Coil Pack (POST 9/2002) info / descrepancies.

[Washburn]

I didn't mean this to be a thread initially, but the more I kept finding about the coil pack versions for POST 9/2002 E46, more questions arose, which led me to do more research and i thought i'd post here as a thread for anyone who will be replacing their CPs soon / in the future.

Fist: This info only pertains to the POST 9/2002 E46 cars, which use the newer type of coil packs, which are not held by 2 screws. It is among these newer types that I find some discrepancies as to suggested part numbers by Bosch, BMW and online vendors.

OK. Let's start:

First, the oldest of these types by Bosch, which are also in my car, a 2005 June.

This type has the following Bosch Part No stamped on the CP's hold-down connector: 0 221 504 100
This is what it looks like:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/wp_12131712219_ignition_coil_E46_E39_5_3_X3_X5_Z4_ BMW_E60_E63_E65_OEM.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/nishang/media/wp_12131712219_ignition_coil_E46_E39_5_3_X3_X5_Z4_ BMW_E60_E63_E65_OEM.jpg.html)

Now, on to the REVISED/UPDATED versions:
At some point, Bosch/BMW revised the CP. I am not sure when this happened, but from the reading I have done, these revisions are supposed to reduce misfires and increase longevity.

Now, Let's see how they're listed at ECS Tuning: (Focus only on the Bosch plugs here - 1st and 3rd in the screenshot):

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/ECS.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/nishang/media/ECS.jpg.html)

As you can see. they list TWO types of Bosch CPs:
1. with The BMW Part no. 1213 171 2219
2. with the BMW Part no. 1213 759 4937

Both those types look pretty much identical and are skinnier, all black, and don't have the boot separate, but looks like it's all one piece, and look like this:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/7182kA-e2FL._SL1500_.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/nishang/media/7182kA-e2FL._SL1500_.jpg.html)

Now, I went to Bosch USA parts catalog, and searched CPs for E46:
and this is what I came up with. Note only ONE type is recommended.
(ONLY LOOK AT 2nd LINE, as first line is for PRE 9/2002)
(as you can see by matching BMW No ending with 2219, this is the same as the FIRST type ECS suggests)

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/bosch2.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/nishang/media/bosch2.jpg.html)


DETAILED INFO on that plug:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/b3.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/nishang/media/b3.jpg.html)

This has Bosch part number: 0 221 504 464 (you can see that on screen shots, and ECS image also shows this number stamped on plug)
Now, if you look at the 2nd screenshot again, you will see that this plus ALSO corresponds to the BMW no. 1213 171 2219 AND
12 13 7 594 938
NOTE: this is NOT the other (2nd) Bosch plug that ECS suggests: THAT one has BMW no. 12 13 7 594 937

So, why is ECS suggesting this CP with BMW Part no -937 for an E46?

I chatted with ECS:
--First I asked what is the difference between their 2 plugs that are recommended; Answer was: "the one ending with BMW no 2219 is a revised plug, and THAT was revised AGAIN, and THAT new one has the BMW no ending with 937"
--(so we have THREE types of plugs for E46 according to him. Old two tone one, and two newer all black types, which look identical)
--He could not answer the question "Why doesn't Bosch suggest this part number for E46"?

I tried finding this Bosch part no. on their catalog, and found that it has the Bosch part no. 0 221 504 470
(and ECS image correctly shows this number stamped on plug).

Here's a comparison of both on the Bosch catalog: (the one on left is what Bosch suggests on their search, the one on right is the 2nd one ECS suggests)

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/b4new.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/nishang/media/b4new.jpg.html)

--Next, I looked online on forums and found that this Bosch plug (Bosch --470 and BMW --937) is recommended for E90 and up cars, and NOT for E46.
--This plug is available online but almost always suggested as NOT for E46, but for E90 and up.
--Then I went to Bosch catalog and entered a 2008 E92 as my car: YEP: The suggested plug was Bosch --470, (BMW --937)

So, again:
why is ECS suggesting this CP with BMW Part no -937 for an E46?

