NGk iridium for ´98 C230K

[Howard]

Mr Dazzler ....

I can't seem to find a listing for iridium for the 230ce 1991 .... just copper ...

Am i searching wrong ?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I couldn't find an Irdium plug for the 230CE either. Do you know of another model with an identical engine?

Maybe worth dropping them an email - was very helpful when I dealt with them previously - they agreed to a group buy for another owners club I'm a member of with 20% (I think) off.

This is what I found, but as you say seems only to refer to standard plug...

Results and Information
Make MERCEDES BENZ
Model 230
Production Year 82-->92
Engine Size 2.3
Variant N/A
Engine Type Not Listed
Additional Info N/A
Standard Gap (mm) 0.8

BP6EF @ £1.68 each

 

[big x]

Just wanted to say that the idle is actually more stable after installing the Iridium plugs.

You need to do a double blind test before concluding these particular plugs run differently.

adam

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

You need to do a double blind test before concluding these particular plugs run differently.

Smoothness at idle is probably too difficult to measure without a shedload of telemtry gear and an NVH expert, and a blind test may be more trouble than it's really worth for spark plugs IMHO.

It may simply be the placebo effect or there may be a genuine subtle difference. It might be that the difference is due to the fact that the plugs are fresh rather than the fact that they're Iridium.

It doesn't really matter though does it? Surely it's the owner's perception of the overall experience is what counts, not whether there's a measurable difference for having fitting one plug rather than another.

My dad says "if it looks straight, it is straight". Maybe a reflection on his shoddy DIY, or perhaps he's the greatest unknown philospher of our time. But when you hang a picture, it doesn't matter whether it's perfectly level if the coving, mantle, picture rail, wall paper, or anything else is slightly out - it will still look out!! Better to have it look level even if it actually isn't.

I don't think anyone would suggest spark plugs are the route to extreme power, but whether running a highly tuned engine or car for tootling to the shops in, fresh plugs are a good idea to allow the most efficient burn possible, and optimal running of the engine.

The only experience I have with Iridiums are with a Vauxhall. Bosch OEM plugs were replaced by the dealer with Bosch OEM plugs. I really wanted there to be a difference to solve something that had been bugging me - but there was no noticeable difference at idle, and slight occasional (but irritating) misfire remained. Did about 1000 miles on them.

Same dealer replaced the new Bosch plugs with NGK Iridium and to my ears and touch the idle seemed slightly smoother, and the misfire had definitely gone away. Worth the slight premium - I think I paid £27 for 4 - easily worth it for me to have the smoother idle I longed for!!

Several other owners of the same car replaced their plugs with NGK Iridiums, and saw the same benefits at idle - misfire gone. I concluded there must be something in it, and decided the slight premium for the Iridiums was worth it, and bought a few more sets!!

 

[quasarman]

Re Iridium plugs

I believe to be exactly what I am looking for. I have just taken possession of an '02 C320 with an lpg conversion.

The car is fantastic but at the mo I am running solely on petrol as when I switch to gas I have a misfire problem which causes the engine 'nanny' to shut down cylinders. ie If I switch back to petrol the misfire remains. If however I get the fault cleared and don't switch to gas I have no problems at all.

I've been informed by a very helpful and knowledgeable mechanic that these iridium plugs will at least help and in all likelihood cure this problem for me. It is caused by the differing ignition properties of petrol and gas in that the gas needs a 'better' spark to ensure ignition.
The iridium plugs achieve this by the shape of both electrodes effecting the potential energy at the point of gap conduction.

As I'm also due a B service in 4000 and won't be going to a stealer I have no problem with the added cost either and am also looking for some performance HT leads to go with the plugs.

If anyone knows of the part numbers I will need for my motor I will be very greatful for the information.

So while I agree that in normal circumstances performance' plugs won't do much (apart from the idle smoothers mentioned in this thread) ther are times when they are (I hope) very useful.

I'll keeep you posted...