Anyone tried these...

[jllphan]

Anyone tried Bosch Paltinum +4 spark plugs? I'm a little puzzled....

I decided to try these out, installed them properly (anal about such), and went for a test drive. Everything was fine, but different. Seems like the initial spark is excellent, then there is a tiny let down in power and then by three grand it's very strong. Curious, i went and asked my local mechanic what he thought. He said platinum plugs suck, and that BMW would have used them if they wanted to. However, i've read that BMW endorses them as an alternate replacement. What gives?

[thekid]

Well, after I bought my 318i I was going throught the glove box and came accross a lone bosch platnium 4 spark plug. So I guess thats whats in my car. I too asked my mechanic, is that really necessary? Who really needs 4 prongs on a spark plug? He said it was a good plug, but hella expensive comparativly. Like $6 instead of the usual $2-$4. I don't really know though, I don't have any problems with mine, however, it doesn't seem like any one else has problems with others either. But I can't speak as to whether or not there is a difference because I've never driven my car with anything else.

[Furious]

honestly those platinum +4's are the biggest internet myth going. so many people say yes to them and others say no. from what i gather is that the plugs themselves run too cold in our engine or somthing to that respect. much like if you used irridium plugs, they would run too cold for a car with lower compression. another thing i keep hearing is that the problem with the plugs is that with 4 electrodes you are actually splitting the path of the spark or some shit like that , making it less effective than it should be. all in all , i have no real proof as to why they dont work well in our cars could just be a marketing gimick but whatever im not certain... the testomony on every BMW internet forum speaks for itself. i am personally running platinum 2s and they have not once given me problems. IMO i say stay away from the +4's just for the peace of mind. there are lots of other plugs on the market that will work just as good or if not better.

[Autotechnica]

I used the BOSCH Plastinum +2's for a year, no problems and they were better than the BOSCH copper plugs. They didn't last quite as long though. If you want reliable plugs which last a long time, use the original copper plugs.

After my +2's wore out after a year (I replace them yearly anyways), I changed to BOSCH Platinum +4. Honestly, I didn't notice any difference at all (and you really shouldn't). For me as long as they aren't any worse than the +2's or the copper plugs, I'm happy. I got them on sale at Canadian Tire for $6CDN a pair which is really cheap if you ask me.

I don't know why people have been having problems with them falling apart in their engine and misfiring. I think there must have been something wrong with the motor in the first place. I haven't had any problems.

I would highly recommend BERU Platinum X 4. Those are really great plugs. However, very difficult to find.

Bry

[///M Power]

Yeah im running the +4 bosch's. I just bought them so i would have the peace of mind knowing that there were no other better spark plusg that i could have boughten. $40 for spark plugs, my dad went nuts lol.

[Eggrolled211]

So what is the OEM plugs? I used Plat+4 were great for about a year....just yesterday for the first time as I cranked the motor it spudder misfire kinda sound and die. I tried again same thing noise then struggle to idle? Now its fine...... Can we use NGK? what the best reliable brand? Autolite? We all talk about +2 or +4 can we use the basic +1? (single one)

[Autotechnica]

Originally posted by Eggrolled211@Apr 8 2004, 03:23 PM
So what is the OEM plugs? I used Plat+4 were great for about a year....just yesterday for the first time as I cranked the motor it spudder misfire kinda sound and die. I tried again same thing noise then struggle to idle? Now its fine...... Can we use NGK? what the best reliable brand? Autolite?* We all talk about +2 or +4 can we use the basic +1? (single one)

OEM plugs are BOSCH copper plugs. You can use NGK as well as the manual suggest it. I used NGK platinum before but I can't remember if those were any good.

I like BERU, but all the brands are pretty much the same. Just don't use AC delco or Champion.

Bry

[Andrewsd1985]

I also have the +4 plugs from bosch and my car does the same thing jllphan's does. It seems weak then just takes off.

[jllphan]

MPower: After ripping on +4's, my mechanic said i should put in Bosch +2 copper plugs. He said that is what they use as the replacement at the dealer.

Andrew: Isn't it weird? It's almost as if with the +4's there is a late rush of power that is stronger than oem, but with the oem it is more of a linear acceleration...

[Furious]

my mechanic (because he only services BMW's) uses platinum 2's for replacement.

[Andrewsd1985]

Yeah its very weird, I don't remember what was in the car when I got it but it sucks that i can't take right off even with cai and chip. Maybe I'll change back this weekend.

[Autotechnica]

Hmmm.. I've also get a set of +2's from last season. I think I'll throw them back in and take my +4's out. I wonder whether or not I'd notice a difference.

Right now with 225/45/17's my car feels like a dog..

Bry

[bitcore]

Chiuaua or Bloodhound?