CL55 AMG, CL65 AMG, CL63 AMG (C215, C216) 2000 - 2014 (Two Generations)

Install spark plugs when coils are changed??

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Old May 22, 2014 | 08:14 PM
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Install spark plugs when coils are changed??

I'm installing new coils this weekend when I install the tuned ECU and TCU. Since I'll already have the spark plugs within reach, is it recommended to go ahead and install fresh plugs? I'm temped to cheap out and leave them in.

The CL's about to hit 90K miles.
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Old May 22, 2014 | 08:27 PM
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At 90K I would. I didn't change mine when I replaced my coil, but my car only has 44,000 miles on it. Already had one coil replaced before I got it though so I was just replacing one. I plan to do plugs this next winter even though I will still be under 50,000 miles.
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Old May 22, 2014 | 08:53 PM
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How did I know you were going to say that. Do you guys go a step colder?


If not, I'll likely go OEM, which I believe is Bosch FR7KPP33U+.
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Old May 23, 2014 | 07:56 PM
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New plugs will have the benefit of reducing the firing voltage stress. Since your in there a good time to do it and also read the old plugs.
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Old May 23, 2014 | 11:59 PM
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I removed the coil packs and plugs this evening. The biggest PITA was when the rubber insulators (or whatever the heck they're called) get stuck on the plugs when the coils are removed. I think I spent more time removing them from the rear most plugs on both sides than I did on the teardown.


Install spark plugs when coils are changed??-img_20140523_212841_669_zpscfb4a1bf.jpg




After finally getting the insulators out of the way, all the plugs were removed. The plugs appear to be the stock NGK's. Some were cracked along the porcelain and the passenger rear plug has some type of buildup on the electrode.


Install spark plugs when coils are changed??-img_20140523_215904_548_zpsfb42e5c3.jpg


Install spark plugs when coils are changed??-img_20140523_215842_107_zpsf48ae95a.jpg


Install spark plugs when coils are changed??-img_20140523_215727_470_zps1ad7a3f2.jpg


Plugs and coils will be replaced tomorrow. I'll wait until winter to repair the suspected valve cover leaks.


Here's a photo of some engine oil pooling at the passenger front plug.


Install spark plugs when coils are changed??-img_20140523_211508_433_zpsb9716234.jpg



Here's some photos of the stripped engine.


Install spark plugs when coils are changed??-img_20140523_215529_554_zpsed678f1d.jpg


Install spark plugs when coils are changed??-img_20140523_215523_287_zpsbd6e503f.jpg
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Old May 24, 2014 | 12:16 AM
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Looks like replacing plugs was the right way to go. Did you go stock or a step colder?
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Old May 24, 2014 | 12:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Dr Matt
Looks like replacing plugs was the right way to go. Did you go stock or a step colder?

Agreed for sure.


I haven't purchased the plugs yet, as the stockers weren't in stock at my local Autozone. I do think it's best to go a step colder, but was reluctant until hearing back from the elders.

Last edited by Grip Grip; May 24, 2014 at 09:12 PM.
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Old May 24, 2014 | 06:32 AM
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I don't know how much of a difference it will really make going with a different plug, but I have stock replacements for what its worth. You gotta realize you just ran 11.5x stock with plugs that almost look to be original. I'm sure anything new will be a plus. I'd just put stockers back in so you could use it this weekend, unless some could give you better advice.
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Old May 24, 2014 | 01:00 PM
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That plug looks like it is covered in aluminum. You may be suffering from extended detonation that could be caused a lean condition.
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Old May 24, 2014 | 01:25 PM
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Originally Posted by RaceHorse
I don't know how much of a difference it will really make going with a different plug, but I have stock replacements for what its worth. You gotta realize you just ran 11.5x stock with plugs that almost look to be original. I'm sure anything new will be a plus. I'd just put stockers back in so you could use it this weekend, unless some could give you better advice.
Thanks. I decided to go with the stock heat range. I ended going with Autolite XP3923 plugs, since they were in stock locally.


Originally Posted by BlownV8
That plug looks like it is covered in aluminum. You may be suffering from extended detonation that could be caused a lean condition.
I did a little research, and I belive it's calcium buildup from the car burning a little oil. The ST and LT trims look good, so I think the A/F is probably fine. I really need to install my wideband and other sensors.
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Old May 24, 2014 | 04:06 PM
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Calcium buildup from synthetic oil?
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Old May 24, 2014 | 04:14 PM
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Look for oil coating the Red insulators..

The front passenger side of the engine near the oil filler / cap area is where the oil will drip right into the coil holes if you accidentally miss and spill the oil when filling it.. all it takes is a tiny bit and it'll flow down right into the spark plug holes.. almost a perfect path for the oil to go.
The oil will make its way coating the red insulators and eventually cause it to arc..

