How many kilometers can the spark plugs of a new BMW last?
3 Answers
BMW new car spark plugs should be replaced every 40,000 kilometers. If spark plugs are not replaced for a long time, it may cause various issues such as electrical 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. It is recommended to follow the user manual. The following standards can be referred to for maintenance and 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 replacing spark plugs: 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. When removing them, check for any leaves, dust, etc., on the outside and make sure to clean them thoroughly. Place the new spark plugs into the spark plug holes, hand-tighten them a few turns, and then use the socket to tighten them further. Install the removed high-voltage distributor wires in the order of ignition and secure the cover.
I've been driving a BMW 5 Series for almost four years, originally equipped with iridium spark plugs. The official maintenance manual recommends replacing them every 60,000 kilometers. At 62,000 kilometers, I checked and found significant electrode wear, with slower starts and weaker acceleration. After replacement, the acceleration became much smoother. With mostly city driving and frequent stops at traffic lights, the spark plugs' lifespan under high-frequency starts may shorten to around 50,000 kilometers, while rural road conditions might allow them to last up to 80,000 kilometers. It's advisable to have the technician check the electrode gap during regular maintenance—if there's heavy carbon buildup, replace them early. Using genuine parts is safer; don’t skimp to avoid ignition failure, which can be dangerous on highways. Regular checks and following the manual ensure durability and fuel efficiency.
As a car enthusiast, I've disassembled and installed spark plugs multiple times. BMW's new cars mostly use iridium material, designed for a lifespan of 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers, but actual conditions depend on road conditions and fuel quality. Frequent start-stop driving in the city or using low-quality gasoline can shorten it to 60,000 kilometers before replacement is needed. I've tried using a diagnostic tool to measure ignition efficiency; a drop of more than 10% is a warning sign. Don't skimp on maintenance costs—aging spark plugs not only increase fuel consumption but also damage the catalytic converter. DIY replacement isn't difficult, and buying original parts online can save half the cost. Driving habits also matter—avoid slamming the accelerator and use high-quality fuel to extend service life, ensuring both safety and economy.
