Replace spark plugs when?

[BMWBig6]

I seem to remember Audi revising the A4 2.0T's scheduled maintenance to include replacing the spark plugs a lot sooner than originally specified. I think at one time, Audi recommended that the plugs be changed at higher mileage, then a couple years ago I read on here that Audi changed their recommendation so that the plugs would be changed sooner and within the pre-paid Audi Care service plan (i.e. within the first 45k miles). If you go to AudiUSA's website, you can view the current scheduled maintenance program for your vehicle at this link.

When I view the recommended plug changing intervals for the 2009 A4, Audi now says the following:

Spark Plugs

– replace at 35,000 miles or 3 years, whichever occurs first. Then, every 40,000 miles or 3 years, whichever occurs first.

– replace at 55,000 miles or 6 years, whichever occurs first.
Then, every 60,000 miles or 6 years, whichever occurs first.

– replace at 75,000 miles

But then it also says the following:

35K and 115K only: A4 2.0L TFSI,
A5 2.0L TFSI, TTS, A3 3.2L,
TT 3.2L and A8 6.0L only

l 55K only: except A3 3.2L,
TT 3.2L, A4 2.0L TFSI,
A5 2.0L TFSI, TTS and A8 6.0L

75K only: A3 3.2L, TT 3.2L,
A4 2.0L TFSI, A5 2.0L TFSI,
TTS and A8 6.0L only

So how often should the spark plugs be replaced in the B8 A4 2.0T?

Can anyone else confirm which scheduled maintenance or mileage (35k, 55k, etc.) they changed their spark plugs for the first time?

Has anyone had their spark plug replacement paid for while under Audi Care?

[B8_Jim]

Pretty sure 35,000, 75,000, 115,000

First and last lines of your first block agree (35k then every 40k after), and the middle line for 55k does not apply to the A4 since the 2nd text block (to the right in the table) says "Except :.... A4".

[DragonboyB8]

Are you having fuel economy issues or misfires? Spark plugs is scheduled to be changed at 55 000km/35 000 mi service, it is also one of the mandatory item to be swapped out during that service. It is also changed whenever misfire is detected due to foul spark plug. I have had mine replaced under the Audi care program at 55 000Km, during the service I have asked my SA to save the old plugs so that I can have a look at them. The plugs looked like it can still endure another 10 000mi on them (only cyclinder 1's plugs looked more worn then others), since its on Audi's expense I am not going to debate rather or not if I should swap them out. Just make sure to ask who ever is changing your spark plugs out to save you the old ones to have a look at them.

[Blake P]

I think Jim is right - 35k and every 40k after that. I had mine done at 35k and 75k and I'm currently pushing 100k.

[tajturner]

Is it a relatively easy DIY?

[Liquid Smoke]

^^^ it's a pretty easy DIY, see here: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ug-replacement

Do you guys recommend going with Bosch or NGK plugs, for stock ECU, no tunes. I read on other threads that the NGK is prob better and it's the brand Audi uses now as OEM, but I'm debating between these 2 plugs:

Bosch: http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_A4-..._Plugs/ES9681/
NGK: http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_A4-..._Plugs/ES8925/

The thing is the NGK ones are one heat range colder, and I read that's better for tuned cars, but I'm on stock so I'm wondering if that will have any negative effect? I want to go with whichever will give me the better performance/life. I'm leaning towards the NGK ones just for the brand overall, but I don't want to end up with bad performance because of the colder heat range or anything.

[jbradle7]

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ug-replacement

The correct NGK P/N is PFR7S8EG (1675), per the NGK website.

[Liquid Smoke]

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ug-replacement

The correct NGK P/N is PFR7S8EG (1675), per the NGK website.

I see, but both Europa and ECS show the BKR7EIX as the only NGK ones, figured that was prob the recommended one for the B8 2.0T.

[jbradle7]

Audi uses NGK P/N is PFR7S8EG from the factory, I'd assume that is the recommended plug.

[zero|fade]

Just checked Canadian Tire, they can no longer get PFR7S8EG. It was the only place near me with auto parts still open. I'm going to check some dedicated auto parts shops tomorrow.

[Daze513]

I used the colder plug on my car with no problems. No gain or loss of MPG. But I did notice a smoother idle.

[zero|fade]

Ok, I hit up my friendly neighbourhood APC, they could get PFR7S8EG NGKs, for about $16 a plug

I went with Bosch at $7.20 a plug.

[Highlander1010]

Ok, I hit up my friendly neighbourhood APC, they could get PFR7S8EG NGKs, for about $16 a plug

I went with Bosch at $7.20 a plug.

http://www.amazon.com/NGK-PFR7S8EG-L...ype=automotive

$12.30 on Amazon. That seem's like a win to me.

[jbradle7]

Rockauto has the NGK's for $9.69... just another option.

[zero|fade]

The Bosch are working great compared to the plugs that were in the car. They didn't look terrible, but my last car's plugs set a pretty low bar. It was running pretty rich.
The car seems happier, and my chrome tips are cleaner.

[Liquid Smoke]

I just bought a 4-pack set of the NGK BKR7EIX (cooler plugs) from ebay for $27 shipped. just search 'BKR7EIX' on ebay and sort by price.

[John4378]

I just replaced my plugs, and the OEM plugs I pulled out were the Bosch double-platinum. I couldn't get those on short order so I went with the Platinum-Iridium plugs. Everything's great now. My engine was hesitating pretty bad under hard acceleration....because I pushed the envelope on replacing them (50k vs. 35k miles). Coil packs come right out as soon as you unfasten the torx screw between coil packs 2 and 3. Word of caution, don't over-tighten the plugs into the block.