Glow plug replacement in 2006 E320 CDI
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 80
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E320 CDI
Glow plug replacement in 2006 E320 CDI
Hello members,
I have decided to embark upon this adventure and would like your advice and thoughts on the specifics of this procedure.
1) The tools I should obtain and the process to ensure there is no breakage.
I have seen videos that suggest using impact drivers as the only sure shot option. What do you all think?
How should the bore be cleaned out prior to installing new plugs.
I know this is an old topic but if I can get a link to possibly a video and specific suggestions. I'd be grateful.
My glow plugs have blown out one too many times and I cannot afford going to the dealership shelling out nearly 750 each time!
Thanks for your help and support always
I have decided to embark upon this adventure and would like your advice and thoughts on the specifics of this procedure.
1) The tools I should obtain and the process to ensure there is no breakage.
I have seen videos that suggest using impact drivers as the only sure shot option. What do you all think?
How should the bore be cleaned out prior to installing new plugs.
I know this is an old topic but if I can get a link to possibly a video and specific suggestions. I'd be grateful.
My glow plugs have blown out one too many times and I cannot afford going to the dealership shelling out nearly 750 each time!
Thanks for your help and support always
Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 95
Likes: 24
1991 300D, 2006 E320 CDI, 2014 E250 Bluetec
A few thoughts:
1. Warm up the engine first.
2. Respect the 25 Nm torque loosening limit. If it doesn't come out easily, use some penetrating oil and wait.
3, Use nylon brush to clean out carbon build up.
4. Use Beru 5v plugs.
I know the impact driver video you're talking about. That guy knows what he's doing. But I've been a little gun shy going that route. FWIW the factory service manual just recommends not exceeding the 25 Nm torque limit, presumably just using a regular torque wrench.
It's a really easy job...good luck!
1. Warm up the engine first.
2. Respect the 25 Nm torque loosening limit. If it doesn't come out easily, use some penetrating oil and wait.
3, Use nylon brush to clean out carbon build up.
4. Use Beru 5v plugs.
I know the impact driver video you're talking about. That guy knows what he's doing. But I've been a little gun shy going that route. FWIW the factory service manual just recommends not exceeding the 25 Nm torque limit, presumably just using a regular torque wrench.
It's a really easy job...good luck!
Last edited by shertex; Oct 28, 2022 at 06:09 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E320 CDI
Thanks for the encouragement Shertex. Any thoughts on which penetrating oil to use? Also I don’t kniw which glow plugs the dealership uses. I am guessing they must be Beru but does it matter if they are some others. I really don’t have the guts to try and replace all 6 as a first attempt, I’d like to just replace the failed #5. My car has barely 47,000 miles on it - believe it or not. It has literally not been used!
Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 95
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1991 300D, 2006 E320 CDI, 2014 E250 Bluetec
I use PB Blaster...but there are others.
Yeah, I would only replace them as they fail. No need to replace all of them. One of my CDIs has two plugs that are original after 160k miles!
Great that you found one with such low miles!!!
Yeah, I would only replace them as they fail. No need to replace all of them. One of my CDIs has two plugs that are original after 160k miles!
Great that you found one with such low miles!!!
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 633
Likes: 48
From: USA
2006 E320 CDI
Thanks for the encouragement Shertex. Any thoughts on which penetrating oil to use? Also I don’t kniw which glow plugs the dealership uses. I am guessing they must be Beru but does it matter if they are some others. I really don’t have the guts to try and replace all 6 as a first attempt, I’d like to just replace the failed #5. My car has barely 47,000 miles on it - believe it or not. It has literally not been used!
thank you
Last edited by ot1; Oct 29, 2022 at 01:03 PM.
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 97
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2006 E320 CDI
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...320-0011597401. They offer free lifetime replacement. STAR diagnostic will indicate which glowplugs are bad.
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From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
I had to grind a deep socket to get one if the glows out of my '05- might've been #3... other than that, easy does it. Use penetrating oil. Loosen/tighten/ loosen (twosteps forward, one step back). Penetrating oil. Compressed air just before you take the plug out.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E320 CDI
I had to grind a deep socket to get one if the glows out of my '05- might've been #3... other than that, easy does it. Use penetrating oil. Loosen/tighten/ loosen (twosteps forward, one step back). Penetrating oil. Compressed air just before you take the plug out.
