Does the BMW X3 Need Spark Plug Replacement During the Second Maintenance?
3 Answers
BMW X3 does not require spark plug replacement during the second maintenance. The replacement cycle for BMW X3 spark plugs is 40,000 kilometers. If spark plugs are not replaced for a long time, it can lead to various issues such as leakage in the vehicle's ignition system, increased fuel consumption, reduced power, and most importantly, difficulty in ignition, affecting the normal use of the vehicle. Spark Plug Replacement Cycle: Under normal maintenance conditions, spark plugs should be replaced after driving 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. However, this may vary depending on the brand and engine, so it is recommended to follow the user manual. The following standards can be used as a reference for maintenance replacement: platinum spark plugs should be replaced at 40,000 kilometers, ordinary nickel alloy spark plugs at 20,000 kilometers, and iridium spark plugs at 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Steps for Spark Plug Replacement: Open the hood, lift the plastic cover of the engine, and remove the high-voltage distributor wires. Mark the position of each cylinder to avoid confusion. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs one by one. While removing them, check for any external debris like leaves or dust and ensure they are cleaned thoroughly. Place the new spark plug into the spark plug hole, hand-tighten it a few turns, and then use the socket to tighten it further. Install the removed high-voltage distributor wires according to the ignition sequence and secure the cover.
Regarding whether to replace the spark plugs during the second maintenance for the BMW X3, my opinion is that it should be determined based on the vehicle's usage. BMW officially recommends replacing the spark plugs during the second maintenance for models equipped with the B-series engines, mainly considering the significant wear on the ignition system caused by turbocharged engines and the start-stop system. I've seen many owners experience difficulty with cold starts around 20,000 kilometers due to noticeably enlarged spark plug gaps. However, if your driving conditions are relatively ideal, such as frequent highway driving or minimal use of the start-stop function, you can have a technician check the electrode wear first before deciding. After all, a set of original spark plugs plus labor costs can amount to nearly two thousand, which is not a small sum. But if you notice delayed ignition or acceleration hesitation, don't hesitate to replace them, as failing to do so could affect combustion efficiency or even damage the catalytic converter.
When my X3 was due for its second maintenance, the 4S dealership recommended replacing the spark plugs. I hesitated at first but ultimately went ahead with it. Turbocharged engines have much higher demands on spark plugs compared to naturally aspirated ones, especially with the auto start-stop feature adding to the ignition load with each restart. The most noticeable improvements after replacement were quicker throttle response and significantly reduced idle vibration. To be honest, though, the old spark plugs' electrodes still looked quite intact upon removal—they probably could have lasted another 5,000 kilometers. My advice is to consider your driving habits: if you mainly do short urban commutes with frequent start-stop cycles, it's wise to follow the manual's 20,000-km replacement interval. But if you often drive on highways and rarely use auto start-stop, you could ask a technician to inspect the electrode gap with a borescope before deciding whether to delay the replacement.
