Frino

Finally got around (after 4.5 years/30K miles) to replacing my spark plugs. (pic of old plugs attached). Once the heat shields and ignition coils were removed it seemed like a much easier job than RListers have previously described...if you have a lift and the right tools.

Dealer tech said Porsche urges dealers to convince customers to replace plugs at specified intervals (4 years or 60K miles, whichever is earlier). Tech had first hand experience extracting frozen plugs that were left in too long resutling in stripped cylinder head threads.

Noticed the new plugs immediately behind the wheel....better throttle response and more liveliness at higher rpm's.

Dealer (Porsche of Tysons) charged me $285 plus parts for the plug replacement. Also got the brakes flushed for $160. New service manager (Chad) is a fellow enthusiast who really gets what good customer service is all about.

Original purpose of visit was to replace rear TPMS sensors (see prior post). Replacement unfortunately did not fix the problem. May have to replace TPMS module (whatever that is) to get TPMS to work again.

Quadcammer

Could just be the picture, but some of those plugs don't look good at all. Almost looks like some slight oil fouling or running very rich.

Alstoy

You bring up a good point. My car is about 5 years old. I would like to look into this, specially given the above pics. I'm a bit confused between the official service guidance (ex. oil change every 20k) and dealer advise of 10k/1 year. What other items do we need to consider? And why doesn't Porsche just say what needs to be changed exactly when? Thanks for sharing.

Cheers

boolala

I changed the plugs at 4 years and 40 K miles also contrary to the consensus here that it was not necessary until 60 K miles had been attained. I, too, noticed an improvement in vehicle performance afterwards.

Glad I did.

ADias

Hugh!? I see 6 plugs in the OP's photo...

Fin Fever

oops, I didn't scroll over to see that 6th one
honestly though, looking at the condition of those plugs makes me want to replace mine when I hit 30k miles as well

MLindgren

I took my car in this summer to have my plugs replaced. The dealer persuaded me to wait another year and just do the oil change.

Frino

I would tend to agree but but looks can be deceiving as the engine (which has only seen 93 octane) has never missed a beat, thrown a CEL or pushed any smoke since buying the car new.

Boatsonthebrain

Here's a picture of my plugs, coils and belt after 4yrs/39K miles. Did coolant tank, cap and coolant flush, air and pollen filters, brake fluid flush, cleaned out radiators and throttle body at the same time. Had no problems at all but tend to be pretty **** about maintenance.

Edgy01

Those look like cracks on the bodies of several of the coils. Is that right?

Boatsonthebrain

Exactly right. The only one that wasn't cracked was the one at the bottom of the photo (cyl 1). It had been replaced a year ago by the PO because of a rough idle problem. The coils don't seem that durable but evidently sitting so low, being exposed to the elements, engine heat, etc. really takes it's toll

CarlJ

What is the cost of a coil pack? Are they covered on the CPO warranty?

Boatsonthebrain

Not sure about CPO coverage but Suncoast has a set of 6 factory coils for ~$280.