Bosch Plugs - New FR8DPP33+ Can it be used instead of FR8DPP33?
 

I just received a parts order which contained spark plugs (Bosch super plus, plus Yttrium). These have the same PN as the old plugs with a "+" at the end, assumed to signify the Yttrium electrode. Question, is it OK to use these in our cars that call for the FR8DPP33 or is this going to be another issue like the "platinum" plugs issue is? Are the dealers selling the Yttrium plugs at their parts counters?

MBUSA never UP-grades their spark plugs! they still sell non-resistor copper core plugs for older MB's.

WHY is that?? because a change in plugs would mean re-certifying the emissions of that engine with that plug!

YES the + on that & many Bosch plugs mean a better spark plug. Yttrium does make the plug more stable.
They are competing with NGK & Denso as well as Champion for their share.
So they are trying to develop better plugs.

I only asked because the last time I bought plugs at the dealer they sold me plain Bosch plugs - nothing special about them (No M-B PN or star on them - same box as every parts store sells). The only difference between them and the ones I could buy at Pep-Boys was the 2X price. That is why I ordered these from Phil, because they were $4 a piece cheaper than the M-B parts counter charges (for 16 plugs that is $64).

But, I wondered if Bosch is making the standard plugs for M-B and selling the yttrium plugs aftermarket now or would the plugs I get from the dealer still be exactly the same as these (with yttirum).

I guess wanted to avoid installing them all (16 of them!) and then finding a problem and being told...oh, you used the yttrium plugs! M-B only recommends "normal" plus plugs and having to do the whole job over again - as I did one time when I used platinum + plugs and was told that was verbotten despite Bosch's assertion they are a direct replacement.

I don't believe that Bosch makes the standard plugs just for MB. Last February I went to my local dealer to buy Bosch H8DC0 plugs for my 190E and they sold me the plugs in the normal Bosch packaging that is at all the auto parts stores. I went to buy some spare plugs from the dealer last month and the plugs were in the standard MB brand boxes with MB part numbers. I opened up the boxes and they were Champion plugs. I asked, "You don't sell Bosch spark plugs anymore?" His response was, "Those are Bosch." Then I showed them to him and he was surprised that they were Champions, but those are the only plugs they sell for my vehicle now.

I don't have any problem with Champion plugs. I've used them in my speedboat for years and have never had any issues with them. I just like to stick with OEM brands whenever possible. Anyway, that was my experience with my dealer and the spark plug issue.