This time is very short: Which ignition coils can be used for N43/N53 series engines?

a. A long time ago, when these engines were created, Bosch was a supplier of the ignition coils. Code of the ignition coil: 0 221 504 471. These ignition coils are of excellent quality, and the price is relatively low. 

b. During the after-warranty period, Delphi took over the supply of the ignition coils. The code of these ignition coils: is GN10476-12B1. These coils are of not-so-good quality; more read here.

c. The current BMW code: is 12137559842. True, though, the coil sold by BMW is of a strongly higher price: around EUR 100/piece. Quality problems: 1:1, as previously mentioned, Delphi ignition coils.

All available catalogs indicate around 26+ (!) different analogs. As analogs, the following items are listed: Bosch (*801), NGK, Denckermann, ERA (2 variants), Mobiletron, EGT, Engitech, Beru, Magneti Marelli, EPS, Meat & Doria, Hoffer (2 variants), HUCO (2 variants), Maxgear, Kamoka, FAE; Bremi (2 versions), VEMO (2 versions), HELLA, ESEN, Metzger, Febi Bilstein.

Unfortunately, all these “analogs” are intended for the “regular” engines (typically – not even for DI petrol engines, but the old type – port injection – ones). These ignition coils CAN NOT BE USED in N43/N53 series engines.

Misfires confirmed by using:

a. Bosch 0 221 504 801

b. NGK 48147

Short summary: Only 3 types of ignition coils can be used in N43/N53 series engines:

a. BMW 12137559842

b. Bosch 0 221 504 471

c. Delphi GN10476-12B1 

Also read: Sports ignition coils