Time for more research: REAL OEM: Here are part numbers suggested for E46:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/realoem.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/nishang/media/realoem.jpg.html)

!!!! Notice that the BMW part no. 219 (Bosch --464) is listed as ENDED, meaning it was updated/revised.
And lo and behold, what does Real OEM recommend now (see screen shot above)?
The BMW --937 (Bosch --470) !!! ....which is, yep, NOT recommended by Bosch for E46

SO, summary so far:
-REALOEM recommends the Newest Revision (Bosch --470/ BMW --937) as the current CP for E46: (Lists previous revision Bosch 464/BMW 938 as "ENDED")
-ECS recommend BOTH types
-Tischer and Bavauto also recommends Bosch 470/BMW 937
-Bosch catalog recommends ONLY previous revision (Bosch --464 / BMW --219/938)

I only found ONE other place that listed this (newest) Bosch CP number (--470) for E46 (Europarts.com):

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/Europarts.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/nishang/media/Europarts.jpg.html)

EDIT: Tischer, and Bavauto also recommend Bosch 470 / BMW 937 (Thanks go to member "1972Ford" (bimmerfest) for this info)
Several sites listed this newest revision with the word "Updated version"

PLACES that do NOT suggest this newest revision (Bosch --470 / BMW --937) for E46:
(These places all suggest 2nd revision: Bosch --464 / BMW 219 or 938)

1. Amazon: (has correct image) - see warning that it does NOT fit.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/amazon%20cp.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/nishang/media/amazon%20cp.jpg.html)

2. Turner Motor Sports (has WRONG image - shows the OLDEST type plug) - see part no. highlighted on bottom
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/tms.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/nishang/media/tms.jpg.html)

3. Autohaus AZ: (see red box warning)
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/AHAZ%2000044%204938.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/nishang/media/AHAZ%2000044%204938.jpg.html)

SO:
What I have really done is raise questions:
-What's the different between the two newer types ? (Bosch 464/BMW 938 and Bosch 470/BMW 937)
-Is the newest (Bosch 470) really better? what was revised?
-Why does RealOEM and ECS list the newest Bosch CP for our cars ?
(Real OEM ONLY lists the newest revision, previous one is listed as 'ENDED')
-Why doesn't Bosch recommend their newst --470 type for E46? (and Amazon, TMS, Autohaus AZ...)
-Which recommendation can be most accurate/should I choose? :
ECS and Real OEM? or Bosch and all the rest of major online retailers?

And finally: I have seen posts on forums about the newer "one piece - all black" type CPs (464 and 470) not making a SNAP noise or that they don't CLICK into place when installing. Quite by accident, I found this Bosch site:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/bosch.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/nishang/media/bosch.jpg.html)

Now, if anyone has any feedback or have noticed something I haven't, please comment. I am totally confused by what I have presented above, concerning how different sites/retailers recommend these 2 types of plugs.

[gregolas]

Thank you for the info and research. I just had one die and was looking to replace my temp fix with a Bosch, but the part number was different just like you described. Much appreciated!

[Washburn]

You're welcome !
It must have been painful to read - lol!
Also I must add Bavauto to the list of places that DO recommend the newest Bosch CP (--470)

All this considering if I were to get CPs I think I will go with that new one (470) despite what Bosch catalog says ....


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[gregolas]

You're welcome !
It must have been painful to read - lol!
Also I must add Bavauto to the list of places that DO recommend the newest Bosch CP (--470)

All this considering if I were to get CPs I think I will go with that new one (470) despite what Bosch catalog says ....


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I appreciate it as this is the level of research I usually go to. Good to know the newer units will work without issue!

[Washburn]

Mods: Thanks for making this a sticky. I feel honored :)
And thanks to member 1972Ford (bimmerfest) for additional info.
(original post has been updated and includes Bavauto and Tischer as vendors that also recommend the newest revision Bosch -470 / BMW -937)

[az3579]

FYI, my local dealer has 12138647689 as the latest and greatest part number for the coil packs. That is what I'll be going with.

[Washburn]

Yeah it's another BMW part no for the - 470 Bosch part number
Please update on fitment and performance when you install them, if you get a chance.
Thanks !


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[az3579]

Yeah it's another BMW part no for the - 470 Bosch part number
Please update on fitment and performance when you install them, if you get a chance.
Thanks !


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I can tell you right away that they'll be fine. lol
It seems that BMW of Morristown has them the cheapest amongst all the online dealers (according to BMW PNPC) at $43.23 each. That comes out to $259.38, which is ever so marginally more than aftermarket. It's totally worth buying Genuine in this case, not to mention that orders over $250 ship free. There's nothing but win here.

[Washburn]

Oh, you have installed them before? That's good to know they will work!

Amazon also has them ( Bosch ) 6 pack shipped ( if you have Amazon prime ) for $179


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[Washburn]

Please post a good clear pic of a CP when you get them - just curious to see if there are any differences from the Bosch part.
What differences do you think exist between the Bosch - 470 and the genuine BMW part that makes the BMW coil pack better ?
I am just trying to get the most accurate info I can for the future; I always thought Bosch makes them for BMW anyway.


