plug wire "guides"
 

I have an 89 300E - 3.0 engine. I purchased the two plastic pieces that fit in the center of the valve cover that hide the plug wires. Mine came undone and fried on the exhaust. Should I glue the bottom piece down to keep it in place? Unless I am missing something I see no way of keeping it in place.

Thanks,
BDavis

And thanks Mr. Bible for all your help on the front timing cover. I cannot believe the local shop wanted $600.00 to do this!

Now '89 version may be different than say '90 version. '90 and later M103 engines have the single plastic cover over the plug wires. One of the most stupid designs I have ever seen. I've had two of them and there is no way to really get the blasted thing to stay in place. I have bought new ones and they don't work. Depends on little plastic tits on the sides that are supposed to fit snugly but don't.

Steve

Now that I think about it, yes it is two pieces. Still won't stay in place.

Steve

At one point I thought about tapping a couple of holes into the head and using small machine screws to hold it down.

Steve

It is entirely cosmetic and should be thrown away at the earliest possible opportunity. In fact Beru suggests keeping wires away from the heat of the engine anyway. Any auto parts store will sell spark wire holders that work very nice for under $5.