 PM

Scammer likely - and the S plugs are no longer in production as the normal Bosch have now superseded them.

08-05-2019, 03:36 PM	#1
Infamouz627 First Lieutenant 41 Rep 389 Posts Drives: 2013 335i M-Sport EBII 6MT Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	For The Love Of God...Which Spark Plugs Do I Need?!?! Before I get flamed. I've searched and researched and continue to receive conflicting information; therefore I am reaching out to the fine members of Bimmerpost for a "once and for all". So just a little background, I have a 2013 (PWG) F30 N55 running BM3 stage 2 with all recommended bolt-ons. Looking to change my spark plugs now and read from different sources that I should stick with stock plugs, Bosch ZR5TPP33S (PN: 0242145518) whereas PTF recommends NGK SILZKBR8D8S (97506). Considering I'm not planning on going beyond the OTS stage 2 map I decided to stick with stock. I placed the order with FCP Euro and received the Bosch ZR5TPP33 (without the "S" PN: 0242145515) even though I ordered the ZR5TPP33S. I was told by a rep that what I ordered was actually discontinued and what they sent me was the identical and upgraded version; he even pointed me to their product description page which reads as follows: "Product Details Bosch ZR5TPP33 spark plug, same plug specified by BMW Spark plugs are an often overlooked maintenance item. If your BMW has developed a misfire, studders, or feels down on power it could be due to worn out spark plugs. As of January 2019 Bosch is no longer supplying ZR5TPP33S. It has been replaced by ZR5TPP33. The spark plug specs between ZR5TPP33S and ZR5TPP33 are identical making one plug work for both N55 and N63 applications." With that being said, FCP Euro also has "Genuine BMW parts BMW-12120037582" which is described as the MFG Number ZR5TPP33S but are $20 a pop. Should I just pony up the extra $72 and go with the Genuine BMW plugs or will the ZR5TPP33 work? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! __________________ 2013 EB2 335i M-Sport 6MT // BM3 Stage 2 // VRSF DP // AA CP
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08-05-2019, 03:52 PM	#2
Eschmacher Car Hypochondriac 335 Rep 901 Posts Drives: 2014 335i M-Sport Estoril Blue Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Sterling, VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 335i [0.00]	Just run the ones they sent, you'll be just fine.
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08-05-2019, 04:27 PM	#3
JaredG_F30 Lieutenant Colonel 1106 Rep 1,499 Posts Drives: 2014 335i, M-Sport, Manual Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	What you have will work just fine. IMHO people put too much weight on spark plugs. I've run stock BMW plugs, NGK 97506 gapped at 0.022" and 0.028". They all ran fine, however, my idle did seem a bit rougher and some hesitation under light load with the NGK at 0.022". The best thing you can do is install the new plugs then log to see how your timing is. Currently, I'm running NGK 97506 at 0.028" but I ran stock plugs before that and the car ran great even on Stage 2 E30 tune. __________________ 2014 F30 335i, M-Sport, 6MT, V804s, custom exhaust, CTS Turbo Intake & IC, FTP CP, VRSF DP, TMS Strut Brace, BM3 Stg 2, AEM WMI, H&R Sport Springs (381 whp, 429 wtq on Cali 91oct before WMI). SPI Films Blog/DIY Vids
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04-04-2023, 02:51 AM	#8
harkes Colonel 1078 Rep 2,358 Posts Drives: M135i, E39 M5, NSX and AE86 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Xiamen, China iTrader: (0)	Guys first post... Give him some slack. Rookie mistake __________________ M135i 8AT PWG, MHD, Pure Stage2, WMI via Torqbyte CM5-LT, Custom tuned by PureBoost (A Dane in China)
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04-07-2023, 09:35 PM	#16
AmuroRay Brigadier General 2283 Rep 4,146 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Scammer likely - and the S plugs are no longer in production as the normal Bosch have now superseded them.
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