'97 E320 Spark Plug Replacement
 

At the risk of exposing myself as a true idiot, I'd like some advice on replacing the plugs in the spouse's E320. I pulled the cover to do this about 6 months ago and wasn't familiar with what I saw.

If I recall correctly, there were these odd pieces on top of every other plug (again, this was months ago) and I wasn't sure if they simply pulled off or had hold downs of some sort. I didn't want to muck it up, so I just buttoned it all up and told myself I'd "get back to that shortly".

Well, it's been more longly than shortly and we're taking a road trip to CA to take #1 daugther to college and I'm thinking I ought to change the plugs.

Advice, ridicule, comments and helpful bits are appreciated.

Ciao for now,

Go ahead and dig into it. Those are the sparkplug connectors. There are 3 coils and 6 plugs. Thus there are 3 connectors.

Steve

There are actually 6 connectors, but you want to change the ones under each coil [ three]... You also want Bosch F8DC4 Super Copper plugs .. accept no other...
Do not make the common mistake of attempting to unscrew the copper studs that hold the coils..the coils just pull straight up off the studs...........

My answer was premature and based on posts that I had read.

Thanks Arthur. I recently acquired a '97 S320 with full dealer service records.
However, based on the fact that they left the original serpentine belt in the car for 107K miles, I don't necessarily trust that they actually did what the receipts say they did.

Anyway, I bought the three connectors and intend to change them out and check the sparkplugs as soon as the temperature abates here in Tennessee.

Steve

Very good..
Don't be fooled into getting the more expensive plugs.. you want the cheapo Bosch Super/Coppers , non resistor [ the resistance is in the connectors].
F8DC4.. no others for this Waste Spark ignition system.

What you are discussing is the square coil on top of 3 of the plugs, they should pull right off. The coils each feed 2 plugs, there is a wire that runs to the appropriate cyl. I recommend using a marking crayon and mark 1 thru 6, either on the coil or the top of the plug wire, depending on which each is. On the cover over the plugs and coils there is also a diagram to help you out.
Gilly