bp95gsx

Not a tough job, just a little time consuming. Just unbolt the intercoolers and prop them up and out of the way. No need to remove them. Hope this helps some people.

Benz-O-Rama

AWESOME!

My car only has 20K miles on it, but it's a 2005 on the original plugs. Considering doing mine, but I've been told that it's a hella time consuming job.

How long did it take you and did the car feel any different with the new plugs?

bp95gsx

It took me about 2 hours. There was no difference in power. I would not worry with only 20K. Plugs are expensive and there's 24 of them basterds.

KendoBoo

Do you know of anyone that has tried the E3 plugs yet? I'm only days away from getting the last of the parts needed and have chosen E3 from past experience with them on other vehicles.
Thanks for the images. Much help in any project.

Kendo

ohlord

or risk the issues.
Order the oem NGK plugs they are only 10 bucks each and do the job with no issues.
As for the others can eat dirt if you are a shill for E3 can it. They are snake oil and if you fall for it or are part of it,We wish you well.
I have ocean front property for sale in Az. if you do.

KendoBoo

Curious, I have had past issues with NGK's and found they only shine when used in sport environments, motorcycles and dirt bikes. Always had short life in automotive applications.

On the other hand, I found E3’s for less than 5 and half buck each, brand new.

I think I will hold true to my first choice. They have been working in all my other girls.
Was checking to see if anyone else had experience with them. But your thoughts are appreciated.

ohlord

have worked in the Mercedes engines in question for lifetimes far exceeding MB change intervals.Without issues. No need to reinvent what works and install market gimmick doodads.
But hey the misfires will be your own and your own very costly engine at risk.

PMKC

Hi, I appreciate this post very much as I just took delivery of my 03 S600 w/ 80k miles, and I'd like to do oil and spark plugs.

Are these the only spark plugs to use? I was hoping to cross-reference them with something on Sparkplugs.com as I can get a discount (they've got NKG Laser Iridium #4696/IFR5D10 that are apparently for 600s but I wanted to make sure).
And if not, where can I find these plugs online for $10/ea please? Thanks, also if there are any special tools required for this job, much appreciated (although doesn't look like anything special? Just take out bolts holding spark plug boots/ignition rails in and it pops out?)

Thanks, also if anyone can answer, which is best oil filter to use (besides factory--or must I drive by dealer to pick up oil filter?), and oil weight? Was thinking changing oil to Mobile1 0w-40, but if I need 10-40 or 15-50 for whatever reason in these cars please let me know. thanks a lot for this post!!

greekviking

On the TTV12, do the coil packs slip right out....or do you need to lift the engine a couple of inches to get clearance from strut towers. Looks more tricky than pics show. Please advise on this very important step not shown.

ohlord

filter about 15 bucks or less at autohausaz.com and others.
free shipping over 50 bucks so order some air filters and other stuff you need.
Mobil1 0w40 syn.
2003 S600 5648 ngk rockauto under 10 bucks or about $10 on amazon oe bosch equivalent about 8 bucks. amazon
always good to check autozone and orielys for sales sometimes you can really score a deal.
And Napa has mobil1 0w40 on sale now for under $6 a qt.
2 months ago autozone had m1 0w40 for $4.99 a qt.

don't use anti=seize on the plugs
torque them properly unless you are comfortable doing it the old fashioned way.
cool engine,take off your belt and watch,drape the fenders with a thick blanket.

PMKC

many thanks. I found these plugs, just wanted to double check and make sure these are ok as these cars rely on the plugs for knock detection? didn't know if these plugs would have that capability or not as this concept is rather new to me (no knock sensors, that is!). thanks!!

PS, are there any things we have to worry about in doing the plugs, besides not breaking the ignition rails and bungeeing up the intercoolers? any hard-to-find screws/bolts? or is this pretty straight forward outside of that. Does the rail lift up easily once unbolted? are there any step-by-step instructions online (only if it's more complicated than the pics you show) because I can't seem to find. On my M3/Supra cars I do this job in about 20minutes but this car...man, not sure! thanks again!

ohlord

oem plug listed in the technical section of your owners manual.
The DIY above is not mine the op did a nice job showing the basics and pictures follow it and use common sense and you will be fine.
Work slow,be safe,look the job over before you even pick up a tool and work out the procedure in your mind let those thoughts sink in,then dive in

greekviking

The most important question is this...do the coil packs slip out without touching the strut towers ??? looks very tricky there...I heared you have to lift the engine from a few techs . Is that true?

Sathinas

No. The coil packs will come out with the engine in place, so long as you know how to wiggle them out.

When you do pry the packs off the plugs, make sure you don't bend the coil pack(s), or you may render them useless.

KendoBoo

Hey OhLord, You say that I should not use anti-seize on the plugs?? I have aways used it when bonding steel to aluminum where I plan on removing it at a later date. Is there a reason?
kendo

grane

The NGKs are good but I prefer Bosch plugs when and if you can find them. Both are OEM and I'd be comfortable with either one BUT don't mix brands.

Make sure you use R plugs (resistor) or you will have problems. There is an R in the part number as a rule so you'll be ok.

Stay away from any other brand, sorry.

I don't understand why you don't use a light antiseize application?

alx

this. wholeheartedly agree.

oem plugs are 99.99% of the time the best choice for a stock or close to stock motor. applies to our v12s as well as american v8s, japanese 4-bangers, bikes, etc.

bp95gsx

The coil packs come out without touching shock towers.

Oxygen

Very close clearance but you do not have to lift the motor or anything like that. Thanks for a great DIY guide John!

NCE500

Did mine yesterday, took just over 5 hours. 3 were a B**** to get loose, and had to replace 1 cracked red insulator; it was definitely time. Visited my dealer and paid $4.40 for one new insulator. Also cleaned the throttle body while everything was apart. My engine purrs at idle, and is running smoother than ever. Definitely worth the effort.

Thanks (also to Formula ZR) for posting the pics, they inspired me to take the plunge......and save $1,150 over what the dealer wanted on top of what the plugs cost.

Benz-O-Rama

Hey E,

How many miles on your beast?

NCE500

Clayton, just turned 25K miles. MB sais to change them every 5 years regardless of mileage. Mine were ready, if you haven't done yours, you probably should start thinking about it.

Benz-O-Rama

Yeah, I suppose so. I guess after I get back from driving it to Timmayfest, I'll pull the plugs.

How'd the throttle body look when you yanked it?

NCE500

The throttle body had 25K of lite coating of brown something or other, nothing bad but it was a little dirty. No need to remove it or dissassemble, just sprayed some "non coating abrasive" CRC Throttle Body Cleaner over both sides of the blade and the insides of the housing until everything was spic and span again.

The engine sputtered a little for about 10 seconds at initial startup as the cleaner was burned; which probably also cleaned up the intake manifold and combustion chambers a little.

Very happy with the outcome of new (OEM spec NGK) plugs and clean throttle body, my engine has never run better.

abiazis

Lots of misfires lately.......all systems were good, i.e. coil packs, ignition module, cats, crank sensor, etc.... except plugs needed replaced and some were fouled......24 of them in total....

2 hour job and $15 a plug for OEM Bosch platinum......$ 600 job.......cost of owning that scorching V-12 I guess........

Car running smooth now........