GLS Class (X167) Produced 2020 to present

Spark Plug Replacement - How to?

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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 03:22 PM
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2020 GLS450
Spark Plug Replacement - How to?

Hi there,

Has anyone come across a video or pictorial on how to change the spark plugs in an X167 (2020-present GLS450)? I've searched online but can only seem to find videos for the older models. I

As a fairly handy home "mechanic" I'm sure I could figure it out, but I always appreciate a solid step-by-step set of instructions with pics/video.


Thanks all!
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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by kecusc
Hi there,

Has anyone come across a video or pictorial on how to change the spark plugs in an X167 (2020-present GLS450)? I've searched online but can only seem to find videos for the older models. I

As a fairly handy home "mechanic" I'm sure I could figure it out, but I always appreciate a solid step-by-step set of instructions with pics/video.


Thanks all!
Procedures are in MB's WIS/ASRA system. Someone might be kind enough to provide you a copy. Do you have the 3L IL6 turbo 256.930 engine?
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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 04:30 PM
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Originally Posted by streborx
Procedures are in MB's WIS/ASRA system. Someone might be kind enough to provide you a copy. Do you have the 3L IL6 turbo 256.930 engine?
Thank you! I would love if someone would be willing to share. And, yes, I have the 3L IL6 Turbo engine.
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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 04:42 PM
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Originally Posted by kecusc
Thank you! I would love if someone would be willing to share. And, yes, I have the 3L IL6 Turbo engine.
Buy one day access and download what you need here officially: https://www.startekinfo.com/

I am not sure if it covers your model year though is the problem, I heard the newer MBs, they transitioned to a different system.
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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 04:44 PM
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Maybe you could get a copy for cheaper: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-epc-like.html
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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 04:45 PM
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It's pretty painless I do quite a few of these through the shop. It's one of the few engines I openly recommend DIY on

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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 05:05 PM
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Originally Posted by ChrisHimself
It's pretty painless I do quite a few of these through the shop. It's one of the few engines I openly recommend DIY on

https://youtu.be/VZqFW1Skm-4?si=VayYw__A7NzS6wq6
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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 05:06 PM
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Youtuber LegitStreetCars also have a great video on spark plugs, although it mainly was on older MB models, otherwise his videos is very detailed, after all, he was a MB tech.
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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 05:07 PM
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I was talking about this video specifically:
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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 05:41 PM
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Originally Posted by kecusc
Thank you! I would love if someone would be willing to share. And, yes, I have the 3L IL6 Turbo engine.
There is some interesting general information about MB spark plugs at https://automotivetechinfo.com/2021/...d-precautions/.
PM me and I might be able to direct you to further information.
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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 07:24 PM
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Originally Posted by ChrisHimself
It's pretty painless I do quite a few of these through the shop. It's one of the few engines I openly recommend DIY on

https://youtu.be/VZqFW1Skm-4?si=VayYw__A7NzS6wq6
Thanks for the link.
It's for a V6. Do you know of one for the I6?

My shop says that the plugs last a lot longer than the 60,000 recommended replacement, but the reasons to change at 60k are the really long reach (tip to seat) that gets combustion deposits, and that the factory doesn't use anti-seize on initial assembly. So there can be troubles in removing them.
And to use anti-seize on the new plugs.

I'm at 45k, and this is a likely task for me.

On a recent pre-warranty-expiration inspection, they found the oft-mentioned deteriorated plug wiring harness and warranteed it.

Last edited by mikapen; Apr 6, 2025 at 07:26 PM.
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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 08:33 PM
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Originally Posted by mikapen
Thanks for the link.
It's for a V6. Do you know of one for the I6?

My shop says that the plugs last a lot longer than the 60,000 recommended replacement, but the reasons to change at 60k are the really long reach (tip to seat) that gets combustion deposits, and that the factory doesn't use anti-seize on initial assembly. So there can be troubles in removing them.
And to use anti-seize on the new plugs.

I'm at 45k, and this is a likely task for me.

On a recent pre-warranty-expiration inspection, they found the oft-mentioned deteriorated plug wiring harness and warranteed it.
Hmmmm, I don't recommend ever using anti-seize on spark plugs though.
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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 09:18 PM
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Hmmmm, I don't recommend ever using anti-seize on spark plugs though.
I've used it for decades, but you're probably right, with newer plug thread coatings.
I've always been careful not to over torque the plugs, but my wrists aren't as calibrated as they once were.

