Hey Guys!!!

I'm coming up on 100k and looking at the stuff I can do myself for the service II.

But, my question for all of you... What is the difference between Platinum and Iridium plugs. Also does it matter whether you get NGK or Denso?

Eric

 

I would go with NGK, because that's OEM - no other reason than that. The harder metals last longer, but do not transmit current as well. Iridium is claimed to last longer than Platinum, but do you really want the plugs in the engine for longer than 100k? I have NGK Iridium in my car now, because that is all I could find locally when I did them. No complaints (other than the price).

 

I not only ended up with NGKs for the same reason, but I ended up switching back to OEM MEG "Laser Platinum" plugs, too. Even after correcting the gaps, all of which were off, my Cooper S just didn't like NGK Iridiums. Runs MUCH smoother on the MEG plugs.

 

Thanks for your experience, Applesauce. Come to think of it, in the last 500 miles, I've noticed a slight hesitation / stumble, when taking off from a stop. Very slight, and very intermittent. Since installing the Irridiums, I've gotten a set of the factory plugs when I bought a stash of spares from a member who sold his car. I've got nothing to loose by slipping them in. But the Irriduims were fine at first install. But then again, I was replacing the original plugs, with 120k on them (yes, I got a nice power boost with that, and yes, I had just acquired the car).

 

You're welcome. I'm no kind of qualified or even experienced mechanic, though, and would love to hear others' impressions of the supposedly higher-end Iridium SEG plugs vs. the lower, OEM-spec Platinum MEG plugs. Anyone else?

 

Since copper plugs are the best conductors and they are so easy to replace, consider saving a lot of money and using them. I can understand iridium plugs when changing is a chore, but this is one of the few times you will find that a MINI is a cinch to work on.

 

Thank you everybody!!

I ended up going with NGK IridiumIX. And to be honest, there is no noticeable difference. But one thing I did notice is that the previous owner had Denso plugs in. Oh well.

 

Not sure why you would think you would see a noticeable difference. If plugs are operating correctly you wouldn't really feel or hear anything.

If you are running a smaller pulley, a step colder plug will help during the summer months with heat. I have been running NGK iridium for several years now and not had a single problem with them.

 

Agreed. I DID notice a difference, but that is because my original plugs were shot.