$850 for new spark plugs?
11-13-2007, 02:01 PM
#1
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02C32AMG
$850 for new spark plugs?
I have an '02 C32 with 49K miles. The car was at the dealer this week getting some other work done and the service writer called me and recommended I have the spark plugs changed soon based on the age of the car and mileage. He quoted me a price of ~$850 just to have the spark plugs replaced!!! After throwing up in my mouth I told him that I wasn't interested.
So, my questions for you are...
When (age and mileage) do spark plugs need to be replaced?
How much should a plug change cost?
The stealership might be correct on all counts, but I thought I'd check with you guys first. Thanks in advance.
So, my questions for you are...
When (age and mileage) do spark plugs need to be replaced?
How much should a plug change cost?
The stealership might be correct on all counts, but I thought I'd check with you guys first. Thanks in advance.
11-13-2007, 02:09 PM
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C32 AMG
Got magnicore wires and NGK Iridium plugs from 1fastc32 for 200. We installed them right there at his house. He will post up a link to his web store and you can buy from him... The totals for everything should be like 260 or so shipped and the install is so so so easy... there is a write up.
It would be even cheaper if you didnt want the wires, and just wanted the plugs. I am sure he will post, but if not email him up.
Here is a link to his site:
http://www.letmotorsports.com/
-Mike
It would be even cheaper if you didnt want the wires, and just wanted the plugs. I am sure he will post, but if not email him up.
Here is a link to his site:
http://www.letmotorsports.com/
-Mike
11-13-2007, 02:30 PM
#3
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most car now .. require spark plugs at 100k...
i doubt you need new plugs..
I suggest you start searching for a mechanic to work your car.. avoid the dealer.
i doubt you need new plugs..
I suggest you start searching for a mechanic to work your car.. avoid the dealer.
11-13-2007, 02:49 PM
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02 C32 AMG sold!
If you're a car guy you automatically change spark plugs,
transmission-differential-coolant fluids annually. But don't
over do it like I did, I'm on my 4th set of spark plugs in less
than a year to find the ones I liked (thanks again Erick!)
transmission-differential-coolant fluids annually. But don't
over do it like I did, I'm on my 4th set of spark plugs in less
than a year to find the ones I liked (thanks again Erick!)
11-13-2007, 02:54 PM
#5
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MB’s specified interval is 100,000 miles/five years. My SA quoted $650 while in for some unrelated warranty work.
I purchased the plugs and invested less than two hours...DIY link.
It was time well spent, as I saved $500.
I purchased the plugs and invested less than two hours...DIY link.
It was time well spent, as I saved $500.
Last edited by splinter; 11-13-2007 at 03:12 PM. Reason: repair link
11-13-2007, 03:03 PM
#6
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Plugs
Are a diy item as stated above,the wires last if properly treated(not yanked on)for well over 100,000 miles.Bosch or NGk are both oe items.M112 diy is also on mercedesshop.com diy section.Get the 17 mm offset open end wrench to pry off the boots and leave the wires attached to the coils.The plugs are plated with nickle so no need for anti seize which only messes up torque reading and can if applied arc the plug to failure.Why anyone would change them yearly,I can't figure out,so you follow whomever you think has the correct maint.
interval^^^^^^^
interval^^^^^^^
11-13-2007, 04:11 PM
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C32 AMG
I'd wait until at LEAST 65,000 miles, and if you can't/won't do it yourself, find an independent tech to do it. It's all labor. Not as easy as some here would suggest, but certainly not something you should spend $1,000 on.
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11-13-2007, 04:44 PM
#8
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While reading through this thread, I thought of you and your $8/15 minute installation on the P car.
How’s it treating you?
How’s it treating you?
11-13-2007, 05:17 PM
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
correct
not easy,but not all that hard,if you are a diy type person.With the proper basic tools you can remove the air box,tubing and pop off the engine cover and have the plugs r/r in a good sat.morning before lunch amount of time.
another good diy is on benzworld.org w210 section.With basic tools,a set of torx bits and the 17mm wrench or a long 5/8 open end,you are set to do the change for the cost of the above tools(under 50 bucks)and the cost of the plugs ngk were 2.99 ea. for oe single side electrode platinum plugs times 12.
