996 Spark plug type/ quality dilemma ?

[britdave]

I have a 2002 996 C2 , with just 23,000 miles on the clock. Because of the time factor I have decided to replace the spark plugs. However ,every time I attempt to google the type I should use for that vehicle, it takes me to web site where there are an enormous assortment of choices !

ie > http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subcategory_Ignition-and-Tune-Up_-49997333_-49997327_10151_10051_-1___

They are priced from $2.50 - $ 9.50 and all different types ? It's very confusing,and I want to use the best types,not just the brand ,but the quality, NGK, and Bosch list several different levels of plugs ,can anyone help me with this dilemma ? Thanks Dave.

[Loren]

MY2002 and newer use:

999-170-223-90 spark plugs which are: Beru or Bosch, FGR 5KQE0

Most good parts stores carry these.

[britdave]

Thanks a lot Loren. When i went on that link (shown above on my first post) they show some different types varying in price from $2.99 to $13.19 including the following : NGK laser platinum , NGK Iridium type , Pulstar Iridium pulse plugs, and finally , NGK laser Iridium ones for $13.19 each !

Can you advise on these different types , including this 'Iridium' type ? Obviously I want to use the best ones, and I understand these 'Iridium' types must be the best,the cost certainly would reflect that at almost $14.00 each , whats the low down on this any info ? Cheers Dave.

[britdave]

See page 2 of this link >:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subcategory_Ignition-and-Tune-Up_-49997333_-49997327_10151_10051_-1___#storeId=10151&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&categoryLevel=&sortBy=5&categoryId=-49997333&searchTerm=&pageId=ajaxPartList&category=&keywords=Ignition-and-Tune-Up&l1_categoryId=&l2_categoryId=-49997327*-49997333&partType=&facetFields=mfrName_exact%2CpriceBucket%2Cclearance%2Csale%2Cl2_category&beginIndex=10&pageSize=10&filters=&selectedPartNumber=&qty=1&ship2HomeClicked=

Edited May 12, 2012 by britdave

[Loren]

My advice is to just stick with the Porsche recommended plugs. You should be able to find them in the $7-$8 each range.

[Matt Berry]

1260$ today at dealer here in Connecticut for 6 coilpacks and 6 spark plugs. Would have done it myself but TDY to Connecticut without my tools. (living in a hotel) I had the CEL on and the feeling of misfire. The heavy rain from the weekend definetly helped my diagnosis. The dealer confirmed it. Anyway car runs like new at about 49000 miles. Just wanted to give insight to expensive dealer costs. Actually they treated me great and got the car back within a day.

[fpb111]

FGR5KQE0 Bosch with 1.4mm gap for 2002>

www.RockAuto.com

6 for $43.26 + shipping

Edited June 7, 2012 by fpb111

[britdave]

1260$ today at dealer here in Connecticut for 6 coilpacks and 6 spark plugs. Would have done it myself but TDY to Connecticut without my tools. (living in a hotel) I had the CEL on and the feeling of misfire. The heavy rain from the weekend definetly helped my diagnosis. The dealer confirmed it. Anyway car runs like new at about 49000 miles. Just wanted to give insight to expensive dealer costs. Actually they treated me great and got the car back within a day.

Here in Daytona beach I had a reputable independent tell me that if I brought/ bought the plugs, it would be two hours labor, for the grand total being $120.00 for labor. The coil packs would be a wee bit more,but with only 24 K on my 2002 996 he said they would not be needed. Thank God I don't live in Connecticut ! $$$$$

[Loren]

Labor was outrageous at that Connecticut dealer.

Book time for a 996 normally aspirated car is: 1 hour 12 minutes.

[Rob357]

BritDave

:

That independent wouldn't happen to be Richard from Daytona Autobahn would it? If so he is my mechanic and a very good one at that!

[bar10dah]

Wow, $1,260 is an awful big bill to swallow! Even TDY, I think I would have bought the parts express mail from Pelican or Sunset and then bought the tools I'd need. ;) But sometimes, it's just worth the hassle, especially since you're TDY, to have to worry about it, and just pay the dealer to do the job.