WR9DS Spark Plug source or replacement

[heinek077]

I'm looking for Bosch WR9DS spark plugs for my '83 533i.  It appears they are discontinued and most of the normal sources say out of stock.  Does anyone know of a source or the replacement?

I found a website that shows cross references but it shows about 40 different plugs as replacements.  https://hu.sparkplug-crossreference.com ... H_PN/WR9DS
 

[tig]

I'm looking for Bosch WR9DS spark plugs for my '83 533i.  It appears they are discontinued and most of the normal sources say out of stock.  Does anyone know of a source or the replacement?

I found a website that shows cross references but it shows about 40 different plugs as replacements.  https://hu.sparkplug-crossreference.com ... H_PN/WR9DS

 

See the Wiki. It may help:

Spark Plug FAQ - The E28 Wiki

[heinek077]

Thank you.  It confirmed most of the information I had.  The listed plugs are now discontinued.  I saw in the owner's manual the Beru RS33 is also recommended and also no longer available. 

The NGK website (NGK.com) lists 5 plugs (one is the BPR5EIX) based on a vehicle fit check.  I'll probably go with the NGK BPR5EIX.  The BPR5EIX heat range 5 is one step colder than the Bosch WR9DS which has a heat range of 9 (that is if I understand the reverse heat ranges used by NGK and Bosch).  Not sure if one step of the heat range will matter much. 

Strange, AutohausAZ says the BPR5EIX is not a fit for my vehicle.

[K-jetFTW]

One source I currently know of is Ebay seller "werkstattexperte" who still lists them.  $11+ per plug NOS from Germany, but they are legit.  I grabbed a set from them last year for my 10/82 533, i order a lot from overseas. 
 
A place called Ultimate Garage in NJ had them until recently, but the web store no longer lists them. Still a great source for old bits. 

I have a pic of the the WR9DS side by side with the LS plug everyone uses, but I couldn't find a way to paste it here in a small enough size.  It's enough of a difference to really make you wonder.  

Either way, Ebay guy above looks to be best bet. Other sellers may pop up, but not consistently. 

[turbodan]

The NGK ZGR5A is probably the closest match. I've used them with good results. 

[Mike W.]

The NGK ZGR5A is probably the closest match. I've used them with good results. 

 

 

That sounds like what I was using, though I can't find the exact number offhand.  While IIRC replacement was spec'd at 25K, I'd had a set in for 45K and took it in for smog.  Passed, comfortably, with ~300K on the cat and 45K on the plugs.  While a longtime Bosch fan, that impressed me.

[heinek077]

When I do a fit check on the NGK website, it comes back with the ZGR5A is not compatible with your vehicle.
Go figure.

[Mike W.]

When I do a fit check on the NGK website, it comes back with the ZGR5A is not compatible with your vehicle.
Go figure.

 

 

 

 

Mine was a 535i, but I'm not sure if that makes any difference.  US spec.  But you've got to dig as these cars get older.  I'm seeing that NGK plug as compatible on Autohausz AZ among others.  I'm seeing it really cheap on Rockauto, but under the NGK 5077 number, but also the Bosch Silvers on Rockauto.  Not claiming they are available, but they might be. Correction, they are WR9SS, not DS.  Difference?  I haven't a clue.  But I think they're both silvers.  Personally I'd go with the NGKs.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/bmw ... +plug,7212

[stuartinmn]

I saw someone selling a single plug on eBay but that's not a lot of help.