ccmbduong

I have a '96 E320 with 63K miles on it. I've been searching for the following info from MB members but can't seem to get the answers. Please tell us your experience with your car, especially the '96 E320 model
(1) What is the interval for changing spark plugs? 30K, 60K, 90K ? the answers seem to be all over the map
(2) What type of plugs that should be used? OEM or ???
(3) How easy is it to change plugs? any special tools?
(4) where can I find step-by-step instructions, with pictures?
Your input is greatly appreciated

E-Klasse

I have a 96. It is very easy to change the plugs on the Inline 6. But do not install Platinum plugs in this motor. Only install the Bosch Copper (F8DC4) plugs that came in it originally. They are only $3 to $4 each.

Order plugs here...

Remove the air tube that crosses over the motor in the back.

Take off the black cover that runs down the center of the top of the motor.

All 6 spark plugs are in a row with the 3 coils on every other one and a plug wire on the others.

Change them every 30K.

smazur

I changed mine for the first time ever at 100,000 miles and my gas milage jumped from 21 to 26 mpg on my 97 E320.
Search this forum for lots of help on installing them. It's as easy as changing 6 lightbulbs. You'll need to buy a long socket extension in order to get to the plugs. (buy the 10 inch model just to be safe.) Also, buy some boot lubricant to put on the ceramic part of the plug so the connector doesn't stick next time you change them.
Go ahead and yank the engine cover off, it's one of the easiest jobs you can perform and there's really nothing you can do to mess it up...
Oh and you may want to change the connector harness while your at it, that's around $100.

smazur

By the way, don't worry about the mileage interval. It's about $15 in parts and 1/2 hour of your own time so go ahead and change them as often as you'd like...

ccmbduong

Thanks alot guys... greatly appreciated. I change spark plugs on my '87 Camry and '94 Mercury villager van so I know it can be done. I just want to make sure that I don't do stupid things that would mess up my MB which is more expensive to fix. Sounds like very straight forward, I will take a shot at this.
Best Regards

Rossi430

Ever try Desno Spark Plugs - Iridium ? Comments ?

Spark Plugs [/B]


Premium Class Iridium plug 5303 IK16 0.043 $11.99 [B]

Premium Class Double platinum 3275 PK16PR-L11 0.043 $8.00

Regular Class Traditional spark plug 3143 K16PR-L11 0.043 $2.24

http://www.densoproducts.com/

smazur

Always use OEM plugs on this engine. No more comments needed. Just search on this forum to see first hand the nightmares of people who have tried platinum.

JeffreyP

Not wanting to hijack this thread, but what about a detail procedure for 98 and later model. I heard it required 12 plugs (2 per cylinder) and since they are V-6(8) they are much more difficult to change etc...

Has anyone changed plugs on a 98 and later?

Thanks in advance
JeffreyP

E-Klasse

Iridium plugs are not worth the money. Stick with the OEM Bosch Super Coppers. Change them your self to save money and do it every 30K miles.

The V6 is more of a job to get at the plugs. There are 2 per cylinder and they are hard to get to. The owners manual sais they will last 100K miles.

BenzVince

I have done the spark plug change myself. It is really easy since Inline is right on top easy access. However I bought the Champion Copper Spark plug it was like 1.50 a piece. From what I understand, that Copper usually need to be replace 15k miles, but those who said every 30k really surprise me cuz Copper usually have very limited life but very good conduction of electrical spark.