That's why I don't trust anyone doing even the oil change..

Another thing that I did was take a hemostat and wrapped paper towel strips and used simple green to clean out the spark plug cavities.. all 24 cavities..
I even took a videoscope and looked thru the spark plug hole to check the tops of the piston and cavity walls..

Last edited by NRL; May 24, 2014 at 04:18 PM.
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Old May 24, 2014 | 08:42 PM
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Did my 65 two years ago with much lower mileage than yours, all the plugs looked excellent except the right rear which were moderately fouled, perhaps that's common. I use Techron once a year; mostly open road miles.
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Old May 24, 2014 | 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by BlownV8
Calcium buildup from synthetic oil?
Sorry, but I didn't mean to come across as if I actually know for a fact it's from carbon buildup. I did a google search and that's the first thing I found.

Originally Posted by NRL
Look for oil coating the Red insulators..

The front passenger side of the engine near the oil filler / cap area is where the oil will drip right into the coil holes if you accidentally miss and spill the oil when filling it.. all it takes is a tiny bit and it'll flow down right into the spark plug holes.. almost a perfect path for the oil to go.
The oil will make its way coating the red insulators and eventually cause it to arc..

That's why I don't trust anyone doing even the oil change..

Another thing that I did was take a hemostat and wrapped paper towel strips and used simple green to clean out the spark plug cavities.. all 24 cavities..
I even took a videoscope and looked thru the spark plug hole to check the tops of the piston and cavity walls..
I cleaned the best I could and attached 2 foot piece of 5/8" hose to the end of my shop vac and lowered it down in the the plug hole in the head. This should have gotten out all the loose dirt.

Surprisingly, the passenger coil was new. It must have been replaced by the dealer before I bought the car.

Originally Posted by dtohio
Did my 65 two years ago with much lower mileage than yours, all the plugs looked excellent except the right rear which were moderately fouled, perhaps that's common. I use Techron once a year; mostly open road miles.
I'm leaning toward that conclusion myself, as the car was running perfect prior the the plug swap.
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Old May 24, 2014 | 11:01 PM
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I would not use autolites. Not saying they are horrible plugs but they are just not fit to put your 65. There was a thread in the 220 forum where a gentlemen opted to use autolites instead of ngk on his s600 v12 One of the plugs tip literally broke and fell into the cylinder ... damaging it. He ended buying a used motor and swapping them. Grip the decision is yours but as an automotive enthusiast and certified tech I would advise you to use the ngk plugs always. Goodluck my friend
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Old May 24, 2014 | 11:15 PM
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Originally Posted by s5benzo
I would not use autolites. Not saying they are horrible plugs but they are just not fit to put your 65. There was a thread in the 220 forum where a gentlemen opted to use autolites instead of ngk on his s600 v12 One of the plugs tip literally broke and fell into the cylinder ... damaging it. He ended buying a used motor and swapping them. Grip the decision is yours but as an automotive enthusiast and certified tech I would advise you to use the ngk plugs always. Goodluck my friend

Thanks for the info, but the plugs are fully installed along with the coils. The car is complete awaiting the TCU.
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Old May 24, 2014 | 11:16 PM
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https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w220/532232-04-w220-s600-cylinder-7-only-misfire.html

Check out his thread , he did an awesome job swapping motors. I would hate to see you have the same problem over a spark plug. Put ngks in grip !!
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Old May 25, 2014 | 12:46 AM
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Thanks for the info, but unfortunately it came too late for me.


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Old May 25, 2014 | 12:59 AM
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Rolling the dice !! I like that lol no problem grip just thought that would help. Goodluck man .... btw awesome vehicle .
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Old May 25, 2014 | 11:24 AM
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Get the Autolites out ASAP!! I have done plugs in my 65 and used colder range ngk plugs. I think i spent $70 on all the plugs. They are NGK v-power BKR7E 4644
I run a repair shop for a living and can't tell you how many problems come from autolite plugs!
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Old May 25, 2014 | 07:23 PM
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Originally Posted by s5benzo
Rolling the dice !! I like that lol no problem grip just thought that would help. Goodluck man .... btw awesome vehicle .

Thanks and Thanks.


Originally Posted by richvegas
Get the Autolites out ASAP!! I have done plugs in my 65 and used colder range ngk plugs. I think i spent $70 on all the plugs. They are NGK v-power BKR7E 4644
I run a repair shop for a living and can't tell you how many problems come from autolite plugs!

Thanks for the advice. I just placed an order for the NGK's you referenced off Amazon. They won't be installed right away, but within a few weeks. I'll swap sooner if I detect missfiring or a rough idle.

Last edited by Grip Grip; May 25, 2014 at 07:59 PM.
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