Hi, I've attempted searching for these topics but my unfamiliarity of MB has me desiring more specific hits for my situation than I have found so far.

I have a 2002 S 500 (5.0l V8, 16 plugs and wires, 8 waste spark coils) in the family that is overdue for spark plugs. I want to replace the wires as well. As a mechanic I primarily work on domestic vehicles hence the unfamiliarity.

MB prices the wires individually (unless I didn't understand correctly) at between $33.50 and $52 per unit (list). With a standard shop discount that is still in the mid $500's after tax. With the local dealer's matrix pricing however, they tack on another 25% to that. Ouch! I have never dealt with MB dealerships personally and would be just as happy getting them elsewhere, as long as they are OEM or OEM quality.

Here at Peachparts and via Worldpac redistibutors there are sets for approx $300 in Beru that appear to be identical looking from the pics, and even a Bremi set that looks OEM for approx $200. $200 seems reasonable for 16 short wires in a discounted kit, $300 doesn't sound too bad either. Would Beru or Bremi quality/fit both stand up to OEM wires or no?

Regarding plugs, there are 4 recommendations in Alldata. I can't find an exact aftermarket match but the makes I would consider are Bosch, NGK, and Beru. Checking out aftermarket sources the "most correct looking" Bosch plug is a single tip platinum, not like the crappy Bosch platinums for $2 at Autozone but more like modern OEM style thin protruding platinum electrode similar to many NGK offerings. NGK suggests a host of different types, even conventional type plugs. With this list and variety it is hard to imagine that most of these are truely "correct". I want to avoid potential "ghost" misfire counts and other nuisances that only correct plugs can guarantee. Do you have insight into the exact replacement brand/part# in the aftermarket or do you recommend MB plugs to be sure?

Finally, 3.0 hours to replace plugs (from Alldata) sounds a bit excessive for what the job looks like. Am I going to run into any problems that aren't obvious? It looks really straight forward though; remove a cover and some ducts, 8 coils, 16 wires, swivel socket for the 16 plugs, torque to 28Nm, done. Am I missing anything?

Wow, this post got long. Thanks for reading to the end!