1999 e430 spark plug replacement

[sdhir]

My 1999 e 430 has only 29,000 miles and it runs fine - I took it to the dealer for climate control malfunction under extended warranty, they changed the thermostat and everything seems to be okay; however, they gave me a list of maintenance items (worth $1,700) that should be taken care of - one of the items is "change the plugs" and tune the engine.

Is it necessary to change these platinum plugs after 29,000 miles; although they have been in there for about 5 years? Also, is it difficult to change the plugs?

The flexible (automatic) maintenance system of the car has not indicated any engine work maintenance - nevertheless, the dealer recommends it.

Any comments?

Thanks!

[Gilly]

Some things are due because of the time element, spark plugs, believe it or not ARE one of these. MB calls for replacement every 100,000 miles or 4 years, so they are correct. In 2000 they upped it to 100,000 or 5 years, either way you're due.
They aren't terribly hard to replace, not a "walk in the park" either, kind of in the middle. Hardest part is properly removing the plug wires from the plugs, and also not alot of clearance on the rear cylinders especially.
Gilly

[manny]

In my ( humble ) opinion, extended plug change intervals is nothing more than a marketing scheme, to suggest to the average person, how little maintenance a vehicle requires.
This also apllies to extended oilchange intervals, and we all know about that subject!
YOU try to get some sparkplugs out of an engine, with aluminum cylinder heads, after 5,6, or 7 years, and see how successful you are.
Can you say stripped threads & mega $$$$ to repair?

[deanyel]

I would not go back to a dealer that recommended $1700 of maintenance on a 29,000 mile car. You have to admire anyone that could say that with a straight face but I would look for another shop.