PSA: Let's talk Bosch spark plugs

DriftKr6l · 03-02-2022, 07:41 PM

PSA

So i ordered a set of OEM replacement plugs for my M2C from FCP.
Bosch ZR5TPP330A. I checked the specs and all match the Bosch M plug which has an extra letter in the ZR5TPP330A part number.

After receiving them I must say im very disturbed at the quality. Poor threads, which could jack jack the threads in the aluminum head, crooked electrode, and a friggin burr!
Maybe its because they are made in Russia, but still I would think Bosch has theirs quality control in check

Needless to say I will be sending them back my question is what is the equivalent NGK spark plug? Every NGK plug that I look up for the S55 is one step colder. I'm not interested in that I'm keeping the power stock I just want the exact OEM equivalent but made by NGK.

DriftKr6l · 03-02-2022, 07:44 PM

PIC

captain slowly · 03-05-2022, 12:47 PM

why not just get OEM plugs from a BMW store? It might be a few bucks more, but there will be no quality issues

F87source · 03-05-2022, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriftKr6l

PIC

Yeah they're defintely not supposed to be like that, you might want to talk to FCP about it.

When I bought Bosch plugs that were made in Germany, they were really good quality.

2020m2c · 03-07-2022, 07:43 PM

Out of curiosity, how were the plugs packaged? Lots of knock off parts out there. Also, for what it's worth, I had to send back not one but two sets of exhaust flange gaskets for my M2C from FCP.

Both sets were in the correct original packaging but looked like they'd been run over by a forklift. FCP ultimately took them back but seemed skeptical about me returning them and asked for pictures before accepting the return. Have never ordered from them before so I'm taking this as an isolated incident (despite happening twice on the same type of part) but it makes one wonder about warehousing and parts sourcing issues.

chris719 · 03-08-2022, 09:42 PM

I would be interested in a plug not made in Russia.

Does this mean we will have a supply issue with these plugs, or are the M SKU parts made elsewhere?

Edit:

It looks like the "M" plugs are labeled GERMANY, not RUSSIA. A good reason to buy the M part number.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/public/asset...15.?1511211515

F87source · 03-08-2022, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris719

I would be interested in a plug not made in Russia.

Does this mean we will have a supply issue with these plugs, or are the M SKU parts made elsewhere?

Edit:

It looks like the "M" plugs are labeled GERMANY, not RUSSIA. A good reason to buy the M part number.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/public/asset...15.?1511211515

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...sch-0242145541

Yeah the 330A which is the one we should be buying, should be made in Germany. Strange that OP's weren't from Germany. The ones I got for my Honda were also made in Germany.

Xspeedracer · 03-09-2022, 02:01 AM

Looks like forged copy's of Bosch plugs reboxed and sold as Bosch plugs they are out there send them back and get your money back

F87source · 03-09-2022, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xspeedracer

Looks like forged copy's of Bosch plugs reboxed and sold as Bosch plugs they are out there send them back and get your money back

FCP euro is an authorized Bosch reseller so I doubt the fakes came from FCP. It might have been a resold return which could have been fakes. But it makes no sense for someone to do that because fakes are around the same price as the legit ones. Idk, but those plugs don't look good.

chris719 · 03-09-2022, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xspeedracer

Looks like forged copy's of Bosch plugs reboxed and sold as Bosch plugs they are out there send them back and get your money back

More likely Bosch decided to move production to save cost.

F87source · 03-09-2022, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris719

More likely Bosch decided to move production to save cost.

Maybe, but if that's the case then even the OEM BMW ones are made outside of Germany now. It's best to contact Bosch and ask.

DriftKr6l · 03-10-2022, 11:32 AM

These were the 330A made in Russia. I ordered 6 initially and they came looking like this, ordered replacements, came looking same, so this is an ongoing issue.

Are there NGKs that are the same as OEM, not one step colder, I can not find any, SILZKBR8D8S Spark Plug - NGK 97506 is teh only one that comes up and its not OEM heat.

DriftKr6l · 03-10-2022, 11:36 AM

pics

F87source · 03-10-2022, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriftKr6l

pics

Huh I'm not sure what to say, was the second set also bad quality?

DriftKr6l · 03-10-2022, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F87source

Huh I'm not sure what to say, was the second set also bad quality?

Yup same exact issues.

Do not put these plugs in your engine.

F87source · 03-10-2022, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriftKr6l

Yup same exact issues.

Do not put these plugs in your engine.

That's is really not good to hear.

nando_514 · 03-10-2022, 01:33 PM

I haven't driven on them much, but I had similar concerns. I just recently picked up a set of these from FCP and installed them about a week ago.

Everything FEELS fine so far, but only time will tell... After seeing this thread, I'll just get a set of OEMs and swap em out. I don't want to chance it!

F87source · 03-11-2022, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nando_514

I haven't driven on them much, but I had similar concerns. I just recently picked up a set of these from FCP and installed them about a week ago.

Everything FEELS fine so far, but only time will tell... After seeing this thread, I'll just get a set of OEMs and swap em out. I don't want to chance it!

Yeah it would be best to use OEM from FCP then, you do have a life time warranty to just swap them out as you please. NGK's are an option but personally I don't like going with colder plugs for no reason.

