Vauxhall Meriva Spark Plugs: Intervals, Fitment & Warning Signs

On the Meriva, two internally different versions of the genuine coil pack look identical externally — fitting the wrong one causes rapid re-failure.

Illustration for editorial purposes

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OEM Part Number: confirm via engine code — aftermarket NGK 94123 / Bosch 0 242 232 802

Accuracy note: Covers the Vauxhall Meriva (B 2010-2017) as listed in the UK aftermarket catalogues. Spark plugs are engine-specific — thread size (M12 vs M14), reach, heat range, electrode type (copper, platinum, iridium) and gap all change between engines in the same car, and the catalogue listings below cover every petrol engine in the generation without always saying which plug fits which. Match the plug to your engine code (on the V5C or the engine cover), fit a full set of the same type, and use the maker's gap and torque. Genuine numbers are shown only where a listing quotes one.

Petrol engines in this generation	1.4 101 HP; 1.4 120 HP; 1.4 140 HP; 1.4 LPG 120 HP (no engine codes given)
Spark plugs (aftermarket)	NGK 94123 (iridium, M14x1.25, hex 16); NGK 91039 (iridium, M14x1.25, hex 16); Bosch 0 242 232 802 (gap 1.0 mm, M14x1.25, hex 16); Bosch 0 242 230 626 (gap 0.8 mm); Bosch 0 242 240 707 (gap 0.7 mm); Denso IK22FTT (iridium, platinum earth, M14x1.25); Denso IK20TT (iridium, platinum earth); Denso VK22 (iridium, platinum earth)
Genuine (OE) numbers quoted	Denso KJ20CR-L11 = 1214016; Hella 8EH 188 706-071 = 98079-5615G
Fitment notes	All the plugs listed are M14x1.25 with a 16 mm hex, in both iridium (NGK 94123/91039, Denso IK22FTT, Champion OE264/CCH9013) and nickel/copper (Beru Z203, Denso KJ20CR-L11, Champion OE198/T10 copper) versions; they are not matched to the 101, 120 or 140 HP engines, so confirm by engine.

A Genuine Fitment Trap Worth Knowing First — Vauxhall Meriva Spark Plugs

If you're replacing a coil pack, this is genuinely worth knowing beforehand: genuine Vauxhall coil packs exist in two internally different versions that look externally identical, and fitting the wrong one for your specific car results in premature failure shortly after fitting — a pattern reported repeatedly by owners who've replaced a coil pack only to have it fail again within a very short time. Always confirm the exact, correct part reference for your specific engine and build date via your VIN rather than assuming any coil pack that physically fits the socket is the right one.

A genuine root cause worth checking if coil packs keep failing repeatedly: an oil leak from a failed spark plug tube seal in the valve cover can seep into the coil pack itself, both causing misfires directly and gradually damaging the coil from repeated oil contact. A coil that keeps failing isn't necessarily bad luck with parts — check the plug tube for oil contamination before replacing the coil a second or third time.

Vauxhall Meriva Spark Plugs: A Cheap Part That Causes Expensive-Feeling Problems

A worn set of spark plugs in the Vauxhall Meriva doesn't make itself obvious: idle roughens slightly, acceleration loses a bit of urgency, and both symptoms are easy to blame on something else entirely. Given how inexpensive the part is, it often gets neglected for far longer than it should.

Before you buy: plug type and gap specification vary by engine size and generation. Always confirm against your VIN before ordering.

Vauxhall Meriva Spark Plugs: Watch: Replacing It

🎬 Watch: Spark Plug Removal Vauxhall Opel 1.4 VVT MERIVA B

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Meriva B, 1.4.

Vauxhall Meriva Spark Plugs reference plate

Vauxhall Meriva Spark Plugs: What They Do

Every combustion cycle in the Vauxhall Meriva's petrol engine starts with a spark plug igniting the compressed fuel-air mixture, and their condition shapes efficiency, economy and smoothness directly. Diesel versions don't need them at all, relying purely on compression to ignite fuel.

Vauxhall Meriva Spark Plugs: Generations & Spark Plug Count

Diesel variants	Not applicable — diesel engines use compression ignition and have no spark plugs at all
Petrol variants (all trims)	4 spark plugs — one per cylinder

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Vauxhall Meriva Spark Plugs: Warning Signs, DIY Difficulty & Aftermarket Advice

These are the same regardless of make or model — see our full Spark Plugs Guide for symptoms of worn plugs, why matching your exact plug specification matters, and trusted brands to buy from.

More Vauxhall Spark Plugs

The same part, covered across other Vauxhall models.