spark plugs

[ronpohl]

On my 98 E320, is there a difference between the OEM spark plugs (F8DPP332) cost from $8.46 to$12.35 depending on seller vs. +4 platinum (Bosch 4418) which cost about $5.99 or Bosch Platinum 2 (Bosch 4301) which cost about $3.79 each at Wal-Mart. Thanks

[manny]

I would be VERY careful with sparkplug selection.
You don't want to do this job twice & some vehicles I've seen do NOT like + 4 plugs at all.

[porkface]

use the oe plugs-anything else will give you problems down the road. less mileage, poor starts and a possible check engine light for misfire. not worth it. good luck, chuck.

[Ralph69220d]

I've always wondered about these multi-electrode plugs. The +4 seemed way overdone, and, perhaps, the +2. One factory spec high quality plug, changed at proper intervals does seem the way to go. As an aside, I've wondered with the +4 if an arc can jump across to more than one electrode during the same combustion cycle, hence, two or more weaker sparks, versus one proper spec spark. Just my thoughts on the matter, and I think it's an important matter to discuss given the marketing push for these expensive multi-electrode plugs.
I can say that the shock waves the "non-firing" electrodes receive at combustion are huge; not promoting a long life

[manny]

I can partially answer you question/s.
My car calls for Bosch Triple Electrode plugs ( 2000 C 230 Kompressor ), so that's what I use.
My experience with + 4 plugs in some of my other vehicles have been mixed.
Some liked them, some didn't.
The fact that I own a 5-gas exhaust analyzer, where I can see minute changes in Hydrocarbons, helps me evaluate the benefits or downfalls of these " miracle " devices.

[Ali Al-Chalabi]

Yes, there is a difference. Stick with the OEM plugs.