SPark Plug Tubes

[jp1984]

Hello,

I did a search, many actually, and couldn't seem to find this answer easily.

Generally, is there an interval that you should replace spark plug tubes at?

I have a 2011 (60k miles), will be working in that area, believe in preventative maintenance but also if it seems to be "lifetime" or "fix it when it breaks" item, I would rather leave them be. Dont fix what isnt broken, right?

So, replace spark plug tubes? Yes, if when? No, for what reason?

[Ximian]

Replace them with the valve cover gaskets.

[jp1984]

Originally Posted by Ximian

Replace them with the valve cover gaskets.

Does OE matter in that case?

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by jp1984

Does OE matter in that case?

I wasnt able to find anything else then oem when I replaced recently, in fact even they where tricky to get hold of. 22€ each but yes better get new when cover is taken off.

[nycplumber]

Like other said replace with VCG. Here is a more affordable solution


https://www.ecstuning.com/b-uro-part...127835170~uro/

[Redd]

In preparation to do my valve covers I asked two of my trusted mechs (both M specialists) if it was necessary to do the spark plug tubes. Both of them said they have never replaced plug tubes on E9x platform. E46 plug tubes turn brittle and need to be replaced when doing the valve cover, but the plug tubes on E9x M3 don't have this problem.

Fwiw, my car is 144k kms and on original spark plug tubes. I didn't change them the last time I did valve covers. No issues so far.

[jp1984]

Originally Posted by Redd

In preparation to do my valve covers I asked two of my trusted mechs (both M specialists) if it was necessary to do the spark plug tubes. Both of them said they have never replaced plug tubes on E9x platform. E46 plug tubes turn brittle and need to be replaced when doing the valve cover, but the plug tubes on E9x M3 don't have this problem.

Fwiw, my car is 144k kms and on original spark plug tubes. I didn't change them the last time I did valve covers. No issues so far.

I bought some to have done because $64 doesn't seem like a major deal in the scheme of things, however, I will ask my shop too and if they see no need for them being replaced I will just stick these in and consider it a life time replacement unless failure occurs.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by Redd

In preparation to do my valve covers I asked two of my trusted mechs (both M specialists) if it was necessary to do the spark plug tubes. Both of them said they have never replaced plug tubes on E9x platform. E46 plug tubes turn brittle and need to be replaced when doing the valve cover, but the plug tubes on E9x M3 don't have this problem.

Fwiw, my car is 144k kms and on original spark plug tubes. I didn't change them the last time I did valve covers. No issues so far.

Yeah, dont believe the actual tubes goes brittle or anything, the glued on o-rings however I felt may be a bit sad.

[DirtyM3]

If anything, order through FCP euro the valve gasket kit with the spark plug tubes to get that lifetime warranty. So in the future you don't have to worry about it later on.

[nycplumber]

Originally Posted by DirtyM3

If anything, order through FCP euro the valve gasket kit with the spark plug tubes to get that lifetime warranty. So in the future you don't have to worry about it later on.

Go look at price of FCP euro tubes vs ECS. You're never gonna recoup that delta

[BP709]

URO parts makes some that are significantly cheaper. Can't tell the difference between them and OE.

[Scharbag]

Yeah

FCP - $25.89 each (genuine BMW)
ECS - $9.85 each (URO)

I think I will go with URO!!

[EMKOOP]

Originally Posted by Scharbag

Yeah

FCP - $25.89 each (genuine BMW)
ECS - $9.85 each (URO)

I think I will go with URO!!

I went the OE route just for the peace of mind.

[GORDON.M3]

Do not buy URO, the spark plug tubes will crack and fail due to the material quality difference.