genuine

PLEASE NOTE – This article was written a few years ago so not all information provided may be accurate.

For example, on some part numbers, NGK now uses Laser Etching instead of stamping, so the font information may not be accurate.

Another Sparking Discovery

One of NGK’s most popular motorcycle spark plugs has dismally entered the realm of counterfeiting, but we’re here to help! The fake CR9EIX plugs shown next to our genuine CR9EIX stock in this article have been sold by an unlawfully seller many hundreds of times to innocent buyers worldwide, putting a huge amount of risk to all engines and pockets involved. Not only are these fake plugs not manufactured and tested to the same degree of the genuine item, they don’t actually feature any ‘iridium’ centre electrode tip at all!

The con artists involved in the counterfeit supply chain are so irrational it’s staggering, with no care or worries in the world to anyone except their own pockets. Unfortunately for legal reasons we can’t name and shame, but we can once again provide you with photos and pin-pointers on how to spot dodgy ones. Just be aware that there may be other counterfeits around that look slightly different, but the main principles are the same.

Related Links:

• How to spot fake BKR7EIX Iridium IX Spark Plugs
• How to spot fake Denso Iridium Power Spark Plugs
• How to change your spark plugs
• Buy genuine CR9EIX spark plugs here

chart image source: NGK

M10 (10 mm) threaded plugs with a gasket show just 10-12nm of torque are needed for aluminium heads. Now compare this to an M14 plug, where we see over double the amount: 25-30nm. Torquing down an M10 plug to 30nm will most definitely cause either distortion to the plug and eventually snap into bits, or the cylinder head thread will strip; not good.

The installation guide error on the fakes may cause even more damage if anyone also ends up using thread compound or copper slip. Using such products renders torque readings inaccurate by at least 20% so they should never be used. Modern plugs feature a special zinc coating so they simply don’t need it. NGK released a tech bulletin about this, which you can read in our other article in the link below:

• Copper slip and spark plug installation

Summary

The reality is that these counterfeits are a danger to your pocket in disguise. The likelihood is that they will possibly work, however it’s a huge risk and should be remedied at once. Iridium is one of the most corrosive-resistant chemical elements on the Earth’s surface which is why they’re so popular among spark plug manufacturers. Having a centre electrode with a 0.7mm(ish) machined down nickel tip is definitely not a great idea and is likely to wear out far quicker than that of any OE standard ‘copper-nickel’ plug. So, if you’re not 100% sure they’re real, send them back!

Want to be sure you’re buying genuine CR9EIX plugs? Buy from our shop.

Pun of the Day

“It’s shocking, my friend once told me how electricity is measured, and I was like Watt!”

 

CR9EIX

With it being one of the most well-known motorcycle spark plugs out there, we wanted to make you aware of the amazing discounts to be had over RRP prices in our secure online shop. All NGK spark plugs we have available are 100% genuine units. We’re actually one of the very few auto parts suppliers who actively try and fight back against counterfeits every day. You can read our popular blog post here on how to spot fake CR9EIX Iridium IX spark plugs. It’s a growing problem on popular auction sites and we always do our best to make the general public aware of it.

Fighting Counterfeits

Today, the global automotive industry is being bombarded with counterfeit Xenon HID bulbs. If you do a quick online search about it, then you’ll see what we mean; it’s shocking.

The fake bulbs in question are sheep in wolves clothing, imitating the real product so well that to any person they’re just normal OSRAM bulbs. The worry sinks in however on the first nighttime drive, where other motorists have been flashing at you constantly due to being blinded. It all begins to make sense when you pull up to a wall or garage back at home and realise the beam pattern is completely all over the place.

Bulb changes commonly means a recalibration of the headlight aim is usually necessary so don’t jump to the worst conclusion straight away. However if the beam pattern is worse than your previous bulbs the chances are high that they’re indeed fake. The unfortunate reality is that fake bulbs are next to useless, completely illegal, a risk to your life and an expense waiting to happen. Fake bulbs are not only a safety worry, but the performance and lifetime are where there’s simply no comparison to that of a genuine bulb. Osram takes this problem very seriously and the result of it all was the Osram Trust & Approved Partner Schemes.

 

What is an Approved Partner?

An OSRAM Approved Partner is an online retailer that is approved to sell genuine OSRAM products online. They only stock and sell genuine OSRAM automotive parts and accessories, so if you buy any OSRAM product from them, it will be 100% genuine.

How Do I Know I Am Buying from an Approved Partner?

Wherever you see the Approved Partner Logo, it guarantees that they are approved to sell genuine OSRAM products. Every Approved Partner has been issued with a unique AP reference number and logo (which also shows their unique reference).

 

What Are the Dangers of Fake or Cheap Xenon Bulbs?

• HID Ballasts can catch fire due to abnormal loads
• Bulb bases can melt inside the headlight, damaging the reflector and/or bulb mount system
• Light glare that can dazzle other motorists and cause a collision
• Premature bulb failures
• Poor lumen output (brightness) compared to that of genuine bulbs

So How Do I Check My Bulbs?

If you purchase from an official Osram Approved Partner it means it’s an immediate way to ensure you’ll receive a genuine OSRAM product in the post.

