DIY M271 2003 C230 spark plug how to
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 380
Likes: 5
From: So Cal
2003 C230
DIY M271 2003 C230 spark plug how to
My car is 6 years old and 45k miles. After reading this post I wanted to change all the spark plugs. MB recommends replacing them at 5 years or 80k miles.
This is really simple to do. The whole job takes less than 30 minutes.
Always use common sense and safety first. Do it at your own risk.
This is really simple to do. The whole job takes less than 30 minutes.
Always use common sense and safety first. Do it at your own risk.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 380
Likes: 5
From: So Cal
2003 C230
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 380
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From: So Cal
2003 C230
I come here regularly. I love my car but hate to pay outrageous prices just because of that logo on the hood.
I hope others can also save some money (especially nowadays) while maintaining vehicle safety & durability.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 380
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From: So Cal
2003 C230
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 249
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From: Cleveland, OH
2004.0 C230 Sedan
Do not try to gap these plugs!!!!! You will ruin them.
Both the OEM Bosch and the OEM NGK plugs are pre-gapped to factory spec. These plugs are not "gappable" by design. You will ruin the electrode if you try to gap them. If you check the gap and it is off, then go to the store and exchange it for another spark plug.
Most auto parts stores (Advance, Auto Zone, etc) stock the Bosch & NGK plug for $9.99. MB is now stocking the NGK instead of Bosch. I purchased my plugs from the dealer 2 months ago, and they were NGK plugs.
Both the OEM Bosch and the OEM NGK plugs are pre-gapped to factory spec. These plugs are not "gappable" by design. You will ruin the electrode if you try to gap them. If you check the gap and it is off, then go to the store and exchange it for another spark plug.
Most auto parts stores (Advance, Auto Zone, etc) stock the Bosch & NGK plug for $9.99. MB is now stocking the NGK instead of Bosch. I purchased my plugs from the dealer 2 months ago, and they were NGK plugs.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1
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C230
Does anyone know where I can get a new plastic engine cover as per the 2nd picture as mine broke on careful (maybe) extraction. Also the foam underneath was toast. I had to blow it out as it was destroyed dust. Part numbers for foam and cover would be a help as I can order from MB. Rest of the job was a breeze.
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,191
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From: Va Beach, VA
05 C230K SS (sold), 06 C55 (sold), 08 Yamaha R1 (sold), 16 X5M
just did mine...'05 c230 w/ 65k miles...for everyone else looking to do this don't forget you'll need a 6" 3/8 extension and a 5/8" adapter to fit over top of the spark plug (like $10 total at advance auto parts)...had oil on cylinder 1 plug, some kind of grime on cylinder 2, and cylinders 3-4 were clean minus the wear...i used the NGK iridium. Runs great as far as i can tell...no real notice in the difference to be honest.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 363
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From: the ML/GL/R assembly line
2005 C230 Kompressor
Just done this to my car, takes no time almost. No reason why any red blooded male couldnt do this himself(or adventurous female for that matter). If your in a tight and dont have an E8 socket just use a 1/4" socket, works like a charm. I just tightened them 1/4 turn past finger tight like I do all my other washer type plugs.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: VA
THE C350
Wow nice picture always wanted to do the tour of the plant but always forget to sign up in advanced. I go down to Tuscaloosa 2 or 3 times a year to visit/pickup my friend that goes to UA.
DIY Spark Plug Change C230 W203
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Just thought I'd share...
last time I went to pull the plugs one did not want to come out.
If you force it you can tear the threads out along with the plug or break it off
in the hole, very bad.
Here's how to deal with that.
1st off never do plugs on an aluminum head that's still hot, let it cool.
Warm is ok, but not hot.
1. Spray some liquid wrench down in the hole, the goal is hit the threads.
Let it sit for a while.
2. Turn the plug gently Counter clockwise (CCW), as much as it will turn without too much effort.
3. Just turn it a little if it's really stuck, and then back again, so counterclockwise, even if it's just 1/8 of a turn and back clockwise.
4. Repeat repeat repeat.
5. The liquid wrench will start to penetrate, apply more if necessary.
6. Keep turning it one way and then the other as you back it out, and then
turn it back slowly getting it to come out.
7. Once out, according to my mechanic apply some
tranny fluid NOT anti sieze to the threads of the new plugs.
Supposedly the anti seize cakes up under extreme heat and has the opposite effect. Any tranny fluid will do.
I haven't pulled my plugs since I tried this, I'll find out how well the tranny fluid trick works when i do.
last time I went to pull the plugs one did not want to come out.
If you force it you can tear the threads out along with the plug or break it off
in the hole, very bad.
Here's how to deal with that.
1st off never do plugs on an aluminum head that's still hot, let it cool.
Warm is ok, but not hot.
1. Spray some liquid wrench down in the hole, the goal is hit the threads.
Let it sit for a while.
2. Turn the plug gently Counter clockwise (CCW), as much as it will turn without too much effort.
3. Just turn it a little if it's really stuck, and then back again, so counterclockwise, even if it's just 1/8 of a turn and back clockwise.
4. Repeat repeat repeat.
5. The liquid wrench will start to penetrate, apply more if necessary.
6. Keep turning it one way and then the other as you back it out, and then
turn it back slowly getting it to come out.
7. Once out, according to my mechanic apply some
tranny fluid NOT anti sieze to the threads of the new plugs.
Supposedly the anti seize cakes up under extreme heat and has the opposite effect. Any tranny fluid will do.
I haven't pulled my plugs since I tried this, I'll find out how well the tranny fluid trick works when i do.
Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Mercedes C230 2005
Honestly, to think I was actually going to pay the dealer a ridiculous amount to change these!!! After reading this and many other wonderful posts on MB, i'm so happy I got around to doing it and honeslty it was very easy!! Even for someone like myself. Plugs seemed a little seized on the last 2, but with a little patience, no problem!! Be careful with those coil packs... go at it with ease.. they will come out!
No oil whatsoever on inspections, just nice and clean. This weekend is TB cleaning and hopeuflly a reset as well on the Tranny
No oil whatsoever on inspections, just nice and clean. This weekend is TB cleaning and hopeuflly a reset as well on the Tranny
