Thanks for the advice, guys! I've tried again and still no luck. I saw another post somewhere that recommended using a pair of angled needle nose pliers to pry up on the bottom of the boot, I tired that but found that they will not reach down to the bottom of the boots. I also checked in JC Whitney who sells a boot puller, but, again, they won't reach down to the bottom of the boots. I can twist these boots back and forth, but still cannot pull them off. I'll probably just have to have my dealer do them-again! Not good!

I have had this problem before with pulling off the boots. (with a Ford Expedition)

Quite frankly, I gave up and took it to Goodyear for the last two....they pulled them and changed out the plugs (I supplied) for something like 15 dollars....

I would say take it to them.... take the correct plugs...and let them do it....it drove me nuts to have someone else do it, but the peace of mind was priceless.

I also put the anti-sieze on the plug end, and dielectric grease on the contact end, and will periodically pull the wires, just to make sure they will come off...

The spring clip is probably rusted and won’t compress. I guess that is what the dielectric grease is for. I would try pulling harder but be sure to pull parallel to the plug to avoid breaking the insulator. Wish I could help more. I cannot imagine what a service tech would do differently. Anyone know?

I called my MB Service Adivsor with probably 20 years in service dept. and asked him how his techs get these boots off. His answer was simply "twist and pull"! just like everyone has been saying. He emphasized also to pull in line with the plug so as not to break it off. It sounds like we DIYers need a special tool to accomplish this simple task!

MB Special Service Tools
 

For tool info,try the following:

1. Click on www.startekinfo.com

2. " MB special tools

3. " e-special tool catalog

4. " service group order

5. " item #15, electrical system-engine

6. " peruse & enjoy