BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Which spark plugs are best fitted to a 2005 1200rt & are Iridium plugs worth the extra money???

BMW (RealOEM) fitment is NGK DCPR8EKC, part no. 12127728634.

Found this document, http://www.ukgser.com/technical/nick/Af ... 20V1.2.pdf,
it may be a helpful read.

Using OPIE Oils as a price guide, the OEM spark plugs are £4.45 each, https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-63946-ngk- ... kplug.aspx
The Iridium spark plugs are £7.90 each, https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-63945-ngk- ... trode.aspx

The technical document above, suggests that Iridium plugs may offer up to 300% longer life than OEM. Therefore, based on cost alone, Iridium would be worth the extra money.

Whilst on the subject of spark plugs for a Hexhead, can anyone confirm what the service interval should be.

The BMW Maintenance Schedule & Haynes Manual both say every 24,000 miles.
On my 2007 RT, the Spark Plugs were changed by a BMW Dealer at 12,000 miles.

Which is correct?

Does the engine run any better with iridiun plugs on the RT ???

Wunderlich say that iridium plugs are better than standard plugs, https://www.wunderlich.de/shop/en/ngk-s ... 000-1.html

My vote would be to go for good quality plugs and change them often rather than superior quality, expensive plugs changed less frequently.


Platinum plugs were developed for the US car market where major services (excluding oil changes) are sometimes recommended every 100,000 miles (GM NorthstarV8 engines?)!

I asked a old buck, a master mechanic many years ago what was the best spark plug to use in a particular car I had.  He said "the one it came stock with".

I think the best plug is the one that comes with the motor.  I mean it was the one the motor was designed around and manufactured with.

Iridium spark plugs require less voltage than standard plugs to create a spark.

If the standard plugs are matched to the ignition system specifications of the bike, would a change of plug be ok or doesn't it matter.

There is a disclaimer in the technical document linked within this thread.

If you fit Iridium spark plugs and need to adjust the gap you have to use wire type feeler gauges and not the blade type this is to prevent chipping of the Iridium on the tip of the plug.

NGK Motorcycle Applications 2015, https://www.ngkntk.co.uk/wp-content/upl ... alogue.pdf

On page 17, the catalogue confirms the fitment of both Standard (DCPR8EKC) & Iridium (DCPR8EIX) plugs for a 2005 RT.

"Owners who want the very best performance from their bikes will want the best spark plug and this we can offer with Iridium IX."

David. wrote: NGK Motorcycle Applications 2015, https://www.ngkntk.co.uk/wp-content/upl ... alogue.pdf

On page 17, the catalogue confirms the fitment of both Standard (DCPR8EKC) & Iridium (DCPR8EIX) plugs for a 2005 RT.

"Owners who want the very best performance from their bikes will want the best spark plug and this we can offer with Iridium IX."

Get the iridium plugs. They are worth it.  I find the bike responds better and seems to have better performance for me.  I'll never go back.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

rglassma wrote:Get the iridium plugs. They are worth it. I'll never go back.

At what service intervals have you replaced, or do you plan to replace the iridium plugs.