I have an 88 300SEL. I have purchased the MB CD manual and I am preparing to replace the spark plugs. When I looked in the manual about spark plug replacement it says I need a special tool to twist the spark plug connector slightly and then pull off using the special tool. I don't have this special tool and I have never encountered wires like this. The ones I have done on other cars just require a slight tug and off they pop. This connector looks like a piece of galvanized sheet metal. Can anybody give me a hint about how to get these wires disconnected and my plugs in without buying some special tool? Don't worry about my feelings if you feel like flaming me either. I feel pretty dumb right now. Thanks in advance.

You already have a special tool. It's your right hand. Grip the connector sheath firmly give it a slight twist and pull gently, it should come right off. If it doesn't come right off, then the rubber insulator inside the connector is frozen on the plug. You can get them off but, it may require some effort. There is a tool made for this purpose and I have used it. Only offers a slight mechanical advantage. Not worth the $$$ to buy. If the insulator is frozen on the plug, it will break no matter what you do. If you get them off successfully without damaging the rubber, get some silicone grease and lightly apply some to the white insulator on the plugs before reassembly. Will make future efforts much easier. Do NOT pull on the wires themselves. The metal sleeve is what you need to grasp.

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325

[This message has been edited by jeffsr (edited 04-09-2000).]

The official MB spark plug insulator remover tool cost me about $13.00 and lasted 10 plus years. The insulators can be a real bugger to remove sometimes, and this is the right tool for the job....

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If you're a DIYER and want MB Spark Plug Wire Pliers, Check out www.************************ or call them @ 1-800-243-1220. The part number is 58-039. They work.

Mike Murrell

Yes, the MB special pliers are definitely recommended for the job. In addition, Hazet makes a set which I also find useful. They are longer than the MB pliers and are very helpful to remove the wires on models where clearance is tight. The pliers from Hazet are about $47 while the MB ones can be had for around $20. They are made by Lumen.

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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Precision Motorcars, Cincinnati, Ohio
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8
'74 Jensen Interceptor Mk.III
'81 DeLorean DMC12
'85 BMW 745i Turbo

I want to change the plugs on my 300.

Did they twist off or did you need the tool? Did you buy the tool? Where? What kind of plugs did you buy and what was the gap?

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'89 420 SEL
'90 300 SEL
'84 300 SD (sold it)

What are the ramifications to not properly tightening spark plugs to its specified torgue??

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'89 420 SEL
'90 300 SEL
'84 300 SD (sold it)

I just ordered and received my plug wire pliers from Performance Products (try "www.************************/home.asp").
They're made by Lumen and cost about $29.00.

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Al Spalmacin
1989 560SEL
1989 190E 2.6