[MrPogle]

I've just booked my 2014 550i into a BMW franchised dealer for its second service at 30,000 miles. They tell me the spark plugs are due for replacement. This surprises me. Does anyone have any links to official BMW data that could confirm this, please?

[Johnny Grabble]

Can't find the link right now but in Germany, it's 50,000km or ~37k miles. Used to be more on the E60.
Easy DIY job with the right tools and easy to see if they are knackered.

[MrPogle]

Thanks for this. I've downloaded a service book from BMW USA and it reckons 60,000 miles. Can spark-plugs really wear out twice as fast in the UK?

[robbiep]

Originally Posted by MrPogle

Thanks for this. I've downloaded a service book from BMW USA and it reckons 60,000 miles. Can spark-plugs really wear out twice as fast in the UK?

We used to change spark plugs every 6k back in the 80's. The real question should be whether spark plugs have advanced so much that they can last 10 times as long.
Plenty of cases of disintegrating spark plugs munching up engines ... you spin the wheel, and take your choice ...

[HighlandPete]

Mine (N55 engine) were replaced on its big service back in Jun 2015, (4-years old) all part of the CBS regime. Mileage was only 25,650.

Pleased I'm under a service package.

[MrPogle]

Indeed. I'm guessing I won't get any change out of 250 for the plug change. As this is the last service before it turns 3 I want to get BMW to do the work (especially as there is a "quality enhancement" listed) but the prices they charge make me slightly nostalgic for the Fast Fords I owned.

[Fox530]

Spark plugs are changed every other oil service, according to the official schedule.

Annoying or what? It's just like those stupid microfilters which are oh-so-essential every single service and end up doubling the price of what would have been a reasonably priced service.

[Fox530]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Mine (N55 engine) were replaced on its big service back in Jun 2015, (4-years old) all part of the CBS regime. Mileage was only 25,650.

Pleased I'm under a service package.

Wow, I'm amazed how low the mileage is in yours, especially given how long you've had it and where you live.

I did 10% of your mileage at first service in just one week's worth of trip to the Highlands, the roads were that good

[MrPogle]

Originally Posted by Fox530

Spark plugs are changed every other oil service, according to the official schedule.

Annoying or what? It's just like those stupid microfilters which are oh-so-essential every single service and end up doubling the price of what would have been a reasonably priced service.

Very annoying. I'm still mystified why BMW think American plugs last twice as long as UK ones. This service is the major one (oil, all filters, brake fluid, vehicle inspection and plugs) and I've just had the quote........... a grand.

Money spent on my car so far

4 winter tyres - a grand
A new windscreen - a grand
And now a service - a grand

Still it makes keeping track of the running costs simple. My dealership should change their name to "The Grand Shop"

[Johnny Grabble]

Originally Posted by MrPogle

Very annoying. I'm still mystified why BMW think American plugs last twice as long as UK ones. This service is the major one (oil, all filters, brake fluid, vehicle inspection and plugs) and I've just had the quote........... a grand.

Money spent on my car so far

4 winter tyres - a grand
A new windscreen - a grand
And now a service - a grand

Still it makes keeping track of the running costs simple. My dealership should change their name to "The Grand Shop"

...which I guess makes this major service "a grand day out"?

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Fox530

Wow, I'm amazed how low the mileage is in yours, especially given how long you've had it and where you live.

I did 10% of your mileage at first service in just one week's worth of trip to the Highlands, the roads were that good

My car is just coming up to 39,000 miles. Some of my travelling is in other vehicles, with my son or sister.

I was driving 20k miles a year a few years back, but a change in circumstances has dramatically reduced the use of my own vehicle. Made sense to get back to a petrol engine.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by MrPogle

Very annoying. I'm still mystified why BMW think American plugs last twice as long as UK ones...

Oil service intervals don't stretch as many miles (or time) in the USA.

Not too much logic in car maintenance.