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2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Spark Plug Change 2014 C350 M276
I replaced my spark plugs today with this kit from FCP Euro. I just turned 60,000 miles and did the change according to the maintenance schedule. I followed the instructions in the WIS and had watched some YouTube videos (though they are lacking). A co-worker just had is E350 serviced (same engine) and the dealer charged him $600. While I think that's absurd, I certainly understand why. What a Pain In The ***! Still, with patience and the right tools, you can do it. I did get a digital torque wrench (Kobalt from Lowe's) and while pricey, I'm glad I did. The plugs need to be torqued to 23 Nm (~17 ft-lbs).
The FCP Euro kit includes intake plenum gaskets. Are these required to be replaced in this process? I’m gearing up to do this on my 2013 C300 and the guides I read didn’t mention replacing the gaskets.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by koenigseggCC7
The FCP Euro kit includes intake plenum gaskets. Are these required to be replaced in this process? I’m gearing up to do this on my 2013 C300 and the guides I read didn’t mention replacing the gaskets.
Also, what is WIS?
It is recommended to replace the gaskets, but if yours are in good shape, you may not need to. I just didn't know what to expect and didn't want to get that far and not have the parts if needed.
Based of the condition of my plugs and the gaskets, I really don't know why they recommend replacing them so soon. Mine looked fine.
I see now that the guides I’ve been reading are for the method that doesn’t involve removing the plenum, which is why I didn’t see that they were necessary. I’ll have to decide which method to go with.
That thread about WIS said that downloads can be bought on eBay for ~$10. I searched and there are tons available. Are they legit?
Last edited by koenigseggCC7; 09-07-2019 at 10:58 PM.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by koenigseggCC7
Thank you both.
I see now that the guides I’ve been reading are for the method that doesn’t involve removing the plenum, which is why I didn’t see that they were necessary. I’ll have to decide which method to go with.
That thread about WIS said that downloads can be bought on eBay for ~$10. I searched and there are tons available. Are they legit?
It will work with Windows, as well. The way these "cheap" manuals work is that you run it in a virtual machine (like Oracle VirtualBox) since the activation key of the software is linked to the specific device it's installed on. The VM is that device. Just follow installation instructions precisely.
Yeah, I saw the youtube video of the guy who said he didn't remove the plenum. I guess you could get away with that on the passenger side, but it would be a much bigger pain to do it on the driver side. On the driver side, you MUST remove the ECU/ECM. I've attached a couple of useful files.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
You definitely want a tool like this to get the plug wires off the first time. the lower part of the wire is encased in a hard plastic sleeve with a tab that lets you pulled it off, but you would think they were superglued on. A little scary how hard I had to pull, but it does pop off.
Thanks a ton for the assistance. Removing the plenum seems to make the job way easier and I wasn’t liking the thought of removing the ECU. I have large-ish hands so I was worried about access too.
I have a ton of experience working with the internals of Honda engines but this will be my first time getting into a German engine further than an oil change or air filter. Just trying to find all of the potential pain points early as I don’t have a backup car so the job needs to be done in a weekend.
I just can’t justify paying anyone $600 to change plugs.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Just be sure to have a good torque wrench. The plugs have to be precisely torqued to 23 Nm. Also, be sure to use spark plug wire grease to make removal easier next time.
$600 and you can use the $150 off 300 or more service coupon to about ~$450. Not terrible. Although I'm one to do these things myself so maybe will end up doing em myself come time
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by Adi-Benz
$600 and you can use the $150 off 300 or more service coupon to about ~$450. Not terrible. Although I'm one to do these things myself so maybe will end up doing em myself come time
I did it without removing the plenum. It’s a bit of a pain but not terrible, drivers side is tight though. Make sure you have the right spark plug socket!
09-07-2019, 07:18 PM
