Spark Plug change cost

[m3rman]

Originally Posted by therealkenc

Thanks. I decided to do them separately.

I wouldn't be surprised if you said BMW Manhattan charges $500 for an oil change haha. BMW SF's price recently shot up to $400 for the M4. Was paying $150-$175 previously.

I too was quoted $1412 for OEM spark plugs at Peter Pan BMW in San Mateo, CA... And that didn't even include labor I don't think. Oil change was $180 for their "value oil" and $250 for the regular oil, and brake flush was $235... still a bit cheaper than BMW San Francisco.

In the end, I just got a brake flush and oil change for my 6th oil change service (Year 5). Previous owner changed spark plugs under warranty at 22k miles on third oil change (Year 2). Should I get my spark plugs replaced now, or wait until I hit a certain mileage? It only has 20k miles on it after 3 years and has seen zero track days. Suggestions appreciated!

[therealkenc]

Originally Posted by m3rman

I too was quoted $1412 for OEM spark plugs at Peter Pan BMW in San Mateo, CA... And that didn't even include labor I don't think. Oil change was $180 for their "value oil" and $250 for the regular oil, and brake flush was $235... still a bit cheaper than BMW San Francisco.

In the end, I just got a brake flush and oil change for my 6th oil change service (Year 5). Previous owner changed spark plugs under warranty at 22k miles on third oil change (Year 2). Should I get my spark plugs replaced now, or wait until I hit a certain mileage? It only has 20k miles on it after 3 years and has seen zero track days. Suggestions appreciated!

I'd be surprised if $1412 didn't include labour costs, since the bulk of the cost of a spark plug change is labor. The plugs are $15-20 each lol. But if $1412 is all-in, then that's $400 less than what they quoted me. I'm gonna do mine at an Indy.

Did they say what constitutes "value oil" vs "regular oil"?

[m3rman]

Originally Posted by therealkenc

I'd be surprised if $1412 didn't include labour costs, since the bulk of the cost of a spark plug change is labor. The plugs are $15-20 each lol. But if $1412 is all-in, then that's $400 less than what they quoted me. I'm gonna do mine at an Indy.

Did they say what constitutes "value oil" vs "regular oil"?

I didn't really pay attention to the brand the advisor threw at me, as I was so distracted by the $1400+ spark plug quote. I remember hearing Pennzoil or Castrol. I think I'll wait until 30k miles until I change my spark plugs, since spark plugs are dependent on miles driven whereas oil can actually get old.

[agustincuenca]

I just DIY'd the plugs on my F80 for about $72 for the sparks from FCP and $35 worth of tools that I was missing (tools have become expensive lately, specially the e-torx socket sets)

[krudmunk]

If you're in the bay area DM me. I'll do it for half the price the dealer quotes you

[jaylazy2020]

€750 here in Ireland.

It's robbery.

Worst part is they say it's 5 hours Labour and they have to video everything "in case your engine goes bang" when you drive down the road!!

How reassuring

[TopJimmy]

If anyone wants to pay $1000-1400 for a spark plugs change I can fly to your house and do the job.

[f80.james]

Question for those that are buying the NGK 97506.

Are y'all adjusting the gap on those or just installing as is?

There's a lot of different posts about different gaps for different mods/maps but I'm just running stock no performance modifications.

Also I've done the sparkplug and coilpack replacement myself in my apartment garage with pretty basic tools. It only took forever but I was able to button it all up and had no issues but I just ran the OEM plugs.

[Conissah]

I just did mine recently along with new coils, took me probably 3 hours total. Definitely a lot of work, but the only "specialty" tool I needed was the spark plug socket. The E-torx can be used like normal with a proper 6pt socket. I think I used 10mm and 11mm 6pt 3/8 sockets for the torx on the aluminum brace. Easy peasy.

[Conissah]

Originally Posted by pengwiins

Question for those that are buying the NGK 97506.

Are y'all adjusting the gap on those or just installing as is?

There's a lot of different posts about different gaps for different mods/maps but I'm just running stock no performance modifications.

I'm running the Bosch plugs, checked the gap out the box and they were all 0.28". Bone stock F80 so I felt no need to tighten it up.

[f80.james]

Originally Posted by Conissah

I'm running the Bosch plugs, checked the gap out the box and they were all 0.28". Bone stock F80 so I felt no need to tighten it up.

Yea I can agree with you on the DIY portion. Definitely more time than difficulty. I ran the Bosch plugs but the general consensus seems people favor the NGKs so I didn't know if they needed to be re-gapped but I guess I can use 0.28" as default and regap to that if needed. Appreciate ya

[wknd_M]

Just purchased a set of F8S from FCP Euro. I will attempt to change them out myself

[TopJimmy]

I always check my own gaps regardless of vendor. OEM plugs are usually properly gapped at 0.028" but we've seen 0.025-0.032" out of the box.

