I need advice on how to change plugs. I am going on a long trip to Atlanta, GA from New York and to prepare the E320 I bought 12 new Iridium plugs and 8 quarts of tranny oil from the dealer. Brought everything to Pep Boys last weekend to have installed and found out that they do not change 98 and newer MB tranny fluid (claim they do not have the dipstick) and they were charging me almost $300 to change the plugs. Since I know some forum members have done this themselves I thought I might try it myself.

So will just postpone the tranny fluid change since that can wait or can be done in Atlanta and do the plugs myself. I have searched the forums but could not find a DYI on how to change plugs on our cars. Specifically I could not figure out how to remove the top engine plastic cover. If I can just remove that top cover, everything else would be easy. I already have the tools by the way.

Know any links on how to remove the top cover or a link on plug change DYI for our cars?

Thanks

Paxfobiscum

Hey paxfo, there's already a discussion on the dipstick issue here, seems like an easy job:

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w210/104413-w210-model-year-differences.html

As for the plastic cover, doesn't your's just clip on? With mine, I just rip it off and it snaps back into place. Never done the sparks myself...but hey, good luck, I'm sure u'll likey those iridiums, Denso, right? Me certainly likey mine. Wait, I seem to remember there was a thread on how to do the sparks......

Hope this helps.

This has no detailed procedure but I think it might be enough to give u the headsup:

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ighlight=spark

Thanks Whitey,

I read those posts already. The instruction was for the in-line 6, which is different from our V-6 engines. Also it does not give a specific instruction on how to remove the plastic cover. Does your cover just really pop off. I don't want to just tug hard on it and break a screw or something and have to buy it new in the stealer for $$$. It is a bit loose and I cannot seem to look underneath or in the back if there are any screws

Would be interested to know if anyone can confirm what Whitey said as just popping off the black engine cover.

Yes, I bought Denso Iridiums and since I do not change plugs all the time I can justify the cost. Heck is the probably the first and last time I will change plugs for this car as I might just sell it in about 3 years.

paxfo..

I think Whity is right.
I saw a machinist removed it last time, just "remove" without any tool, but his hands.

I am assuming you are referring to the V-6 engine - right? I know cover for the inline 6 engine (E320 1996 and 1997) just pops off with a tug.

Please confirm ...

or anyone else who knows...

Yes, mine is a 98 V6 and I am postive its a tug, as simple as that. I have taken it off many times to clean it and put various gadgets on it - smooth tug, not too hard. Not that it's designed that badly but I'm just afraid after all those years, the plastic would get kinda weak....a lift on one side swiftly should do it.

I know that thread refers mostly to the I-6 but if you take a careful look, one of the posts just says its a bit more work with the V-6, cuz we have one extra spark in each cylinder (..but I'm sure my mech's been charging me for 18 plugs! ...but I do trust him .... ).

I too have Denso iridiums...you will notice the difference, smoother, more responsive..not to mention their endurance! Good luck!

I have a 98 E-320, the plastic cover is very easy to pop off. Just gently lift up on it from the front, when it came out lift the back end.
Man, you are going to have much more hassle changing plugs. Plan for a few hours.

1. You need a plug removing tool to remove the boot from the plug or else you will strip it pulling by hand.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

2. Remove the wire from their individual coil (the other end of the plug wire) so you have more room. Once you get the wires off you are more than half way there.

3. Use the long extension and angle adaptor to get to the plug.

4. Some people use antisieze on the new plug head, I just rub a small amount of 10W40 for easier removal next time.

5. Torque

Good luck and let us know how it went.

Jeffrey

OK, just to leave little to the imagination, here what my cover looks like (N.B. this is an E430 engine bay but the set up is exactly the same):

Whitey,

Are you still awake? Damn don't you ever sleep man? Must be doing business in Hong Kong 24x7. Keep it up man as money never sleeps.

JeffreyP,

Thanks for the detailed heads up. I will try to find those pliers in ebay or try to improvise one myself. Perhaps a rubber taped vise grip grip would be sufficient - no?! Also will try to figure out how to do it properly. I already have the spark plug cone wrench but I do not have the angular extension. Could probably get that from Sears.

You guys think I might as well change the coils too? Heard that can be expensive though.

Thanks again,

Paul

Hahhaha, just finished packing for an early morning flight out....thought I'd check in to see if there's more wisdom here....

Good luck and do tell us how it went