Differential fluid or spark plugs?

[BuffSlut916]

Hey whats goin on guys,

What would be higher on the priority list to replace, spark plugs or rear diff fluid? Reason why Im asking is because Im currently paying for a deposit on a new apt and I have enough left to spare next Fri on new spark plugs or diff fluid. I know theres a $200 difference between the two but what would you guys choose to replace first? BMW told me I need to replace both at my current mileage (71k).

-Dan


(And no, my car never got keyed thank god)

[roastbeef]

when was the last time the plugs were done?

[BuffSlut916]

To be honest, I really dont know. Carfax showed it was serviced when I bought it at 61k miles. Didnt specify plugs. Is this a good milestone to get plugs done?

Out of curiosity, what would happen if plugs werent switched out?

[roastbeef]

plugs are due every 37,000 miles. sometimes sooner if you are supercharged or track your car. some people even say 37,000 miles is too long even in normal conditions.

if your plugs are old, the engine won't run as smooth, gas mileage will suffer a little bit, and eventually you'll start to misfire and get error codes. the car will not ask for new plugs in the idrive module service screen, you just have to keep up on it. do your plugs, the diff can wait.

[dreamspeed]

The maintenance interval for spark plugs is 37k. It's listed in the owners manual.

I've changed my plugs twice now and both times there were pretty worn out at ~35k. The car ran noticeably better after the plugs were replaced.

I change the fluid also around ~35k intervals. Didn't feel any difference after changing.

Personally I would do plugs firsf

[BuffSlut916]

For sure thanks for the input, will get it done next weekend

[Datka]

I would do plugs first

[BOOF-M3]

Are you planning on doing yourself? Save a ton of money if you are going to the dealer.

[hungryhippo]

I would only change 4 spark plugs and 1 quart of diff fluid.

[Banana Hammock]

Originally Posted by hungryhippo

I would only change 4 spark plugs and 1 quart of diff fluid.

Best of both worlds.

[roastbeef]

well if OP would stop ubering people around, it would save on the wear and tear.

[BuffSlut916]

Haha yeah right^

Im getting em done at 4B Auto. The guy there is charging me $350 for all 8 plugs and labor

[araaadi]

coil packs needed to be changed too with spark plugs?

[BOOF-M3]

$60 for plugs and it will take an hour or two.

[Iyzmi]

Originally Posted by BuffSlut916

Haha yeah right^

Im getting em done at 4B Auto. The guy there is charging me $350 for all 8 plugs and labor

So like $175/hr assuming he works slowly? Pass.

[GRUESOM3]

Originally Posted by hungryhippo

I would only change 4 spark plugs and 1 quart of diff fluid.

In this case there might be money left over for drivers side wiper only.

[Mvy]

Id go plugs first. I just changed my dif fluid at 62k miles, first time on the car, and it was clean clean clean.

[JsL]

Makes total financial sense to own this car right now.

[monterey]

Diff fluid is less than a fill up at the gas station. The spark plugs made a big difference for me but it only lasted about a 1 month before my mpg dropped again. You need to prepare for broken heads on your coil if you do the plugs. Previous owners tend to leave you presents without telling you.

[BOOF-M3]

So which did you decide on?

[pbonsalb]

Plugs. They are part of the knock sensing.

[BuffSlut916]

Neither. I bought a shit load of Bitcoin and sold a bunch yesterday. Car is still running fine at 73k miles. Thinking abt doing all this at 75k mile oil change cuz I gotta buy new brake pads this weekend.

Also, the car charger stopped working. Super random, it was working fine all along. Hope this wont cost me too much to replace