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[az3579]

Oh, you have installed them before? That's good to know they will work!

Amazon also has them ( Bosch ) 6 pack shipped ( if you have Amazon prime ) for $179


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This is the first time my coils are getting replaced. I know they'll be fine because this is what BMW recommends. BMW definitely doesn't recommend parts that don't work! lol

The Bosch ones on Amazon I noticed are the equivalent of an old BMW part number for the coils. The new part number doesn't match the Bosch ones.

[Washburn]

look at the real oem screen shot
It matches


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[Washburn]

BMW 937 and 689 are the same part no as Bosch 470

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/30/4f9024c78f49361384a541e45b8908cd.jpg

And this from FCPeuro makes it even clearer
Shows all 3 part numbers ( BMW 689 and 937 with Bosch 470 which is the same plug Amazon has)

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/30/5d469fa6d90730a6505fdaec2e5b0c46.jpg

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[az3579]

Okay, so my coils were replaced yesterday with Genuine BMW P/N: 12138647689. The car's light throttle acceleration jerkiness is resolved; the car once again drives smooth as can be.

The original coils had 221k miles on them and still haven't thrown a check engine light, shockingly. They still worked fine under hard acceleration, it was just under very light throttle and no-throttle situations where it would be jerky.

The new coils are just perfect. :thumbsup

[danewilson77]

Okay, so my coils were replaced yesterday with Genuine BMW P/N: 12138647689. The car's light throttle acceleration jerkiness is resolved; the car once again drives smooth as can be.

The original coils had 221k miles on them and still haven't thrown a check engine light, shockingly. They still worked fine under hard acceleration, it was just under very light throttle and no-throttle situations where it would be jerky.

The new coils are just perfect. :thumbsup
Maybe it's time for me. What did that run you BP?

[az3579]

Maybe it's time for me. What did that run you BP?


Prices vary by dealer. My local dealer wanted $80 per coil, totaling $480. Various other places want between 300-400. I paid $259 (about $43 ea.), free shipping, from BMW of Morristown.

BMW of Morristown has the best prices of anywhere online on Genuine BMW parts 9/10 times I look for parts.

http://www.trademotion.com/index.cfm?siteid=214320

[danewilson77]

Prices vary by dealer. My local dealer wanted $80 per coil, totaling $480. Various other places want between 300-400. I paid $259, free shipping, from BMW of Morristown.

BMW of Morristown has the best prices of anywhere online on Genuine BMW parts 9/10 times I look for parts.

http://www.trademotion.com/index.cfm?siteid=214320
$259 is not too shabby.

[az3579]

$259 is not too shabby.

That's especially considering the aftermarket alternatives, such as the Bosch, aren't that much cheaper.
I'd rather just go Genuine BMW in this case. I like to go OE with electrical stuff whenever possible.

[johnrando]

Good news BP.

[Washburn]

Okay, so my coils were replaced yesterday with Genuine BMW P/N: 12138647689.

Any chance of a pic if you can pull one? I was hoping you would post a pic when you got them, to add to the original post, for info on appearance.
Thanks!

[az3579]

The ones I pulled out had grey on them. The ones that went in were all black.

Here's the only picture I took. The quality got degraded when I uploaded it to Tapatalk, and that is the only copy of the image left, so I had to reuse it.

19707

[Washburn]

Thanks !
They look identical to the Bosch part no ending with 937, which is what I wants to verify

I bet if you had looked closely at the coil body or the hold down tab, there is a tiny Bosch logo ( NOT wording ) on them somewhere - it looks like an upper case H with the sides curving outward.

At 48k miles I definitely still have the old style factory gray coils in my car and they have the BMW part no but Bosch logo stamped on them ( the above mentioned "H" looking symbol)
-So I think it's safe to assume that Bosch makes them for BMW even now, and list them all together with the BMW part number and their own Bosch part number so 689 (BMW pn) and 937 ( Bosch pn) etc are probably all the same and come up interchangeably depending on where one searches
Of course the ones stamped or boxed with a BMW part number with BMW box will be more costly.

