Oil and plug advice.

Car goes in for a service in January. I can save a fair whack of cash by sourcing my own oil and plugs. Oil, the dealer uses Mobil 1. Will go with that unless someone can advise on a better alternative. Spark plugs, haven't got a clue. What do people use and where can I buy them from for a reasonable price? TIA.

The Beru plugs from www.eurocarparts.com are very good, and I am sure will be cheaper than an OPC. As for oil, most people use Mobil 1 0W-40, although I prefer a 5W-40 or 10W-40 in my '98 car. A list of approved oils is in the Technical Articles section: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=230743

Thanks for the reply. The OPC said 5-40w too. Just curious as to whether there is a better alternative to the Mobil 1.

Richard, Do you if an OPC will accept the BOSCH plugs? ie are they OEM and will they invalidate any extended warranty? I already have 12L or Mobil 1 ready for the service, but hadnt realised I could also provide spark plugs. Thanks, Jason

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/ Have a word with Simon Barnard.

I think that the Beru plugs are what Porsche fit, but I can't be sure - maybe someone else can confirm. I have never heard of anyone taking their own plugs to an OPC for a service - I have the feeling they would draw the line at you taking oil, filters, plugs, screenwash etc, etc, but it's a nice idea! I have no idea if it would affect the warranty, but if they were to fit them they would have a job to argue that they weren't fit for purpose afterwards. I don't have a warranty, and don't use OPC's. (Brave or stupid?)

Beru plugs are listed for the 996, so you could insist that the dealer fit these. Beru have a good reputation in Porsche circles. I've just fitted a set to my GT3. They are about a pound or so each at ECP.

Seem to be posting this everywhere, so apologies if you've already read it! The car went in yesterday for her service at Sutton Coldfield OPC. A chap came out to pick her up at 8.30 in the morning. Took her nice and gently around the corner, the PSE really isn't that loud, thank goodness. 11.30 the dreaded call came Right Sir your horn is gone there is a leak from the variocam seal and you have a split ignition coil pack. Bloody hell is that all?! They then ran through how much it was all going to cost. At this point a big thumbs up to Stratstone who I had the car from. Gave them a call and explained the situation, asked if this was covered by their warranty. Told that they would be in touch with the OPC and all would be sorted. True to their word, got a call at 16.30 to say the car is all finished and they could deliver it back as and when Car had been cleaned in and out and from the once over I gave her all seems well (it was dark outside when she came home). Also turns out that the brake fluid had been done last year so didn't need doing this time which knocked another chunk off the bill. The car has been pronounced fit for warranty so am now just waiting on the paperwork. So far, so good from Sutton Coldfield, just need to take her for a good run and see if she feels any different after all the work.