CL55 AMG Kompressor Spark Plug Change
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,274
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From: Seattle
2008 Mercedes Benz E63
CL55 AMG Kompressor Spark Plug Change
This weekend I changed my plugs and did the intercooler pump on my 2003 CL55 Kompressor. I ordered a set of plugs through WorldPac and they turned out to be the wrong ones. They were a quarter inch shorter then the stock NGK's that came out of the car as you can see in the picture below.
The Denso IK16 IS NOT the correct plug for this engine. After doing some more research I realized there was a Denso IK20 as an option, but I do not know for sure if this is the right plug. I went through Shucks/Oreilys and got the NGK Iridium 6619. These are the correct length plug. There is also a good comparison on the plugs for these engines on this forum.
The job itself is pretty self forward, but it does take a couple hours. I used a set of needle nose pliers with a slight bend to remove the plug wires from the two cylinders closest to the firewall. For the rest of the plug wires I used needle nosed pliers with the end for removing hoses. (Hopefully you guys know what I'm talking about) Use a little anti-seize and take your time.
The intercooler pump is also very straight forward. The only advice I have on this one is to use clamps to stop all the coolant from coming out. I have worked on cars for a long time and this was the first time I have used this tool. I lost less then half a pint of coolant, and it was virtually mess free. I used the upgraded Bosch pump.
I used my phone for the pictures so that explains the low quality, but I thought they would be better then nothing. If any one has any questions feel free to p/m me. I know this isn't exactly a how-to, but I have found the information on these cars to be some what limited.
The Denso IK16 IS NOT the correct plug for this engine. After doing some more research I realized there was a Denso IK20 as an option, but I do not know for sure if this is the right plug. I went through Shucks/Oreilys and got the NGK Iridium 6619. These are the correct length plug. There is also a good comparison on the plugs for these engines on this forum.
The job itself is pretty self forward, but it does take a couple hours. I used a set of needle nose pliers with a slight bend to remove the plug wires from the two cylinders closest to the firewall. For the rest of the plug wires I used needle nosed pliers with the end for removing hoses. (Hopefully you guys know what I'm talking about) Use a little anti-seize and take your time.
The intercooler pump is also very straight forward. The only advice I have on this one is to use clamps to stop all the coolant from coming out. I have worked on cars for a long time and this was the first time I have used this tool. I lost less then half a pint of coolant, and it was virtually mess free. I used the upgraded Bosch pump.
I used my phone for the pictures so that explains the low quality, but I thought they would be better then nothing. If any one has any questions feel free to p/m me. I know this isn't exactly a how-to, but I have found the information on these cars to be some what limited.
Last edited by layzie12g; Jul 1, 2012 at 10:12 PM.
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On a somewhat funny side note, when you order the "correct" plugs for the 55 compressor engine you get the... slr plugs which as you found out are the wrong ones 
beats me, but a fact- most online catalogs are messed up.
beats me, but a fact- most online catalogs are messed up.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,340
Likes: 22
From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
I replaced my plugs (on my 2003 CL55) at ~100,000 miles with NGK LFR6AIX-11 (6619).
I also swapped out all spark plug wires at the same time. More than a few of the spark plug wires tested with excessive resistance so I went ahead and did a full replacement.
I also swapped out all spark plug wires at the same time. More than a few of the spark plug wires tested with excessive resistance so I went ahead and did a full replacement.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 38
From: Seattle
2008 Mercedes Benz E63
Hopefully this will be an easy find for the CL55 owners that see this thread.
NGK LFR6AIX-11 (6619)
These are the correct plugs for our cars. I wouldn't even waste the time dealing with all of the other plug choices that pop up when you do a google search.
NGK LFR6AIX-11 (6619)
These are the correct plugs for our cars. I wouldn't even waste the time dealing with all of the other plug choices that pop up when you do a google search.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 698
Likes: 16
From: Germany
C215 CL55 AMG, W124 500E, W210 E430, W124 300E
My Programm tells me this is the correct NGK Iridium here in Germany:
"NGK 3588" based on the MB Number found in EPC: "004 159 13 03"
The NGK Number you listed is only available in germany for boat engines.
Btw, there is a high quality Beru spark wires set available, with silicon cable isolation for very long lasting.
Last edited by Crissus; Jan 30, 2013 at 03:01 PM.
