Spark Plug Story

[MercuryT]

Ok guys and girls.
Apparently my R36 has the most expensive stock plugs ever. Used in Porsches so I guess explains it.

70 or so each so $420 before replacement. That's obscenely expensive imo.

So I found NGKs EBay that match exactly the same model much cheaper.

EBay $22 - identical part.

Supercheap had the NGKs for $40 then spent 20mins discussing the cost and were absolutely fantastic. Matched the price when knew not competitive, I said I'd prefer to support local so paid upfront and awaiting delivery.

Repco found identical part and charging near 60 for the same NGK. I mentioned online so much cheaper "buy from them then, don't get upset if you need support". Yeah ok mate.

Supercheap - A+ Service and price
Repco - D- Service and price

Repco never ever again. Plus it was dead inside yet Supercheap busy as.......I wonder why!

I hate criticising companies but I hope my experience helps others in their search for fair part prices, we too often get ripped.

[happy1]

You are lucky you don't need these for your ride:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MSD-Irid...frcectupt=true

Or what about these:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10x-Glow...frcectupt=true

Anyway, be careful not to get fraudlent 'China' NGK plugs these days.

Oh by the way, my E90 M3 engine takes 8 of almost the same plugs as yours, so it cost me 33% more to service mine than yours, and mine takes 9 litres of 10W-60 oil also, so it adds to the servicing cost.

I don't do price matching. I dislike the principle of 'let's rip you off, unless you know better'. The so called 'super cheap' actually are very expensive on many parts when they are not on special. (Bunnings are expensive too, and they will 'beat any price' also). And the crew at SCA has NO IDEA about cars. It's almost like the average check-out chick from Woolies / Coles that work at SCA. I have had many good deals at Repco lately, and it is refreshing that their staff actually are not complete idiots and knows quite a lot about the parts you are after.
Cheers,

[GTLEGEND]

Out of curiosity what plug do they take?

[The Yeti]

How often do they need changing? My sons car takes some unobtanium core plug that costs a metric **** ton but it’s like 100,000km change intervals, and after changing them you wouldn’t want to do it anymore frequently

[1970XW351]

Lol, try owning a BA with a 3V and go to Repco and get a price on Champion plugs... That will curl your toes!! It's a sad indictment of a business when genuine Motorcraft plugs from the dealer are a better proposition than aftermarket, somewhat average plugs.
To give you an idea of the original price quoted... The revised "trade" price offered was $640.00! 🤔

Cheers, Tony

[five 7]

Or what about these:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10x-Glow...frcectupt=true


[/QUOTE]

Price and postage on that i'd expect delivery in person by a few Russian supermodels naked.

[roKWiz]

Just bought some Bosch associated replacements for the crossflow.

Dissy cap Aussie made....check
Leads Aussie made ... check
rotor Aussie made....check
Coil Aussie made....check

Spark plugs made in Russia....Uh.

[MercuryT]

Originally Posted by The Yeti

How often do they need changing? My sons car takes some unobtanium core plug that costs a metric **** ton but it’s like 100,000km change intervals, and after changing them you wouldn’t want to do it anymore frequently

Change every 60thou.

Mine have done 75K and car has a slight miss so thought might as well do it.

Nearly fell over when quoted over 400 before labour!

[MercuryT]

Originally Posted by GTLEGEND

Out of curiosity what plug do they take?

Do you mean the part number? I was told " double platinum long reach" but that may not be true.

Only Bosch and NGK make them according to VW and EBay doesn't show basically any.....

[MercuryT]

Seems my plug story not exactly original then......ha. I think the pricing is obscene!

[Franco Cozzo]

Be careful about buying service items on eBay - same as Philips/Osram lights, lots of fakes about.

[MercuryT]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Be careful about buying service items on eBay - same as Philips/Osram lights, lots of fakes about.

Yep that's why I went with SCA instead (who price matched) At least if faulty or send wrong type i can return 5min down the road not go through the EBay process..........

[happy1]

Originally Posted by MercuryT

At least if faulty or send wrong type i can return 5min down the road not go through the EBay process..........

I didn't know that they will take back parts that look used. If they are silly enough to do that, probably some that will try to 'return' the old plugs that came off the car. Isn't it supposed to 'look new, in original packaging'?

Cheers

[MercuryT]

Originally Posted by happy1

I didn't know that they will take back parts that look used. If they are silly enough to do that, probably some that will try to 'return' the old plugs that came off the car. Isn't it supposed to 'look new, in original packaging'?

Cheers

Yes if mechanic says faulty upon installation refund immediately or replacement.

Silly? They are brand new parts. I personally expect them to work as paid for.

My beloved XRT had faulty plugs once but COILS REPEATEDLY and replaced immediately.

Benefit of buying local rather than EBay process which takes ages so never again if avoidable. (All EBay sellers were great just takes way too long)

Other SCA may be different but I'm so far rapt with mine.

[scoupedy]

Car parts have generally a 3 month warranty compared to usual 12 months