BMW X1 Spark Plugs: Intervals, Fitment & Warning Signs
Confirmed: a genuine technical bulletin addresses this engine failing to restart after a cold start, caused by a specific spark plug part combined with software — since superseded twice, worth confirming you have the correct current part.
Illustration for editorial purposes
Opens live listings in a new tab.
OEM Part Number: confirm via engine code — aftermarket NGK 94201 / Bosch 0 242 145 555
| Petrol engines in this generation | sDrive18i 136 and 140 HP; sDrive20i 178 and 192 HP; sDrive28i 231 HP; xDrive20i 178 and 192 HP; xDrive25i 231 HP; ActiveFlex 20i and 25i; xDrive25e plug-in hybrid 220 HP |
|---|---|
| Spark plugs (aftermarket) | NGK 94201 (iridium, 14 mm, M12x1.25); NGK 95248 (iridium, 14 mm, M12x1.25); NGK 4294 and 6441 (iridium, 16 mm, M14x1.25); NGK 95712 and 5987 (platinum, 16 mm, M14x1.25); Bosch 0 242 145 555 (gap 0.8 mm, M12x1.25); Champion OE245 (iridium, gap 0.8 mm, 14 mm Bi-Hex, M12x1.25); Champion OE259 (iridium, gap 0.74 mm); Champion CET12P (platinum, gap 0.75 mm, M14x1.25) |
| Genuine (OE) numbers quoted | None quoted in catalogue listings — order genuine plugs against your VIN / engine code |
| Fitment notes | Match thread size, heat range and gap to the engine code. |
BMW X1 Spark Plugs: A Cheap Part That Causes Expensive-Feeling Problems
Worn spark plugs on the BMW X1 rarely announce themselves clearly — a slightly rougher idle, a bit less punch off the line — symptoms easy to blame on almost anything else in the engine bay. The part itself costs very little, which makes it an easy one to overlook for far longer than it should be.
BMW X1 Spark Plugs: What They Do
The BMW X1's spark plugs ignite the compressed fuel-air mixture inside each cylinder, and their condition directly affects combustion efficiency, fuel economy and smooth running. Petrol engines rely entirely on them; diesel engines don't use spark plugs at all, relying on compression instead.
BMW X1 Spark Plugs: Generations, Engines & Spark Plug Count
| Diesel variants | Not applicable — diesel engines use compression ignition and have no spark plugs at all |
|---|---|
| Petrol four-cylinder (most trims) | 4 spark plugs — one per cylinder |
| Petrol six-cylinder (M-Performance trims, where fitted) | 6 spark plugs — a genuinely different engine family (BMW's inline-six) from the standard four-cylinder units, not a bored-out version of the same engine |
BMW X1 Spark Plugs: Watch: Replacing It
F48 xDrive25i/28i
Opens live listings in a new tab.
Confirmed: A Genuine Technical Bulletin Worth Knowing About — BMW X1 Spark Plugs
If the engine has turned over but failed to actually start on a repeated cold-start attempt, this is genuinely worth knowing: a confirmed technical bulletin identifies exactly this fault on this specific engine, where the car may start normally on the first attempt of the day, but then fail to start if switched off immediately and tried again shortly after. The cause was identified as unfavourable engine management software combined with the original spark plug part fitted from the start of production. Genuinely worth knowing this specific spark plug has since been superseded twice with revised versions, worth confirming your car has the correct, most current superseded plug part specifically rather than the original design if you're facing this exact cold-start symptom.
It's also genuinely worth knowing that coil packs have been documented failing even on cars with genuinely low mileage, worth knowing that mileage alone isn't a reliable indicator of whether this specific component needs replacing.
BMW X1 Spark Plugs: Warning Signs, DIY Difficulty & Aftermarket Advice
These are the same regardless of make or model — see our full Spark Plugs Guide for symptoms of worn plugs, why matching your exact plug specification matters, and trusted brands to buy from.
More BMW Spark Plugs
The same part, covered across other BMW models.