Same with oil filters : BMW dealer has BMW stamped Mann oil filters - exact same thing as a Mann stamped filter that you get from Amazon etc

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[Washburn]

Actually my old style gray bodied factory "BMW " coils even have Bosch lettering and the logo on the area where the hold down tab attaches to : more proof that Bosch is factory and BMW OE



http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/12/53f63d8abbae5f3e310e3eab3a03f170.jpg

Bosch logo on other side

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/12/aba86c814909888b730b02986cf836e4.jpg

Would be interesting to see if the OLD factory plugs you took out of your car also have the Bosch on them
- do you still have them by any chance ?
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[az3579]

No, I threw them out with malice the day of replacement.

[Washburn]

Why the malice ?
Looks like they held up well for a long time.


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[az3579]

Why the malice ?
Looks like they held up well for a long time.


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Because the car drove like absolute shit with very light throttle and had no clue it was the coils the whole time. It was bad enough where I hated driving my car as a result.

[Washburn]

I see
But they were over 200k old I thought - idk what's the normal life expectancy of ignition coils is but that seems to be pretty good, and IIRC you said you never had a misfire despite the hesitation in light acceleration...

I also read that some people keep an old spare coil in the car just in case one goes out etc as a precaution - but yours are brand new you should not be needing any replacements soon anyway

But great to hear the new ones are doing well


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[az3579]

Technically ignition coils are recommended for replacement at 60-100k miles as part of a tuneup, together with plugs. I shouldn't have waited so long to replace them. They started acting up quite some time ago, though I never noted when exactly.

[Washburn]

LOL ok - well they served you very well then, over two or three times their life expectancy. You should have patted their heads before throwing them away :)


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[az3579]

LOL ok - well they served you very well then, over two or three times their life expectancy. You should have patted their heads before throwing them away :)


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Nope. I threw them like like they were baseballs.

[Washburn]

Excellent !


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[fredo]

One coil pack failed on my e90 at 65k miles. A second one failed at 83k miles. At that moment I decided to replace all.

[slater]

any thoughts on the bavauto 'high performance' coil packs? they are on sale for $242 shipped.

peter

[Washburn]

They have a horrible rep from what I have read


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[az3579]

any thoughts on the bavauto 'high performance' coil packs? they are on sale for $242 shipped.

peter
Cheap aftermarket garbage from what I've heard.
I don't have experience with this product personally. For barely much more you could just buy the Genuine BMW ones from BMW of Morristown. $259 shipped. Not worth saving the extra $17.

[Washburn]

They have red hold down tabs - I wonder if that's why ppl buy them despite the crappy reviews on the web


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[Zaks]

I ordered the 219 from autohausaz last night, so I'll post my feedback after I install them and drive with them for a while.

[ELCID86]

^Good call.

[Zaks]

Just a short-term update… Installed the coils today and everything works as it should after about 30 miles. Car starts right up and engine runs very smoothly.


Ivan

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[ELCID86]

[emoji106]


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

[Zaks]

Car has been great for well over 500 miles. Quick start and runs smooth.


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[BMWCurves]

Thanks for following up!

[Zaks]

Hate to add to the mix, but here's what I've dealt with lately and found another coil for my car. I never looked on realoem, rather just this thread and ordered the 219 (bosch -464) from Autohaus. Car runs perfectly fine with those and NGK BKR6EQUP spark plugs. However, I've had a P0300 code pop up (along with either all or some of the specific cylinders) for misfiring. All my ICV stuff is replaced, all hoses and boots, etc. After being reset the code comes back on after about 150 miles.

I started looking around to see about getting some new spark plugs (again) and new coils (again) before I dig further into it. So after re-reading this thread, I went to realoem.com for my car (VIN WBAEV53423KM03678) and found out that it lists the 12131712219 noted here, but also 12138616153. When I looked up 12138616153 online I came across this... http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/69816/Ignition-Coil-Replacement-Kit-100K10191/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwt763BRDZx_Xg3-Pv2cABEiQAoDfeGMcRfaIfoUhPxDuiGVvybNFA0i0EuJtK089V W-QkyqsaAm8H8P8HAQ

It looks like an updated version of the original 219 (grey body, etc.)

I'm thinking to maybe order these to try them out vs ordering the Bosch 12137594937/BMW 12138647689 since they're listed on realoem.com for my car as well as the eeuroparts website (they say 2003-06 330i, mine is an 03/2003 build date). However, it does say on most places that it's Delphi and recommended for 2006+ cars...

Thoughts?

[Vas]

Looking for ignition coil advice.

Bosch, delphi or genuine bmw ?

Real oem shows this

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/4a7706b313106dd4bc98e0211b921a78.jpg



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[John in VA]

Delphi is OEM for BMW. FCPEuro has BMW at $68.49 and Delphi for $33.69 with lifetime replacement. GetBMWparts.com wants $63.31, plus S/H.

