M103 Spark Plugs... Everything Discontinued??
 

Hey Guys,

I just went to get some spark plugs for the upcoming tune-up on my 1991 300E and was rather shocked to find no one makes them anymore :eek:. WTF?!?

Bosch no longer make a non-resistor copper core (H9DCO is gone). NGK no longer makes a non-resistor (BP5EFS is gone).

What is everyone running? Is there anywhere I missed that I might be able to get one of the above?

Thanks!

PS: I'm not looking to start another 'oil thread' here. I just need plugs for my car and want to stay as close to stock as possible.

So get Beru spark plugs.

http://www.beruparts.com/main.sc;jsessionid=00126CD6039D8E9CA19AE08D6AA68FEF.qscstrfrnt04

I run Bosch Super Plus F8DC4. Standard copper core non resistor plugs. Just like OEM plugs.

My car loves them, but I don't know if they're hot enough plugs for everyday driving.

The MBUSA Classic Center in Irvine stocks the non-resistor NGKs.

I've had no problem getting the normal Bosch plugs from the Dealer, they've had them every time so far. Maybe I will order an extra set just to see/have some.

I just bought two sets of th H9DCO from my local M/B dealership
try #0 241 225 573 for single plugs or #003 159 04 03 for a box of 10 H9DC0 Bosch spark plugs.

I just (yesterday) a new set of H9DCO plugs, maybe I should pick up a few more sets at $2.10 per plug. Try Cal Star in Glendale, CA.

are these plugs made in Germany ??

seems unusual that 2 years ago the H9DCO were not available anywhere

NGK Europe still makes the BP5EFS.

About $2.00 each delivered from the U.K.

http://cgi.ebay.com/6-x-NGK-SPARK-PLUGS-MERC-G-WAGON-3-0-3000CC-90-BP5EFS_W0QQitemZ290307561409QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item4397add7c1 &_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177

I just checked with the local Stealership and they have some of the H9DCOs. Thanks for the tip guys.

'Of course they want $4.55ea for them. :eek: Bastards.

Of course, I've yet to have occasion to say anything good about the Alexandria service center. If you don't have an '09 S-Class/AMG/Black Series they treat you like a POS... :mad:

Oh well. I'm doing the tune-up this weekend, so what choice do I have. :rolleyes:

Why not use the Bosch HR9DC+ plugs?? Bosch 7978's

They are resistor plugs. Everyone knows that a M103 immediately explodes all over the driveway if a resistor plug is used! :D

I have run NGK resistors and Bosch (Germany) non resistors....and I think it runs about the same on either. However, I think the added resistance of the resistor plugs can do a number on the rotor/cap.....

I will be sticking with the normal non-resistor Bosch plugs.

As for the discontinuing....why would they do that, they must sell tens of thousands of those plugs every year throughout their dealer network, it makes no sense why they would stop making a part that is still well in demand.

Heck, I have bought 18 of them just in the past year! :eek: :D My current set should last a bit longer now though....since my plug oiling issue has been solved. :D

The amount of resistance in those plugs won't cause any problem for 10 years & the cap/rotor will wear out in 7-8 years!

Wow, my local dealer wants $7.80 each for the h9dc0's! No luck finding a local source for the bp5efs or the r5724's. Anybody happen to know what these two plugs were originally "made for?" I called up a bunch of cycle shops and they weren't much help without knowing what application they are for.

The resistors seem to be a problem with the waste ignition system found on the M104 engines. I have not had any problems with my M103 motors with any spark plugs, be they resistor, platinum, multiple electrode platinum, etc. Tens of thousands of miles with the Bosch multiple electrode platinums. Your results may vary. Mark