Can't use Platinum Plugs?
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From: Gledale,Ca.
1989 300E
Can't use Platinum Plugs?
Is it true that I can't use Platinum type plugs on my '89 300E, even if it has the same heat range? Coz I am already using my new set of Platinums. What major problems will I encounter? 
Can't use Platinum Plugs?
Can't use Platinum Plugs?
Last edited by luvmuzik66; Sep 21, 2005 at 12:25 AM. Reason: too small
Member
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Hedgesville, WV
1990 300E 2.6
Hi;
You can use them but MB just does not recommend them for your car. The standard platinum plug has a very fine center electrode and is a resistor plug. The ignition wires already have a resistor in the plug end of the wire. You would have a double resistor in the circuit. Mercedes says that because there is a weaker spark with the lower energy ignition systems found in older Benzes, at higher RPM the spark might actually be "blown out". Platinum plugs are not used because they are a superior plug but because they erode less and last longer. Platinum has about the lowest conductivity of all the materials used in spark plug center electrodes. Copper (found in the recommended plugs by Bosch) has conductivity near the top. Silver has the best conductivity. Check out this website: http://www.nology.com/silver.html
Stay with the standard recommended plug or consider going with the Silverstone plug with silver center electrode. Silverstones are non-resistor plugs just like the copper ones. I have used all three in my 1990 300E 2.6. In my subjective evaluation, I prefer the Silverstone hands down. The idle is smooth - was slightly rough with platinums - and the performance at higher RPMs is better. I have tested all three types a few times each and would not again use platinums. The Silverstones will give you the same mileage durability of the platinums without the potential loss of performance. The Silverstones were really developed for the racing/high performance crowd but they seem to do a nice job in my engine. I don't think of my engine as a high-performance engine. I just like to tweak things a little to optimize performance.
OliverB
You can use them but MB just does not recommend them for your car. The standard platinum plug has a very fine center electrode and is a resistor plug. The ignition wires already have a resistor in the plug end of the wire. You would have a double resistor in the circuit. Mercedes says that because there is a weaker spark with the lower energy ignition systems found in older Benzes, at higher RPM the spark might actually be "blown out". Platinum plugs are not used because they are a superior plug but because they erode less and last longer. Platinum has about the lowest conductivity of all the materials used in spark plug center electrodes. Copper (found in the recommended plugs by Bosch) has conductivity near the top. Silver has the best conductivity. Check out this website: http://www.nology.com/silver.html
Stay with the standard recommended plug or consider going with the Silverstone plug with silver center electrode. Silverstones are non-resistor plugs just like the copper ones. I have used all three in my 1990 300E 2.6. In my subjective evaluation, I prefer the Silverstone hands down. The idle is smooth - was slightly rough with platinums - and the performance at higher RPMs is better. I have tested all three types a few times each and would not again use platinums. The Silverstones will give you the same mileage durability of the platinums without the potential loss of performance. The Silverstones were really developed for the racing/high performance crowd but they seem to do a nice job in my engine. I don't think of my engine as a high-performance engine. I just like to tweak things a little to optimize performance.
OliverB
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 314
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From: Bryson City NC
93 300SE Rauch "Smoke"
When I went to change my caps rotors and plugs the local parts store did not have any Bosch plugs other than plat. Ok now don't nobody hit me upside the head now 
but I put in a set of AC DELCO ! Fig I would givem a try and bygolly they been workin like a charm! 
So go figuire! 
Smokie
but I put in a set of AC DELCO ! Fig I would givem a try and bygolly they been workin like a charm! So go figuire! Smokie
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Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Gledale,Ca.
1989 300E
Just switched back to a new set of BOSCH plugs and see what happens. Looking and working good for a few miles. Next will be the O2 sensor. I can get it for $40
inone of the local stores here in my area. Just hope it willmake a big difference.
inone of the local stores here in my area. Just hope it willmake a big difference.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 35
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From: Oregon
2005 E320 CDI, 2011 ML350 4Matic
Got a great deal on cap rotor and wires from this site. Just thought you may want to know
jettskiman
http://www.mr-auto-parts.com/?OVRAW=...OVMTC=advanced
jettskiman
http://www.mr-auto-parts.com/?OVRAW=...OVMTC=advanced
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2005
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Originally Posted by shadowgriffen
how about champion plugs? Copper?
anyone have any input on these?
anyone have any input on these?
My $.02 worth.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 800
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From: Northern Cali
W124
Just go w/ factory plugs. I know the temptation to upgrade is strong but don't risk it. When I first joined this forum I too had already purchased a set of Bosch Platinum+4 plugs. Luckily a fellow forum member advised me against it and I was able to exchange it for the standard Bosch Super Plugs before I made the mistake of installing them. We all know platinum plugs provide cleaner and hotter burning but it all comes down to the vehicle and the manufacturer of the plug. W124 Mercedes do their best w/ copper Bosch plugs....what can I say?
Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 76
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From: Hedgesville, WV
1990 300E 2.6
Platinum and Platinum-Iridium plugs are made for high-energy ignition systems, with coil voltage of 60,000 volts or higher. If you have a 124 with the single ignition coil as found in the older 124 Benzes, the coil output is only in the 40,000 - 45,000 volt range. That is why non-resistor plugs with copper or silver electrodes are recommended. These metals offer better conductivity with lower resistance (less voltage drop-off). The resistor units on the ends of the plug wires may drop voltage a bit, but are there mostly to reduce ignition wire electrical interference in your radio. Ignition wire sets with stranded metal conductors and without resistor ends offer the best conductivity and deliver the hottest spark to the plug. Nology sells a set of these wires plus an ignition coil with voltage output around 50,000 volts. Each plug wire has a ground strap that secures to the valve cover bolts. I believe they use this method to eliminate ignition noise in the radio. This is probably the best setup but is it worth the $300+ cost for our engines? If I had a 500E I would install those wires but not in my 1990 M103.
OliverB
OliverB
