Carlosclarkmd

So my dealership said that my 2016 E350 with 50k is due for spark plugs and I was thinking ... ok cool no big deal right? They said it would be like $750!! WOW is this correct? I told them not to proceed.. Also concerned this may affect my warranty if I don’t submit to their crazy price. Anyone have a similar situation?

nota_amg

Sound steep to me. Plugs are probably $120-$125 for set of 6...Thats an M276 right? If so and you have some basic mechanics knowledge, you should be able to swap them out in 1.5-2.5 hours. If not, they should be able to do for less than $400 for sure. You need to find a good indi mechanic...

Curious if that "50k" includes things other than just spark plugs???

LILBENZ230

They are correct the plugs are due at 50,000 miles in the 2016 per the maintenance manual. You could shop around at different dealerships - my dealership quoted $575 for the job. The M276 in the E can be a PITA for this job, from what I hear.

I would personally search for a reputable independent shop in your area that specializes in European vehicles. I found a few in my area and my cost will be around $350 once it is time (my car has just over 40k at the moment).

mtnman82

Here ya go:

hyperion667

Welcome to MB ownership. The dealers always try to take more money from you than needed. As mentioned, find a good indy shop in your area: I drive about 40-45 minutes to get to mine......and do so happily versus going to a dealer. GL to ya! And be happy you don't have a V8 or worse a V12

cetialpha5

There's many threads on here that cover the spark plugs. Basically the dealer typically removes the intake manifold to replace the plugs but there's a thread on here on how to do it without taking the manifold off which adds to the cost. You could also buy those pre-paid service packs. Check the extended warranty subforum for a vendor that might sell it. They typically sell it at cost but lots of dealers mark it up so depending on what you local dealer charges, it might be cheaper buying it on the subforum. Or just call around to the local dealers and see what a 2-3 pack might cost. Can't remember the transmission fluid change interval but if it's 60k, then it's worth it just for the 50k spark plug and 60k transmission fluid change or maybe it's 70k on your car. The spark plug and transmission fluid change is included with the maintenance package so it's only a good buy if those are coming up. You can buy the package with up to 80k on the car.

chassis

M276 spark plugs are not easy. $750 at the dealer is a fair price, given they probably bill 2+ hours at the dealer. It took me 4.5 hours. Next time it I can probably shave an hour off of that, maybe.

On the E-Class it might be a small bit easier than the GLE, because of the lower fender height on the E. The right (passenger) side plugs are a breeze. Air filter off, coils off, plugs out, reverse the process. The left (driver) side is a complete bear because of the engine ECU, other wiring and vacuum lines.

Next time I will attempt to completely remove the sheet metal bracket that holds the engine ECU, this is one of the main items that hinders access on the left side.

Bhopkins

As others have suggested, find a reputable European indy shop and see what they will do it for.

Frankly, I don't understand why MB recommends removing the intake manifold for spark plug change on the M276. While it does take some finesse to get a few of them out, it can be done without pulling the manifold. And it's a heck of a lot easier to do 6 on the M276 than it is to do 4 on my wife's Outback.

cetialpha5

Isn't it obvious? So that the dealer can charge extra for it and explain why it's so much.

no_mulligan

V8 engine my 2012 E550 has an index plug design. Plugs must be torqued otherwise you risk a misfire. The "gap“ must face a specific direction. I've replaced mine twice. I have all the right tools. Still takes me 5 hrs. I wouldn't say that it's hard but can be frustrating figuring out how to manipulate various extensions in tight spaces especially near the back. Also, pulling the rubber tube off the plug with hose pliers can be touchy if they're old/brittle or stuck because dielectric wasn't used properly. Don't skip this.
Lots of time bending over is about the most physical part of it.

nc211

some might argue that your last sentence applies to more than just the spark plugs of MB ownership sometimes! Ha!

nc211

I’m having mine done at $500.

chassis

@nc211 That's a good price, especially in or near the District. MB dealer or indy shop?

nc211

I thought so as well! It’s an indi out in the burbs where I live. Figured since we’re replacing the seals for the oil leak, might as well get the plugs too. Car is 6 years old with 52k. The quote was around $335 on labor plus materials and tax. So might be a little shy of the $500. I told the guys I’m looking for a good shop for all my cars (2 MB 1VW), which isn’t BS - I’m done wrenching and ready to hand that chore over. Even the wife’s new 2020 GLS is likely not going back to the dealerships for anything but warranty work.

This shop doesn’t vacuum the oil out, they drain pan it, which I like better.

chassis

@nc211 Sounds like you have found a good shop. My son lives in the Columbia Heights area of DC. How do you like the 2020 GLS?

alan_e550

Spent $120 on identical spark plugs that the dealer uses but they dont have the Mercedes logo on them and it took 2 hours to replace for my 2011 e550

nc211

yep, I know Columbia Heights! Hope he stays safe over the next couple of weeks. He has a front row seat to what could be a historic week in our nations capital. I was down there two days ago and it’s all boarded up. I’m about 30 miles west on the edge of the sprawl.

The GLS is pretty slick! This new straight 6 with the turbo and electric hybrid setup through the starter housing is amazingly potent, solves the start/stop irritation (mostly), and ingenious. It’s a heavy beast, but that straight 6 handles it flawlessly and it can really move! We’re loving it. Had it since mid-August and already at 7k miles (lots of trips back to NC). We’ll see how well it hold up - totally expect some glitches being first year production. Very easy to live with.

nc211

That’s about what the shop is charging me for the plugs as well, give or take a $20.

While not a big fan of spending money on a car, I’m actually ok with it for this one. I’ll have put in about $4k this year on some repairs and maintenance, but when I drive it, it just cruises so nice, and how they manage the application of the torque through the system is unlike anything I’ve ever owned. Subtle but not boring. At times I would swear their this a small turbo on the motor as it just pulls without dropping down in gears. I really enjoy how a MB accelerates, handles and feels. So, $4k every 5 years or so, is ok by me.

KillBillz

I brought on 8 plugs from FCPEuro for $55 and had the dealership install them. They charged me for 3 hrs labor at $175 per hour ($525). I also had a $150 coupon. $375 +$55= $430 total. Keep in mind that the dealership way over charges for parts and not all of them will allow you to bring your own parts. Even the one I went got my work done at stopped accepting outside parts after a management change.

I also got a similar deal doing my 70K transmission fluid change at a nearby dealership. I was given a phone quote of $575 which was documented in my appointment. They were also offering $125 off of any service. The service rep showed the normal price of near $800 and said the were note supposed to provide me a price on the phone. My price was $470 after discount and tax

hyperion667

Whud up Billz! Keepin' it clean I hope

davidjohnbamber

I paid my M-B dealer $780.40 last year for my 2013 E550. I would look elsewhere. And as others have stated that the M-B Xentry bulletins show intake manifold removal to change the plugs, and that the plugs are indexed to the threads in the cylinder head, and require torquing to specs for proper orientation in the cylinder head.

alan_e550

Might be difficult for the for the m278 engines. I have a 2011 e550 so it has the 5.5l m273 and the spark plugs are pretty easy to get to. You just gotta take off the plastic engine cover and air cleaner assembly and the coil packs are right in front of you. NGK double laser platinum had my torque specs already in proper position too

roadventure

In the video, spark plug boot removal pliers are used. Can anyone provide a link for purchasing?

Thanks!

Sunnyslope48

Lisle 51410 Offset Spark Plug Boot Removal Pliers, currently $11.15 on Amazon

cetialpha5

You can get them at Home Depot for the same price too.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lisle-Of...1410/301002275