IGNITION WIRES QUESTION
 

Its time to replace my ignition wires on my 1990 300SE, dealer wants $42 each for spark plug wire and 32 for coil wire. That brings total cost to near $300 does any one here have any recommendation for a specific brand? I want to make sure also that lengths will be correct so they all fit nicely in the valve cover channel.

You simply can't go wrong by clicking on "Buy Parts" at the top of the screen.

Many dieferent brands out there
 

I want to make sure that what I buy is a direct fit. I bought parts here before and I will buy in the future, I am very pleased with Phill. Just want to make a correct decision.

BM

boem, recommend using Beru ignition wires.

I'd recommend Bosch, but Beru would be a fine choice too.
You should be able to buy a plug wire set from these manufacturers, instead of individual wires.
Might want to research the low resistance plug wire ends since the non resistor plugs are getting hard to find.

i second the beru recommendation,it's all i use.

All Parts Express (under buy parts above) has the Bosch set for $102, includes the coil wire. I've found Bosch to be very accurate with replacements, they are an OEM supplier to Stuttgart, after all.

Dealer parts markups are outrageous, most of them around here charge more than suggested list.

Here's the link at APE: http://www.allpartsexpress.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1990-MERCEDES--BENZ-300se--/--L6_3.0l-Ignition&yearid=1990%40%401990&makeid=MERCEDES+BENZ%40%40MERCEDES+BENZ%40%40X&engineid=1194117%40%40 300SE++%2F+L6_3.0L%40%40300SE&catid=Ignition&subcatid=Ignition%20Wire%20Set&mode=PA

For some reason I thought Beru was the factory supplier of plug wires?

samiam44- what was the reason you thought that?

A WHOLE WORLD OF WIRES
 

Thank you all for your help.

I guess it is like going for a second opinion at the doctors.

Seems that the only way you can really get what you car really calls for is by going to the dealer. I cant afford these prices- am driving a Mercedes but not made of gold myself, I have Bosch wires in my ford e 350 and the fit was not great, there for I will eliminate Bosch as an option just because i am not sure it will be a precise fit, I personally love botch products, most my power tools are Bosch and i am pleased with them.

Beru- Understanding that they have several qualities, do any of you bought a European made set at recent times? if yes where? the enclosed links did not show any beru wire sets, just ends.

Last- What are these carline wires? who makes it? did any of you buy a set recently? how are they? they are expensive, where are they made?

Thanks
BM

I wouldn't eliminate Bosch based on the fit on your Ford. Bosch is a German manufactuer, and might be excused a bit if they didn't get the fit quite right on an American truck. The quality of materials is excellent. They made the originals for you Mercedes and I have installed the kit before and they fit like original.

At this site (Fastlane) they offered SETS by Bosch, Beru, and Bremi:
http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1990-Mercedes--Benz-300se-Engine--Electrical&yearid=1990%40%401990&makeid=63%40%40MERCEDES+BENZ%40%40X&modelid=6216%3AED%7C10000012%3A MBC%7C1513%40%40300SE&catid=240798%40%40Engine+Electrical&subcatid=240803@@Ignition+Wire+Set&mode=PD

AND you'd be helping to support this site.
Gilly

You can look at the metal plug wire ends and see who made your stock plug wires. It's possible that different vendors were used.
Gilly

You're obsessing over an insignificant issue. Your car isn't even close to being economically viable with dealer parts. These "cheap" OEM parts on the internet are the most practical means of equipping your car. It's hard to know what went wrong with the Ford but you've got to pick yourself up and carry on.

deanyel- I really don't think I am obsessing over it, People mention here the different types of wire, resistor verses non resistor wires and same with spark plugs and I am trying to get the most info and than draw my own dessication.

and you are right:

This car is a money pit but I am in it for the long term and want to make sure i dont have to redo anything.

I wouldn't buy Bosch wires for a Ford, just as I wouldn't buy AC/Delco wires for my Benz. I'm not surprised they were a little odd on your Ford.

Bosch is one of the OEM suppliers to MB, BMW, Audi and VW for plug wires; I'd be surprised if the ones you buy from a reputable seller will be indistinguishable from what you remove. I helped a friend change wires on a 500E and other than saying "BOSCH" instead of having the MB logo they were identical. (A word of caution, there are ebay sellers packaging knockoff crap in Bosch boxes, so know your seller!)

When you buy Bosch wires in the aftermarket you also get a lifetime warranty on them (at least in the US) and if you don't care about supporting the site check the P/N on Bosch's site and buy them from Amazon, probably even cheaper.