I just brought my '99 E300TD in for what is apparantly a bad glow plug because when starting cold it sounds like only 5 of the 6 cylinders are firing. This is not covered by Starmark warranty - anybody have a guess as to what a reasonable price should be for this job?

Glow plugs are considered a maintenance item by most manufacturers and warranty companies. My E300D has had three sets of glow plugs, but StarMark paid for them because the car has an electric glow problem that MB has been unable to resolve for 3 years... That's another issue.

When I asked what it would cost for glow plugs to be replaced they said approximately $400 because you had to remove the air intake to gain access to the glow plugs.

Did you check engine electronics light come on?

Good luck

You can replace glow plugs yourself. It takes about one hour. If you plan to clean the AIM (air intake manifold) as well maybe 2 hours. Parts (plugs) go for about $120 for 6. Also make sure you get at least 2 o-rings (one for EGR and one for air sensor) and a new AIM gasket. Good luck.

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pat201

Dealer is going to replace all 6 glow plugs (~$40 each). That way I get the one year warranty on replacement parts on all g plugs and if one goes bad later the intake manifold job is free too. They quoted me ~$500 for the job. Thanks to all who responded.

Good idea going for the warranty. One of the reasons my wife sold her 1998 E300Dt was this glow plug problem making her car run badly all the time. Very very annoying.

We had tons of other problems with the car, and have talked to a few W210 diesel owners that are dissapointed at the quality of the car.

She doesn't like the 'ol 190E near as much, but it runs like a top, day in and day out...

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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