Iridium Vs standard plugs

[Zero4]

I'm doing a service on Wednesday and just about to order some Millers Oil ( Nanodrive ) from OpieOils and need to order spark plugs too.

Question is, is it worth getting the Iridium plugs over the standard type? Denso twin tip is showing at £2.95 per plug. Duel platinum is £6.95 and Iridium £10.96 per plug so a big difference when getting 6 of the buggers.

NGK's are £13.30 +

Anyone ran standard and Iridium plugs and seen a worth while difference??

 

[hopz121]

I have only ever used Iridium plugs on my old 3.0i I bought NGK ones from eBay and never had an issue with them

 

[Argenta]

I've used NGK iridium vs. normal in my Punto and it does make one or two more MPG's on Iridium's.
Also use them in my M now, runs sweetly.

 

[Gazc]

The difference is how long they last as platinum is harder wearing than copper and iridium is harder than platinum. But the best performing plugs are copper as this is the best conductor of electricity. You have a choice copper better performance and change more often (20000 miles) or slightly reduced performance and mil ages of up to 50000 with iridium.

 

[Gazc]

Also I forgot about the reports of iridium tips falling off and damaging engines although you don't hear about this as often as you used to.

 

[Marlon]

Also I forgot about the reports of iridium tips falling off and damaging engines although you don't hear about this as often as you used to.

Might be going for cheaper copper ones now

 

[Zero4]

Ah, ok... I thought for some reason the Iridium plugs were better performers. So its actually ( for performance ) better going with the much cheaper standard plugs. I really don't mind changing them every 7-10k as thats every year for me and will do do a good service anyway.

 

[Marlon]

Ah, ok... I thought for some reason the Iridium plugs were better performers. So its actually ( for performance ) better going with the much cheaper standard plugs. I really don't mind changing them every 7-10k as thats every year for me and will do do a good service anyway.

I was under the same misapprehension, I will go with standard plugs and a regular change too

 

[Gazc]

Stick with the OEM recommended plugs. And change regularly and you will be fine. The iridium plugs claim to give better performance by having a smaller centre electrode and concentrating the spark but as iridium is brittle it can be damaged when checking the gap. This is what leads to failure apparently. Also how much extra power do you think you are going to get out of a set of plugs?

 

[Zero4]

Well thats a few bob saved thanks chaps

 

[Z4M-2006]

Iridium plugs are a common upgrade for turbo cars that are running over standard boost..

The standard or platinum plugs can literally have there spark "blown out" by the induction into the cylinder.

The iridiums do create a stronger more concentrated spark,but on an NA engine i think the only reason to fit them would be for longevity.

 

[Zed Five]

Not sure of the difference, but i know that my motorbike specifies iridium only. As above, perhaps related to the stresses they indure, not to add performance.

 

[Nictrix]

Iridium plugs can be better for cold starting, they apparently heat up faster.

 

[patriot66]

I cannot justify the price of iridium plugs for their slight performance gain and increased longevity. Bosch Supers for me and change them annually.

 

[jack07]

I opted for platinum,as they have served very well in other hard used engines,and would rather examine/change plugs note frequently to get that visual clue to the motors health

 

[Adam D]

Denso Iridium here, have had good experience both with turbocharged and N/A motors and currently have them in my S54. They did have a reputation for fragility if detonation occurred but never had an issue myself, it would be unwise to adjust the gap...

 

[Markos_Z4]

i have Denso iridium plugs it makes no difference i think

 

[Zero4]

ended up putting Irridium ones in anyway. Its all they had in stock and I wasn't time rich. Full service really sorts the car out too.

 

[sunnchipie]

When in doubt?! Im going to opt for the bottom set.

Bosch FR7NPP332 £68.99
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301657550882?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

NGK BKR6EQUP 3199 £36.48
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271615257028?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

£33.99
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-6-pcs-Spark-Plug-Set-BOSCH-0242236510-FR7NPP332-OEM-Platinum-/331748788188?hash=item4d3dc4c7dc:g:Ko4AAOSwwPhWjn0~

 

[hew1]

In my experience the type of plug will make little or no difference to performance/running. The Bosch plugs for £34 look good and change every two years whilst servicing...