[e36mmm]

The car: 2008 335i E93
Mileage: 75000kms
Last Service: 70,000kms
Upcoming Service: 95000 kms

I have looked at my service history and realised that spark plugs have not been changed since car left the dealership new in 2008. All servicing has been done on time however I thought that spark plugs should've been changed by now on the n54s (assuming they haven't because there are no ticks beside spark plugs on the service manual). It bothered me so much that I did a little internet research and most of the bmw enthusiasts in U.S.A recommend that they should be changed at 45000 mileage/every 3rd oil change. Some even insisted that the service interval booklet will rectify this as 45000 miles but I haven't had a look at this and I'm not sure if U.S.A and Australia intervals are the same. The service manager that took care of my car when I took it in for 70,000km service (which only consisted of microfilter, air filter and oil change) recommended that they should be changed on major service which is scheduled for 95000 kms and that spark plugs will be taken care of along with ignition coils and maf sensor etc. Will the I drive menu advise me if this is urgent because so far no problems nor warnings on dash or Idrive system, no rattles or shakes while driving, standing by or during cold starts. Idles at 600rpm smoothly every time and to cut it short, the car is running well with no signs of mechanical failure that I'm aware of.

My father suggests that I should look into it immediately vs the service manager in February recommended for me to wait. I'm in a moral dilemma. What do you guys think? Should I just request for the spark plugs to be inspected and get them changed? My father suggests that I should make a complaint about why the service manager did not request the change on the 70,000km service which was completed in February this year. He thinks that a car like 335i shouldn't wait until 100,000 kms for spark plugs to be changed and I honestly agree with him.

I vaguely remember that during the last service inspection, the service manager said the spark plugs were fine but I don't want to rely on this because my warranty expired on early 2012. Im thinking of giving them a call tomorrow and see what they say about changing them around this mileage. I'm very fussy when it comes to my cars maintenance and I don't feel right if something is not done on time nor do I feel right driving the car.

Im open to all suggestions. Thanks for your inputs in advance fellas.

[pavo335]

Sounds to me that you have made your decision, so get your wallet out and hand it over.

[Kiwi Peter]

dont worry just do it, the cost is not high and it sounds like you need some pease of mind.

[QLD]

Originally Posted by e36mmm

All servicing has been done on time...

...no problems nor warnings on dash or Idrive system, no rattles or shakes while driving, standing by or during cold starts. Idles at 600rpm smoothly every time and to cut it short, the car is running well with no signs of mechanical failure...

....the service manager said the spark plugs were fine..

.

My father thinks that a car like 335i shouldn't wait until 100,000 kms for spark plugs to be changed...

Hmmm... let me think... you have a car that is running perfect... you have a car that is always regularly maintained... you have a car that has no issues or diag faults... you have a Service Manager that has told you the plugs are fine....

But your concern is that 'your father thinks' that it should have new plugs??

[DR-JEKL]

Lets say it costs you $200 to change em now, chances are by the time 95000 is up you may have even sold the car by then! (well I only drive 8k kays a year normally)

I say do em now for a piece of mind, otherwise as you said she drives fine don't worry about it. Either way you can't go wrong really

FWIW BMW Melbourne changed the spark plugs on my car @ 70k kays according to the log book.

[ReyT]

Just change it, is less then $200 anyway

[e36mmm]

Thanks for the input guys. I called up this morning and asked about it. Spoke with two people from the service department, just to be sure about if they would recommend the same thing and they insisted that I get them changed on the major 95000km service and not now. Very interesting. They also said that I shouldn't worry and drive the car the way it is comfortably because the idrive system would've notified me by now if there was such a problem.

[BMJ]

Originally Posted by e36mmm

Thanks for the input guys. I called up this morning and asked about it. Spoke with two people from the service department, just to be sure about if they would recommend the same thing and they insisted that I get them changed on the major 95000km service and not now. Very interesting. They also said that I shouldn't worry and drive the car the way it is comfortably because the idrive system would've notified me by now if there was such a problem.

it will warn you with limp mode or a misfire and rattle -> check engine light... trust me this is not fun when your doing 100 on a busy freeway and need to get from the right lane into a service lane.. as happened to me...

if you check the SP also look at the coil packs

[pavo335]

Originally Posted by e36mmm

Thanks for the input guys. I called up this morning and asked about it. Spoke with two people from the service department, just to be sure about if they would recommend the same thing and they insisted that I get them changed on the major 95000km service and not now. Very interesting. They also said that I shouldn't worry and drive the car the way it is comfortably because the idrive system would've notified me by now if there was such a problem.

well they are probably right, in that the spark plugs are working, right. cause if they weren't then the car would throw a CEL, which is hasn't. but all things wear out over time and whilst the plugs would most likely be good for another 100k's, will thet be operating at their peak???

[e92sydney]

Easy DIY

[_ink]

Not sure what the issue is here? Just change them!

Come 95000km for your major, just tell them you've already changed at 75000km.

Easy and solved!!!!

[e36mmm]

Originally Posted by BMJ

it will warn you with limp mode or a misfire and rattle -> check engine light... trust me this is not fun when your doing 100 on a busy freeway and need to get from the right lane into a service lane.. as happened to me...

if you check the SP also look at the coil packs

thanks for the heads up! Sorry to hear about that bad experience you had on the freeway.. Hope it's driving nicely now.. Definitely will check the coil packs.. cheers.

Originally Posted by pavo335

well they are probably right, in that the spark plugs are working, right. cause if they weren't then the car would throw a CEL, which is hasn't. but all things wear out over time and whilst the plugs would most likely be good for another 100k's, will thet be operating at their peak???

You're correct. No signs of errors or rattles and I listen to the engine most of the time instead of using the hi-fi.. Engine sound healthy *knock on wood. According to the service tech, the spark plugs will operate at their peak until 95-100ks if the car is looked after and if maintenance isn't delayed, which is unquestionable in my case.

Originally Posted by e92sydney

Easy DIY

I'll check them out and see how 'Easy' it is

Originally Posted by _ink

Not sure what the issue is here? Just change them!

Come 95000km for your major, just tell them you've already changed at 75000km.

Easy and solved!!!!

Was just a general question to fellows here that love taking care of their cars as much as I do.

I'll change em over when I go to replace the wiper blades next week. JB4 is also tempting..

[ReyT]

Originally Posted by e36mmm

JB4 is also tempting..

you should definitely change them a lot more often then bmw recommended 100k once you are tuned imo.

[e36mmm]

Originally Posted by ReyT

you should definitely change them a lot more often then bmw recommended 100k once you are tuned imo.

You're correct. Mine is currently stock.

[ReyT]

Originally Posted by e36mmm

You're correct. Mine is currently stock.

yeah mostly in reply to your "JB4 is tempting"

change them before putting the tune in.

[e36mmm]

Originally Posted by ReyT

yeah mostly in reply to your "JB4 is tempting"

change them before putting the tune in.

[MFKN3]

plug 6 can be a prick when tuned.

I'd change them, but the stealers here would charge about $80-100 a plug when you can buy them online for about $12ea. You need a special socket to DIY though. I have one lying around if you need it

[e36mmm]

Originally Posted by MFKN3

plug 6 can be a prick when tuned.

I'd change them, but the stealers here would charge about $80-100 a plug when you can buy them online for about $12ea. You need a special socket to DIY though. I have one lying around if you need it

thanks for the heads up