Lastly, how do you ream/clean the glow plug bore?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E320 CDI
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...320-0011597401. They offer free lifetime replacement. STAR diagnostic will indicate which glowplugs are bad.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Posts: 2,758
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From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
This is exactly what one is afraid of. what is the max torque setting that the glow plug head will tolerate before breaking off? Can one somehow guarantee that if you don't go over that it will not break assuming that PB blaster, heating the engine etc is followed? Also is deep creep by sea form a better penetrant than PB blaster? What do y'all use for anti seize?
Lastly, how do you ream/clean the glow plug bore?
Lastly, how do you ream/clean the glow plug bore?
I prefer PB Blaster, having had good luck with it in the past. Others will swear by a 50/50 mix of acetone and red ATF. Somebody else likely has their preference that is completely different. Antisieze? Permatex, lightly applied.
As far as cleaning the glow bore, all you need to do is blast it with compressed air just before completely removing the plug (wear eye protection). The PB blaster puddle will flush out the cruddies. If you want to go crazy with it after the plug is out, you can rig up a narrow diameter tube adapted to your shop vac and suck out any possible remaining splooge.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2021
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2006 E280
This is exactly what one is afraid of. what is the max torque setting that the glow plug head will tolerate before breaking off? Can one somehow guarantee that if you don't go over that it will not break assuming that PB blaster, heating the engine etc is followed? Also is deep creep by sea form a better penetrant than PB blaster? What do y'all use for anti seize?
I've had good luck using just regular diesel when working with rusted threads. Apply some, wait, try to loosen.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 338
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From: Charlotte, NC
2005 E320 CDI, 2015 GLA 250
I replaced one this afternoon (#2 plug). The engine was warm which can help in getting them loose. The center post usually reads 10 ohms resistance to ground. 50 to 100 ohms when bad. My number 2 plug was 57 Mohms which is so high that the scanner suggested the wire must be broken.
The MB repair manual go into great detail on how to repair a head with a broken off glow plug but it is not a friendly activity.
As I recall, the tightening torque is 19Nm. I use anti-seize on the threads when installing. At 240,000 miles, I think I’ve replaced eight or ten. I keep spares.
Good luck,
Peter
The MB repair manual go into great detail on how to repair a head with a broken off glow plug but it is not a friendly activity.
As I recall, the tightening torque is 19Nm. I use anti-seize on the threads when installing. At 240,000 miles, I think I’ve replaced eight or ten. I keep spares.
Good luck,
Peter
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 80
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E320 CDI
My set of Beru glow plugs arrived in the mail today. It is a box with 6 plugs each in its own little cardboard box (by the glow plug itself is not sealed in plastic or anything. They are just loose in the box. They say made in Italy on the box while I was thinking Germany. Could these be fake? Are Beru made in Italy? I have had so many glow plug issues that I am a bit scarred. Any clarification would be appreciated.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2008
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E320 CDI
Any ideas on where to get them?
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 97
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2006 E320 CDI
Check your local MB dealer. Some are competitive with part prices. Try here. https://www.mbdirectparts.com/v-2006-mercedes-benz-e320--cdi--3-2l-l6-diesel
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/GE116.htm?pn=GE-116-INT
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/GE116.htm?pn=GE-116-INT
Last edited by hangit06; Nov 10, 2022 at 07:32 AM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 80
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E320 CDI
Every place I go it says sold out or discontinued! With great difficult I was able to locate 001-159-74-01 the one last glow plug at Stevens creek MB.Is glow plugs on the next list or shortages?
Member
Joined: Jun 2017
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1991 300D, 2006 E320 CDI, 2014 E250 Bluetec
Kingsborne, one of the US distributors for Beru, currently has 13 in stock (as of 11/10/22). I have six spares on hand...otherwise I would have bought a bunch. Selling for $28.
http://www.kingsborne.com/
http://www.kingsborne.com/
Member
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1991 300D, 2006 E320 CDI, 2014 E250 Bluetec
Talked to the guys at FCP Euro.....this is simply a temporary issue due to Beru being rebranded as Borg Warner. So it should sort out in a few months.
Last edited by shertex; Nov 10, 2022 at 04:10 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 80
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E320 CDI
Thank you so much for your reply and sending me the lead for kingsborne. Just bought them all. Borgwarners will probably be built elsewhere and I don't want to add too many unknown variables. As it is, replacing GPs are quite a PITA.
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From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
