Bosch switching to new spark plug for F10 M5

[AirBull]

I asked Bosch about their double platinum spark plug 8179 that their website was showing was the correct spark plug for our F10 M5, and here is the reply that I received today. Sounds like they are saying the 8165 will be superseding 8179 and the only difference is that the 8179 has an 8mm diameter center electrode and 8165 has a 6mm diameter center electrode.

Not sure how and or even if that will make a difference, but generally the smaller the diameter of the center electrode, the less voltage required to initiate the spark.

I don't believe there is an iridium spark plug available for our motors. The only good thing with the 8165's is that they can be had a lot cheaper than the 8179's (and maybe availability has something to do with that?)

Interestingly enough, BMW parts websites are saying that new F90 M5's use new plug 12120054451, or BOSCH ZR5TPP320.

8179 (ZMR5TPP330) has recently been superseded to 8165 (ZR5TPP330). Catalog is still showing the 8179. The main difference (besides the “M” in the type formula designating the BMW “M” series vehicles) is that the 8179 has an 8mm diameter center electrode; the 8165 has a 6mm diameter center electrode. The 8179 has a couple of fewer threads at the foot of the housing versus the 8165 - but all of the other critical dimensions are identical. Both spark plugs are indexed (meaning they must be properly tightened by torque wrench; torque specs are printed on the individual spark plug package - no hand-tightening to “xx” degrees otherwise spark plug and/or engine damage could occur) Also, important to note that the customer should not use anti-seize; as this can cause over-torqueing (spark plug and/or engine damage could occur).

Engineering approved the supersession for the IAM, so the customer can be assured about using the 8165 if the 8179 is no longer available at his parts store.

Regards, Thank You, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Parts Hotline

https://www.boschautoparts.com/en/au...gs?partID=8165

https://www.boschautoparts.com/en/au...gs?partID=8179

https://www.boschautoparts.com/docum...7-71d885b58b09

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/...en-spark-plugs

https://parts.bmwmonterey.com/p/BMW_...120054451.html

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/part...&q=12120039634

[RPiM5]

Wow, thanks for the info. Very helpful for long term F10 M5 owners.

[technician117]

Cool stuff. I wonder if the smaller electrode will reduce the chances of misfires on stock engines and/or increase longevity of the coils. Two problems that the S63 exhibits.

[mrtt]

good to know thx

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by AirBull

I asked Bosch about their double platinum spark plug 8179 that their website was showing was the correct spark plug for our F10 M5, and here is the reply that I received today. Sounds like they are saying the 8165 will be superseding 8179 and the only difference is that the 8179 has an 8mm diameter center electrode and 8165 has a 6mm diameter center electrode.

Not sure how and or even if that will make a difference, but generally the smaller the diameter of the center electrode, the less voltage required to initiate the spark.

I don't believe there is an iridium spark plug available for our motors. The only good thing with the 8165's is that they can be had a lot cheaper than the 8179's (and maybe availability has something to do with that?)

Interestingly enough, BMW parts websites are saying that new F90 M5's use new plug 12120054451, or BOSCH ZR5TPP320.



https://www.boschautoparts.com/en/au...gs?partID=8165

https://www.boschautoparts.com/en/au...gs?partID=8179

https://www.boschautoparts.com/docum...7-71d885b58b09

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/...en-spark-plugs

https://parts.bmwmonterey.com/p/BMW_...120054451.html

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/part...&q=12120039634

Just received my Bosch plugs ZR5TPP330's, they supersede the ZMR's. 6mm centre electrode.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

Just received my Bosch plugs ZR5TPP330's, they supersede the ZMR's. 6mm centre electrode.

Will be fitting at 40k,at 36500 miles now.