'97 E-420 Spark Plug Change Question
 

Looking to change plugs but don't have a socket that fits the bolts holding the covers on. Can't seem to find at local stores so what is this tool and what should I do please?

The bolts shown in the attachment are the suckers that I need to remove but need to know the correct tool to remove them. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Tommy

Those are calle "external torx". A set of them I'm sure you could buy at Sears. I think the size you need is called E8, not sure though. If you are really cheap you can sometimes get a 12 point hex socket to work in a pinch.
Gilly

Thanks again for your help on this. I have a Sears just accross the street so I'll pick up a set today. Are there any other special tools I'll need for this job? I never performed this task before so I really don't know what the challenges are. For instance, I have replacement connectors that go between the plugs and the coils and was wondering if something special is needed to remove those.

Thanks,
Tommy

Successfully Changed Plugs and Connectors 97 E420
 

I'm happy to report that last night after getting the proper tools I was able to not only finish the plugs and connectors but I sucked out the oil and changed the oil filter as well. I even dropped in a K&N filter. Car runs really great now but it never ran bad.

This was my first DIY on this car besides the evaporator swapp which was no big deal. I had one major scare removing the driver side deepest most plug as I thought I shattered it. I came back in the house and read all of the horror stories about members having to take the heads out and take it to a machine shop to fix. I prayed and went back outside to figure it out and when I stuck the needle nose pliers down the hole to get what I thought was part of a plug the whole thing came out and was intact. Whoever put that plug in must have cross threaded it as it was barely in.

Whey! I am one happy camper.

Cheers!
Tommy
1997 E420