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#1
11-03-2005, 06:44 AM
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New plugs in 99ML 320 at 66K miles
Just put new Bosch Quad Platinum plugs in my ML. Even tho' this particular ML has always performed extremely well in terms of pickup and highway running, it seems that these Quads made it even better! Acceleration is still extremely good and mid speed range running is superb. I swear this car knows I have a Corvette and is trying to emulate it!? Just kidding a little.
The actual job of changing plugs was my second one on this ML version; did my girl friend's plugs at 90K on hers. Both had some really tight plugs and I did not see too much difference in the removal difficulty between the two vehicles -- had to use extended leverage on several plugs in each one. The original standard Bosch Platinums in my ML were in excellent condition however. I got these Quads at around $4 apiece and still consider them to be a good investment --- the spark generation seems to be as good as they say.
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Ben Harrison Carter 1999 Mercedes ML320 87K 1992 Mercedes 300CE 89K 1995 Corvette 29K -- Sold Dec 09 1989 Mercedes 420SEL 99K -- (Sold 4/08) 1968 Mercedes 230S (106K) (Sold 9/06)) 1976 Mercedes 450SEL 130K (Just sold - 06) 1961 Mercedes 220Sb (sold years ago) 
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#2
11-03-2005, 11:10 PM
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be aware - i've been advised by the dealer NOT to put the Bosch quads in as they have had a few ML's back which experienced issues due to running to hot as a result of the quads. Seeking a compromise, I installed the twin spark bosch plugs. WOW what a difference in gas mileage! MUCH better.
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#3
11-04-2005, 06:44 AM
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Bosch Quad's or Two's -- effects on engine heat
I would take that dealer comment about Quad Bosch plugs making a few ML's run hot with a grain of salt?! I wonder what other factors, such as timing -- could have produced that effect? I put the Twos in my 89 420SEL and they seem to run fine .... also put them in my 76 450SEL, same story.
It would seem that if you get full combustion from the Quads that the engine should run at a normal temp .... after all it is supposed to handle combustion heat as a norm, not an exception and the Quads may achieve X mpg at a lower gas usage rate, but not necessarily raise engine heat ? Also, perhaps a slight rise in engine temp means it is performing actually better -- without any detrimental effects? I would have to see all the factors involved with those ML's running hot, before I could determine that the plugs were the cause. Thanks for the update however; all knowledge is useful. Ben Carter
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Ben Harrison Carter 1999 Mercedes ML320 87K 1992 Mercedes 300CE 89K 1995 Corvette 29K -- Sold Dec 09 1989 Mercedes 420SEL 99K -- (Sold 4/08) 1968 Mercedes 230S (106K) (Sold 9/06)) 1976 Mercedes 450SEL 130K (Just sold - 06) 1961 Mercedes 220Sb (sold years ago)
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#4
11-04-2005, 10:44 AM
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I must agree - stating "they run too hot" isn't very specific. Nonetheless, i have the twin prong bosch in my ML320 and it made a HUGE difference (changed at 60k) in gas mileage. I still have to pinch myself to believe how well my truck is running. Improvements all around. The old plugs were factory plugs and were in good shape when i removed them. I'll try the 4 prong bosch in my GTI 2000.
While on the subject of changing things to a high level of quality over stock...what you think of swapping the OE airfilter to a KN airfilter? Dealer stated they don't recommend as it would mislead the mass airflow sensor and therefore engine could run lean/rich. I've done this with past cars (mustang gt, toyota supra, vw gti) with notably improved performance.
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#5
11-04-2005, 10:57 AM
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I swapped to the Bosch Platinum Fours about a year ago and have been very happy with them. I did notice a slight increase in temperature. My ML430 used to run right at 80 C after fully warming up........now she's just a tad above the 80 mark, say about 85 C after warm up.
Gas mileage did increase after the swap, but not sure if I can attribute that to the Bosch's or just new plugs. 80% of my driving is interstate and I average 20 MPG......not bad at all for a big heavy V8 ..........I also generally burn 89 octane with a shot of 92 every now and then....
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#6
11-04-2005, 12:38 PM
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On your qustion about the K& N filter,
Generally, they seem to allow more dirt in the engine. The dirt will accumulate on the airflow sensor and lead to a shorter life. Not to mention, all that fine dirt is sucked into the engine wearing it out quicker. I'd just stay stock- it's not worth a few hp. Michael
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Michael McGuire 83 300d 01 vw A4 TDI 66 Chevy Corsa 68 GMC V6 w/oD 86 300E
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#7
11-04-2005, 05:09 PM
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If the plugs look like the one in the picture below, read post #6 in thread linked below.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=94360&highlight=plugs
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#8
11-04-2005, 06:55 PM
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Quote:
WOW - get out of my brain! Exactly this is what I heard the service guy tell me about at the MB dealership. The electrode pickup was also found wedged in between the center electrode and the insulator. Hence - i thought it best not to OVER do it with the 4 prong plug, so i went with the two prong. Not always best to follow "bigger/more better" theory..
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