Bosch Platinums- not happy, get a refund!

[belagirl]

I was a victim of Bosch marketing, and bought a set of Platinum2s only to find that my 1992 300TE didnt like them, especiallly on cold mornings. Since Bosch has been marketing these plugs as suitable for use in all these cars, even though they really are not the proper plug, I am going to return them.

They have a form you can submit to get a refund, attached. You can also go to boschusa.com if you have other plats.

[Old300D]

Yep. The only good thing about platinum plugs is long life. Their performance leave much to be desired. In my Datsun I use nothing but copper NGK plugs.

[G-Benz]

Pre-millenium MBs don't like them...my VW sure didn't either! Stick with the copper cores in the future...

...this topic comes up periodically in many threads, btw.

Due to the expense of platinum the electrodes are made very thin. This makes a thin spark. The wider electrodes of the copper plugs make a nice fat spark. That's the difference.

Additionally the platinums have been known to break due to their brittleness, causing catastrophic engine problems.

Merry Christmas,

[Hatterasguy]

Copper plugs don't seem to have any downsides other than you have to change them more often? Why are platinum plugs so popular? Changing plugs is so simple and the plugs are so cheap.

[jcyuhn]

I haven't researched it thoroughly, but I believe the use of long life plugs is driven by the requirement for cars to meet pollution standards for 100K miles. Manufacturers must certify (presumably through some type of simulation testing) their cars still meet the relevant emissions standards after 100K miles of usage.

Either it's a requirement that plugs not be replaced, or the manufacturers (reasonably, in my opinion) know they can not expect consumers to replace the plugs. So in go the platinums so the vehicle can pass emissions durability testing.

Your average consumer doesn't read the owners manual, isn't aware of when the plugs are to be changed, and won't take any action until they can tell something is wrong with the car. Fortunately newer OBDII cars have misfire detection and will light up the MIL if the plugs are too far gone.

- JimY

[myanoch]

I installed the bosch copper w9dc new bosch # at pep boys is 7511
Gapped them at .044 (only difference from stock)
They are dirt cheap and work
I bought an extra set at the dolllar+ price
Why look for problems
There is plenty of other items to maintain on this old car
I followed the letters on this form and the boys were right
They work .....

[yal]

I know that and you know that but every Pepboys, Autozone or whatever will try and sell you platinum plugs the minute you walk in the door. If you get a chance to look over the shoulder of the store clerk you will see several platinum plugs listed as recommended.
Its a shame for people who don't know.

But then again maybe some don't care. Take the Ipod for example, better models out there but who cares LOL