• Driven 2 Automotive OSRAM Approved Partner Page
• Driven 2 Automotive Shop
• OSRAM Approved Partner Information

Next, follow the guide below to verify the authenticity of your Xenon bulbs:

 

Step 1) Check the Security Label on the Packaging for a 7-Digit Code

Since October 2015, all OSRAM Xenon HID bulbs feature a special 7-digit code which you can use on their Trust Program website to verify authenticity. If you can’t find a label on your packaging it’s possible the bulbs you’ve purchased were produced before the said date. So do take note that some vendors still stock genuine Osram products without security labels added. In this case, Osram recommends contacting them directly if you’re worried.

• The 7-digit code is located to the left-hand side of the sticker label – Then enter the code here
• The 3 digits in the bottom right-hand corner should be holographic
• A QR code that’s linked to the Trust verification process website
• The OSRAM logo with the following URL www.osram.com/trust
• A security strip featuring micro-sized text which you can read with a magnifying glass

Step 2) Check the Data on the Bulb Bases

After entering the 7-digit code which authenticates the packaging, you’ll see a display of data which includes the Osram order number, product designation and lamp numbers. The important one here is to check the lamp numbers displayed on the verification site match the numbers on the bulbs inside the packaging. The numbers are found in the locations as shown:

 

But There’s No Label on the Packaging of My Bulbs?

We mentioned before that some companies will still hold stock of older Osram products which don’t have a security label on them. In this case OSRAM states the following:

The OSRAM Trust system was introduced in fall 2015. Since then, the lamp packaging contains the two security features. However, it is still possible that several vendors have warehouse stock older than fall 2015 without the new labelling. Should you have doubts regarding your package, please get in touch with OSRAM.

So there you go, no security label doesn’t mean it’s a fake straight off the bat.

 

Conclusion

In the end we are proud to be part of something which is combating the issue and the two schemes are a great step in the right direction.

If you have any more questions, Osram have an FAQ section on their website located here.

 

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Err But They Look Identical I Hear You Say?

Just when we thought the counterfeit NGK Spark Plugs we found recently were a pretty close match to the real thing, we’ve now found counterfeit Denso Iridium Power Spark Plugs as well. Every detail has been cloned to the closest result possible, except for one major flaw; these plugs don’t actually feature any Iridium in the centre electrode at all!

Related Articles:

• How to spot fake NGK CR9EIX spark plugs
• How to spot fake NGK BKR7EIX spark plugs

Alarm Bells

• • Alarm Bell 1: No laser-welded Iridium tip, features a machined down nickel alloy tip instead.
  • Alarm Bell 2: Low-resolution, scanned copy of the box.
  • Alarm bell 3: EAN of the 4pc outer plug box is stamped onto the 1pc inner boxes. This should be a different EAN number.

With an E85 Ethanol / flexi fuel compatible design, the new innovative Walbro / TI Automotive F90000274 is the highest flowing in-tank fuel pump on the market. This new version has exactly the same flow rate and dimensions as the previous (F90000267) pump, however it can withstand a higher fuel pressure before the relief valve kicks in. We all want this on our pride and joy because; a higher fuel pressure = more power!

The pump utilises a ‘turbine’ style design which incorporates a single impeller with two parallel rows of durable, hardened plastic turbine blades. Unlike the older Walbro GSS 255lph pumps which feature a traditional metal ‘gerotor‘ pump design, the new turbine reduces a huge amount of operating noise as there is no metal to metal contact, resulting in a fuel pump with a 20% more efficiency as there is less current usage.

All bow to Bosch for listening to their distributors!

Since the very early days, the insanely popular 044 racing spec fuel pump has been a big target for counterfeiters all over the world. We reported it to Bosch quite a while back now and it’s nice to finally see action being taken to fight fake Bosch fuel pumps on the market.

• Buy genuine BOSCH 044 (pump only)

With an estimated 40 million HID bulbs fitted to vehicles from new in 2016, you can see why Xenon bulbs are leading the way in automotive lighting at the moment. LED and Laser headlights are on the horizon, however they are still very much super premium pieces of kit, and to the average Joe; pretty hard to come by.

HID Xenon bulbs were introduced in the 1990’s and became popular in luxury cars, they lit up our roads with daytime like colours and improved overall visibility on the road. However no bulb is immune to failure, and with the first HID bulbs that went into circulation beginning to fail, consumer’s are looking for quality replacements. A common way to spot a failing HID bulb is the discolouration of the emitted light which is known as cycling, a shift towards a very blue/purple colour can be emitted due to the higher temperature and increased voltage required to maintain the arc inside the bulb.

 

Please note that this article now very dated and the infamous BOSCH 044’s has now been discontinued and replaced by the 200 series of fuel pumps.

 

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Bosch have since produced a new design of their box and added security coded seals to all 044’s manufactured from 2017 onwards. See our article here

Purchase a genuine Bosch 044 from our shop here for peace of mind

This article however, still applies to consumers who’ve purchased older stock elsewhere and are having doubts if their 044’s are genuine or not.

 

 

Please Be Aware of Counterfeit 0 580 254 044 (BOSCH 044) Fuel Pumps

We’ve made this guide along with some images provided by the online community to help you identify fake 044 fuel pumps. Recently there’s been a large increase in counterfeit Bosch #0 580 254 044 (“Bosch 044”) performance fuel pumps appearing on the market.