Replace Your BMW’s Spark Plugs at an Authorized Service Center in Jeffersonville

The spark plugs in your BMW work by creating a spark to ignite the air and fuel inside the combustion chamber of your engine. Without spark plugs, your BMW’s engine won’t turn over. Your car has multiple sets of spark plugs, and the number will usually align with the number of cylinders in your engine’s model.

One important thing to remember is that spark plugs aren’t designed to last the entire lifespan of your vehicle. You will need to replace your spark plugs after 30,000+ miles, depending on the type your BMW uses. Make sure to use an authorized service center. Let’s take a look at the different types of spark plugs and explain the pros and cons of each type.

Know When your Spark Plugs Need to be Replaced

Before you decide which type of spark plug is right for your BMW, you first need to know the signs that you need spark plug replacement. Below are some common signs:

• Knocking or rattling noises: When spark plugs reach the end of their lifespan, they will begin to misfire. When this happens, they will make knocking, rattling, and even pinging
• Starting Trouble: When your spark plugs are no longer able to reliably ignite the fuel, then you’ll find it may take a few tries to start your BMW. Your vehicle may misfire more often and even stall out.
• Low Performance: Because your fuel isn’t being burned reliably, your BMW will become more unpredictable and will experience an overall drop in performance.
• Poor MPG: Each failed ignition wastes fuel, and if your spark plugs regularly misfire, your BMW will achieve less MPG.

Different Types of Spark Plugs

In recent years, there have been many advancements in the materials used for spark plugs, meaning that some plugs have double or even triple the lifespan of traditional plugs. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of plugs that you might want to consider for your BMW.

Copper Spark Plugs

Copper spark plugs are the traditional type that many cars use. They have a copper core and a nickel-alloy coating. These plugs have a large diameter, which means a higher voltage is required. Copper spark plugs are very inexpensive, but they do need replacing far more often than other types of spark plugs. Copper plugs are the best choice for vintage cars and also perform well in turbocharged engines.

Iridium Spark Plugs

If you’re looking for a long-lasting alternative, then consider iridium spark plugs. They are the smallest in diameter, meaning that they use less voltage. They also last longer than any other type of plug. The main drawback of this, however: they are much more expensive than other types. A perk to using iridium plugs is that they lead to more complete combustion of fuel, which is attractive to drivers of modern BMW models.

Single Platinum Spark Plugs

Single platinum spark plugs are quite similar to traditional copper plugs except they have the addition of a platinum disc. This gives the nickel alloy coating a longer lifespan. This type of plug also creates a higher heat, which helps to reduce carbon buildup. This type of plug can last over 100,000 miles but is expensive compared to the rest.

Double Platinum Spark Plugs

Double platinum spark plugs are similar to single platinum plugs, except the platinum coating extends to include both the center and ground electrodes. This makes them last even longer than the others. They are suited to engines that have what is called a wasted spark ignition system. These spark plugs take much more of a beating but are very reliable.

Silver Spark Plugs

Silver spark plugs are rarer than the previously-mentioned types. They feature electrodes that are coated with silver. They don’t last as long as iridium or platinum and tend to be found in older European high-performance cars as well as motorcycles. However, they do offer the best thermal conductivity.

Mike Johns Imports

If you’re not sure what type of spark plugs are best for your BMW, then you can rely on our technicians at Mike Johns Imports to give you impartial and transparent advice. We’re local to residents of the communities of Crestwood, Hurstbourne, Jeffersontown, Louisville, St. Matthews, and Jeffersonville, IN. We’ll never try to upsell you on parts that you don’t need. So if you’re looking for a name you can trust to service and maintain your BMW, look no further than Mike Johns Imports. Call us today for an appointment.