When to change the spark plugs - that is the ?

[Tool Pants]

On Saturday we changed the plugs on a 2000 2.7 Boxster and a 1999 996, and what I saw confirmed something about the Boxster plugs.

The 2.5s have 2 side electrodes, and Porsche says to change them at 30k miles. The two plugs on the left are the 2 side electrode plugs, by Bosch and Beru.

When the 2.7 and 3.2 came out in 2000 Porsche switched to 4 side electrodes, but still said to change them at 30k. When the 2001 models came out Porsche said to change the plugs at 60k. The 2000 engines and plugs are identical to the 2001. The 4 side electrode plugs are on the right, a Bosch and a Beru.

Never could figure out why it is 30k for a 2000, but 60k for 2001 and newer. Then when the model year 2002 tech intro booklet came out Porsche said to replace the plugs at 50k for a 2002 due the 4 electrodes, which contradicts what Porsche had published in the past. The 2002 engines and plugs are the same as the 2000-2001. Something got lost in the translation.

A bit of worthless spark plug trivia. Jeff

[craig(nj)]

I think the Beru's are great plugs but I have changed them twice in our MY 01 2.7 Boxster , in 30k. Seriously doubt they would last 60k. The difference after the new ones are installed is amazing, much smoother.

[steve_wilwerding]

I'm confused - do 2.5s have both Bosch and Beru plugs? I'll be doing my spark plugs at 30K, and I'm wondering what brand I should use.

[Loren]

I'm confused - do 2.5s have both Bosch and Beru plugs? I'll be doing my spark plugs at 30K, and I'm wondering what brand I should use.

Yes. When you buy plugs from your dealer (in the Porsche official boxes) and open them, they could be either Bosch or Beru.

[Tool Pants]

My 1997 had Bosch from the factory. But I knew Porsche used Bosch and Beru. When I ordered replacements I tried to specify Bosch since they worked, but Beru was all they had. All the 2.5 replacement plugs from the dealer I have seen were Beru. The 2 side electrode Bosch and Beru plugs I have seen after 30k looked identical. I would use either brand.

For anyone who is going to change the plugs on a 2.5 you might consider the 4 side electrode style plug used on the 2.7/3.2 to see if you can get 60k miles out of them. You cannot simply put in the 2.7/3.2 plug in a 2.5 as the heat range is slightly different. When the Boxster first came out the heat range was 6, then a few months later Porsche changed to 7. The heat range on the 2.7/3.2 plug is 6.

As an aside, the coils are made by Beru, in France. Jeff

[steve_wilwerding]

Is it necessary to gap the Beru plugs?

[ar38070]

Assuming you are careful when you remove them from the packaging then no.

[Tool Pants]

I gap the 2 side electrode plugs for the 2.5. And yes, some of them are out of specs. You need to use a wire type gap gauge due to the design. The issue is not Bosch or Beru.

[steve_wilwerding]

Do you happen to know the 2.5 gap spec right off?