Platinum plugs ?

Question

1998 E280 (auto) Saloon.Although it looks as new (brilliant silver)the old girl has been around the block a few times.In fact she has done 125K,so I decided for the first time to have the main servicedone by a non merc "specialist" .Very good all round service and great saving.The guy told me that there were "non platinum" plugs in the car so he replaced with similar ones.He did mention that the platinum were quite expensive,and (have I got this right?)12 were required.I am curious about this, any information welcome.justsid

T.G. Lambach · Accepted Answer

Non-platinum or regular spark plugs cost about US$1 to $1.50 each. Platinum tipped spark plugs cost about US$2.50 to $4.50 each, depending upon the number of electrodes - which is probably more about marketing than performance, IMHO.

The platinum sparkers are claimed to outlast the regular ones - why else would anyone buy them?

Suggest you check the Owner's Manual for the engine's sparkplugs' specification so you can specify what's to be installed next time.

Wan-ning Tan · Answer

Not sure about your engine.  But on my 96 C280, the M104 6-cylinder DOHC engine requires the exact non-platinum resistor spark plugs.  I once used Bosch platinum and that will set Check Engine light every few days, one or two of the cylinders not firing correctly.  I learn that the circuit requires the plug resistance at a narrow range.justsid wrote:

Harri Markkula · Answer

1998 E280 has M112 engine (V6)It really has 12 plugs and platinum is recommended.Platinum lasts about 90.000 km while regular plugs do not last that much.Reg:    Harri

justsid · Answer

Thanks to all, very informative!just sid

Platinum plugs ?

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