I've been staying away from Bosch in the past decade (too many crappy parts) - Bremi is my go-to when given a choice of the two.

[Vas]

Updating the thread with the following info since there has been changes to the ignition coils:

Part# 12138657273 (Eldor Became an Ignition Coil Supplier to BMW in early 2016)
Eldor # R3516S00100 (PBT-GF30)
Replaces Past Bosch Coil Part# 12138647689
Replaces Past Delphi Coil Part# 12138616153

Currently most places like FCP Euro and ECS-tuning are stating that these coils do not fit the e45/m54 engines for some reason. However the Bosch/Delphi coils fit the e46/m54 engines as well as others like the BMW 128/BMW 135i/ BMW 335i/ etc. So clearly the new part number will work on our engines.

Also keep in mind that if you are ordering these coils not directly from the dealership, the boxes are different and there is no manufacturer markings on the ignition coils ( just the part number ). This is a result of some kind agreement between BMW and Eldor.

[RUS_ZHP]

That's an interesting information. Thank you Vas. I am getting ocasional misfire on one of the cylinder and coils replacement on the horizon.
When I checked FCP parts fitment for the coils, I wad surprised to see that much newer 135 Bmw have the same coils as M54 engine.

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[az3579]

Regarding PN 12138647689 --
RealOEM doesn't show this as a compatible part number with the E46. Not sure I'd install an electrical engine part that isn't specified as being compatible...

[Vas]

Regarding PN 12138647689 --
RealOEM doesn't show this as a compatible part number with the E46. Not sure I'd install an electrical engine part that isn't specified as being compatible...It does not but does list the Delphi part number.

Also vendors like fcpeuro and ECS state that the Bosch part number 12138647689 fits. They list these coils as Geniune bmw part number.

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[alexandre]

Bumping this as I have a coil that just died. Realoem (https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=EV53-USA-06-2003-E46-BMW-330i&diagId=12_1104#12138616153) shows latest PN as #12138616153 for my VIN, but the Delphis have garbage reviews on FCP and amazon.

Anyone end up installing 12138657273 (Eldor) ? They have perfect reviews and I've found a few forum posts here and there saying they work just fine on our engines.

[Vas]

Go with the Part #: ELD-R3516S00100 from FCP Euro

[Cabrio330]

Double post, sorry.

[Cabrio330]

Go with the Part #: ELD-R3516S00100 from FCP Euro

Per FCP Euro's website, that DOES NOT FIT a 2004 330ci (and I assume other E46 years also).

[alexandre]

Per FCP Euro's website, that DOES NOT FIT a 2004 330ci (and I assume other E46 years also).

These guys say it'll fit though: https://www.oembimmerparts.com/BMW-3-Series-Ignition-Coil-Kit-By-Eldor-p/12138657273kit.htm

Vas PM'd me saying he's been running them for +1 year, so I ordered a set of 6 to give them a shot. Will report back on this thread!

[John in VA]

These guys say it'll fit though: https://www.oembimmerparts.com/BMW-3-Series-Ignition-Coil-Kit-By-Eldor-p/12138657273kit.htm
Vas PM'd me saying he's been running them for +1 year, so I ordered a set of 6 to give them a shot. Will report back on this thread!
OEM Bimmerparts states:
Part# 12 13 8 657 273 (Eldor Became an Ignition Coil Supplier to BMW in early 2016)
Eldor # R3516S00100 (PBT-GF30)
Replaces Past Bosch Coil Part# 12138647689
Replaces Past Delphi Coil Part# 12138616153 = this was the part # for Delphi coil for E46 316/318/320/325/330/M3

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partxref?q=12138616153&series=E46

[Cabrio330]

These guys say it'll fit though: https://www.oembimmerparts.com/BMW-3-Series-Ignition-Coil-Kit-By-Eldor-p/12138657273kit.htm

Vas PM'd me saying he's been running them for +1 year, so I ordered a set of 6 to give them a shot. Will report back on this thread!

Good luck!

[alexandre]

I installed 6x the part number referred above, Eldor ELD-R3516S00100 / BMW 12138657273. Car is smooth as butter.

My old Bremis were stamped 2010-07-15, so they ran approx 115k miles.

[papa_g]

Reviving old thread. Seems like there are some Bosch, Eldor and Delphi users here. What would you say about performance since last time you changed the CPs (how many miles ago?)


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