Whilst your scientific comments are amusing to read Steve, the true reason for the different spark plug is the heat range of the plug itself.

NGK: Heat rating and heat rating number

Whilst your scientific comments are amusing to read Steve, the true reason for the different spark plug is the heat range of the plug itself.

NGK: Heat rating and heat rating number

Yes, of course the heat range of a plug has to match the operating conditions of a given engine, as NGK say. And indeed some BMW use these plugs.

What I am concerned about is whether the use of iridium compared with 'standard' platinum plugs in a VAG engine offers any new, tangible benefit if the stock part is indeed correctly matched in heat range in the first place - do these engines get undesirable cold start deposits that is fixed by iridium tips?

I am open minded about whether iridium per se may have different surface discharge properties to platinum, and it seems BMW have deployed the plugs for small cold start emission improvements, but I would like to see what the exact benefit is in a TFSI engine, because the operating and cold start emission characteristics are not necessarily the same.

Do you have objective measurements coming out of the US Mk5 forums, or is it just marketing buzz?

It's based on using a lower heat range plug. The part number that has been touted is of a lower range to the OEM plug. I'm not sure that the fact it is iridium is an issue as much as coincedence.

So can some one tell me if this 'Iridium' spark plug has any real benefit over the OEM or is it just a load of waffle?.

I run IK22's in my Mk1 Octy RS, since fitting them it has enabled me to 'burn off' all manner of exotic machinery.......no in reality made absolutely NO difference whatsoever, even on my last Oct Vrs with just about every conceivable bolt on and CC Ph1 remap, the standard ones are very good as they are NGK Platinum, which IMO are the best you can buy. Cold plugs are geerally only needed for big turbo's running high boost as it is generally thought to minimise the possibility of ignition of the fuel/air mix through latent heat in the plug tip ( almost like dieselling). I have stuck with these as at £40 / set they are too expensive to sit on the shelf, I bought them when I was having severe timing pull problems with my first remap ( not CC BTW) as the tuner suggested my plugs were too 'hot' turned out to be just another load of American BS.

My advice stick with the Platinum plugs, the gains from any sparkplugs are likely to be so minimal unless your current plugs are goosed.

Anyone for a group by on Snake oil...I hear it's very good!!!!

Another shameless repost from the US but a nice pictorial of the parts Steve mentions -

Igntion Coil "C" Version

This is the "C" version coil pack this is the most current version of the coil pack for your 2.0T.

Pressure Regulator Valve, Updated Version "G"

Losing small amount of boost? This could be the culprit, also commonly called the PCV valve.

Pressure Regulator Valve Gasket

Gasket for pressure regulator valve

OEM Breather Tube

Breather hose on back of valve cover, common leak area

OEM "C" Diverter Valve

Upgrade your factory "B" valve with the new & improved "C" valve

NGK Spark Plug (#BKR7EIX)

Stock #2667, One heat range colder than the factory plugs

But are any of them worth doing?.

(my first post using the PSP! )

The C valve isnt worth doing IMO.

Both my b and C have broke.

The C valve isnt worth doing IMO.

Both my b and C have broke.

So you just keep replacing them?

How do you know when they break? It seems my car now looses boost once in awhile when reved, could this be the reason?

So you just keep replacing them?

How do you know when they break? It seems my car now looses boost once in awhile when reved, could this be the reason?

Yes could be. only way is to check.

Yes could be. only way is to check.

Ok thanks but how do you know that it is broken, i mean how do you check if it is broken?

its pretty obvious. there will be a little rip in the rubber diaphram! There are pictures around someone!

Aren't Forge developing a replacement DV for the TFSI?

its pretty obvious. there will be a little rip in the rubber diaphram! There are pictures around someone!

Thanks! Is it easy to locate? Is it somewhere under the engine cover?

No you have to get beneath the car to find it as its bolted onto the turbo.

• Jack up the car and place it on axle stands.
  
• Remove the plastic guard from underneath the engine.
  
• Look up on the offside (driver's) side from beneath of the vehicle and you will eventually see it.
  
• Remove the electrical connection to the OEM DV - I found levering a small flat blade in there to prise it off worked well.
  
• Undo the 3 bolts that are holding the DV to the turbo - I used an allen key for this. (6mm IIRC)
  
• Check the DV for any rips in the diaphram and replace in reverse order of the above.

Aren't Forge developing a replacement DV for the TFSI?

Yes, Yes they are.

thanks!

Not the easiest procedure:) will wait a bit with checking:)

So can some one tell me if this 'Iridium' spark plug has any real benefit over the OEM or is it just a load of waffle?.

Well.....................I bought some , and would you believe it the engine feels smoother running now!.

Don't know if my mind is playing tricks on me but for the sake of a few quid I reckon this mini mod actually works

Well.....................I bought some , and would you believe it the engine feels smoother running now!.

Don't know if my mind is playing tricks on me but for the sake of a few quid I reckon this mini mod actually works

Don't tell Dave U.

Well.....................I bought some , and would you believe it the engine feels smoother running now!.

Don't know if my mind is playing tricks on me but for the sake of a few quid I reckon this mini mod actually works

I think the Americans have been feeding you with propaganda. :thumbdwn:

Where from and how much???

Don't tell Dave U.

Why, is his car actually back on the road yet?.

Why, is his car actually back on the road yet?.

You're just being silly now.

You're just being silly now.

I'll take that as a 'no' then :P

By eck, that's cheaper than a GPS antenna tailor made to fit an MDF2! :eek:

any ideas how to get to the spark plugs?