1998 E320 Plugs and Transmission Fluid

[TexasRedNeck]

OK, I searched the posts, and still don't have the answer.

After reading many fine posts, I have determined that I need to go ahead and change the spark plugs at 55K miles and perform some other maintenence at more frequent intervals than MB recommends. Until now, both the MBs I have owned were always taken to the dealer when the idiot light said go and I wrote the check. (FSS system) This one is out of warranty now, so I am looking at eithe doing the work myself or taking it to a qualified shop. I just tackled the rotors and pads on this one, and that was a piece of cake.

I asked one of the recommended shops in my area for an estimate on several things such as rear differential fluid change, transmission fluid change, oil change, alignment, cabin filters, spark plug change, etc.

The question is: they want to charge me 170 dollars for the plugs (yup, I know there are 2 per hole) and 190 in labor. Is this out of bounds? Is the plug change on this car that bad? I'm a pretty fair mechanic, but racing small block chevy's and sport bikes seem a ways off from this car.

I'd like to tackle this myself, but I can't find a manual for this car to save my life. Any suggestions on where to find a shop manual??

Also, they indicate that they would only need 8 quarts of oil to completly change the fluid in the transmission. This seems like too little oil. Even the old TH-350s took 13 quarts with a fresh torque converter, and the little V-6 takes that much in oil. How much fluid should it take? The MB synthetic isn't cheap, but I don't want to risk a substitute, but I do want a complete change, not just dropping the pan.

As always, sage advice from the gallery is most appreciated.