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  #1  
Old 01-16-2005, 01:36 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Indianapolis
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Spark plug wires and 400E

Does any one out there have any experience with changing the spark plug (ignition) wires on a 93 400E? My husband was going to change them out while doing new caps and rotors because we think they may still be the original set. We've heard that it is incredibly difficult to get the wires off the spark plugs (possible damaging the plugs).

1. Is any one familiar with doing this job on a 400E and have any advice to make it easier? Are any special tools needed?

2. Even if these are the original wires, should they need to be replaced? We can't find where these are listed on any regular maintenance schedule.

MB FRAU

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  #2  
Old 01-16-2005, 06:38 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Motor City, MI
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Ignition wires are typically replaced on an as-needed basis. I personally have no rule or schedule for replacing ignition wires. One criterion is if the car runs sluggishly during wet weather. Open the hood at night with the engine running and you may see arcing from the ignition wires.

If the wires/plugs have been on there a long time he may potentially run into problems. One is that the boots may be baked onto the spark plugs. I usually first break that bond before removing the wire end from the spark plug. But since he's going to replace the ignition wires this really isn't a problem. The worst problem he can get into over his head is that the spark plugs may be hard to remove. The threads have a tendency to gall to the aluminum head, resulting in stripped threads on the head. It takes a certain feel from experience to know when the threads will strip.

When he puts everything back together, it is good practise to butter the inside of the spark plug boot with silicone grease so the boot won't bake on the porcelain, and put some antisieze compound on the spark plug threads to prevent galling. This'll help tremendously for the next time this job is done.
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Old 01-16-2005, 07:40 PM
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I just did it on a 92 - not really tough but time consuming. I had no trouble getting the wires off or getting the plugs out. To me the hardest part of the job on a 119 motor is routing the wires - it's sort of a spagetti setup in tight quarters. Everything has to be right in just the right place or the black distributor covers won't snap back on. You might want to price it all before you do it as preventive maintenance.
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Old 01-17-2005, 04:24 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Tulsa
Posts: 304
I've changed the plug wires on a 93 400e and a 92 400SE - both have the M119 engine like yours. I agree with Deanyel, the job isn't that difficult, but depending on your DIY skill level can take a few hours to complete. On a scale of 1-5, I would give this job a 2. Neither car posed any unusual problems removing the plug wires from the boot or the distributor cap.

If you're a seasoned DIYer… my suggestions won't offer much help but if this is a 1st time working on the plugs of a M119 or similar ........

When possible, try to only work/change 1 plug wire and plug at a time. Pay special attention when routing the plug wire. Try and keep the same path and length of plug wire at routing points as you route each wire. This will insure the covers fit at the end of the job. Working only on one plug at a time will also keep you from attaching the plug wire to the wrong cylinder/plug.

On the M119 engine, you'll need a plug socket with a rubber insert that will hold the plug and a socket extension . You'll need the socket extension to reach the plug in the cylinder hole - this will become obvious when you look at the location of the plugs. Since the plugs are not accessable by hand, ALLWAYS screw the plug by hand, or in this case, holding the socket extension. This will prevent you from "cross threading" the plug. As Deanyel suggested, use anti-seize on the threads of the plug and dielectric grease on the plug boot. Follow the torque specifications and when completing final tightening of the plug and don't forget to check each plugs gap.

I also make special note of each "old" plug removed. Look for any unusual signs of plug wear or erosion. Problems identifed on the removed plug can give you insight into other problems regarding your engine.

One last note, do not use platinum plugs, use the Bosch Super - this what your MB was designed to use.

Hope this helps.

Russell

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Russell McMahon
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2001 CLK 320
1992 400se
1993 400e
2000 320ML
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