C280 Plug Access - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bigpaws · #1 07-29-2003, 08:48 PM

Hi, all.

You're going to laugh yourself silly when you hear me ask this, but, HOW do you access the plugs on a 1995 C280? I've worked on cars all my life, until I bought this car. I'm NOT about to pay $650 for a tune-up, so, I'm going to do it myself...except eveything under the hood is so nicely tucked away.

Looks great under there compared to my 1969 Camaro, but, I can't see the plugs! Looks like they're under the cover on the top (held in place by 6 hex head bolts) but I'm not about to take the cover off until I know what it is.

Thanks for your help,

Bill
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vince · #2 07-30-2003, 08:53 AM

The plugs are under the aluminum cover at the center of the valve cover. You need to remove the intake crossover pipe, then the cover. There are three coils under the cover. Each coil feeds two plugs. The plugs are way down in pockets in the head under the coils. Be careful with the wiring to the coils. Examine the harness. The harness gets brittle with time and may need replacement. Not cheap.

bigpaws · #3 07-30-2003, 11:21 AM

Hi,

Thanks for your response, vince. The car seems to be having some trouble getting off the line which is what precipitated my getting into working on it.

It starts off smoothly if I take it lightly on the gas. If I push a little harder on the accelerator, it seems to stumble and quietly backfire. Once it's moving, it runs normally - from just above idle, to flooring it, it's ok. It just doesn't like starting out. My reading on this site makes me think it's the coil ends. I"m thinking tune it up (hasn't been done in a LONG time and is overdue), and see where that leaves me.

I hope it's not the harness - I understand (as you pointed out) that it ain't cheap to have it done. I also understand that the part itself is costly, too. Is the harness too difficult to install at home, or, is that definitely a shop task? I've read it's time consuming, but, hey...I have more time than money.

Bill
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vince · #4 07-31-2003, 08:59 AM

The harness is pretty much plug-n-play. I would not hesitate to do one myself. I don't think it would take more than an hour or two (and that would be working very slowly and carefully).

bigpaws · #5 07-31-2003, 03:23 PM

Hmmm..sounds like a fun project (as if I have a choice).

So, that engine harness is a part that's only available from the dealer, right!? What's the cost? I've seen all different prices on the forum. I'm wondering what the price is "today".

Cheers,

Bill
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