rrich49132

Is anyone using OEM spark plug wires when the go to replace them? The wires alone are over $1000 as there are so many aftermarket ones? What seems to be the best?

tw2

Oem Bosch is good, just don't get them from the dealer. I paid $200 for all 16.

rrich49132

Seems several different companies make wires:

http://www.partsgeek.com/mmparts/spa...s/c55_amg.html

Bosch
Standard
Bremi
Beru

I would really like to find a place that sells OEM at a good price but no luck. Does anyone have a good site for OEM parts? I doubt I will find them at one place that is 30-50% less than others?

insame1

Bosch is the OEM replacement.
I bought a set that came in a box but this looks to be the same thing.

tw2

I also used magnecor wires for the C32 from needswings.com with no problems although i prefer the much sturdier connection you get with the Bosch (you need a 17mm scanner or pry bar to get them off)

C230 Mulac

There is no need to replace the spark plug wires unless the car is misfiring, and you will know b/c you will get a CEL. Plugs yes, wires no. I've never replaced the wires and I'm at 109k now with no issues. Sure, they may eventually go but it's not necessary and a waste of money IMO.

Good parts sources:

www.rmeuropean.com
www.autohausaz.com
www.pelicanparts.com

These are my 3 go to guys. If I can't find something there then I look elsewhere but 99% of the time they will have the part I need.

rrich49132

C230 Mulac,
you really seem to know what you are talking about as I talked to my local guy that use to work for Mercedes and he said the same thing. No need to replace the wires as he had over 200K on his E430 and never needed to replace them and mentioned unless they are burned, disable damage they will go forever. I have a very slight rough idle that I am trying to figure out as my guy will look at the car and seems confident that the wires are not the cause. Will see as randomly just replacing things is not the way to go as I could easily spend $600 for new OEM wires and the cause would more than likely still be present.

C230 Mulac

Had a 2006 C230 from July 2010 to Sept 2012, C55 since July 2012. Bought it as a salvage title and have replaced just about everything on it to date. Also have helped a few other local C55 guys with things on their cars. Almost done so much I should put my name on the plaque in the engine bay haha

rrich49132

I have a very slight rough idle as the tach jumps about 100 RPM's back and forth. Something is not right just need to figure out what and don't want to just randomly replace stuff like plugs, wires, coils. The car has plugs that are about 1 year old and 10K miles on them.

I have a local guy as mentioned who was a MB mechanic that is going to help me figure this out.

C230 Mulac

Rough idles are usually MAF or other airflow related items. Could also be a vacuum leak at one of the breather hoses. Usually should be a cheap fix. The breather hoses do get brittle over time and can crack. It's recommended they are replaced when valve cover gaskets are done because disconnecting them from the valve covers is difficult to do without breaking them. If valve cover gaskets are on your list of to do items, make sure you get a set of breather hoses when you do it and replace them too.

insame1

This is great advice. I have replaced plugs and wires trying to hunt down a unstable idle to no avail. Vacuum leaks seem to be the biggest culprit.

Also you can test the ohm load of your wires and buy them individually if needed. I have had worse luck with coil packs than wires.

amgen

I could be wrong but in my opinion these high compression engines are a little bit unstable at idle. Give them 200 more rpms and they are completly stable.

Another thing that could help is to now and then pour some injection cleaner in the tank. The injectors would thank you! Use good stuff
like Red Line.

rrich49132

All of those hoses were done by the prior owner he even kept the old parts which I have. He also replaced the valve cover gasket. I will have my guy take a look at the car soon and help me figure this out vs guessing as he really knows what to look for. Thanks for the advice as I am sure it is something one of you mentioned just need to figure out what exactly.

rrich49132

Ok,
just went out and looked at the car and took the cover off and checked the air cleaners and each side had a bunch of sand in it. I shook the filters out as they did not really absorb it and cleaned out both sides and put everything back together and smooth running. UGH so I was close to dropping $ on new wires. Start simple I guess. First small issue tackled. Oil change and front brakes and rotors this weekend.

Thanks all.

Dollos

Always check the easy things first before throwing money on new stuff....

Accidental L8 apex

A bad crank position sensor can also cause these types of issues, but good to know it was something simple. Always go with the K.I.S.S. method first (keep it simple, stupid).

gwin

I went with Magnecors, competition grade cables. Cheap too.

Agree with breather hoses, I replaced mine with standard rubber.

Idling issues - common problem is the splitter behind the throttle body not sitting well, loose or just dead. $6 for a new one.