Sparks Plugs...Any Tricks
 

My 98 W210 (V-6) has about 120k on it, and I want to replace the SPARK PLUGS and some other maintenance parts. Just wondering if there is any trick to replacing the SPARK PLUGS, or there is anything I should be prepared to do or not to do.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

If I may..... I also read the discussion about the SPRING PERCHES on the E300/320 which many have reported broken while driving. I was just wondering if anyone has an update on this problem, especially from Mercedes Benz.

Thanks and Happy New Year To Everyone.

MB spark plugs are pretty straight forward. If yours are in a tight space or a little difficult to remove with a 3/8 ratchet and socket, I recommend using a 3/8 air ratchet on compressed air (be ABSOLUTELY certain its in reverse!!!!!). That was how I removed my glow plugs on my suburban (carbon tipped and in weird places), worked like a charm, no swinging a ratchet arm. The air ratchet can be a blessing for dissasembly of anything, for reinstallation air tools should be seldom used.

Be certain to use a torque wrench and set the new ones to 19-21 ft/lbs. any tighter and you risk pulling your threads on your head.

Ive done mine on my SL-C many times without incident (besides when I nearly crossthreaded the hard to get at #4 cyl, this little device saved my a*s for a meager $5, worked like a charm.

Best of luck!

[QUOTE=If I may..... I also read the discussion about the SPRING PERCHES on the E300/320 which many have reported broken while driving. I was just wondering if anyone has an update on this problem, especially from Mercedes Benz.[/QUOTE]

I had one spring perch starting to fail. Mercedes replaced both sides and covered 1/2 the cost. I suggest you remove both front tires and check for rust.
Post #12 has pictures of mine:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/200445-w210-front-spring-replacement.html?highlight=spring

For the spark plugs I used hand tools and took my time getting the old plugs loose. I also did them with the engine warm. Take your time getting the plug boots/wires loose, I twisted them to break them loose before pulling on
them.
Here is a link that may be of use:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/55573-1998-e320-spark-plug-installation.html?highlight=Spark+plug

Hope this helps.

19mm open-end wrench is the tool of choice for removing the boots.

I replaced my ignition wires at the same time and it made a huge difference and I also replaced the wires on my 500 SEC with Magnicore Wires that I bought in Detroit... These wires are fantastic and my car runs much better... Pay the money and get them.

420SEL Jake, the M112 does not have long wires for the secondary circuit,
so no need to replace them (coil on plug with 2 plugs pr coil).

For a DIY, look here;
http://www.mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/216940-diy-m112-spark-plug-r-r.html

br,
syljua

I truly appreciate all your contributions to this post...it will be very helpful come Saturday. Special thanks for the DIY link.

On the PERCH issue, I called a couple of MB dealers, and they both indicated to me that they never heard of any such issue or a recall. They wanted my vin# to see if there was a recall on my particular car. I was not in that car at that moment, so I was not able to give them the vin#.
I also called MB USA, and MB again acted as if they have never heard of such problem with the spring perch. The customer relation rep decided to transfer me to the Product Specialist...as they call them. I was placed on hold for so long that I decided to hang up the phone because I was driving at the time.
I do intend to call them (MB/Dealer) back to get some answers because I will hate to be in a situation where my spring comes off my car while driving.

I will keep everyone posted on any new development or any advice from MB.

There is no recall. There is a NHTSA investigation with action number PE07021 that you can see in the NHTSA.gov website, search under "e-class".

Per the letter that MBUSA submitted through their attorneys, Hogan and Hartson, the perch failure will not cause loss of steering, and MB will provide goodwill on a "case by case basis".

Make sure to read Ray's second link with regards to antisieze and dielectric grease and you'll be a pro at replacing spark plugs.