Replacing spark plugs in your BMW isn’t something many owners think about until something goes wrong. We all focus on checking oil levels and tire condition, but most don’t bother maintaining spark plugs.
Spark plugs are a vital part of the engine. Without them, there is no ignition. But I would guess many BMW drivers don’t know how long they last or even what they cost to replace. And that can get costly, so if you want to avoid getting caught out with damaged spark plugs and an expensive repair, let’s run through BMW spark plug replacement costs.
BMW Spark Plugs
Across the BMW model range, there are a wide variety of engines. Some engines are similar (there are a few 2-liter four-cylinder options), but you also get engines like the V8 N63. This means that spark plug choices and the costs to replace them are varied.
We’ll run through the different options of spark plugs, then check the cost of the spark plugs themselves. Finally, we’ll look at average prices to replace your spark plugs at BMW or through an independent specialist.
BMW Spark Plug Options
Most current BMW engines use platinum spark plugs. They have a longer lifespan than the copper plug alternatives, which are more common in the automotive industry. For a lot of owners, they prefer to fit aftermarket iridium spark plugs, which are the best on the market. Comparing life spans below:
| Type of Spark Plug | Average Life Span |
| Copper | 20,000 miles |
| Platinum | 60,000 miles |
| Iridium | 60,000 miles |
The platinum and iridium versions conduct electricity better, making them last much longer, and perform better. As you’d expect, there is a premium cost for this. For many vehicle engines, a copper plug will be acceptable to use, but in high-performance cars, you will want to go with an iridium plug in most cases. So how much do these cost?
Spark Plug Costs
Now you understand the different spark plug options, let’s look at their costs. In the table below, we’ll compare the average costs of BMW OEM spark plugs (the official parts) against an aftermarket option from NGK:
| Product | Cost |
| BMW OEM ‘Standard’ Spark Plug | $13 / £14 |
| BMW OEM ‘High Power’ Spark Plug | $17 / £18 |
| NGK Iridium Spark Plug | $15 / £12 |
The values above don’t represent any particular engine, and you might find different costs. The table will give you a good idea of the material cost when you’re quoted a spark plug change from a BMW dealership or an independent shop.
Unfortunately, like many BMW service costs, the official dealership price will have a premium. Combined with the labor cost, changing spark plugs can get expensive quickly. So what should you be paying to get your spark plugs replaced?
Spark Plug Replacement Fee From BMW
The cost of replacing the spark plugs depends on a couple of things. Firstly, how many do you need – for example, a six-cylinder engine will take longer than a four-cylinder and require more plugs. The second factor is labor cost.
If you take your car to a BMW dealership, don’t expect this to be cheap. I’ve seen some ridiculous quotes in the past ($600 for labor alone) on what should be a 2-hour job maximum. Ensure you get a couple of quotes if your first dealership charges too much. There is no target price for this, but you should be looking at a max of $200/£150 for the labor.
The other options are taking the car to an independent specialist or replacing the spark plugs yourself.
Spark Plug Replacement Fee From Independent Specialists
If BMW quotes you a price that looks too high, one option is a local independent. As with any service work, you usually get a better rate here, but it won’t come with that official ‘approved by BMW’ mark.
For significant services, this matters more, but for spark plugs, I don’t think it makes a difference where you get them changed. In terms of cost, it will vary a lot, but I think a competitive price from an independent shop is anything lower than 75% of the BMW official quote.
As with any specialist, ensure you find one with a good reputation and who knows what they are doing. There will always be shops with mechanics who don’t have the experience or skill but finding a good specialist is worth the search. In some cases, look for independents who have previously worked at BMW; that always helps. A good independent is well worth it for any service work on your BMW.
If you can’t find a good local specialist, you’re left with one option – replacing the spark plugs yourself.
Spark Plug Replacement Fee Done Yourself
This is going to be the most cost-effective way of replacing your BMW spark plugs, but it requires some tools and a bit of automotive experience. As far as car work goes, this is an easy job and should take around 3 hours.
Aside from general kit like protection for your eyes and hands, it would help if you had a few key pieces of equipment:
- Nose Pliers – $16 / £14
- Torque wrench – $40 / £30
- Socket/ratchet wrench extension – $20 / £15
- Swivel socket – $15 / £10
- Gap gauge – $8 / £5
- Rags – $5 / £3
These are general prices after a quick online search, which will vary. To give you an idea of the tooling investment (if you don’t have any of these items), it’ll cost you around $100 / £80 for all the necessary kit.
I won’t go into detail on the process of changing your spark plugs – check out the below video to find out more – so if you have some experience working on engines, it’s probably an option you want to take.
Summary
The cost of replacing BMW spark plugs can vary a lot, and if you’re not careful, you can end up overpaying. It’s a straightforward job for an experienced mechanic, and it’s also something you can attempt yourself.
Whatever your decision, you need to ensure you get a competitive price for the spark plugs and the labor involved, and don’t be afraid to ask around for several quotes. As with any BMW service work, it’s essential you get a good service at a competitive price.
Thanks for reading – if this has helped and you’d like to find out more about BMWs, check out the links below:
