Cam solenoid/ cam magnet and spark plugs
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 14
From: Philadelphia, PA
2014 E550 4Matic
Cam solenoid/ cam magnet and spark plugs
So I had an issue with an oil leak at the cam sensor. I replaced all 4, had one that was leaking oil, wet electrical connector on both sides, didn't seem to wick too much oil into the harness yet, so I think I caught it in time.
However, I don't see how I can replace the cam solenoids/ cam magnets. The ones on the passenger side (left side if you're looking straight at the front of the car) look accessible, but the ones on the driver's side have very little access- two A/C hard lines are in the way. Any tips on how to access the bolts? Also, there's no room for a ratchet and e-torx socket. I ordered e-torx gearwrenches for this job.
Second, where are the spark plugs? There is a big rubber insulator over the valve covers and removing it, I can see the fuel rail, but I don't see anything that looks like an ignition coil or plugs. Are the plugs above or below the fuel rail?
However, I don't see how I can replace the cam solenoids/ cam magnets. The ones on the passenger side (left side if you're looking straight at the front of the car) look accessible, but the ones on the driver's side have very little access- two A/C hard lines are in the way. Any tips on how to access the bolts? Also, there's no room for a ratchet and e-torx socket. I ordered e-torx gearwrenches for this job.
Second, where are the spark plugs? There is a big rubber insulator over the valve covers and removing it, I can see the fuel rail, but I don't see anything that looks like an ignition coil or plugs. Are the plugs above or below the fuel rail?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
So I had an issue with an oil leak at the cam sensor. I replaced all 4, had one that was leaking oil, wet electrical connector on both sides, didn't seem to wick too much oil into the harness yet, so I think I caught it in time.
However, I don't see how I can replace the cam solenoids/ cam magnets. The ones on the passenger side (left side if you're looking straight at the front of the car) look accessible, but the ones on the driver's side have very little access- two A/C hard lines are in the way. Any tips on how to access the bolts? Also, there's no room for a ratchet and e-torx socket. I ordered e-torx gearwrenches for this job.
Second, where are the spark plugs? There is a big rubber insulator over the valve covers and removing it, I can see the fuel rail, but I don't see anything that looks like an ignition coil or plugs. Are the plugs above or below the fuel rail?
However, I don't see how I can replace the cam solenoids/ cam magnets. The ones on the passenger side (left side if you're looking straight at the front of the car) look accessible, but the ones on the driver's side have very little access- two A/C hard lines are in the way. Any tips on how to access the bolts? Also, there's no room for a ratchet and e-torx socket. I ordered e-torx gearwrenches for this job.
Second, where are the spark plugs? There is a big rubber insulator over the valve covers and removing it, I can see the fuel rail, but I don't see anything that looks like an ignition coil or plugs. Are the plugs above or below the fuel rail?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,921
Likes: 6,775
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
In order to be successful you have to gather information by searching it.
Someone took the time to help you, don't be foolish. Poke around a bit.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 14
From: Philadelphia, PA
2014 E550 4Matic
I’m not an idiot- I searched before I posted. Furthermore, I never thought I’d find so many unhelpful people in a forum geared toward DIYers. Two of two.
When the previous poster said there are plenty of videos on YouTube, that’s not true. There are videos showing the W221 S-Class but nothing for a W212. I was concerned that not everything would be the same as they are different chassis. I wouldn’t look for a GL550 video and think it’s going to be identical.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 681
Likes: 405
From: FL
2012 E550 sedan 2019 E63 Wagon
Did you even read what I posted? I searched on here for a write up and found nothing. There are plenty of posts on the cam sensors and magnets leaking oil but I didn’t find anything showing how they were replaced. Both of you are just being obnoxious.
I’m not an idiot- I searched before I posted. Furthermore, I never thought I’d find so many unhelpful people in a forum geared toward DIYers. Two of two.
When the previous poster said there are plenty of videos on YouTube, that’s not true. There are videos showing the W221 S-Class but nothing for a W212. I was concerned that not everything would be the same as they are different chassis. I wouldn’t look for a GL550 video and think it’s going to be identical.
I’m not an idiot- I searched before I posted. Furthermore, I never thought I’d find so many unhelpful people in a forum geared toward DIYers. Two of two.
When the previous poster said there are plenty of videos on YouTube, that’s not true. There are videos showing the W221 S-Class but nothing for a W212. I was concerned that not everything would be the same as they are different chassis. I wouldn’t look for a GL550 video and think it’s going to be identical.
I am fresh on them, I can help if you want set up video meeting. One question, do you have thin hands?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,921
Likes: 6,775
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
Did you even read what I posted? I searched on here for a write up and found nothing. There are plenty of posts on the cam sensors and magnets leaking oil but I didn’t find anything showing how they were replaced. Both of you are just being obnoxious.
I’m not an idiot- I searched before I posted. Furthermore, I never thought I’d find so many unhelpful people in a forum geared toward DIYers. Two of two.
When the previous poster said there are plenty of videos on YouTube, that’s not true. There are videos showing the W221 S-Class but nothing for a W212. I was concerned that not everything would be the same as they are different chassis. I wouldn’t look for a GL550 video and think it’s going to be identical.
I’m not an idiot- I searched before I posted. Furthermore, I never thought I’d find so many unhelpful people in a forum geared toward DIYers. Two of two.
When the previous poster said there are plenty of videos on YouTube, that’s not true. There are videos showing the W221 S-Class but nothing for a W212. I was concerned that not everything would be the same as they are different chassis. I wouldn’t look for a GL550 video and think it’s going to be identical.
Are you going to go ahead and fill the gap with a post detailing all your findings for everyone? Apparently that's what's missing for V8, right?
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 14
From: Philadelphia, PA
2014 E550 4Matic
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 6,547
From: Jakarta-Indonesia
2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
Usually I use ebay engine sales as a visualizer tool to see how my engine are, if out of the engine bay.
It is much better than looking at WIS/EPC and it can help to visualize how are we going to remove X,Y,Z component.
This is M278
https://www.ebay.com/itm/193868806149
It is much better than looking at WIS/EPC and it can help to visualize how are we going to remove X,Y,Z component.
This is M278
https://www.ebay.com/itm/193868806149
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,549
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
When the previous poster said there are plenty of videos on YouTube, that’s not true. There are videos showing the W221 S-Class but nothing for a W212. I was concerned that not everything would be the same as they are different chassis. I wouldn’t look for a GL550 video and think it’s going to be identical.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 495
Likes: 47
From: south shore
12' E559
the M278 spark plug job is the same for every model so if you find a video or write up on a different class just use it.
plugs are easy to do given you have the tools....swivels and extensions are key tho the 2 cynilders near the firewall are very close to the engine.
pull the air box off to the side, pull the large rubber pad off and youll see the coils.
plugs are easy to do given you have the tools....swivels and extensions are key tho the 2 cynilders near the firewall are very close to the engine.
pull the air box off to the side, pull the large rubber pad off and youll see the coils.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 1,482
From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
in general, a Mercedes engine is exactly the same on different classes/models IF its the same sub-version. like, my e350 4matic has engine 276.952... this is on the data card, its the first 6 digits of the engine's major assembly number.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 14
From: Philadelphia, PA
2014 E550 4Matic
The cam magnets on the passenger side were much easier- one is completely exposed, very easy to do. The "inner" one is a fair bit harder- you have to:
Remove the engine cover
Loosen the clamps between the airbox and the charge pipe
Remove the bolt holding down the charge pipe
Pull the charge pipe forward (toward the front bumper) to make space
The driver's side is very difficult. The outer one I was able to do, but the bottom bolt is very tight clearance, as is the top left. The inner one I could not figure out how to do- the top bolts I can get to but the bottom bolt, there simply isn't any clearance to even get a Gearwrench ratcheting wrench into there.
I saw this video on youtube:
This makes it look easy, but the A/C hard lines are right next to the oil filter housing. The top of the oil filter I can remove and that helps quite a bit, but there's nothing I can do about those A/C hard lines. In the video referenced above, the guy doesn't seem to have any difficulty getting around the A/C lines, but that might be because he has a CLS rather than an E- maybe things are less cramped in the CLS because it's a little bigger?
The cam adjuster magnets are much harder to do than the cam position sensors. I haven't gotten to the plugs yet- still learning about indexing them properly and it sounds like the Bosch branded plugs don't index correctly, which would be a big problem. I think I'm going to return the Bosch plugs and buy MBZ branded plugs for the replacement.
Remove the engine cover
Loosen the clamps between the airbox and the charge pipe
Remove the bolt holding down the charge pipe
Pull the charge pipe forward (toward the front bumper) to make space
The driver's side is very difficult. The outer one I was able to do, but the bottom bolt is very tight clearance, as is the top left. The inner one I could not figure out how to do- the top bolts I can get to but the bottom bolt, there simply isn't any clearance to even get a Gearwrench ratcheting wrench into there.
I saw this video on youtube:
This makes it look easy, but the A/C hard lines are right next to the oil filter housing. The top of the oil filter I can remove and that helps quite a bit, but there's nothing I can do about those A/C hard lines. In the video referenced above, the guy doesn't seem to have any difficulty getting around the A/C lines, but that might be because he has a CLS rather than an E- maybe things are less cramped in the CLS because it's a little bigger?
The cam adjuster magnets are much harder to do than the cam position sensors. I haven't gotten to the plugs yet- still learning about indexing them properly and it sounds like the Bosch branded plugs don't index correctly, which would be a big problem. I think I'm going to return the Bosch plugs and buy MBZ branded plugs for the replacement.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 681
Likes: 405
From: FL
2012 E550 sedan 2019 E63 Wagon
The cam magnets on the passenger side were much easier- one is completely exposed, very easy to do. The "inner" one is a fair bit harder- you have to:
Remove the engine cover
Loosen the clamps between the airbox and the charge pipe
Remove the bolt holding down the charge pipe
Pull the charge pipe forward (toward the front bumper) to make space
The driver's side is very difficult. The outer one I was able to do, but the bottom bolt is very tight clearance, as is the top left. The inner one I could not figure out how to do- the top bolts I can get to but the bottom bolt, there simply isn't any clearance to even get a Gearwrench ratcheting wrench into there.
I saw this video on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7SVMeAiHhM
This makes it look easy, but the A/C hard lines are right next to the oil filter housing. The top of the oil filter I can remove and that helps quite a bit, but there's nothing I can do about those A/C hard lines. In the video referenced above, the guy doesn't seem to have any difficulty getting around the A/C lines, but that might be because he has a CLS rather than an E- maybe things are less cramped in the CLS because it's a little bigger?
The cam adjuster magnets are much harder to do than the cam position sensors. I haven't gotten to the plugs yet- still learning about indexing them properly and it sounds like the Bosch branded plugs don't index correctly, which would be a big problem. I think I'm going to return the Bosch plugs and buy MBZ branded plugs for the replacement.
Remove the engine cover
Loosen the clamps between the airbox and the charge pipe
Remove the bolt holding down the charge pipe
Pull the charge pipe forward (toward the front bumper) to make space
The driver's side is very difficult. The outer one I was able to do, but the bottom bolt is very tight clearance, as is the top left. The inner one I could not figure out how to do- the top bolts I can get to but the bottom bolt, there simply isn't any clearance to even get a Gearwrench ratcheting wrench into there.
I saw this video on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7SVMeAiHhM
This makes it look easy, but the A/C hard lines are right next to the oil filter housing. The top of the oil filter I can remove and that helps quite a bit, but there's nothing I can do about those A/C hard lines. In the video referenced above, the guy doesn't seem to have any difficulty getting around the A/C lines, but that might be because he has a CLS rather than an E- maybe things are less cramped in the CLS because it's a little bigger?
The cam adjuster magnets are much harder to do than the cam position sensors. I haven't gotten to the plugs yet- still learning about indexing them properly and it sounds like the Bosch branded plugs don't index correctly, which would be a big problem. I think I'm going to return the Bosch plugs and buy MBZ branded plugs for the replacement.
I did not remove any parts other than the plastic cloth intakes. I did not even have to remove the charge pipes.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
The cam magnets on the passenger side were much easier- one is completely exposed, very easy to do. The "inner" one is a fair bit harder- you have to:
Remove the engine cover
Loosen the clamps between the airbox and the charge pipe
Remove the bolt holding down the charge pipe
Pull the charge pipe forward (toward the front bumper) to make space
The driver's side is very difficult. The outer one I was able to do, but the bottom bolt is very tight clearance, as is the top left. The inner one I could not figure out how to do- the top bolts I can get to but the bottom bolt, there simply isn't any clearance to even get a Gearwrench ratcheting wrench into there.
I saw this video on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7SVMeAiHhM
This makes it look easy, but the A/C hard lines are right next to the oil filter housing. The top of the oil filter I can remove and that helps quite a bit, but there's nothing I can do about those A/C hard lines. In the video referenced above, the guy doesn't seem to have any difficulty getting around the A/C lines, but that might be because he has a CLS rather than an E- maybe things are less cramped in the CLS because it's a little bigger?
The cam adjuster magnets are much harder to do than the cam position sensors. I haven't gotten to the plugs yet- still learning about indexing them properly and it sounds like the Bosch branded plugs don't index correctly, which would be a big problem. I think I'm going to return the Bosch plugs and buy MBZ branded plugs for the replacement.
Remove the engine cover
Loosen the clamps between the airbox and the charge pipe
Remove the bolt holding down the charge pipe
Pull the charge pipe forward (toward the front bumper) to make space
The driver's side is very difficult. The outer one I was able to do, but the bottom bolt is very tight clearance, as is the top left. The inner one I could not figure out how to do- the top bolts I can get to but the bottom bolt, there simply isn't any clearance to even get a Gearwrench ratcheting wrench into there.
I saw this video on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7SVMeAiHhM
This makes it look easy, but the A/C hard lines are right next to the oil filter housing. The top of the oil filter I can remove and that helps quite a bit, but there's nothing I can do about those A/C hard lines. In the video referenced above, the guy doesn't seem to have any difficulty getting around the A/C lines, but that might be because he has a CLS rather than an E- maybe things are less cramped in the CLS because it's a little bigger?
The cam adjuster magnets are much harder to do than the cam position sensors. I haven't gotten to the plugs yet- still learning about indexing them properly and it sounds like the Bosch branded plugs don't index correctly, which would be a big problem. I think I'm going to return the Bosch plugs and buy MBZ branded plugs for the replacement.
There are many posts on this site talking marking electrodes and going through drama to be sure the plugs are indexed. Using the MB OEM plugs purchased from a dealer, with the MB torque spec results in indexed plugs.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 14
From: Philadelphia, PA
2014 E550 4Matic
I wonder what changed between 2012 and 2014- I can take some photos, but there are two A/C hard lines, the oil filter housing and the charge pipe in the way in my car.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 14
From: Philadelphia, PA
2014 E550 4Matic
@cleanerPA Indexing the plugs requires no thinking whatsoever. Not a facetious comment. Buy spark plugs from the dealer, and install them with a torque wrench. 23Nm is the torque spec. Done.
There are many posts on this site talking marking electrodes and going through drama to be sure the plugs are indexed. Using the MB OEM plugs purchased from a dealer, with the MB torque spec results in indexed plugs.
There are many posts on this site talking marking electrodes and going through drama to be sure the plugs are indexed. Using the MB OEM plugs purchased from a dealer, with the MB torque spec results in indexed plugs.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 681
Likes: 405
From: FL
2012 E550 sedan 2019 E63 Wagon
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
User @39039 has videos on YouTube, user Senior Leigh, for the M276 engine. Look at his tools, the curved jaw pliers are used to pull the coil boots off. It's still a hard job because the boots adhere to the spark plugs. I posted photos all of my tools for spark plug change on my GLE350 4MATIC Ownership Report thread in the GLE W166 section.
Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 224
Likes: 180
From: NE
S212 E350 Estate
Man that is tight. My e350 with the V6 has oil seeping from that exact location and I am planning on resealing the whole timing cover which involves removing all those blue headed bolts. I too have some hard lines in front of the driver side but nothing like that! Good luck and subscribed!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
The only screw you can't easily access is the lower/bottom one, correct? If the oil filter is removed, will you have access for a wrench? Another option is to remove the front cylinder head cover with the magnets, as an assembly. Replace and reseal the assembly, then reinstall.
The hard pipe with a black hose is a water pipe. If you remove the rubber, then see if you can remove the metal portion, this will give more space.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
