I'm getting ready to replace the spark plug wires on my 380sl, and I've been reading good things about the NAPA/Belden Premium wires, which are about 1/2 the price of Bosch. But I don't know yet whether the resistance of the Belden's match the Bosch's, or whether the sales guy can even tell me that, because NAPA's closed today.

So I was wondering if anybody has had any experience with Belden wires.

Thanks very much in advance.

I know they're a good product made by good company who meets or exceeds oem specs. I'll be really surprised if the counterman could tell you the difference. If going in my collector 16v or my older MBs, I always buy original stuff. If putting them into a daily driver, I'd buy the Napa ones and not worry about it. I've seen Bosch failures too.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

See my post in the other section. The differences between the two would come down to the specific metal used as core and how many winds/threads (I forget the term) it has. Overall Belden is a good brand and I've used their ignition wires (and other wiring products) numerous times in the past with zero issues.

__________________
TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

Wires are wires. The important bit is the integrity of the insulation.
More important in Mercedes case is that the ends are good construction , made with high quality product and fit exactly both ends.
The important bits are the ends. The end that fits onto the spark plug incorporates resistor value of 1000 ohms.

These Mercedes models were twice to three times more expensive than your ordinary car at the time of release. I'm sure they didn't use half price products in the engines components.

Here's an update on the Belden wires. I called Belden, and the tech told me they don't have any resistors in the plug connectors. So I decided to leave well enough alone, and go with the OE Bosch.

Take care.

Good to know.

__________________
- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

Then these wires should work well with the Resistor plugs which most 103 engine owners avoid .

Actually, since I was going to replace my plugs, too, I was thinking of using these wires with resistor plugs. But I opted to stay with the non-resistor plugs, since my car has been running very well with the Bosch wires for the last 30 years.

Interesting about the plugs and wires. Would be nice to hear about any experiences with resistor plugs and the Napa wires. I have to get my plugs at the dealer and they are 7 some dollars a piece. If Bosch is not making our plugs anymore then the supply will run out some day.

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Current
1989 300SE - Siegfried
2010 Toyota Tundra Crewmax
2005 Honda CRV

Gone but not forgotten
2001 F150 Supercrew - The Screw
1966 Ford LTD 390 - The Big G!
1995 Mercury sable
1986 Subaru DL
1982 Ford EXP - my first car

NGK makes relatively inexpensive, and good non-resistor plugs that you can buy at any NAPA store.

PeachParts FastLane Mercedes Parts Store

__________________
TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

The "R" in that plug's number indicates it has a resistor in it.

I'm using MAGNECOR wires in my 85 208SL Euro. and am very happy with them. They are custom made in the USA and they make them for all MB years and models and not very expensive. You can find them at alamomotorsports.com or you can call them at 800-880-0960
Desert