DriftKr6l · 03-11-2022, 09:37 AM

Just ordered the Genuine BMW plugs from FCP, $180

but in this case I'll pay more for peace of mind. Also interested how they compare and where they are made.
BMW RB ZMR5TPP330 High Power Spark Plug

chris719 · 03-11-2022, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriftKr6l

Just ordered the Genuine BMW plugs from FCP, $180

but in this case I'll pay more for peace of mind. Also interested how they compare and where they are made.
BMW RB ZMR5TPP330 High Power Spark Plug

My guess is they are made in Germany if only because they are older stock.

I bet within a year or so the Russian plugs will be gone from the channel. Can't imagine Bosch will continue to produce there given the current environment.

DriftKr6l · 03-11-2022, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris719

My guess is they are made in Germany if only because they are older stock.

I bet within a year or so the Russian plugs will be gone from the channel. Can't imagine Bosch will continue to produce there given the current environment.

Yeah, hope the more expensive M plugs are made in the West.

Agree, Bosch should run from Russia.

F87source · 03-11-2022, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriftKr6l

Yeah, hope the more expensive M plugs are made in the West.

Agree, Bosch should run from Russia.

I can't imagine that the bmw oem ones and the bosch ones would be made in different places because they're literally the same plug minus the M logo. But who knows. Please keep us updated though.

But at this price I wouldn't think if you don't have life time warranty just switch to the NGK's anyways.

03-02-2022, 07:41 PM	#1
DriftKr6l Private First Class 39 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW M2 Comp Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Schaumburg, Ill iTrader: (0)	PSA: Let's talk Bosch spark plugs PSA So i ordered a set of OEM replacement plugs for my M2C from FCP. Bosch ZR5TPP330A. I checked the specs and all match the Bosch M plug which has an extra letter in the ZR5TPP330A part number. After receiving them I must say im very disturbed at the quality. Poor threads, which could jack jack the threads in the aluminum head, crooked electrode, and a friggin burr! Maybe its because they are made in Russia, but still I would think Bosch has theirs quality control in check Needless to say I will be sending them back my question is what is the equivalent NGK spark plug? Every NGK plug that I look up for the S55 is one step colder. I'm not interested in that I'm keeping the power stock I just want the exact OEM equivalent but made by NGK. Last edited by DriftKr6l; 03-02-2022 at 08:03 PM..
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03-02-2022, 07:44 PM	#2
DriftKr6l Private First Class 39 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW M2 Comp Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Schaumburg, Ill iTrader: (0)	PIC Attached Images
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03-05-2022, 12:47 PM	#3
captain slowly I like turtles! 726 Rep 698 Posts Drives: '21 M2C 6MT Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	why not just get OEM plugs from a BMW store? It might be a few bucks more, but there will be no quality issues
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03-07-2022, 07:43 PM	#5
2020m2c Private First Class 181 Rep 162 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW M2 Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: CNY iTrader: (0)	Out of curiosity, how were the plugs packaged? Lots of knock off parts out there. Also, for what it's worth, I had to send back not one but two sets of exhaust flange gaskets for my M2C from FCP. Both sets were in the correct original packaging but looked like they'd been run over by a forklift. FCP ultimately took them back but seemed skeptical about me returning them and asked for pictures before accepting the return. Have never ordered from them before so I'm taking this as an isolated incident (despite happening twice on the same type of part) but it makes one wonder about warehousing and parts sourcing issues.
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03-08-2022, 09:42 PM	#6
chris719 Major General 7334 Rep 7,299 Posts Drives: '08 M Roadster Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I would be interested in a plug not made in Russia. Does this mean we will have a supply issue with these plugs, or are the M SKU parts made elsewhere? Edit: It looks like the "M" plugs are labeled GERMANY, not RUSSIA. A good reason to buy the M part number. https://www.fcpeuro.com/public/asset...15.?1511211515 Last edited by chris719; 03-08-2022 at 09:48 PM..
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03-09-2022, 02:01 AM	#8
Xspeedracer Private First Class 273 Rep 192 Posts Drives: 2023 M2 Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Davis iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 M2 [10.00]	Looks like forged copy's of Bosch plugs reboxed and sold as Bosch plugs they are out there send them back and get your money back
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03-10-2022, 11:32 AM	#12
DriftKr6l Private First Class 39 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW M2 Comp Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Schaumburg, Ill iTrader: (0)	These were the 330A made in Russia. I ordered 6 initially and they came looking like this, ordered replacements, came looking same, so this is an ongoing issue. Are there NGKs that are the same as OEM, not one step colder, I can not find any, SILZKBR8D8S Spark Plug - NGK 97506 is teh only one that comes up and its not OEM heat. Last edited by DriftKr6l; 03-10-2022 at 11:47 AM..
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03-10-2022, 11:36 AM	#13
DriftKr6l Private First Class 39 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW M2 Comp Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Schaumburg, Ill iTrader: (0)	pics Attached Images
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03-10-2022, 01:33 PM	#17
nando_514 Private 66 Rep 80 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: New York iTrader: (2)	I haven't driven on them much, but I had similar concerns. I just recently picked up a set of these from FCP and installed them about a week ago. Everything FEELS fine so far, but only time will tell... After seeing this thread, I'll just get a set of OEMs and swap em out. I don't want to chance it!
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03-11-2022, 09:37 AM	#19
DriftKr6l Private First Class 39 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW M2 Comp Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Schaumburg, Ill iTrader: (0)	Just ordered the Genuine BMW plugs from FCP, $180 but in this case I'll pay more for peace of mind. Also interested how they compare and where they are made. BMW RB ZMR5TPP330 High Power Spark Plug
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