spark plug change

jac in a box · Oct 27, 2006

The Boxster went in for a 48k mile / 4yr service yesterday. As the engine has only covered 12k miles since being replaced (new engine comes with plugs) 2 years ago I declined the OPC's generous offer of changing the plugs for the princely sum of £130.

Just out of curiousity, how is easy is it to change the plugs? Any links would be appreciated too[

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Finally, why does Porsche advertise it's various services such as the 48k mile service at a fixed price - then subject you to all these additional "add-ons" eg spark plug change, polybelt change etc. If they need to be done at the prescribed intervals why not wrap it all togethet in the service?

By the time I paid for the warranty and the 48k mile service my wallet was £1,350 lighter...and they wanted to change front and rear pads and discs - erm, no thanks!

Dave

Mark_Bennett · Oct 27, 2006

I understood the plug change WAS included in the 48K service...[&:]

Richard_Hamilton · Oct 27, 2006

The Boxster maintenance schedules are very similar to the 996, a copy of which you can find here: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=230826

Spark plugs and polyrib belt should be in the service menu price, and are not "add-ons".

jac in a box · Oct 27, 2006

Hmm, doesn't look that way to me.

http://opc.cmwinteractive.com/servicepricingboxter986.asp?opc=31

Plugs, fuel filter, polyrib belt - additional to major service.

Anyway, any info' on changing plugs please?

Dave

Mark_Bennett · Oct 27, 2006

Thinking about it, I had my plugs done at 4 years, when the car had not done 48K (I had a 12K service done then).
Now 18 months later the car is 600 miles from 48K (an Annual check having been done in July) - looks like I might need to spend £25 in-between services [

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Richard_Hamilton · Oct 27, 2006

Sorry Dave, I don't use OPC's, and independents usually give their menu prices as all-in.

Anyway, here's the instructions to change the plugs:

jac in a box · Oct 27, 2006

Thank you Richard - that'll do nicely[

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Don't blame you for not using OPC's - according to the link I posted....I really cant wait to have the Tip' and diff' fluid change for £700+ Crazy!

Dave

Richard_Hamilton · Oct 27, 2006

Dave

I appreciate that your car is a lot newer than mine, and that you probably use the OPC for servicing to maintain a Porsche warranty, but you would be much better off by getting all the non-service work (disks etc) done by an independent, as it will save a pile of cash. Just to make you a bit sick, this is what I pay for servicing (and that includes stuff like plugs, belts, etc).

http://www.wrightune.co.uk/sermen.htm

daro911 · Oct 27, 2006

ORIGINAL: Richard Hamilton

Just to make you a bit sick, this is what I pay for servicing (and that includes stuff like plugs, belts, etc).

http://www.wrightune.co.uk/sermen.htm

And I bet it's done by a "technician" who appreciates an enthusiastic proud owner a damned sight more than the OPC's [Over Priced Centres]wrench monkeys seem too these days [&o]

Black80XSA · Oct 27, 2006

ORIGINAL: jac in a box

Finally, why does Porsche advertise it's various services such as the 48k mile service at a fixed price - then subject you to all these additional "add-ons" eg spark plug change, polybelt change etc. If they need to be done at the prescribed intervals why not wrap it all togethet in the service?

i noticed this too recently when i got a service pricing booklet through the post - from recollection it quoted about £35 for the polyrib belt on the 986, and about £110 for the same on the 987 - for the life of me, i can't see its any different.

Mark_Bennett · Oct 27, 2006

Me either...[8|]

jac in a box · Oct 27, 2006

I think that'll be the last OPC visit for servicing. What is scary, is that if I'd left Jac's contact No they'd have rang and told her the brakes needed doing...front and rear at an additional cost of £1300. Not knowing any better she'd have given the go-ahead.

Having looked myself today, there is masses of pad material left and only the slightest of scoring on the inner faces of the discs, the discs are well within tolerance for wear too. Nothing that a good hard braking session wouldn't cure.

If only there was an independant reasonably close to us I'd go. Looking at the link Richard gave, it would be worth an overnight stopover in a hotel for the savings I could potentialy make.
The only thing that concerns me would be Porsche's attitude to non-dealer servicing in the event of a warranty claim. I'm aware of this EU block exemption for servicing etc if genuine parts are used. Porsche can seem more than a little difficult to deal with with in warranty claims when the servicing is via an OPC ...dread to think what it might be like for independant servicing.

Anyone claimed successfuly on the extended warranty when serviced by an independant?

Dave

channella · Oct 28, 2006

I don't think the way the pricing is presented necessarily means the SP change isn't included at 48k. The other condition for change being every 4 years, so you'd have to pay separately if the car had done less than 48k. However, I'm going down to nearest OPC for some shampoo today (!) so I'll ask.

Laurence Gibbs · Oct 28, 2006

I beleive the service schedule has recently changed, the rib belt is now a "check and replace if necc" item not a replace item. Or so iwas told by someone who noted the difference between the schedule and the pricing and asked his opc what the score was.
Out of curiosity what is the cost of a 48K at an opc with the belt and plug change? I did mine recently Parts all Porsche for under £200 all in including a full brake fliud change as well.

jac in a box · Oct 28, 2006

ORIGINAL: Laurence Gibbs

Out of curiosity what is the cost of a 48K at an opc with the belt and plug change? I did mine recently Parts all Porsche for under £200 all in including a full brake fliud change as well.

Major service + items that need doing at 2 or 4 years ie. brake fluid, fuel filter, belt change, plug change comes to £895.00.

Laurence - I assume the £200 was a DIY service? If so a comment on the brake fluid change...I've quite happily changed the fluid on a BM that I've had kicking around for 17 years until the ABS went u/s. Discovered that ABS units need to be "cycled" during the flush to allow the old fluid to be removed. Mine obviously wasn't and ended up with old/dirty fluid that was around 14 years old sitting in the unit - Always let someomne with right equipment change brake fluid on ABS equiped cars!

Dave

channella · Oct 28, 2006

Well I checked this morning.

48k service is:

Major service £582
Replace Spark Plugs £130
Replace Fuel filter £59
Replace drive belt £25
Total £796

Peter_Bull · Oct 28, 2006

The last service I had done was last year (14 months - slightly overdue now) at my local OPC and the car had done around 4500 miles only.

"Sir your car is 4 years old (it was sactually 5) and the spark plugs need changing - would you like us to do it?"

Er ... what I asked .. was the need to change them?

They replied "There are due for change at 48000 miles or 4 years whichever is the sooner."

I asked the price - and then needless to say, I decline.

Can't for the life of me understand how a spark plug would need changing after the low mileage I do. Its not as if I do stop start stuff either. Fine days and longish drives - well to Lytham at least!!

Laurence Gibbs · Oct 28, 2006

Re: ABS
that's not actually correct. The correct proceedure for a brake fluid change is detailed in the service manual(which I have). It does not require you to cycle the abs for brake fluid change.The only time the system tester is required is for bleeding cars fitted with TC.

jac in a box · Oct 28, 2006

ORIGINAL: boxster27

Well I checked this morning.

48k service is:

Major service £582
Replace Spark Plugs £130
Replace Fuel filter £59
Replace drive belt £25
Total £796

Add in the brake fluid change (due every 2 years - would be due at the 4 year service point) you'll get £895 or thereabouts depending on year of car

Dave