Why Change Spark Plugs at 5 years?
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 216
Likes: 2
From: Bristol, CT
06 S211 E500 4Matic
Critter, good point. However, I don't think most people put that many miles on these cars. W211 owners with 30k-80k miles should, in my opinion, put spark plugs pretty low on their to-do list. I know I have one of the highest mileage W211s on the board with 154k miles, so I am usually that guy who gets to do those maintenance items, but I think you can truly gauge how reliable a car is after 100k, because frankly, the car should be problem-free until then (I know that W211s don't fall under this category as there is a whole thread with recalls and service campaigns, but that's another discussion).
Air filters are different though and would fall under the engine oil/filter category of preventative maintenance.
Air filters are different though and would fall under the engine oil/filter category of preventative maintenance.
Last edited by 06E5004ME; Sep 23, 2013 at 10:20 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
E320 2002
The plugs in my car, with 67,160 miles, backed out cleanly.
The boot sure fits snug, creating a good seal in the plug "silo"... I under if that would trap any spin-off from burning anti-seize compounds? Anyhow, I read this post top to bottom first, and decided to follow the recommendations. We'll see how things go next time I have to replace the plugs.
Bosch YR7MPP33, which is exactly what came out. Ordered them online Sunday evening, they were waiting for me, on my doorstep, Tuesday afternoon... $44.52, after tax, title, and license... $54.07 delivered.
The boot sure fits snug, creating a good seal in the plug "silo"... I under if that would trap any spin-off from burning anti-seize compounds? Anyhow, I read this post top to bottom first, and decided to follow the recommendations. We'll see how things go next time I have to replace the plugs.
Bosch YR7MPP33, which is exactly what came out. Ordered them online Sunday evening, they were waiting for me, on my doorstep, Tuesday afternoon... $44.52, after tax, title, and license... $54.07 delivered.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 341
Likes: 4
From: Columbia, MO
E320 & X166
I changed my plugs at 97k in my 2003 E320. The car was 9 years old at the time. It is extremely inexpensive for the DIY. I ordered original Mercedes plugs through bmwmercedesparts.com. Cost me lest than $70 for all 12. My plugs were easy to remove, no rust or seizing. The tips looks as good as new, just a little black but NO carbon build up. The tips looked as good as the new tips. I simply installed new plugs, no anti-anything, and buttoned everything up and moved on.
The 2003 plug interval is 100k as per MB. That is why I used the original plugs again. I may only go about 60k on these plugs because of the age of the engine now. 130.500 miles
The 2003 plug interval is 100k as per MB. That is why I used the original plugs again. I may only go about 60k on these plugs because of the age of the engine now. 130.500 miles
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 15
From: Canada
07 E63 + 07 CLK63CAB
A sparkplug that looks good will come out of an engine that is running well with minimal oil consumption and normal heating cycles, light to dark brown tips with small buildup of deposits. What is also important is the gap of the old plug, one can look at the plug and say it looks okay but when checked with a gap tool they see a 5-6 thou wear which is normal for a used plug with lots of miles on it. Always check a new plug going in just for piece of mind, some are spot on with the gap and every now and again one will be just as wide as the old plug coming out. DIY but do it right.
By the way anti seize material just ensures that the plug will not damage the aluminum threads when removed, steel plug and aluminum head, once you pull threads the first time, you will change your ways quickly.
By the way anti seize material just ensures that the plug will not damage the aluminum threads when removed, steel plug and aluminum head, once you pull threads the first time, you will change your ways quickly.
Last edited by Critter; Nov 18, 2013 at 11:45 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
It keeps the metals from bonding and seizing, but also causes over tightening is used with "dry" thread specifications.
The threads of good plugs are (or should be) plated to prevent seizing without lubrication.
Since most seem to have no problem removing the plugs, I am guessing MB specs plugs well matched to the head material.
On Fiats, I would never install a plug without anti-seize, but tightened them "gently".
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 2
From: Northern California
2004 E55 AMG; 1991 Previa
The anti-seize is a double edged sword.
It keeps the metals from bonding and seizing, but also causes over tightening is used with "dry" thread specifications.
The threads of good plugs are (or should be) plated to prevent seizing without lubrication.
Since most seem to have no problem removing the plugs, I am guessing MB specs plugs well matched to the head material.
On Fiats, I would never install a plug without anti-seize, but tightened them "gently".
It keeps the metals from bonding and seizing, but also causes over tightening is used with "dry" thread specifications.
The threads of good plugs are (or should be) plated to prevent seizing without lubrication.
Since most seem to have no problem removing the plugs, I am guessing MB specs plugs well matched to the head material.
On Fiats, I would never install a plug without anti-seize, but tightened them "gently".
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 2
From: Northern California
2004 E55 AMG; 1991 Previa
So how the hell are you going to over tighten it? Unless you have rock hard forearms and can't feel that **** anti seize or not chances are you won't screw anything up. Just sayin.....
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
You would be surprised how easy it is to over torque a bolt (or sparkplug) with lubed threads. "Just say'n . . . . . "
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Oregon's beautiful Willamette valley
2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R
Ive used anti-seize for more than 30 years on the aluminum head on a Briggs and Stratton commercial engine. Never once had any problem with removing or using the spark plugs. I don't plan to ever remove the spark plugs on the Mercedes unless and until their is an apparent problem with engine performance. Long before that time, I will most likely have bought another car or two.
Dang after 20 yrs of using antiseize I never knew it would cause misfire so I just kept using it and being able to remove plugs later without damage to the heads. All my vehicles use antiseize on the plugs except my diesel truck. However, I am very cautions to keep a very small amount on just the threads. Somehow I would suspect the very high temps from burning gasoline might just burn the antiseize off unless it was gobbed across the electrode. But doesn't it dissolve in gasoline and high velocity air?
