When to replace Spark Plug Wires 2003 E320 97k?

Mar 22, 2010 | 06:34 PM

blair771999

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E320 W 211

When to replace Spark Plug Wires 2003 E320 97k?

Should I replace spark plug wires on 2003 Mercedes E 320 97k as needed or when ever I change spark plugs?Has anyone only replaced spark plugs?I've had one Independent mechanic tell me to do wires & another tell me just the plugs.Would like to know before I shell out the extra $ for wires.Thanks and have a great day.

Mar 22, 2010 | 07:06 PM

lkchris

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From: Albuquerque

'10 CL550, '12 GL550

Replace them when they fail, and even then only one at a time.

They're $40 each and you have 12.

Mar 22, 2010 | 08:58 PM

AMGSpartan

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Joined: Dec 2009

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From: Georgia, USA

2008 GL320 CDI, 2007 E320, 2005 Passat TDI

Quote:

Originally Posted by blair771999

I did the plugs and wires DIY at my house recently. Not too hard to do. My car is 2005 with 93K miles and the plugs/wires were original. I put in Magnecor wires (16 of em!) for much less cost-wise than OEM wires. Personally, if I'm gonna gear up for a DIY job like this, I wouldn't consider doing it without replacing the wires whilst everything is right there. I mean REALLY...what have you got to loose by changing wires? You should also check your valve covers for oil leaks (even little leaks) and have the valve cover gaskets replace along with plugs & wires. Fun fun!

/Spart

Mar 26, 2010 | 02:30 PM

E92-Lighting

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From: Irvine CA 949

BBS LM's 18's + Kics

40-50k miles is a good assumption for new spark plugs, Iridium is your friend

Mar 26, 2010 | 06:48 PM

CharlyE500

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From: Socal, Chino

E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

Replace them when they fail, and even then only one at a time.

They're $40 each and you have 12.

They dont cost $40 each..... about $12 and you better change them at 97k. Dont wait until something wrong. Its cheap $144 + labor. I also recommend to change the cable in the same time. Its a Mercedes ! its very essential stuff to change. (Same for Trasm service, do it before too late)

Mar 26, 2010 | 07:29 PM

Benzo 003

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Joined: Sep 2009

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From: Chicagoland

2008 ML350 4matic

I too am a strong believer in changing wires with plugs. You're already in there and I believe that the wires wear just like plugs. The wires are carrying an electronic "jolt" as the plug. I realized that the plugs are subjected to much more heat and the "explosion" of firing to ignite the gas, but it's not a proper tune up without wires.
Why risk the chance of cracking the core of one and re-installing a wire that could arc or fail completely. Wires do get brittle with time.
A damaged wire would be extremely hard to detect by the DIY guy...then its back to the dealer for a diagnosis....more money.
DIY it and save a fortune and learn a little something too.

Mar 26, 2010 | 08:16 PM

vettdvr

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From: Louisiana

03 E500 and Corvette

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benzo 003

.........
A damaged wire would be extremely hard to detect by the DIY guy...then its back to the dealer for a diagnosis....more money.
DIY it and save a fortune and learn a little something too.

Actually if you have a code reader and the engine throws a code due to a misfire you can find exactly which cylinder is the issue.

However I don't change wires unless I determine the condition of the wires indicates changing when I do plugs. I don't auto throw a set on.

Age,, flexability, brittle, cracking and of course any arcing you see at night hood open are good indcators of needing new wires.

you can also ohm the wires to confirm resistance.