I don't seem to see a recent thread on spark plug wires, just bits as part of other threads. What are most using now ? (Below I left most vendor names out as I'm not looking to do a comparison of vendors, just what's available.)
name

I've noticed that one vendor has what looks like OEM with beru connectors and dividers, running over $500. Another couple of vendors seem to have the same or similar set for $350 but the websites don't provide enough info. I like another non-OEM option of red or blue from one vendor in the $350 range with labels and dividers. Pelican has a brand called Karlyn for $375 but it doesn't give any further detail. Finally, ebay has Magnacore and NGK for $330 and $275 but I don't believe these us Beru connectors and going with real Beru connectors that seems to be a common thread.

Also, I'm assuming time decays the plug wires just as much as mileage ?

 

I would suggest that you get the Beru set as they are plug and play and of the highest quality

 

best I can suggest is call roger and he will send you the best you can buy, for a great price. made a nice difference in my car

 

I just put in a new set of Beru. Worth the price. They are outstanding. Perfect fit and solid connections. Consider new coils, caps, rotors and plugs at the same time.

 

Beru only

It used to be Bosch and Beru were good, but several years ago the Bosch wires started to come with sub-par ends (they previously had Beru ends). I tested three sets back to back a number of years ago, all crap.

 

On that note, anyone know if Beru offers S3 plug wire sets again? They were not available a few years ago. I have an excellent set of Karlyn/STI brand wires sourced from Roger a few years ago, but would buy a set of Beru's in a heartbeat if they were available...

 

You could buy new wires and reuse the ends. A few of the vendors offer "economy" options that are just the wires and you reuse the ends. They just unscrew from the wires.

Usually the ends are still good if they are the original Beru ones.

 

My ends are Beru and all do seem to be in good condition so just wires could be an option. In reality, the wires all seem pliable and in decent shape as well with only 43k miles but thought I should change them anyway.

No comments on the blue/red option that also use Beru ends ?

Guess I can also give Roger a call - are his sets OEM Beru ?

 

My car had the "red" option in it when I changed the wires. They seemed fine and the color was a nice accent. In my personal opinion, they aren't as nice as the Beru's and they don't fit or look quite as nice. In reality, just about anything will probably work.

 

I have a set of essentially new Magnecor wires I'll sell for $200 shipped USPS Priority Mail with PP F&F payment. Least expensive set on eBay currently is $289 (another for $329).

They're the version with black wires and red ends, they come with the threaded adapters to screw onto the distributor threads so the ends pop on like most normal spark plug wires.





I ended up cleaning and reusing my old red ones to go with the rest of my red engine accents.

 

Hi, I'd only use the Beru's as they fit snugly into the Cam covers, most of the after market wires have a poor fit and do not seal, water will get into and sit in the spark plug wells.

This past spring I tried to order S3's and found they were no longer available (as per Roger, this may have changed),

I used Stock S4 wires, had to re-route two per side IIRC as the S4 wires are shorter and all won't attach to the Fuel rails or loop down ward as the stock S3 requires.
With that said you could buy bulk wire and fit new ends with the correct crimper, this has been covered in other threads on the forum.

I look at it this way, the old ones lasted over 30 years (most cases) and correctly fit (seal), the ignition system is paramount to a correctly running engine, it's not the part to be thrifty on.
And don't forget the Spark plugs, Caps and rotors

Dave K

 

I was just thinking along these lines, and was wondering if there is any reason that you couldn't buy bulk wire of appropriate size and cut them to length yourself?
I know that I have seen MSD wire and others at the local stores, and used to see generic wire on reels.

 

Petza914 - Thanks for the offer but it doesn't look like those Manacore's would work on an S3 - the plug end connectors don't look long enough to mount on the plug head.

I would consider wires only, but not if I need to make up the wire and crimp. Don't have the tool and not comfortable with my skill to make perfect connections.

davek9 - When I did the intake refresh the caps/rotors looked ok. I would like to do the wires first and see if any difference before I move on. She's running nicely but I do notice a very slight miss at times.

I think I'm leaning towards these.

 

once you buy the less expensive set,
you will be wondering why you didnt follow these suggestions and replace them with the best wire wire set,
\when you have a misfire show up after you wash the car or drive in the rain. BTDT

 

Sorry. Mine may only be for the 16v motors as the intake setup is different. They're available if anyone else wants them. The plug side seals the opening in the head well.