R1200GS Sparkplug Change

Changing the sparkplugs on an R1200GS is quite straightforward, and takes less time than it takes to drink a cup of coffee. The BMW service recommendations specify changing all 4 sparkplugs every 24,000 miles (or 40,000km). For tools and materials, you'll need:

Socket wrench
Socket extension
16mm or 5/8" sparkplug socket
T-27 socket
Torque wrench
BMW secondary coil remover tool
(4) BMW sparkplugs part no. 12 12 7 677 560 (Bosch YR 5 LDE)

Gavin, on the R1200GS.info Forum reports that "BMW are now using NGK dual-electrode DCPR8EKC sparkplugs as OEM fitment on the R12GS'es, and the iridiums are performing well." The NGK DCPR8EIX is a single-electrode Iridium plug, and is reported by some to work better than the double-electrode version. Gavin uses Denso Iridium IXU24 sparkplugs in his R12GS According to NGK, say the IXU22 is preferred. their DCPR8EKC cross-references a Denso IXU24 or VXU24 Iridium.

Be careful removing the plastic covers. In the photo above you can see the upper of two plastic wings that clip into the valve cover to attach the plastic covers. It's fairly easy to break the end of these pieces off unless you are very careful to pry at the point shown by the arrow.

Use the BMW tool to pull the cap from the sparkplug (it's really a secondary coil, and not just a simple cap — thus the reason you should use the BMW tool). Some of the first model year BMWs came with a black plastic plug-cap puller tool, that would be the second best tool for the job. If you don't have either of those special tools, you might try feeding some heavy wire under the plug wire near the "cap" and try to pull straight out. If you try prying the cap off, be very careful not to damage the valve cover or the cap!

The 2nd sparkplug on each side is located underneath the cylinder hidden by the black plastic cover indicated by the yellow arrow above. Two T-27 bolts hold it on. Once it's unbolted and moved out of the way, you can simply grab the plug cover (red arrow) and pull straight down. It should pop right off. The sparkplug, shown by the green arrow, will be revealed.

Here's the difference between a new plug and one with over 20,000 miles on it.

To replace the plugs, make sure the threads are dry and free of oil or grease, then torque them to 23Nm (17 ft-lbs). Make sure you push firmly on the plug wire caps to seat them properly. You should feel initial resistance, then a muted "snap" when they click into place. The T-27 bolts get torqued to 8Nm (6 ft-lbs).