For any other plug (NGK or F8S) a check and gapping is mandatory. Those plugs usually have wide gaps because it's easier to "gap down" with feeler gauges and a ground strap pusher (screw in the plug, insert feeler, tighten screw to push ground strap to 0.021-0.023"). Trying to open up a gap usually scratches the iridium on the ground plate, and few of us have a proper gap opener tool (like a tiny tree, branches at different thickness to grab a strap in the middle).

Plug change is easy. Remember to tighten to 25Nm for proper washer crush.

[f80.james]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

I always check my own gaps regardless of vendor. OEM plugs are usually properly gapped at 0.028" but we've seen 0.025-0.032" out of the box.

For any other plug (NGK or F8S) a check and gapping is mandatory. Those plugs usually have wide gaps because it's easier to "gap down" with feeler gauges and a ground strap pusher (screw in the plug, insert feeler, tighten screw to push ground strap to 0.021-0.023"). Trying to open up a gap usually scratches the iridium on the ground plate, and few of us have a proper gap opener tool (like a tiny tree, branches at different thickness to grab a strap in the middle).

Plug change is easy. Remember to tighten to 25Nm for proper washer crush.

Thanks, that was the specific answer I was looking for. Time to invest in a proper spark plug gap tool then.

[wknd_M]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

I always check my own gaps regardless of vendor. OEM plugs are usually properly gapped at 0.028" but we've seen 0.025-0.032" out of the box.

For any other plug (NGK or F8S) a check and gapping is mandatory. Those plugs usually have wide gaps because it's easier to "gap down" with feeler gauges and a ground strap pusher (screw in the plug, insert feeler, tighten screw to push ground strap to 0.021-0.023"). Trying to open up a gap usually scratches the iridium on the ground plate, and few of us have a proper gap opener tool (like a tiny tree, branches at different thickness to grab a strap in the middle).

Plug change is easy. Remember to tighten to 25Nm for proper washer crush.

TopJimmy suggestion for F8S gaps? currently just tuned stage 2 BMS OTS

[TopJimmy]

Originally Posted by wknd_F82

TopJimmy suggestion for F8S gaps? currently just tuned stage 2 BMS OTS

BM3 guys say 0.023" for OTS stage maps.

[TopJimmy]

Originally Posted by pengwiins

Thanks, that was the specific answer I was looking for. Time to invest in a proper spark plug gap tool then.

$15 AUTOVIC 12mm Spark Plug Caliper
https://a.co/8c6QcUQ

$10 OEMTOOLS 26 Blade Master Feeler Gauge
https://a.co/jfme95f

That's my set

[Kilabyte]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

If anyone wants to pay $1000-1400 for a spark plugs change I can fly to your house and do the job.

Same

Actually, anyone in MA needs it done I'll do it for 60% of what the dealer quotes you

[A///MG_Power]

Apologies to revive an old thread, but for those with experience with CarMax MaxCare warranty, can spark plugs be changed under this warranty that I paid for?

I have a 2018 F80 M3 ZCP DCT stock except for AA EL MP at 56k miles (bought at 48k miles) with no record of spark plugs changed on carfax since 22k miles.

18,906 miles left to use carmax maxcare warranty.

Last carfax service record was at 22k miles which makes me wonder about DCT trans fluid change and differential fluid change but staying on topic, no record of spark plugs changed.

I will call Irvine BMW (the last service Carfax recorded) to see if any spark plugs were done.

If not, I was quoted $800 including parts and labor installed from local independent in the SF Bay Area and I trust him 100%, which seems reasonable after reading what dealers charge.

If I can use CarMax Maxcare that I paid $2900 for, I’d rather use that then spend $800.

Coming from a 2006 pre-LCI E90 330i 6MT, I used to replace the spark plugs myself. But I understand M car parts cost more and require special tools to remove the strut brace and charge pipes which may explain the majority of the cost for spark plug replacement on the F8x/S55 including parts and labor. Are the ignition coils replaced too? I’m prepared to spend on this car to keep it in shape cuz it’s my daily driver. No tracking. Spirited drives to the mountains on the weekends but maybe once or twice a year.

Thank you all in advance for your F8x/S55 experience and knowledge with spark plug replacement and/or for those who have had experience with CarMax MaxCare.

Sorry for the long ass post. Looking forward to your replies.

[Zernen]

Originally Posted by A///MG_Power

Apologies to revive an old thread, but for those with experience with CarMax MaxCare warranty, can spark plugs be changed under this warranty that I paid for?

I have a 2018 F80 M3 ZCP DCT stock except for AA EL MP at 56k miles (bought at 48k miles) with no record of spark plugs changed on carfax since 22k miles.

18,906 miles left to use carmax maxcare warranty.

Last carfax service record was at 22k miles which makes me wonder about DCT trans fluid change and differential fluid change but staying on topic, no record of spark plugs changed.

I will call Irvine BMW (the last service Carfax recorded) to see if any spark plugs were done.

If not, I was quoted $800 including parts and labor installed from local independent in the SF Bay Area and I trust him 100%, which seems reasonable after reading what dealers charge.

