Spark plug change interval for low annual mileage?

[IVM3]

I don't put a lot of miles on my car and will be soon approaching the 3rd oil change with only about 7k miles put on the current set of spark plugs (which were changed 2 years ago). Bmw usually recommends replacing plugs on the third oil change. Should I change the plugs or should I go by a certain mileage interval instead? I do track the car occasionally and am happy to change them if warranted. Car is stock.

[Fat Goose]

If you are still in the scheduled paid maintenance, then absolutely. If not, then wait! 15k-30k is the general consensus here.

[TopJimmy]

Stock car…at 30K with stock plugs.

Enthusiasts…we do 15K to maintain clean performant plugs, and if tuned we use NGKs.

[Redacre]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

Stock car…at 30K with stock plugs.

Enthusiasts…we do 15K to maintain clean performant plugs, and if tuned we use NGKs.

This is what my shop recommended as well. 30k stock / 15k tuned.

I used to have an FD3S RX7 that was also tuned and that thing would go through plugs almost as much as oil so this feels like a bargain.

[TopJimmy]

In case you guys were unaware, buying from FCP Euro gets lifetime replacement on everything. Buy with PayPal and get free return shipping for parts exchanges. I get my oils, wipers, gaskets, etc

Steps:
- Buy your oil/plugs from FCP and pay with PayPal
- Install and use the stuff
- When time to replace buy from FCP again with PayPal and install new parts
- Put old parts/oil in the new box/container
- Go on FCP web and submit your Lifetime Exchange form
- Pay UPS/FedEx to ship used parts/oil back to FCP
- Go on PayPal and submit your UPS/FedEx receipt for a refund

FCP will refund the 2nd cost for parts/oil back through PP to your credit card.

PP will refund your shipping costs back as PayPal funds on your account.

[IVM3]

Thanks all for your advice! I'll hold off until I put 15k miles on the current plugs, which might be nearly 4 years at my current rate.

[brody8877]

Originally Posted by Redacre

This is what my shop recommended as well. 30k stock / 15k tuned.

I used to have an FD3S RX7 that was also tuned and that thing would go through plugs almost as much as oil so this feels like a bargain.

This is a bargain compare to a FD RX7.

[icegrill]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

In case you guys were unaware, buying from FCP Euro gets lifetime replacement on everything. Buy with PayPal and get free return shipping for parts exchanges. I get my oils, wipers, gaskets, etc

Steps:
- Buy your oil/plugs from FCP and pay with PayPal
- Install and use the stuff
- When time to replace buy from FCP again with PayPal and install new parts
- Put old parts/oil in the new box/container
- Go on FCP web and submit your Lifetime Exchange form
- Pay UPS/FedEx to ship used parts/oil back to FCP
- Go on PayPal and submit your UPS/FedEx receipt for a refund

FCP will refund the 2nd cost for parts/oil back through PP to your credit card.

PP will refund your shipping costs back as PayPal funds on your account.

I sure don't understand this…..Is it where they run the formula of offering this vs the number of people who will actually do it?!

[TopJimmy]

Originally Posted by icegrill

I sure don't understand this…..Is it where they run the formula of offering this vs the number of people who will actually do it?!

Yes, that's in their business model.
Here's their FAQ:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/page/lifetime-guarantee

[jfritz27]

It probably does explain why they charge nearly 50% more for a bottle of SRF

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by jfritz27

It probably does explain why they charge nearly 50% more for a bottle of SRF

Buy once, cry once.

[jfritz27]

Originally Posted by N1rve

Buy once, cry once.

Yup, still worth it obviously

[papasmurf_m3]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

In case you guys were unaware, buying from FCP Euro gets lifetime replacement on everything. Buy with PayPal and get free return shipping for parts exchanges. I get my oils, wipers, gaskets, etc

Steps:
- Buy your oil/plugs from FCP and pay with PayPal
- Install and use the stuff
- When time to replace buy from FCP again with PayPal and install new parts
- Put old parts/oil in the new box/container
- Go on FCP web and submit your Lifetime Exchange form
- Pay UPS/FedEx to ship used parts/oil back to FCP
- Go on PayPal and submit your UPS/FedEx receipt for a refund

FCP will refund the 2nd cost for parts/oil back through PP to your credit card.

PP will refund your shipping costs back as PayPal funds on your account.

Jimmy always coming with helpful info!