100,000 E430 Service - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 02-05-2004, 09:07 AM

My '98 E430 just went over the 100K mark. Now I know what the book says about service...I'm looking for the real skinny on what should I have done/do to the car for this service. I'm sure all 16 plugs need to be replaced...anything else that I REALLY need to do? The car is running very well. I use Mobil 1 every 7K miles or so, and change the filters (air and oil regularly).
Is there a special tool I need to change/get access to the plugs? Or should I let a dealer do this? Any hints? Tips? Anything I need to look out for? Thanks,

phouse · #2 02-05-2004, 10:10 AM

I think that should be it, the plugs. I have 84k on mine and I have done all of the maintenance since day one.. I haven't driven it in about 7months. I will start in about another month. I am sure that I will get to 100k real soon especially in the summer months.. I have done the following since 6/98.

1. Oil and filters (Of Course at 6-7k miles)
2. Left motor mount
3. Rear diff fluid (Synthetic)
4. Mass air flow
5. Tires (every 1.5 years)
6. Rear window regulator
7. Fuel filter
8. Front rotors
9. Brakes, front (4 sets) rear 1 set
10. Lower control arm bushing along with lower ball joints ( lower ball joints was just preventive maintenance)

I will change the lower engine damper b4 it goes , along with a new belt.. I have been buying spark plugs one at a time.. they are too expensive for me to buy all 16 at once..

#3 02-05-2004, 10:17 AM

Thanks Peter, you've come to my rescue once again! Is there a special tool to remove the plugs? Spark plug boot? I see the plug wires are encase in a metal-like fitting near the block. Are they easy to access/change?

phouse · #4 02-05-2004, 10:41 AM

I am not sure myself.. I will try it in a few days.. I might try it in a few hrs. I will let you know.. From what I heard they just pull off..

Southern · #5 02-05-2004, 03:27 PM

You both will have one hell of a time getting your plugs out if they are original. Mercedes recommends 100K miles or 4 Years (which ever comes first).

Because you plugs have been in for 6 years they will seem like they are welded in. Take your time and ease each one out.

There is a "special tool" to remove the boot from the spark plug. It is intended to remove the boot from the plug without screwing up the plug wires. What ever you do, do not pull on the metal cable - it will separate from the boot and you will have to replace plug wires.

When I replace my plugs on my 98 E320 I used antiseeze on the plug threads and dielectric grease on the plug boots to make them easier to replace the next time.

#6 02-05-2004, 03:34 PM

Thanks for the info Ray! I'll stop at the dealership and see what tool I'll need to properly pull the plug boot. I wasn't too keen on yanking on the metal casing. Thank you!

Southern · #7 02-05-2004, 04:20 PM

Check out this thread for more helpfull information:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=33346

mbRex · #8 02-05-2004, 08:01 PM

Here is an inexpensive Snap-On brand "offset" boot puller that is useful in removing the plug boots:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=10805&group_ID=1351&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Do a search under rjnonnie's screename. Ray has posted many
helpful DIY articles for the W210.

Rex

Southern · #9 02-05-2004, 09:42 PM

Thanks for the kind words Rex.

I have used the snap-on pliers, they worked but I had to struggle to get the boots off the wires. Now I wonder if the Mercedes tool would have been easier?

#10 02-18-2004, 08:53 AM

Thanks for all the info regarding changing the plugs on my E430. The 17mm wrench is a MUST HAVE! It makes removing the metal casing on the plug wires TOO EASY! I recommend removing the air filter box assembly to get better access to the plugs on the passenger side, and all the coils on both sides to give yourself ample room. Also a 5.5 inch socket extension will give you enough 'clearance' to get a good turn on the plugs. I also used a 6 inch length of 3/8 inch rubber hose to get the plugs started in the heads (there are some tight corners in that engine bay). From start to finish the job took about 2.5 hours as I dropped the socket, hose, plug, wrench, etc, etc. It was a fun experience changing the 16 puppies out. Also, having the filter assembly and coils removed gave me an opportunity to do a little 'house cleaning on the manifold, heads, etc.