So, I'm not totally sure that the "BMW" plugs are fake but reasonably so convinced.
Always open for a deal, I purchased the "BMW" plugs from a parts seller on e-bay, who has an exceptional feedback rating. Coincidentally, when I got these in the mail, I had just watched a youtube video about fake NGK plugs. When I looked at the "BMW" plugs, the alarm bells started ringing, so I bought some NGK's from Autozone for comparison.


Packaging of the "BMW" plugs looks real.





Both plugs have the 4 digit code number on the flats.



Both plugs have BKR6EQUP stamped around the base.



Difference in the printed NGK logo



This is what really set the alarm bells clanging! The "BMW" plug is on the left. Look at the difference between the centre electrodes. The "BMW" electrode is bigger, looks crudely done, and is off centre compared to the Autozone bought plug on the right. Also, the four outside electrodes are a totally different size/shape compared to the store bought item on the right, and are nowhere near equally spaced around the centre electrode.




The four electrodes aren't even the same height as the store bought plug (the lower one).

The "BMW" plugs are not going anywhere but the trash can.

 

Thanks for posting this --- everyone should be aware of what a rampant problem this is.

I was totally unaware that counterfeit plugs were even a thing until getting some counterfeits myself, was like whoah! after investigating a little online because it has been happening for a while now.

The fakes I got were these:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4546792

Such sketchy crap out there and you gotta be ultra vigilant these days with a keen eye on everydamnthing it seems.

Amazon and ebay are the easiest platforms for them to peddle the fake stuff.

 

There are certain items I will only purchase either from the manufacturer or reputable shops, and spark plugs are one of those items. I buy all my spark plugs direct from NGK.

 

The youtube video that I watched was posted by a guy who had purchased the NGK plugs from Amazon thinking that he could have faith in anything purchased from them.

Amazon is just a conduit for third party vendors, and as such is just as open to fakes as e-bay is.

 

Taking another look at the last photo, the crush washer is also different.

 

As Elaine said on Seinfeld, "Fake, fake, fake, and fake!"

 

Interesting. Thank you for posting this.

 

OP, have you brought this to the attention of NGK themselves? Certainly they would have an interest in this, and might want to take a look.

 

^^^^^^^^^

There is a page in their "technical information" about how to identify fake plugs. I was going to post a link but it came up as "not secure" on my laptop.

After looking into this to see if this is a common problem, I found countless videos posted on youtube about this subject.

The Chinese even made a "fake" of the cars we love!!!!

Lifan 3-Series: Chinese Create 5door MINI Cooper Clone! | Carscoops

 

I think NGK is well aware of these things. Same as with SKF bearings etc etc. Bosch also uses a system to check parts on authenticity which you can check with a online service

https://protect.bosch.com/

 

Pretty much every company out there is aware of knock-offs; some are more aggressive than others in pursuing those responsible.