Jun 15, 2015, 07:58 PM
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E550 Spark Plugs - How often should they be replaced?
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 341
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From: Columbia, MO
E320 & X166
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Oregon's beautiful Willamette valley
2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R
I don't plan to change the spark plugs on my 2014 E550 ever, unless there is some detectable change in vehicle performance that might be attributable to faulty plugs. Factory manuals are written for the world, aim to protect the manufacturer, and are often biased more toward over-maintenance rather than under-maintenance. The M178 engine has a particularly vigorous spark generation system. That, coupled with very low average engine revolutions per mile should ensure exceptionally long spark plug life. I expect that someday spark plugs will be integrated into the cylinder head as a normally zero maintenance item.
I had to take my car to the dealer because of the engine stalling which turned out to be the crank position sensor. They are replacing it under warranty.
Now they are saying that the spark plugs are also due to for replacement because the car is 5 years old and I don't remember seeing that as one of the services for the 40K mile service that we just had done 5 months ago.
How often should the spark plugs in this car be replaced and I'd really appreciate some guidance on cost. What is the typical cost for this?
The dealer quoted almost $550 and it seemed rather exorbitant!
Now they are saying that the spark plugs are also due to for replacement because the car is 5 years old and I don't remember seeing that as one of the services for the 40K mile service that we just had done 5 months ago.
How often should the spark plugs in this car be replaced and I'd really appreciate some guidance on cost. What is the typical cost for this?
The dealer quoted almost $550 and it seemed rather exorbitant!
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
From: Long Island NY
E550
I like that thought. Had the car 6 months now. Changed the oil to Mobil 1 0w 40
All the Filters too. Was thinking about the plugs since she has 87k on her. Don't know when it was done last. Has no problem so as said earlier. It ain't broke
All the Filters too. Was thinking about the plugs since she has 87k on her. Don't know when it was done last. Has no problem so as said earlier. It ain't broke
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From: Columbia, MO
E320 & X166
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Joined: Jun 2017
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Mercedes CLK320 Coupe
I have a 2003 CLK 320 Coupe with 162,000 KM on it and just had the spark plugs changed. The plugs installed are the original ones from the factory. I installed Bosch Spark Plugs. Since I was replacing the valve cover gasket my mechanic advised to change them at the same time to save money on labour. He told me that they were still working but it was good I changed them to improve performance. I had to change 12 of them at a cost at about $12 each Canadian. Overall job cost around $160 to change 12 spark plugs including tax.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
Spark Plug Change Intervel
I have a 2003 CLK 320 Coupe with 162,000 KM on it and just had the spark plugs changed. The plugs installed are the original ones from the factory. I installed Bosch Spark Plugs. Since I was replacing the valve cover gasket my mechanic advised to change them at the same time to save money on labour. He told me that they were still working but it was good I changed them to improve performance. I had to change 12 of them at a cost at about $12 each Canadian. Overall job cost around $160 to change 12 spark plugs including tax.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Due to misreading the records on purchased car, I was running on factory plugs in 2003 E320 till 170k miles.
The old plugs had electrodes pretty burned out, but I observe mpg very carefully and new plugs did absolutely nothing to performance.
The old plugs had electrodes pretty burned out, but I observe mpg very carefully and new plugs did absolutely nothing to performance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,381
Likes: 29
E
I’ve heard the 5-year limit is in there because in some climates the plugs can seize to the aluminum head if you leave it too long. 90% of us are fine leaving it until you hit the 91k service and do it then. Did mine at 103k and had no dicernble wear.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
right ps2cho.- another myth.
The 170 k miles plugs I was removing were 13 years old and the car spend most of those years in corrosion-prone NY. No problem with removal.
The 170 k miles plugs I was removing were 13 years old and the car spend most of those years in corrosion-prone NY. No problem with removal.
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Joined: Apr 2007
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E
Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 176
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From: Sarasota area, FL
Current: 2020 E450 with self-driving capability
Just did mine the other day. E350 at ten years old and 95k miles. It was overdue on age but not overdue on mileage. Entire job took 30 minutes and was a no brainer. My earlier 320 motor took 12 spark plugs and a 17mm thin wall socket, but this newer engine required only six plugs and a 16mm (5/8") socket. I highly recommend using a u-joint plug socket for the job; picked mine up at the local parts store for about ten bucks.
The ten year old OE plugs looked okay and weren't too difficult to remove. I replaced with Denso iridium plugs from AutoHausAZ (or maybe it was Pelican Parts). Mfr specifically advised against anti seize and against re-gapping the plugs, so I put 'em in bare just as they were. Car does seem to run smoother and have more power.
The ten year old OE plugs looked okay and weren't too difficult to remove. I replaced with Denso iridium plugs from AutoHausAZ (or maybe it was Pelican Parts). Mfr specifically advised against anti seize and against re-gapping the plugs, so I put 'em in bare just as they were. Car does seem to run smoother and have more power.
