alk247

Thanks,

i will check this one. I did clear drains at C pillars.

El_Toro_33809

Noir230, how much of a job was it to change the plugs? On my wife's SLK320 it was a little tricky because of the tight quarters. My SL55 was purchased this past August and has high miles. None of the service records I have, which only date back to 8/15, list spark plugs being changed.

Tim

carguyshu

the plugs are not too bad of a job if you use this 17mm wrench . these are available lots of places for cheaper than the amazon link I posted and will help you get the boots off the plugs. Remember that the car has 16 plugs, not 8. While you are doing that and since you will have removed the plugs wires go ahead and replace the valve cover gaskets while you are in there.

Noir230

Tim, The only problematic plugs are those at the rear of the engine. I used two wrenches. A 3/8 drive spark plug socket with a universal joint on the end of a long extension for breaking them loose and torqueing them back in. For speed after breaking loose and before applying torque, I used a T-handled universal joint spark plug wrench.

El_Toro_33809

Shu, I have one of those for the V6 in the SLK's that we've changed. They are handy. Those engines have 2 plugs per cylinder as well. And the prior owner did the valve cover gaskets last June, so I should be good there. Thank you.

Noir, thanks for the tips. As mentioned before, I have no idea as to when the current plugs were installed, so it wouldn't be a bad thing for me to tackle.

Tim

alk247

Guys,

does it make sense to change plug wires along with plugs, or would that be an overkill?

tandan

Good question for me too. I just had one coil replaced and was a little Leary about replacing all the plugs. Even on the coil that hadn't gone bad yet. Only 40,000 miles but 10 years old. I was pleasantly surprised at the extra pop.

carguyshu

the plugs are designed to last for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

carguyshu

the factory wires are fairly resilient. probably no reason to change them.

Noir230

I agree with Carguyshu about the need for a 17mm or 18mm wrench to pop off the spark plug covers and wires. I tried to use a pliers-type (for lack of a better description) wire puller to pull off the covers and wires. It didn't work. The wrench worked quite well.


I also agree with him about there being no real need to change the wires unless they are broken, frayed or you're having a problem that can be attributed to them.

Marcus Larsson

Thank you guys for all the awnsers. They really helps. I have found a few nice sl500(550) from 2003-05 for around 21-22k usd. But im thinking there are other very nice cars for that price, like the cls55 from 2005-06, s55 from 04-05 or newer c350 from 2013. Sure, they all have more power but im keep being pulled to the sl, the sl feels more special with no roof and nice lines. Just crusing a nice day. They all will suck at winter so the only other thing that favor amg is power, thinking i will enjoy the sl more since i dont relly drives that fast anymore. What do you think?

carguyshu

an S55 is going to have all the same ABC problems as an SL.

gotglasses

Get an SL500. If you are an older sports car lover you will find it handles better than an XK-E and is faster too. Build quality is superb. The ride comfort and fabulous steel top make easy top down motoring really enjoyable. How many other convertibles can you drive top down while enjoying the stereo??? THe ABC stuff is overblown if you bought a car with no leaks and good pump pressure. You must have a good trunk/ accessory battery which will prevent a lot of ABC and SBC angst. The ABC solenoids will level the car using accumulator pressure and need a strong battery, as does the SBC pump which will turn on to maintain pressure whenever you touch the car. Very happy with mine. Having been through the warranty hassle with several makes it amazes me how everything is "normal" or "fine" during the warranty period. Then, the week after warranty expires you suddenly face thousands of dollars in essential maintenance!

Let me know how it turns out.

Marcus Larsson

Yes, thats my impression of the abc too.
ive decided to import one from germany. You get more bang for the buck so now im looking for a 2005 with low miles and amg pkg. They just look better. Hopefully this will happen this fall.

walterwhite

FYI, DIY maintenance will average about $2.5K USD a year on an R230. Figure that in, and you'll be a happy owner.