Spark Plugs and Transmission service
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Spark Plugs and Transmission service
My 2010 is approaching 10 years and only has 35,000 miles on it.
Had the transmission service done by dealer at 21,000 miles and 6 years old. So, do I really need another one now? I tend to think not, especially at $600 or so.
Spark plugs have never been replaced and manual says 8 years or 80,000 miles. Not sure, but dealer would probably want $500 to $700 for that.
Is it really necessary to change plugs just because they are 10 years old?
I do prefer to use the dealer as they are no reliable independents around here.
Thanks.
Had the transmission service done by dealer at 21,000 miles and 6 years old. So, do I really need another one now? I tend to think not, especially at $600 or so.
Spark plugs have never been replaced and manual says 8 years or 80,000 miles. Not sure, but dealer would probably want $500 to $700 for that.
Is it really necessary to change plugs just because they are 10 years old?
I do prefer to use the dealer as they are no reliable independents around here.
Thanks.
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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
2010 is it older model of 7G?
If that so, they had MB recommendation for single service at 40k and then left for the life.
I had that 7G in 2008 model and did 2nd ATF change at 180k miles. The car drive just fine and with new owner is about 200k by now.
Plugs have time recommendation becouse of corrosion you CAN have in some locations.
Few years back I bought wagon with 140k miles/12 year of age.
Was able to pull MI and it did show extensive service at 100k miles, so I assumed the plugs were changed.
Only over a year later I read the records more carefully and turn out I was driving with factory plugs at 146k miles and 13 years.
Replaced them then and even old plugs show platinum electrode pretty short, replacement did not change anything and I record mpg at each fill up.
So use your common sense as manuals always call for worse case scenario.
Do you drive in Arctic temperatures, Ontario salt and Sahara dust?
If that so, they had MB recommendation for single service at 40k and then left for the life.
I had that 7G in 2008 model and did 2nd ATF change at 180k miles. The car drive just fine and with new owner is about 200k by now.
Plugs have time recommendation becouse of corrosion you CAN have in some locations.
Few years back I bought wagon with 140k miles/12 year of age.
Was able to pull MI and it did show extensive service at 100k miles, so I assumed the plugs were changed.
Only over a year later I read the records more carefully and turn out I was driving with factory plugs at 146k miles and 13 years.
Replaced them then and even old plugs show platinum electrode pretty short, replacement did not change anything and I record mpg at each fill up.
So use your common sense as manuals always call for worse case scenario.
Do you drive in Arctic temperatures, Ontario salt and Sahara dust?
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What are your long term plans for the car? Do you want to keep driving it for another 5-10 years. If so, maybe do the plugs and hold off on the transmission fluid change for a couple more years. I suppose you could send out a sample of the trans fluid to be tested if you were concerned, but I'm sure it is just fine. If you could change the plugs yourself it would save some money as well.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 377
Likes: 98
From: Savannah, GA
2010 W212 E550 4matic
My 2010 is approaching 10 years and only has 35,000 miles on it.
Had the transmission service done by dealer at 21,000 miles and 6 years old. So, do I really need another one now? I tend to think not, especially at $600 or so.
Spark plugs have never been replaced and manual says 8 years or 80,000 miles. Not sure, but dealer would probably want $500 to $700 for that.
Is it really necessary to change plugs just because they are 10 years old?
I do prefer to use the dealer as they are no reliable independents around here.
Thanks.
Had the transmission service done by dealer at 21,000 miles and 6 years old. So, do I really need another one now? I tend to think not, especially at $600 or so.
Spark plugs have never been replaced and manual says 8 years or 80,000 miles. Not sure, but dealer would probably want $500 to $700 for that.
Is it really necessary to change plugs just because they are 10 years old?
I do prefer to use the dealer as they are no reliable independents around here.
Thanks.
The 7g tronic without reduced friction (pre june 2010 - red fluid) needs the oil&filter replaced every 39k miles. I'm not aware of a certain number of years before the tranny fluid loses its properties but it should be a number larger than 10. I would replace it, the stunt they pulled with telling people their gearboxes have fluid which never needs replacing is one of the dumbest things they've done in the past decades. There is no such thing as fluid for life when it comes to transmissions.
Spark plugs on the M272-V6/M273-V8 NA engines are very easy to replace and they are cheap. I'm running Bosch ones (paid around 6$ a piece) and the book says they should be replaced every 60k miles for the NA which you might have if your car is a 2010.
Pull one out and see what it looks like but I wouldn't worry about them too much. If you ran 91 or higher octane gas the plugs should be fine, I replaced mine at 91400 miles and they were still ok.
You might just have the lowest mileage early W212 that I've heard of. Maybe it's time for a cross country road trip, the German sedans love those. And an Italian tune up from time to time.
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
As above, do trans fluid but the plugs are pretty minor, they are usually still in great shape when I pull them out and I never notice a change with new ones. The trans fluid on the other hand will be quite nasty after several years or 50k miles and fresh stuff helps all the components in the trans live longer. You only change about half the fluid anyway so it's not like you can really do it too much.
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Only reason to change the plugs now would be to make sure they're not rusted in so they're really hard to take out later. The M272 engine is really easy to change plugs on, pretty much any indy mechanic should be able to do it. But yeah, you could hold off for a few more years if you want to on plugs.
