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I'm doing the sparkplug replacement on my 2016 e350 wagon and got to the after most plug on the driver side and just cannot seem to get my 14mm spark plug socket and extension to make the angle necessary to get the socket to go in. What's the best tool to get at a local auto part store that would make my life easier on this particular plug location?
I had zero issue getting the plugs out, even #6, but am I to guess that you did the job with the manifold still on? I also used the socket Tim used (post 3, courtesy of Amazon).
Before I had ordered parts I had looked at the clearances and no freakin way I'd try doing this job with the manifold still on despite seeing folks post they've done it this way. For me, the passenger side was easy, of course. The driver's side was a pain, especially cyl 5 and 6 ...I marvel at the thought of anyone getting in there with the manifold still on! Sooo tight in there with the CPU, hoses, wiring looms; barely any room to see let alone for medium sized hands to work!!! Trying to get the dang coils off the plugs was a nightmare on 5 and 6 ...ended up with them breaking as it was nearly impossible to get a good hold of them to yank em.
Looking at it I’m sure people have done it with the manifold on but removing it would make life easier and may save aggravation. Plus depending on time and mileage it’s never a bad idea to put fresh intake manifold gaskets on.
I usually order tools off Amazon. I have a list of jobs to do on my MB based on age and mileage. I will browse Amazon looking for deals. I have had good luck buying "Used-like new" items. Most are new never used. The few times I was sent damaged or missing items I simply returned for a full refund. Like when I ordered a brake line flaring tool, the 1st one I was sent was missing the bolts so returned it, happen to be another used listing and that one was brand new in unopened package.
I have even bought tools I planned on using but didnt end up needing so returned. Like when I replaced the engine coolant, I bought the vacuum kit but the coolant system ended up purging itself.
2005 E320 4-Matic Wagon and 2016 E350 4-Matic Wagon
I've changed plugs a few times on my 2016 E350 wagon without removing the intake manifold. To access plugs #5 and #6 on driver side,
remove intake air duct driver side
remove ECU from grommets & place ECU to the side. Make sure you get the ECU harness up and over the oil dipstick (keep connector attached, the cable lengths are long enough to do)
remove aluminum bracket over cyl #5 for better access to #5 (middle plug, driver side)
remove oil dipstick bracket retaining screw and move dipstick aside for extra working space for cyl. #6
remove ign coil electrical connector for cyl #6 only for better access. No need for other cylinders. These can be challenging because connector housings get brittle with time. If the connector doesn't want to slide off, I squirt a tiny bit of silicone where the female and male connectors meet and let it penetrate in. Then tap gently (mini-"impact") with screw driver on female connector to break the connector free.
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