Parts for your 2017 Bmw X3-Ignition coils

2017 BMW X3 ignition coils — what they do and when to replace them

Technical sources confirm that ignition coils are fitted to 2017 BMW X3 petrol models (e.g., xDrive28i with the N20 2.0‑litre turbo and xDrive35i with the N55 3.0‑litre turbo). BMW’s ETK/parts catalogue diagrams for the F25 X3 list “Ignition coil” under Engine Electrical (Group 12) for these petrol variants. For 2017 X3 diesels (e.g., 20d/30d), there is no ignition coil listed, instead they use glow plugs and a glow control module, as compression‑ignition diesels don’t require spark. BMW TIS/ISTA service information also details coil-on-plug testing and misfire diagnostics for the petrol engines.

On the petrol 2017 X3, the ignition coils sit directly on top of each spark plug (coil-on-plug). Their job is to step up battery voltage to the high voltage needed to fire the spark plug precisely when the ECU commands it. Healthy coils mean clean starts, smooth idle, decent fuel economy, and happy emissions gear.

They’re wear items, especially in turbo applications where heat and vibration are higher. Typical real‑world lifespan ranges from about 80,000 to 150,000 kilometres. Many technicians treat coils as “replace on condition”: if there’s a misfire under load, rough idle, or a “Drivetrain malfunction” message, scan for codes (e.g., P0301–P0306 or BMW misfire faults) and swap the suspect coil to another cylinder to confirm. If a coil fails, it’s common to replace the affected coil and its spark plug, some owners choose to do the full set for peace of mind.

Good practice during servicing:

• Inspect coils and boots every service, especially if the engine cover’s been off for other work.
• Replace spark plugs at the recommended interval (often around 60,000 km on these engines), tired plugs can overwork coils.
• Keep oil and moisture out of the plug tubes—rocker cover gasket leaks can kill coils quickly.
• Use quality OEM-spec coils (Bosch, Delphi, Eldor) and seat them squarely, a light smear of dielectric grease on the boot can help future removal.

If the car is misfiring, try not to keep driving—raw fuel can overheat the catalytic converter. Sort it promptly and clear fault codes after repair. Many owners also keep a spare coil in the boot, it’s a quick roadside fix if one packs it in on a trip.

Technical sources referenced: BMW ETK/parts diagrams for F25 X3 (petrol: Ignition Coil, Group 12, diesel: Glow Plug/Control Unit) and BMW TIS/ISTA test plans for ignition coil and misfire diagnosis on N20/N55 engines.

Popular questions about 2017 BMW X3 ignition coils

Do all 2017 BMW X3 models have ignition coils?

No. Petrol models (like the xDrive28i and xDrive35i) have coil-on-plug ignition coils. Diesel models (such as 20d and 30d) don’t use ignition coils, they rely on compression ignition and use glow plugs for cold starts. This split is shown in BMW’s parts catalogue and service information.

How long do the coils last on a 2017 X3, and should they be replaced with spark plugs?

Many last 80,000–150,000 km, but heat and age take a toll. Replace coils as needed when misfires appear, and always check the spark plug on that cylinder. It’s sensible to fit a fresh plug with a failed coil, some owners do a full set of coils around the 100,000–120,000 km mark for preventative maintenance.

Is it safe to drive with a bad ignition coil?

It’ll usually run, but it’s not a good idea. A misfiring cylinder can dump fuel into the exhaust, risking catalytic converter damage and higher emissions. If you must drive, keep it gentle and short—then fix it and clear the codes as soon as possible.