Have fun,or as the member above wisely stated find a good indie and get away from the dealer.
another good diy is on benzworld.org w210 section.With basic tools,a set of torx bits and the 17mm wrench or a long 5/8 open end,you are set to do the change for the cost of the above tools(under 50 bucks)and the cost of the plugs ngk were 2.99 ea. for oe single side electrode platinum plugs times 12.
Have fun,or as the member above wisely stated find a good indie and get away from the dealer.
11-13-2007, 05:47 PM
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C32 AMG
While reading through this thread, I thought of you and your $8/15 minute installation on the P car.
How’s it treating you?
How’s it treating you?
So far, so good. First track days coming up this weekend! (VIR, Danville VA).
11-14-2007, 12:52 AM
#11
Got magnicore wires and NGK Iridium plugs from 1fastc32 for 200. We installed them right there at his house. He will post up a link to his web store and you can buy from him... The totals for everything should be like 260 or so shipped and the install is so so so easy... there is a write up.
It would be even cheaper if you didnt want the wires, and just wanted the plugs. I am sure he will post, but if not email him up.
Here is a link to his site:
http://www.letmotorsports.com/
-Mike
It would be even cheaper if you didnt want the wires, and just wanted the plugs. I am sure he will post, but if not email him up.
Here is a link to his site:
http://www.letmotorsports.com/
-Mike
definitely don't pay those high dealer prices! i have heard of price gouging, but this insane!
11-14-2007, 01:51 AM
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I have an '02 C32 with 49K miles. The car was at the dealer this week getting some other work done and the service writer called me and recommended I have the spark plugs changed soon based on the age of the car and mileage. He quoted me a price of ~$850 just to have the spark plugs replaced!!! After throwing up in my mouth I told him that I wasn't interested.
So, my questions for you are...
When (age and mileage) do spark plugs need to be replaced?
How much should a plug change cost?
The stealership might be correct on all counts, but I thought I'd check with you guys first. Thanks in advance.
So, my questions for you are...
When (age and mileage) do spark plugs need to be replaced?
How much should a plug change cost?
The stealership might be correct on all counts, but I thought I'd check with you guys first. Thanks in advance.
Definitely a DIY work man
thats' stealer
11-14-2007, 02:03 AM
#15
It's not hard at all if you have the correct tools for the job (extensions, flex sockets, flex head ratchets). It takes about 90 minutes to change the plugs and wires. Be sure to use anti seize when you put the new plugs back in. My plugs at 58,000 miles were in suprisingly good condition. I would say you could get by with the recommended 100,000 interval. I opted for the Magnecor wires and Denso Iridium plugs - IK20's. Car felt a little more responsive after the change out. Idle is a little rough but I don't mind a bit --- kind of reminds me of my old 400 cid engines I used to tinker with!
11-14-2007, 02:06 AM
#16
oh yeah and about $850.00 for the dealer to do the changeout.......that's when the rear window sun visor 'option' seen on YouTube would come in handy as your rolling out of the service department parking lot!!!!!
11-14-2007, 03:52 PM
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02C32AMG
Thanks everyone!!!
Great feedback and suggestions! I really appreciate all of your posts.
You have inspired me to perform the maintenance myself. :-) I already have a few of the recommended tools so the biggest part will be finding the time and patience. Thanks for the DIY links - great information. Since I only have 49K miles on the odo I'll probably wait until I get closer to 60K to do the change.
You have inspired me to perform the maintenance myself. :-) I already have a few of the recommended tools so the biggest part will be finding the time and patience. Thanks for the DIY links - great information. Since I only have 49K miles on the odo I'll probably wait until I get closer to 60K to do the change.
11-16-2007, 01:35 AM
#19