Still, I don't like seeing all the combustion deposits along the threads. I guess the solution is to respect the 60k mile recommendation.
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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 09:25 PM
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Hmmmm, I don't recommend ever using anti-seize on spark plugs though.
The article referenced in #10 above says anti-seize is a no-no, and is not necessary as spark plugs are plated to resist corrosion and interaction with the engine block alloy. However, dielectric grease on the plug boot is a must-must.
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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 10:04 PM
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Originally Posted by mikapen
I've used it for decades, but you're probably right, with newer plug thread coatings.
I've always been careful not to over torque the plugs, but my wrists aren't as calibrated as they once were.

Still, I don't like seeing all the combustion deposits along the threads. I guess the solution is to respect the 60k mile recommendation.
Ya I don't want you to risk having the wrong torque on the spark plugs or other issues because of the anti-seize.
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Old Apr 6, 2025 | 10:06 PM
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Originally Posted by streborx
The article referenced in #10 above says anti-seize is a no-no, and is not necessary as spark plugs are plated to resist corrosion and interaction with the engine block alloy. However, dielectric grease on the plug boot is a must-must.
I see, I did not have a chance to view the article yet, I should though.
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Old Apr 7, 2025 | 01:42 AM
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Originally Posted by mikapen

On a recent pre-warranty-expiration inspection, they found the oft-mentioned deteriorated plug wiring harness and warranteed it.
Any plans to protect them with some sort of heat shield after being replaced?
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Old Apr 7, 2025 | 07:23 AM
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Originally Posted by kecusc
Hi there,

Has anyone come across a video or pictorial on how to change the spark plugs in an X167 (2020-present GLS450)? I've searched online but can only seem to find videos for the older models. I

As a fairly handy home "mechanic" I'm sure I could figure it out, but I always appreciate a solid step-by-step set of instructions with pics/video.


Thanks all!
Standard maintenance is dead easy on all German brands. Search videos for E53/450, GLE53/450, GLS450. Lean how to release the coil electrical connector without destroying it.

Coil screw torque is 8Nm or 9Nm for all German brands. It doesn't matter which torque value you use.

Spark plug torque is 23Nm for all German brands. Buy them from the dealer. They are expensive. No one cares about the price of spark plugs. Use dielectric grease in the coil boot when reinstalling coils. Never use anti seize on spark plugs, coil screws, lug screws, caliper screws, axle fill or drain plugs or axle shaft nuts. Or anything else.
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Old Apr 7, 2025 | 09:06 AM
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In another forum thread, there is discussion about spark plug indexing. While controversial generally, MB insists that indexing is critical on certain of its engines that use direct injection. MB branded plugs are designed to properly index when torqued to spec, and anti-seize would likely interfere with achieving this. The reference in #10 above has a link at the bottom to a MB technical paper that discusses indexing. It's cheap insurance to pay more for MB spark plugs every 50K miles to ensure it's done correctly.
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Old Apr 7, 2025 | 09:13 AM
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Indeed, the torque from WIS is for original spark plugs, for the rest of brands some R&D would be needed,

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Old Apr 7, 2025 | 09:36 AM
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Originally Posted by chassis
Standard maintenance is dead easy on all German brands. Search videos for E53/450, GLE53/450, GLS450. Lean how to release the coil electrical connector without destroying it.

Coil screw torque is 8Nm or 9Nm for all German brands. It doesn't matter which torque value you use.

Spark plug torque is 23Nm for all German brands. Buy them from the dealer. They are expensive. No one cares about the price of spark plugs. Use dielectric grease in the coil boot when reinstalling coils. Never use anti seize on spark plugs, coil screws, lug screws, caliper screws, axle fill or drain plugs or axle shaft nuts. Or anything else.
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Old Apr 7, 2025 | 09:37 AM
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Originally Posted by streborx
In another forum thread, there is discussion about spark plug indexing. While controversial generally, MB insists that indexing is critical on certain of its engines that use direct injection. MB branded plugs are designed to properly index when torqued to spec, and anti-seize would likely interfere with achieving this. The reference in #10 above has a link at the bottom to a MB technical paper that discusses indexing. It's cheap insurance to pay more for MB spark plugs every 50K miles to ensure it's done correctly.
Sounds good to stick with oem parts.
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Old Apr 7, 2025 | 09:41 AM
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From what I've read, people who want to index spark plugs that aren't indexed by design add spacing washers that achieve the orientation while maintaining the torque spec.
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Old Apr 7, 2025 | 09:47 AM
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Originally Posted by streborx
From what I've read, people who want to index spark plugs that aren't indexed by design add spacing washers that achieve the orientation while maintaining the torque spec.
Any risks to doing that?
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Old Apr 7, 2025 | 09:54 AM
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Ignore anything related to spark plug indexing and follow the steps below.

Buy new OEM spark plugs from the dealer
Remove old spark plugs
Install new spark plugs, torque to 23Nm
Done
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