Cost for spark plug change?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
Cost for spark plug change?
There is a boutique German car repair and performance facility near me that has a very good reputation. I was just quoted $552 + tax to change out the plugs in my S550. Does this sound like a fair price from a high quality German indy shop? Local MB dealer wants a little over $1k to do the same job.
They'll also do oil (Fuchs) and filter (OEM MB) change for $99 + tax, which seems like a steal. I'm used to paying around $250 from another local indy shop for that. Was quoted $475 + tax for oil/filter from dealer. Egads!
They'll also do oil (Fuchs) and filter (OEM MB) change for $99 + tax, which seems like a steal. I'm used to paying around $250 from another local indy shop for that. Was quoted $475 + tax for oil/filter from dealer. Egads!
Member
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 76
Likes: 35
From: California, near Santa Cruz
S550
That seems ok based on an indy shop that did a pre-purchase B2 service (spark plugs, oil change, cabin and air filter) = $720 labor. Parts were plugs = $250, oil filter = $30 and air filters = $102 and cabin filters = $137. Parts "cost" were a total rip-off but the car dealer was paying as condition of sale to do the B2 service.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 480
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2014 S63 2010 ML350 Bluetec 2009 SL550
Yes - it means that the plugs when tightened to the proper torque end up with the electrode facing away from the injector. These boosted DI motors need everything to happen at exactly the right moment during combustion and this helps insure it does.
Doing the plug job right means taking extra steps during installation and also sanding the plug washers ever so slightly to get the right fitment. Those getting super low prices on this job should insure that the indexing is happening as spec'd by MB. My indy thought I was just messing with him until I showed him the print out of the MB Service bulletin on the procedure. You can find it in other threads here on the site.
Doing the plug job right means taking extra steps during installation and also sanding the plug washers ever so slightly to get the right fitment. Those getting super low prices on this job should insure that the indexing is happening as spec'd by MB. My indy thought I was just messing with him until I showed him the print out of the MB Service bulletin on the procedure. You can find it in other threads here on the site.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 39
Likes: 38
From: Spencer, WV
2016 S550, 1995 E320, 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
That sounds like a good price to me.
A few years ago, when I was at my local MB dealer to get warranty work done, the service manager asked me if I wanted to have my plugs replaced for only $800.
I replied, "At less than 30,000 miles?!"
He said yes.
I told him I was a former MB mechanic and would do it myself in a couple of hours when the mileage is a lot higher.
He said his boss told him to ask and then asked me if I wanted to work there. LOL!
It's all about the money at most dealerships.
A few years ago, when I was at my local MB dealer to get warranty work done, the service manager asked me if I wanted to have my plugs replaced for only $800.
I replied, "At less than 30,000 miles?!"
He said yes.
I told him I was a former MB mechanic and would do it myself in a couple of hours when the mileage is a lot higher.
He said his boss told him to ask and then asked me if I wanted to work there. LOL!
It's all about the money at most dealerships.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 628
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
Yes - it means that the plugs when tightened to the proper torque end up with the electrode facing away from the injector. These boosted DI motors need everything to happen at exactly the right moment during combustion and this helps insure it does.
Doing the plug job right means taking extra steps during installation and also sanding the plug washers ever so slightly to get the right fitment. Those getting super low prices on this job should insure that the indexing is happening as spec'd by MB. My indy thought I was just messing with him until I showed him the print out of the MB Service bulletin on the procedure. You can find it in other threads here on the site.
Doing the plug job right means taking extra steps during installation and also sanding the plug washers ever so slightly to get the right fitment. Those getting super low prices on this job should insure that the indexing is happening as spec'd by MB. My indy thought I was just messing with him until I showed him the print out of the MB Service bulletin on the procedure. You can find it in other threads here on the site.
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 566
Likes: 261
From: In The Woods
2019 W222 S560 4Matic/2025 Yukon Denali
I did them myself at 50k and paid attention to the torque values.
What I did not know at that time was "indexing."
Thank you for teaching me something new.
I never thought about the sanding etc.
Ive always just gapped the plugs, and put them in very carefully and to proper torque.
I have to do this job again in about 10K miles, so now I will pay extra attention to the torque values.
I am guessing proper torque will lead to proper indexing.....
Really cool to learn this.
Thank you.
V
What I did not know at that time was "indexing."
Thank you for teaching me something new.
I never thought about the sanding etc.
Ive always just gapped the plugs, and put them in very carefully and to proper torque.
I have to do this job again in about 10K miles, so now I will pay extra attention to the torque values.
I am guessing proper torque will lead to proper indexing.....
Really cool to learn this.
Thank you.
V
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 312
Likes: 106
From: DFW area in TEXAS! 🤠
2018 S450 4Matic, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2010 GL350 (sold)
Doing the plug job right means taking extra steps during installation and also sanding the plug washers ever so slightly to get the right fitment. Those getting super low prices on this job should insure that the indexing is happening as spec'd by MB. My indy thought I was just messing with him until I showed him the print out of the MB Service bulletin on the procedure. You can find it in other threads here on the site.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 480
Likes: 305
2014 S63 2010 ML350 Bluetec 2009 SL550
This might help those looking for the official word on the subject:
https://mbworld.org/forums/w212-amg/...ark-plugs.html
I also applies to more than just the M157 motor but I don't know the full list offhand.
https://mbworld.org/forums/w212-amg/...ark-plugs.html
I also applies to more than just the M157 motor but I don't know the full list offhand.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 596
From: Florida
18 AMG GTC and 22 F150 Limited. Past owner 16 Maybach, 17 Brabus Smartcar, 06 Ford E150, and 22 G70
Did the job myself in my 16 v12 Maybach. There were 24 plugs and those alone were not cheap. The job took me all day. I can guess 500 for the v8 is a good deal.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 797
From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
I did them myself at 50k and paid attention to the torque values.
What I did not know at that time was "indexing."
Thank you for teaching me something new.
I never thought about the sanding etc.
Ive always just gapped the plugs, and put them in very carefully and to proper torque.
I have to do this job again in about 10K miles, so now I will pay extra attention to the torque values.
I am guessing proper torque will lead to proper indexing.....
Really cool to learn this.
Thank you.
V
What I did not know at that time was "indexing."
Thank you for teaching me something new.
I never thought about the sanding etc.
Ive always just gapped the plugs, and put them in very carefully and to proper torque.
I have to do this job again in about 10K miles, so now I will pay extra attention to the torque values.
I am guessing proper torque will lead to proper indexing.....
Really cool to learn this.
Thank you.
V
Last edited by carlosinseattle; Dec 19, 2024 at 05:24 PM.
