Is it necessary to replace spark plugs for BMW 7 Series at 20,000 kilometers?
2 Answers
BMW 7 Series does not necessarily require spark plug replacement at 20,000 kilometers. BMW 2 spark plug replacement cycle: Under normal maintenance conditions, replacement is recommended at 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers, but this may vary depending on the brand and engine type. It is advisable to follow the owner's manual. You can refer to the following maintenance standards for 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. How spark plugs work: The spark plug's ground electrode is connected to the metal shell, which is threaded into the engine block via the cylinder head. The insulator primarily isolates the metal shell from the center electrode. The terminal nut is the part of the spark plug that contacts the high-voltage coil. When current passes through the terminal nut and the center electrode, it ionizes the medium between the center electrode and the ground electrode, generating a spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder.
As someone who frequently helps friends with car maintenance, the spark plugs in a BMW 7 Series definitely don't need replacement as often as every 20,000 kilometers. BMW's original spark plugs typically have a recommended replacement interval of 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers due to their iridium-platinum material composition, which offers excellent wear resistance and durability. Replacing them at just 20,000 kilometers is both a waste of money and unnecessary, unless you frequently drive in dusty conditions or experience heavy stop-and-go traffic. My suggestion is to first perform a simple check: observe if the idle is stable and whether fuel consumption has spiked significantly. Only consider replacement if issues are detected. Otherwise, sticking to regular maintenance schedules with a comprehensive inspection every six months or 10,000 kilometers is more sensible—preventing other minor issues is what truly matters.