For fun, I'm going to get these Autolite Iridium plugs which are $4.66 each, but if you use the 5% off discount code from retailmenot.com, it works out to $4.43 a plug plus shipping. There's a $3 rebate on Autolite Iridium plugs (limit 16) so about $1.43 a plug after rebate. Because they're easy to change and I don't really need them right now, I'll keep the old ones just in case and see how they do. Getting a dozen and shipping was $6.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...47589&jsn=1813
https://www.rockauto.com/Images/Curr...s_2019-WEB.pdf
For fun, I'm going to get these Autolite Iridium plugs which are $4.66 each, but if you use the 5% off discount code from retailmenot.com, it works out to $4.43 a plug plus shipping. There's a $3 rebate on Autolite Iridium plugs (limit 16) so about $1.43 a plug after rebate. Because they're easy to change and I don't really need them right now, I'll keep the old ones just in case and see how they do. Getting a dozen and shipping was $6.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...47589&jsn=1813
https://www.rockauto.com/Images/Curr...s_2019-WEB.pdf
Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 85
Likes: 16
From: LA
E350
If you prefer to use dealer, you can buy the prepaid maintenance plan.
"Prepaid Maintenance plan offers 2 or 3 different service packages to choose from. It can be purchased for model year 2009 or newer vehicles with a total vehicle mileage ceiling of 80,000 accumulated miles. As goes with prepaid maintenance purchased on new vehicles, Mercedes-Benz offers various, flexible payment options."
https://www.mbusa.com/en/owners/serv...enance/prepaid
Per that chart(prepaid booklet in the link), 50k and 100k require spark plug change. 60k and (120K for transmission oil)
"Prepaid Maintenance plan offers 2 or 3 different service packages to choose from. It can be purchased for model year 2009 or newer vehicles with a total vehicle mileage ceiling of 80,000 accumulated miles. As goes with prepaid maintenance purchased on new vehicles, Mercedes-Benz offers various, flexible payment options."
https://www.mbusa.com/en/owners/serv...enance/prepaid
Per that chart(prepaid booklet in the link), 50k and 100k require spark plug change. 60k and (120K for transmission oil)
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: New Orleans Area
2015 E400 Sedan
Are you going to sell it or trade it in within next time these things need servicing?
If yes then go by the book.
If not - do what you think is right based on feedback above - which to me is TRANNY fluid change.
plugs can wait.
If yes then go by the book.
If not - do what you think is right based on feedback above - which to me is TRANNY fluid change.
plugs can wait.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Thanks! to all who replied. I did change the transmission fluid once before four years and 15,000 miles ago.
I'm pretty convinced to let both go for another year or two.
I watched a video of changing the plugs on my particular engine and decided no way I'm doing it. I used to do that in the good old days when you opened the hood, popped off the connection, took out a socket wrench and took out the plug. Then reversed to put in new one.
As with most things M-B, this process is way too complicated.
Incidentally, I plan to keep my car for a few more years at least because I just don't like the new ones.
I'm pretty convinced to let both go for another year or two.
I watched a video of changing the plugs on my particular engine and decided no way I'm doing it. I used to do that in the good old days when you opened the hood, popped off the connection, took out a socket wrench and took out the plug. Then reversed to put in new one.
As with most things M-B, this process is way too complicated.
Incidentally, I plan to keep my car for a few more years at least because I just don't like the new ones.
Last edited by El Cid; Aug 29, 2019 at 03:06 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Are you sure you saw the right video? The M272 is a pretty simple engine, it's basically two screws holding the coil pack on and it just comes right off. The covers and air cleaner assembly is pretty basic too. All of them are easy to get to so it shouldn't be too bad, last time I had them done by my mechanic who was doing a bunch of other things and I think it took him like 15 minutes to bang it out.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
In good old days the only way to replace plugs on GM engines was via fender wells.
As usually- you will find variety of opinions about the service, but it takes readers intelligence to screen what is actual experience.
As usually- you will find variety of opinions about the service, but it takes readers intelligence to screen what is actual experience.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 160
From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Are you sure you saw the right video? The M272 is a pretty simple engine, it's basically two screws holding the coil pack on and it just comes right off. The covers and air cleaner assembly is pretty basic too. All of them are easy to get to so it shouldn't be too bad, last time I had them done by my mechanic who was doing a bunch of other things and I think it took him like 15 minutes to bang it out.
I think the one I saw showed three or four screws per coil pack (requiring a Torx screwdriver/bit and pulling the coil pack, etc. At that point I decided I didn't want to get involved in the coil packs, torx screwdriver, etc. Not to mention plugs appear deep in the well.
The engine cover was identical to mine, including how to remove it. I never have, but I noticed there was also a clip near firewall that had to be removed to get the cover off.
"A man needs to know his limitations."
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 377
Likes: 98
From: Savannah, GA
2010 W212 E550 4matic
Thanks.
I think the one I saw showed three or four screws per coil pack (requiring a Torx screwdriver/bit and pulling the coil pack, etc. At that point I decided I didn't want to get involved in the coil packs, torx screwdriver, etc. Not to mention plugs appear deep in the well.
The engine cover was identical to mine, including how to remove it. I never have, but I noticed there was also a clip near firewall that had to be removed to get the cover off.
"A man needs to know his limitations."
I think the one I saw showed three or four screws per coil pack (requiring a Torx screwdriver/bit and pulling the coil pack, etc. At that point I decided I didn't want to get involved in the coil packs, torx screwdriver, etc. Not to mention plugs appear deep in the well.
The engine cover was identical to mine, including how to remove it. I never have, but I noticed there was also a clip near firewall that had to be removed to get the cover off.
"A man needs to know his limitations."
If you're not comfortable doing it try to find a dependable indy, this job shouldn't cost you more than 100 to 150$ parts included. Stealerships will charge double or triple.
Or if you happen to be in the Savannah, Ga area PM me and it will only cost you a Heineken.
