Ignition for BMW 3 Series E46 (1999-2005)

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Your BMW's ignition system is critical for smooth engine operation. This category contains parts used in the BMW ignition system, including spark plugs, ignition coils, spark plug wires and boots, ignition rotors and caps, distributors and distributor caps. On most 1991 and later model BMWs, your car has what's known as a coil-on-plug system, where each cylinder has its own ignition coil that sits directly atop the spark plug (so you won't have spark plug wires on those BMWs.) A fresh set of spark plugs is an essential part of any BMW engine tune up.

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Eldor - Corporate Logo
T#:641259
Part#: 12138657273
In Stock
$ 34.99 USD
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Used in a wide variety of BMW engines to ensure proper spark plug operation.
Eldor - Corporate Logo
T#:29234309
Part#: 12138616153
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$ 43.99 USD
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Ignition coils are key to the efficiency and performance of your BMW. With a faulty coil the spark plug is not burning the air/fuel mixture properly and that can lead to problems anywhere in the engine and exhaust (including catalytic converters and O2 sensors). Problems with one or more coils will cause a fault code but not always a check engine light. A misfire code may be related to an ignition coil but could be from other things as well. Sometimes a visual inspection of a coil and coil boot will give an indication of a failure. You can also move coils around to different cylinder banks to see if the misfire code follows a suspect coil. We suggest always having one or two coils on hand to keep as spares.

This is the current replacement for some BMW 6 and 8-cylinder engines built in the late 2000s and after. BMW has made numerous changes to ignition coil part numbers in recent years but has approved this part number to work in the vehicles listed below. It's listed as a replacement coil for N20, N55, and S55 engines. In March 2015 BMW approved it for N51/N52 engines. This part number replaces the previous BMW part number 12137594937 for the cars listed below.

Sold per coil. Includes boot and connector.

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OEM NGK Spark Plugs - Set Of Six (#BKR6EQUP) E36 / E46
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NGK - Corporate Logo
T#:340535
Part#: BKR6EQUP 6
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$ 55.99 USD
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Upgrade Your BMW's Performance with NGK Spark Plugs

Enhance your driving experience with NGK's top-quality spark plugs designed for optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Engine misfires, poor idle, and reduced fuel economy are telltale signs of worn-out spark plugs. NGK plugs are the ultimate solution, engineered to restore your BMW's power and smooth operation.

  • Address electrode wear and carbon buildup for a strong spark
  • Restore engine power and fuel efficiency
  • Trusted brand with decades of experience in spark plug manufacturing
  • Preferred choice by various auto manufacturers
  • Consider replacing all serviceable ignition components for a comprehensive upgrade
  • Kit includes six high-performance spark plugs
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Bav Auto Spark Plug Socket 12" x 5/8"
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Bav Auto Tools - Corporate Logo
T#:580385
Part#: B8800072
In Stock
Sale - Save 30% $ 38.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
11-07-2026

$ 27.29 USD
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Sale - Save 30%
$ 38.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
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$ 27.29 USD
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Magnetic insert holds the spark plug securely in place for easy installation. Works great on many twin can engines where the spark plugs are recessed deep in the cylinder head.

OEM NGK Spark Plugs - Set Of Six (DCPR8EKP/7415)
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NGK - Corporate Logo
T#:340536
Part#: DCPR8EKP-6
In Stock
$ 107.99 USD
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$ 107.99 USD
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Revitalize your BMW's performance with NGK's Original Spark Plugs, designed to address common issues like poor idle, reduced fuel efficiency, and engine misfires associated with worn-out spark plugs. These NGK plugs offer a solution by preventing electrode wear, which causes an oversized gap and weak sparks over time. They effectively tackle carbon buildup issues that can bridge the gap and hamper performance. Replacing worn-out plugs with NGK aftermarket units restores power, enhances fuel efficiency, and ensures a smoother idle for optimal engine performance.

