Automotive Public Service Announcement
Bosch Platinum+2: Worst sparkplugs ever.
NGK Laser Platinum: Stupendous.
Spent $36 on 6 Bosch plugs and took the time to install them since I didn't know the last time they were changed and had a smog check due (why BMW do you have individual coils on plugs that are locked down with so many non-arthritic-friendly bolts?). After the swap, the car started misfiring under load and idled a bit erratically, but it still passed the smog test. The misfiring under load and the idle worsened. Could it be bad coils? Did I mess up the wiring harness during the swap? I was worried, but I thought it had to be the plugs since it's hard mess up a coil or wire harness changing the sparkplugs. Convinced of this, it was $45 more on 6 NGK laser platinum plugs, and lo and pat myself on the back, everything was fine again. This was for a 1999 BMW 323is (E36).
After pulling the Bosch ones and comparing the plugs, it was obvious the Bosch ones were made with inconsistent gaps between the two electrodes (it used to be that one electrode was plenty) while the NGKs had consistent gaps around the four electrodes. The NGK Laser Platinum plugs also looked and felt much higher quality, like a forged knife versus the floppy ones you get at IKEA (knifes by Bosch?).
I used to think that all sparkplugs did the job with the more expensive ones lasting longer because of platinum plating, etc. Bosch used to make quality auto products, perhaps before money diverted from engineering to the advertising department, but now it's apparent that they make some overhyped landfill stuffers.
Before splitfire, v-groove, multiple electroded plugs, everyone bought copper sparkplugs for $1 each and they would all work fine, like one-bladed razors; does the job. Who needs 4 blades on a razor to wear out all at the same time? I think it's appropriate to recognize that the quality of some products have gone down, the money that was invested in high quality products syphoned off by corporate overseers and spent on gimmickery, advertising and packaging instead. Why tempt the honest man about quality with unnecessary features and glossy magazine ads? I don't know why they have such contempt for the easily misled proletariat. I'm just your average shade tree mechanic who just as often breaks a part to fix a part but I've now learned this: Don't buy fancy Bosch sparkplugs -- buy those fancy NGKs!!!
Lesson sort-of learned.