Spark Plugs

[jerseyguy357]

I have iridium plugs in my 2015 VW Beetle with 65K. Two dealers recommend a change at 40K. They both
tell me I will not notice any difference in performance. It will be $200 so what would you do?

 

[JohnnyG]

Did you install those iridium plugs?

 

[SC Maintenance]

I believe that is the correct interval.

I would DIY so not sure what to tell you.

 

[skyactiv]

I would change them. This is your third thread on spark plugs. You are Dumb if you exceed the specified interval and wait to change them until they are shot and causing misfires. That can damage your engine and catalyst. .

 

[Ursatdx]

Peek at your owners manual.
I believe iridiums are 6 years/100k miles on the 15 bugs.

 

[Astro_Guy]

I have iridium plugs in my 2015 VW Beetle with 65K. Two dealers recommend a change at 40K. They both
tell me I will not notice any difference in performance. It will be $200 so what would you do?

I may be ignorant to the details of this specific application, but Iridium plugs are generally considered to be good for 100k miles. Hopefully our esteemed colleagues will chime in here.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Time to switch to ruthenium

 

[50yr Street Mech]

I also would refer to owner's manual, but from what I researched, it's 40K-60K for the 1.8 engine. I would DIY that job, if you're capable.

 

[We're Metals]

$200 for spark plugs at the dealer sounds pretty cheap. Bet you can do them in 15 minutes in an Orileys parking lot.

 

[kschachn]

Again, it’s not about performance it’s about longevity. I’m not sure why you’re stuck on this power or performance thing.

If iridium plugs are recommended by VW then I would go as long as the owners manual recommends.

 

[Japanese]

I have iridium plugs in my 2015 VW Beetle with 65K. Two dealers recommend a change at 40K. They both
tell me I will not notice any difference in performance. It will be $200 so what would you do?

What trim and engine your Beetle has?
If it has 2.0 MPI engine - spark plugs are due at 40,000 miles.
If it has 1.8T engine - spark plugs are due at 60,000 miles.

You can DIY for under $100 if you are careful and mechanically inclined. If not just call a buddy who is. The spark plugs should be about $50-60 total/shipped.
https://www.sparkplugs.com/

Then you need:
- 5/8" deep socket with rubber bushing or magnet (about $10 at Harbor Freight)
- 3/8", 10" extension (about $5-8 at Harbor Freight)
- 3/8" ratchet (about $20 at Harbor Freight or used)

Here what the service manual says:
Service at 40,000 miles
Spark plugs: Replace (2.0L MPI, 2.5L, and Jetta Hybrid engines only)
Service at 60,000 miles
Spark plugs: Replace (1.8T, 2.0T, 3.6L, and Touareg Hybrid engines only)

You can download it as PDF from here, the service schedule starts at p.37 when the vehicle is at 10,000 miles:
https://maintenance.vw.com/#/search

Then click no the icon Warranty & Maintenance Booklet:

 

[Japanese]

I believe iridiums are 6 years/100k miles on the 15 bugs.

but Iridium plugs are generally considered to be good for 100k miles.

Only the Japanese spark plugs, not the German ones.

 

[Astro_Guy]

Only the Japanese spark plugs, not the German ones.

Personally I have only used the NGK Iridium plugs. AFIK those aren't made in Germany - LOL.

 

[97f150]

$200 for spark plugs at the dealer sounds pretty cheap. Bet you can do them in 15 minutes in an Orileys parking lot.

I agree on both points. I just replaced the plugs on my hemi myself and just the plugs were over $200 for all 16.

 

[berniedd]

Verify the part number of the iridiums you have in the engine. Many can go 100k miles. But there are some iridiums that are really rated only for 40k miles. Ask me how I know.

 

[ford250]

I agree on both points. I just replaced the plugs on my hemi myself and just the plugs were over $200 for all 16.

Wow. That’s expensive plugs What did you buy and where ?

 

[Japanese]

Wow. That’s expensive plugs What did you buy and where ?

It's about $10-12 per plug, which is the average price for iridium plugs). Then add taxes & shipping and it easily goes to $200.

 

[97prizm]

I have iridium plugs in my 2015 VW Beetle with 65K. Two dealers recommend a change at 40K. They both
tell me I will not notice any difference in performance. It will be $200 so what would you do?

I went to a newbeetle forum and a few members posted pics of their plugs after 40k and they mention that this is common. The theory is due to turbocharging, but many vehicles have turbos and don't chew up spark plugs.

 

[Arc]

Time to switch to ruthenium

Is that metal in the same family as Unobtainium?

 

[Arc]

I have iridium plugs in my 2015 VW Beetle with 65K. Two dealers recommend a change at 40K. They both
tell me I will not notice any difference in performance. It will be $200 so what would you do?

I would spend the money on a socket set and change them yourself.