General Maintenance - Spark Plugs

[1stKnight]

I am in the process of conducting a few DIY general maintenance items on my car.
Since, I will be replacing my valve cover gasket, I decided to also replace my spark plugs as well.

I did some reading and found that the Bosch Platinum+4, with nickel-yttrium alloy side electrodes are both reliable and a great performance type spark plugs

Anybody have any experiences with these?

[cynicalgeek]

I've learned to avoid Platinums like the plague, but most of that experience is from a VW standpoint. I don't even bother researching spark plugs anymore - very little, if any gains for the trouble. I just use stock plugs in all of our cars. Even Tracy's SC GTI does just fine with stock plugs, and that's what VF recommends. IMO, unless you have a specific reason, just go stock.

[1stKnight]

I've learned to avoid Platinums like the plague, but most of that experience is from a VW standpoint. I don't even bother researching spark plugs anymore - very little, if any gains for the trouble. I just use stock plugs in all of our cars. Even Tracy's SC GTI does just fine with stock plugs, and that's what VF recommends. IMO, unless you have a specific reason, just go stock.

I do understand that I would not get any HP gains by incorporating the platinum spark plugs. However, the only specific reasons I had ...were.....I desired a spark plug, after many, many miles to deliver reliable ignition with minimal misfires.

Consequently, I figured that a plug with "4" electrodes would have more reliability of ignition and a longer life than a single or double setup...:rolleyes: Nevertheless, thanks for your insight.

By the way, and if I may ask, what were the problems associated with using Platinum plugs?...

[corndogface]

i was talking to some tuners that work at the dealership. he said that when you put a spark plug in that isnt the stock one, you can get weird side effects. such as it will run rough or sputter sometimes. im replacing mine today and im just going with stock plugs.

[gest24]

OEM in the Subie is NGK iridiums. I went with the NGK Iridium IX. From what I've been told by some other SVX guys they're great plugs.

[cynicalgeek]

By the way, and if I may ask, what were the problems associated with using Platinum plugs?...
Misfires and premature fouling. Only ever bought one set myself for one of my Mk2 Jettas. Took them out a week later. I've since bought quite a few cars that had Platinums installed by the previous owner, that I immediately replaced. The cars always ran better afterwards, though you could possibly blame it on the plugs being fouled.

Strange that I've read that some people seem to be able to run them with no issues, but that hasn't been the case for me.

The only change I usually make from stock is from reading the used plugs and moving up or down in temp range as appropriate.

[NaKoRuRu]

I'm using the NGK BKR7E's. Seems like a lot of people over at the tex (and other places i looked at) prefer these over the stock plug on a chipped 1.8t. They don't last very long but the first time i had them on they felt really nice. They are one step colder than stock.

[ReNNeN.CaRL]

Dave,

I searched on bimmerforums.com

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=537923&highlight=%22spark+plug%22

:tup: