V70 T5 - Definitively - which Spark Plugs ?

[XCR]

Update.....been for 10 mile hoon and all is well with no signs of a missfire.
Starting is like a new car and, although I wouldn't swear to it, at low speeds I think she's quieter too.

[Cookeh]

Look about right. Spam a link, for £12 I'll grab a set or two for the future.

[XCR]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BOSCH-FR7...72.m2749.l2649

[DSK]

Some decent information in this thread and I came across it in a search. I didn't know that Volvo changed suppliers for spark plugs from Champion to someone else.

Anyone whose known me, knows, no expense spared would be an understatement but, not all OEM Volvo parts are what they once were nowadays (just look an a new MAF > Turbo pipe compared to an original one 20 years ago!). I also believe that there are times when OEM parts are needed but, as time moves on, there may be feasible alternatives.

I change the oil on the 3 Volvo's every 5,000 miles, with good quality stuff religiously and a full service (oil, plus all filters and plugs as a minimum) every 10,000 miles.

I always used to buy OEM Volvo service kits but, for the last 2 years or so (which is approximately 80,000 miles across the 3 Volvos), I have used MANN filters and OEM Volvo spark plugs and the cars run seriously sweet in terms performance, smoothness and efficiency. As a result, at the next service in a couple of weeks, I will be dropping in a set of NGK iridium plugs (listed as an upgrade), got the set from CP4L for £40.80.

NGK Iridium (BKR6EIX)
NGK Platinum (PFR6B)
Bosch Platinum (FR 7 DPP+) also look good. I will grab a set of these as well, 6 for £33 from Opie Oils and try them out in the other C70 later this year when it goes for its next service.

I hope that I can report back positively and do not encounter any issues such as poor performance, plugs breaking etc. I do wonder if the issues such as non OEM Volvo plugs breaking and dropping into the engine etc were down to them perhaps being fakes, used in tuned or, poorly tuned engines etc? I can't see why a reputable plug such as Bosch or NGK should have any such issues provided its the correct one listed for the vehicle.

[DSK]

Right, so on my C70 T5, doing 1,000 miles a week, I just serviced the C70 for the second, using the Bosch plugs mentioned above.

I had all the plugs to hands at Volvo, the OEM pack from stock, Bosch plugs and NGK.

The Volvo tech said, DO NOT use the NGK but, said you'll find the Bosch ones to be looking good. So the NGK is definitely not a match up to the OEM Volvo but the Bosch plug, the engraved lettering and look was matching the OEM Volvo plugs.

Second set of Bosch plugs in and no issues. The car runs smooth as it ever has done, sustained wide open throttle is perfect, sitting for hours on end around the M25 is glitch free as its trekking up/down the motorways.

BOSCH PLUGS = WIN! I get mine from OPIE OILS for about £32 for a set of 5, and considering I have 4 services a year, that a £120 saving which can be put towards other consumables and parts... right time to invest in a set of those Goodrige stainless hoses!

[Cookeh]

Good to hear, DSK. Its good that more people are finally waking to the idea that aftermarket parts, when made to an OE standard from reputable brands, are every bit as good as the ones that come in a little bag with blue letters.

For the record, PFR6Bs were in my T5 for well over 60k miles (lazy previous owners!) and still ran just perfectly. You just have to ensure that the plugs you buy are cross-compatible with the OE Champions. Some people don't like NGK, others don't like Denso, some don't like Boshc, so you'll hear lots of subjective nonsense about "oh don't use that, they're rubbish" etc, when in reality they're perfectly fine.

There is a link earlier in this thread for around £2.50 a plug too, which is still live. That will save you even more money!

[DSK]

I never doubted the other options, as have previously always used NGK, Denso, Bosch on other makes of cars but, for the Volvo I was cautious.

I heard that Bosch took over from Champion as the OEM manufacturer so its no surprise that the plugs match up perfectly.

[PNuT]

I would have thought bosch plugs would work ok with 4.4 & me7....

It would actually seem a little odd if they were not the oem ones to start with!

[upv5]

I remember changing the plugs on our old 760 2.8 a while back and put in genuine Volvo ones but I noticed they had Denso stamped into the body. I believe Beru are also a supplier to many European manufacturers.

John

[Paul240480]

Thanks for this thread, I need to replace the plugs on my T5. It’s got Denso in right now which I ‘inherited’ with the car just over two years ago & to be fair it is a very smooth ride. If anything better than my ph2 which has got Volvo plugs.
I checked them On the T5 a few weeks back and they do look a bit tired. Was wondering about £55 worth of Volvo ones from PFV, but those Bosch ones on Ebay will be a good saving , great thread.