If I can use CarMax Maxcare that I paid $2900 for, I’d rather use that then spend $800.

Coming from a 2006 pre-LCI E90 330i 6MT, I used to replace the spark plugs myself. But I understand M car parts cost more and require special tools to remove the strut brace and charge pipes which may explain the majority of the cost for spark plug replacement on the F8x/S55 including parts and labor. Are the ignition coils replaced too? I’m prepared to spend on this car to keep it in shape cuz it’s my daily driver. No tracking. Spirited drives to the mountains on the weekends but maybe once or twice a year.

Thank you all in advance for your F8x/S55 experience and knowledge with spark plug replacement and/or for those who have had experience [...]

No clue about the extended warranty questions, but I want to say there are no special tools needed for an S55 spark plug change. There’s about 30 mins needed to get to them, and that’s coming from a guy with no previous grease monkey experience (now enjoying the grease monkey moniker). Been doing my own maintenance and more on my 2015 F83 kind of out of necessity as the wife wouldn’t let me spend money on a needed valvetronic actuator replacement. Anyway, it’s not complicated, just everything is packed in tight in the S55 engine bay so you have to remove some stuff to get to where you need to be.

[Jaizero]

Originally Posted by A///MG_Power

Apologies to revive an old thread, but for those with experience with CarMax MaxCare warranty, can spark plugs be changed under this warranty that I paid for?

I have a 2018 F80 M3 ZCP DCT stock except for AA EL MP at 56k miles (bought at 48k miles) with no record of spark plugs changed on carfax since 22k miles.

18,906 miles left to use carmax maxcare warranty.

Last carfax service record was at 22k miles which makes me wonder about DCT trans fluid change and differential fluid change but staying on topic, no record of spark plugs changed.

I will call Irvine BMW (the last service Carfax recorded) to see if any spark plugs were done.

If not, I was quoted $800 including parts and labor installed from local independent in the SF Bay Area and I trust him 100%, which seems reasonable after reading what dealers charge.

If I can use CarMax Maxcare that I paid $2900 for, I’d rather use that then spend $800.

Coming from a 2006 pre-LCI E90 330i 6MT, I used to replace the spark plugs myself. But I understand M car parts cost more and require special tools to remove the strut brace and charge pipes which may explain the majority of the cost for spark plug replacement on the F8x/S55 including parts and labor. Are the ignition coils replaced too? I’m prepared to spend on this car to keep it in shape cuz it’s my daily driver. No tracking. Spirited drives to the mountains on the weekends but maybe once or twice a year.

Thank you all in advance for your F8x/S55 experience and knowledge with spark plug replacement and/or for those who have had experience with CarMax MaxCare.

Sorry for the long ass post. Looking forward to your replies.

You cannot use a warranty for general maintenance items, especially not MaxCare.

Plugs are a little over $100 and can be changed with basic hand tools. Takes me about 2 hours to complete the job of which 90% of that is removing stuff to get to the plugs. Just make sure to torque the plugs properly.

Easy peasy.

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by A///MG_Power

Apologies to revive an old thread, but for those with experience with CarMax MaxCare warranty, can spark plugs be changed under this warranty that I paid for?

I have a 2018 F80 M3 ZCP DCT stock except for AA EL MP at 56k miles (bought at 48k miles) with no record of spark plugs changed on carfax since 22k miles.

18,906 miles left to use carmax maxcare warranty.

Last carfax service record was at 22k miles which makes me wonder about DCT trans fluid change and differential fluid change but staying on topic, no record of spark plugs changed.

I will call Irvine BMW (the last service Carfax recorded) to see if any spark plugs were done.

If not, I was quoted $800 including parts and labor installed from local independent in the SF Bay Area and I trust him 100%, which seems reasonable after reading what dealers charge.

If I can use CarMax Maxcare that I paid $2900 for, I’d rather use that then spend $800.

Coming from a 2006 pre-LCI E90 330i 6MT, I used to replace the spark plugs myself. But I understand M car parts cost more and require special tools to remove the strut brace and charge pipes which may explain the majority of the cost for spark plug replacement on the F8x/S55 including parts and labor. Are the ignition coils replaced too? I’m prepared to spend on this car to keep it in shape cuz it’s my daily driver. No tracking. Spirited drives to the mountains on the weekends but maybe once or twice a year.

Thank you all in advance for your F8x/S55 experience and knowledge with spark plug replacement and/or for those who have had experience with CarMax MaxCare.

Sorry for the long ass post. Looking forward to your replies.

Maxcare is for break fix only. It doesn't cover normal maintenance. $800 is a lot but then again you're in the SF Area. My indy charges me around $370 I think or almost $400 with parts and labor included.

I wouldn't replace ignition coils unless you have a problem with them. They either work or don't work. I would do the water pump belt and serpentine belt since your car is 7-8 years old now.

Buy all your parts from FCP Euro for lifetime replacements.

I don't think the spark plugs are anything special. Just get the OEM Bosch instead of the Genuine BMW ones with the M logo lol.