Is there a trick to installing plugs in this car? I'm not sure I can bend my hand in the right positions to remove them. On our 1998 ML 320 we removed the fender liners and it was easy. Any such tricks for my wagon?

You'll probably find it easier if you use a good pair of boot pulling pliers to dis-connect the wire ends from the plugs. Also, take the time to remove the ignition coils. They come off with the removal of one torx screw per coil. It's a very straightforward job. With the coils out of the way it's easy to reach in and get at the plugs. Some of my guys leave the coils installed, but I find it easier to move them out of the way. I also use a spark plug socket from Snap-On. I don't recall the number but it's roughly the size of a cigar. It works like a dream but it costs about $50-60, so it may not be practical for a DIYer. Good luck

Thanks for the reply. So I do it from the top, remove the coils,which I figured I would do and get a few scrapes on the hands. Just wanted to make sure there was not a magic trick to make it easier. I have the Mercedes spark plug wire puller that worked on the inline 6 but it doesn't seem to fit the V6 as well. Is there a new one. If the part number for the snap on socket is available I might as well get it as the V6 will be around for a while. Thanks again for the help.

I did the plugs on my E320 last October. I also recommend removing the coils since the plugs are difficult enough to get at.

I used the snap-on spark plug remover tool. The number on the handle is SBP 3, but you might want to check out snap-on's web site to verify.

If your plugs have never been removed, expect a fight to get them out. I suggest that you twist the spark plug boot to break them loose and do not pull on the spark plug wire (it may separate from the boot).

I used dielectric grease on the porcelin and the inside boot of the plugs so that they will come out easier next time. I also used high temp anti-seeze compound on the spark plug threads for the same reason.

Expect to bend your hands since the plugs are not very accessable.

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

The only real trick is removing the plug wires from the plugs. The recommended tool for doing this is a wrench, which I believe was originally intended to be used to adjust M110 engine valves.
Without this, you can try a pliers-type removal tool, or by hand, but of course you can't pull on the wires too hard.

Gilly

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Thanks to all for your help. will do project next weekend.

How did the project go? Any hints? Which plugs did you use?
Having a problem last two days accessing Mercedes Shop. Not sure if this a problem on my end or theirs.

Thanks to all who have replied. I have not done the spark plugs yet for 3 reasons. Car runs perfect and I want to do this as PM when I have the time and right tools. I now have the Snap On spark plug tool so need the time. #2 Just bought a very nice 1987 190E 2.6 and doing the cam seal, timing cover leak, complete tune up and replace radiator. And, see ML list for oil comsumption problem being taken care of by great dealer. Will report spark plug change and what contorsions are needed with in a month.