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Bosch FGR7DQP vs. NGK BKR6EQU(P)

84K views 31 replies 25 participants last post by  evilstar  
#1 ·
I was under the impression that the factory plugs were the NGK's listed above, as that is what the dealer told me and that is what the parts program pulled up for a 2002 M54 325i (Automatic). Dumb question, but the M54 is the correct engine listing for this car, correct?

Anyway, I pulled the #2 plug out today and to my surprise, I read FGR7DQP and "Bosch" on the plug. I have looked for this Bosch plug, but I haven't been able to find it anywhere. As for the NGK's, the BMW part listing was for BKR6EQU with no P, and if I remember correctly, the P designation means Platinum. Maybe the program just didn't list it, as I didn't actually see the plugs.

I did a search and read a lot about spark plugs, and some people swearing by the Bosch +4's, and others with the Denso Iridiums, but I don't feel there is any gain to be had on a N/A car, especially one that is stock, with using a different plug. I drive VW's (R32 driver), and they hate you if you switch from the factory NGK plugs.

Also, to get to the last two spark plugs, I assume you have to remove the microfilter and its housing, otherwise I don't see how you would ever fit a spark plugs socket and the extension back there.

Did anyone else's car come with the Bosch plugs? I want a plug that is the factory spec, doesn't need gapping, and has the same temperature range as factory.

The car has just over 60k on it, and it runs fine, no sputtering or potential staling at idle, and the manual says it's ok for 100k, so I might not even need to change them. But since I have the cover off, and it is pretty straight forward (except for those last two), I may as well.

I appreciate all help,

- Anthony
 
#4 ·
hummer said:
My car was also running fine when I changed to +4s at 50K.
It runs better now. No gapping required. You worry too much. Change the plugs every 50-60K not 100K! Believe me, your coil packs will thank you.
Considering there are Bosch 4 prongs on there now, I can only assume they are very close to the aftermarket +4's.

What model number do I need?

Thanks,

- Anthony
 
#13 ·
Bosch and NGK are both OEM parts suppliers. I don't get why people find this confusing. Just like brake rotors can come from Brembo, Ate, Zimmerman, or Balo, and oil filters can come from Mahle, Mann, Hengst, etc...

But in general, NGK is preferred as there have been just about no problem stories. There have been a few cases with the Bosch part. I haven't really tried between the two myself, but I figured I might as well got for NGK since they are similarly priced and have a slightly better reputation.
 
#20 ·
I replaced my spark plugs with OEM NGK Platinum and all has been fine. I saw that there were two options and bought the NGKs before pulling an existing one, based on prior reviews of the two. Turns out the factory put the NGKs in as well.

Anyway, at 55K, the car runs smoother and idles quieter now, with six new plugs. If you've got $50 bucks laying around, I'd change them out if youre still on original plugs.

30 NM torque for these without anti-seize.
 
#25 ·
I've been running the Bosch OEM plugs in my 00 E46 since 1999 and just over 320,000 miles without any problems. They're both OEM, I'm just a German plug for a German car kind of guy. I heard horror story's from both camps. I change mine out every 60,000 miles and keep it movin. Just my two and a half cents worth...
 
#28 ·
Those are single prong plugs, we use 4 prong plugs. I dont think something will actually happen to your car, but I would replace them with the correct ones. there is a reason why the 4 prong ones are recommended.

Its very strange that non-m use 4 prongs and M cars use 2 prongs.

Anyone care to elaborate.
 
#30 ·
Two prong or four prong, it doesn't really matter because the spark will only ever jump from one prong to the center of the plug. As was said earlier on this thread, both NGK and Bosch are OEM plugs, according to the dealer I spoke to the factory just changed from NGK to Bosch over time. NGK has always made a consistently good quality plug, so that's my recommendation. But I'll be honest, I'm still going to pay a little more for the Bosch ones just because 4 prongs sounds better...
 
#31 · (Edited)
Two prongs or four prongs does really matter. The prongs as well as the central electrode wear over time - see worn plug in first pic; the wear pattern is square and corresponds with the prong positions. Two prongs will wear out sooner than 4 prongs. The central electrode on the Bosch is smaller than the NGK. Because of that, I believe the NGK lasts longer and has better resistance to debris and contamination. I am giving the Bosch an E grade for weak design.

NGK
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Bosch
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