Product Benefits:

  • Resolves poor idle, low fuel efficiency, and engine misfires
  • Prevents electrode wear for consistent spark
  • Reduces carbon buildup for improved performance
  • Restores power and fuel efficiency
  • Enhances engine smoothness and responsiveness
  • Ensures better harmony within the ignition system
  • Unlocks hidden horsepower and raises fuel economy
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NGK Spark Plugs - BKR6EQUP
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NGK - Corporate Logo
T#:338579
Part#: BKR6EQUP
In Stock
Starting at $ 36.99 USD
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Starting at $ 36.99 USD
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This is the NGK replacement spark plug for BMW part # 12120037607 and 12129071003.
NGK has been one a top choice of automakers and mechanics since 1936 for obvious reasons. With manufacturing, quality control and consistency standards second to none, this is truly a name you trust. Turner Motorsport proudly carries the NGK brand with applications that cover all BMW/Mini models.

It is the standard spark plug for:
1998-1999 E36 BMW 323is 323ic
1999-2005 E46 BMW 323i 323ci 325i 325ci 325xi 328i 328ci 330i 330ci 330xi
1997-2003 E39 BMW 528i 540i
1997-2002 Z3 BMW Z3 2.3 Z3 2.5i Z3 2.8 Z3 3.0i
2003-2006 E85 BMW Z4 2.5i Z4 3.0i

Also used by BMW as a "High Power" spark plug for various BMW Models including:
1990-1991 E30 BMW 318i 318is 318ic
1992-1998 E36 BMW 318i 318is 318ti 318ic 325i 325is 325ic 328i 328is 328ic
1989-1995 E34 BMW 530i 540i
1997-2003 E39 BMW 525i 530i
2004-2005 E60 BMW 525i 530i 545i
2004-2005 E63 BMW 645ci
1988-1994 E32 BMW 740i 740il 750il
1995-2001 E38 BMW 740i 740il 750il
2002-2008 E65 BMW 745i 745li
2002-2008 E65 BMW 760i 760li
1990-1999 E31 BMW 840i 840ci 850i 850ci
2004-2005 E83 BMW X3 2.5i X3 3.0i
2000-2006 E53 BMW X5 3.0i X5 4.4i X5 4.6is
1997-2002 Z3 BMW Z3 1.9 Z3 2.3 Z3 2.5i Z3 2.8 Z3 3.0i
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NGK Spark Plug - DCPR8EKP - E46 M3, MZ3 (S54), MZ4
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NGK - Corporate Logo
T#:338621
Part#: 7415
In Stock
Starting at $ 107.99 USD
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Starting at $ 107.99 USD
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NGK Laser Platinum Premium standard spark plug for E46 M3 (incl CSL), MZ3 01-02 (S54), MZ4

Select either a single plug or a full set of 6.

NGK has been one a top choice of automakers and mechanics since 1936 for obvious reasons. With manufacturing, quality control and consistency standards second to none, this is truly a name you trust. Turner Motorsport proudly carries the NGK brand with applications that cover all BMW/Mini models.

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Burger Motorsports - Corporate Logo
T#:583132
Part#: BMSBSPGT14MM
Ships in 7 Business Days
$ 35.00 USD
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BMS Billet Spark Plug Gapper Tool - 14mm is an essential tool for achieving accurate and consistent spark plug gapping, ideal for automotive enthusiasts and professional mechanics alike. This precision tool helps maintain optimal plug performance by providing reliable, consistent gaps. Available in both 14mm and 12mm plug thread sizes, this tool is proudly made in the USA to deliver durability and precision.

  • Precisely gaps spark plugs for enhanced engine performance and efficiency
  • Speeds up the gapping process while ensuring accuracy and uniformity
  • Available in two sizes (14mm and 12mm) for a wider range of compatibility
  • Optional specialty feeler gauge included with 4 blades in thicknesses of .018, .020, .022, and .024
  • Made in the USA for premium quality and durability
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Performance Tool - Corporate Logo
T#:2242226
Part#: W80533
Ships in 1 Business Day
$ 20.25 USD
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Extended socket length reaches confined areas.

