I just replaced my spark plugs!

[randyman]

for those who want a DIY on this just click on the link...

http://forums.m b w o r l d.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=65915

just take out the spaces in the link when you cut and paste.

hth.

[Benza]

Nice job!
How many miles did the old plugs go for?

[ae86pwr]

well done ... *CLAPS*

you should remind people to use 5/8" slim spark plug socket for regular plug socket from typical took kit is too fat.

the 17mm works like magic huh ... took me 3 cyclinders before i picked up that tool

[:o)]

[C-Rod]

Hey Randy..what brand of spark plug did you go with..l went with the Bosch Platinum 4+4's...

[randyman]

Benza - 4/7/2004 9:37 PM

Nice job!
How many miles did the old plugs go for?

the truck had 107,000 miles on it when i replaced the plugs. i'd have to double check if the plugs were replaced before then by the previous owner.

ae86pwr - 4/7/2004 9:45 PM

well done ... *CLAPS*

you should remind people to use 5/8" slim spark plug socket for regular plug socket from typical took kit is too fat.

the 17mm works like magic huh ... took me 3 cyclinders before i picked up that tool

[:o)]

ur right. i used the 5/8 socket. yes, the 17 mm works great. i knew i didn't have to get an MB tool for this type of maintenance...good thing i checked with u guys!

C-Rod - 4/7/2004 1:37 AM

Hey Randy..what brand of spark plug did you go with..l went with the Bosch Platinum 4+4's...

those were the exact same ones that i used. [;)]

[randyman]

of any sites that will host my pics? imagestation won't let me share the pics with anyone. [:(!]

[Frank]

You can attach as many images as you want on each post made here. You also automatically get your own gallery folder to upload you Mercedes images.

[randyman]

Frank - 4/8/2004 11:50 PM

You can attach as many images as you want on each post made here. You also automatically get your own gallery folder to upload you Mercedes images.

thanks, Frank! i'll do just that.[:)]

[randyman]

*Spark plug replacement for the M-Class (W-163)*

Tools that I used...

From left to right: WD-40, 17 mm open/closed wrench, Torx screw driver, 5/8" Spark Plug Socket, 3/8" short extension, 3/8" Ratchet, and Torque wrench.



1. Make sure the engine is cold! Proceed by taking off the engine cover -- just pry it out, and the Air box (undo the 8 clips).

Engine cover


Air box


2. After removal of the engine cover, you will see the 3 coil packs on either side of the engine (6 total). Use a torx screw driver to remove them (each pack is held by just one screw). After that, go ahead and unclip the packs from the harness.



Do one side first (I did the driver's side 1st). I sprayed WD-40 on the metal spark plug boots for ease of removal. Once that is done, use a 17 mm open wrench to pry them off.

Passenger's side view. The 17 mm wrench should fit nicely around the boot.


Give the wrench a good push and the boot should come off

Make sure that you don't mix the orientation of the plug wires from the coil pack! Do the plugs and wires one at a time so as not mess up which wire goes where. Or you can label each wire if it's better for you.

3. Once the boot is off, use the spark plug socket/extension/ratchet to remove the spark plug.

Remember: "Lefty loosey, Righty tighty"


Ye olde spark plug

4. Install the new plugs. Use anti-seize on the plug's thread if you wish. This'll make the removal easier the next time you do it again.

Brand new Platinum plugs.

5. Hand tighten the plugs in. If you have a Torque wrench, torque them to 15-20 ft-lbs afterwards. Otherwise, just tighten it about another 3/4 turn with the ratchet (DO NOT overtighten!).

Torque wrench in action.

6. Before installing the plug wire, spray the inside of the boot with some WD-40. This will make it a lot easier to put the boots back. Make sure that the boots "snap" back in. Double check by pulling the boot by hand -- if it comes off, push it in harder.

7. Just keep doing the same procedure to each plug. It gets harder as you go towards the firewall -- not enough room!

8. Once all the plugs are replaced, go ahead and screw the coil packs back and clip them back to the harness -- don't worry about mixing them up since each harness are "properly" positioned...as long as you didn't take the whole coil pack off.

9. That's it! It took me about 1.5 hours to do the job and picture taking. Put everything back together.



Miscellaneous:
* Expect to get some scratches on your hands and arms.

* Make sure that you don't drop anything in the engine bay! It'll be a PITA to reach in and get it.

* When spraying WD-40, you might get some on the headers. When you start the car it'll smoke, but don't worry the smoke will go away once the WD-40 fully evaporates.

* Do this at your own risk. I will not be responsible for any engine failure or any bodily harm.

* Expect more scratches on your hands and arms after a good hand wash.

* Feel free to add more info to this write-up if I missed anything.



Cheers!

[dfskinner]

Very nice detailed DIY.

Thanks