Big relief. Anxiety was pretty high as this is the second replacement for this plug in the 120k miles I have been driving the car that I have done. Didn't use steady force, just kind of swung the ratchet wrench in a pattern to mimic an impact wrench. After a few pops it came loose and I turned it out without the wrench handle, using my fingers on the extension bar.

Putting it back in with 27 N-m after lubing the threads and metal shank with high temperature anti-seize seemed a bit extreme, as it socked down pretty tight. I loosened it to see how it felt and it came loose without making the torque wrench click. Then I tightened it to 27 N-m again and figured it was ok.

I have to do some work on the fuel lines too while I am "in there" so I will get back on it in the morning.

This plug failed and I got no CEL indication. I have my ScangaugeII plugged into the OBDII port, which may be interfering. I have never been able to get that gadget to read codes - after nearly a month it still just tells me it sees no codes and then the system is not ready. But it does help me with mileage - I got 31 mpg the last 200 mile business trip Wednesday and Thursday. Not bad for an average speed of 67 mph. Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)