Sunex - Corporate Logo
T#:391150
Part#: SUU884506
In Stock
9% off MSRP $ 31.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 28.99 USD
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9% off MSRP
$ 31.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 28.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
3/8" drive socket with 5/8" opening for most spark plugs
NGK - Ignition Coil - N20 N52 N54 N55 S55 S54 N62 S62 M54
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NGK - Corporate Logo
T#:35289800
Part#: 12138616153
In Stock
$ 58.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
11-07-2026

$ 50.99 USD
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$ 58.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
11-07-2026

$ 50.99 USD
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E46 M3 Heavy Duty Aluminum Expansion Tank Kit & Performance Ignition ...
Our Doorbuster deals are in limited supply at these prices. Get yours while they're in stock! Can't find the perfect bundle? Call or chat with us to build a custom one. 10X Entries For Our Spin To Win Sweepstakes!
Doorbusters - Corporate Logo
T#:59954889
Part#: 008682LAKT
In Stock
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Sale - Save 28% $ 902.52

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$ 649.00 USD
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The last expansion tank you'll ever need! Upgrade to durable aluminum construction and leave failure-prone plastic behind & everything needed for a performance ignition service including NGK spark plugs and Turner ignition coils!
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3 Pin Connector
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ECS - Corporate Logo
T#:33412931
Part#: 12527519996
In Stock
Sale - Save 40% $ 10.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
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$ 6.59 USD
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This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
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$ 6.59 USD
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Includes connector housing with terminals and seals. Commonly used for the pencil-style ignition coil connector.

ECS Tuning replacement harness connectors include all necessary pins and wire seals for a complete harness repair. Whether you have a broken harness connector or need a complete wiring repair, we have the components you need.

Each connector includes an additional terminal in case one becomes lost or damaged during installation.

*OEM cross reference PN# 12527519996 - Commonly used for the pencil-style ignition coil connector.

Please reference the original part number from the existing connector to confirm fitment, before ordering.

Suggested tools:

Suggested crimping pliers: T#387193
Wire De-pin tools:
12pc De-Pin Tool Set - T#386379
23pc De-Pin Tool Set - T#641943

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Performance Tool - Corporate Logo
T#:1855998
Part#: W80535
Ships in 3 Business Days
$ 1.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
08-26-2026

$ 1.54 USD
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$ 1.54 USD
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Easy to read markings to set gaps quickly and easily.
Hitachi - Corporate Logo
T#:48815451
Part#: 12131712219
Ships in 6 Business Days
$ 57.99 USD
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$ 57.99 USD
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Get your spark back with new ignition coils.

Hitachi - Corporate Logo
T#:48850063
Part#: 12138657273
Ships in 6 Business Days
$ 53.99 USD
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Ignition coils are key to the efficiency and performance of your BMW. With a faulty coil the spark plug is not burning the air/fuel mixture properly and that can lead to problems anywhere in the engine and exhaust (including catalytic converters and O2 sensors). Problems with one or more coils will cause a fault code, but not always a check engine light. A misfire code may be related to an ignition coil, but could be from other things as well. ometimes, a visual inspection of a coil and coil boot will give an indication of a failure. You can also move coils around to different cylinder banks to see if the misfire code follows a suspect coil. We suggest always having one or two coils on hand to keep as spares.
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Beru - Corporate Logo
T#:338884
Part#: FGR-6DDU
Back Ordered
Sale - Save 17% $ 23.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
11-07-2026

Starting at $ 20.00 USD
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Sale - Save 17%
$ 23.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
11-07-2026

Starting at $ 20.00 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
RACING SPARK PLUG FOR M50/M52/M54 ENGINES
These spark plugs are recommended by BMW Motorsport for use in their DTC racing engines. We find a slight horsepower increase and greatly increased durability over the OEM road car spark plugs in competition use. We attribute the improvements to the fact that these spark plugs are designed for the high temperatures and cylinder pressures encountered in a racing engine. These spark plugs are a direct replacement and come pre-gapped just like the factory road car plugs.
Please note: these plugs are not for the S54 engine in the E46 M3, MZ3, or Z4 M
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Starter Motor
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Bremmen Parts - Corporate Logo
T#:55030826
Part#: 12412354693
Ships on Dec 15, 2026
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Sale - Save 10% $ 129.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
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$ 116.99 USD
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Sale - Save 10%
$ 129.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
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$ 116.99 USD
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Beru - Corporate Logo
T#:596875
Part#: 12131730412
Back Ordered
$ 15.99 USD
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Sometimes a bad coil may just be a broken or damaged connector boot. This is especially true on cars with a leaking valve cover gasket where the oil has contamintated the rubber boot and the electrical parts inside. This boot can be replaced on its own without having to buy a whole new coil. This part is also useful if you purchased a coil that did not come with a new boot.
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