MB M276 Spark Plugs at 55K miles

[AlphaOmega]

Spark plugs have 55K miles. OE interval is 50K.

These pictures are from your opening post. The plugs don’t look spent at all, or am I wrong? The gap seems, on the photo, identical. Was it much different in person, do you remember?

MB SST socket

This socket is not imperative if one removes intake manifold, correct?

torquing new dealer plugs to 17 ft-lbs/23 nm

Doesn’t torque set on a wrench is different from what reaches the end socket when there are extensions and swivels? How does one account for that? (Or am I completely wrong?). Thanks!

 

[AlphaOmega]

maybe the AWD makes a difference

You are likely correct.

 

[The Critic]

These pictures are from your opening post. The plugs don’t look spent at all, or am I wrong? The gap seems, on the photo, identical. Was it much different in person, do you remember?

This socket is not imperative if one removes intake manifold, correct?

Doesn’t torque set on a wrench is different from what reaches the end socket when there are extensions and swivels? How does one account for that? (Or am I completely wrong?). Thanks!

Never measured the gaps, but they did not appear excessive.

There is no reason to remove the manifold for this job. Buy the SST, it makes the job a lot easier. Torque remains fairly accurate if the socket stays relatively straight.

 

[AlphaOmega]

@The Critic

Could please tell me if you think it’s more than a good idea to replace ignition coil connectors at 8 years/100k mi?

 

[The Critic]

It isn't a bad idea to have one on hand, but you should not need all 6. They do not come out very easily if the engine is cold, you need to remove them when the engine is hot.

Also, make sure you add the correct grease to the boots to make future removal easier.

 

[Trav]

That’s the one. My local MB dealer sold it to me for less than the ECS price, iirc.

Does that one have the fingers inside?

 

[The Critic]

Does that one have the fingers inside?

Yes.

 

[AlphaOmega]

There is no reason to remove the manifold for this job. Buy the SST, it makes the job a lot easier. Torque remains fairly accurate if the socket stays relatively straight.

May I ask you to contemplate this: since spark plugs need to be done 50/60k mi, and Merc specked procedures requires removing intake manifold, and replacing its seals, could it be that there is a merit doing the job Merc’s way and replace those manifold seals every 50/60k mi? Or am I overthinking this? Thanks

 

[JHZR2]

The plugs look like they’re good for another 50k, I’m surprised the car idled noticably better.

I never really realized that indexing mattered.

 

[AlphaOmega]

Just for sake of pedantism . Merc’s schedule for the spark plugs is 6 years/60k miles.

 

[AlphaOmega]

The plugs look like they’re good for another 50k

My amateur eyes concur!

 

[The Critic]

May I ask you to contemplate this: since spark plugs need to be done 50/60k mi, and Merc specked procedures requires removing intake manifold, and replacing its seals, could it be that there is a merit doing the job Merc’s way and replace those manifold seals every 50/60k mi? Or am I overthinking this? Thanks

Service procedure was revised to no longer require removal of the manifold. I know that MB will no longer pay for intake removal when plugs are replaced under prepaid maintenance.

Just for sake of pedantism . Merc’s schedule for the spark plugs is 6 years/60k miles.

View attachment 150847

Revised to 50K.

https://www.mbusa.com/vcm/MB/DigitalAssets/pdfmb/maintenancebooklets/MY16_CLA_CLS_E_GL_GLA_S-Sedan_SL_SLK_G_MM.pdf

 

[NibbanaBanana]

I just changed a set on my Aveo that I had kept in past the 30K recommended change interval. I was having an intermittent misfire under load. They looked similar to yours except a bit worse. They were brown at the base of the insulator. One of them had a little carbon tracking higher up the insulator. I was just cleaning and gapping them and was wondering what goes wrong with spark plugs. Evidently the ceramic insulation starts to break down. Runs perfectly after replacing them.

 

[Oliveoil2]

That’s interesting. 50k miles for the air filter also.

 

[AlphaOmega]

That’s interesting. 50k miles for the air filter also.

Yeah, engine air filter is probably one of the more prematurely replaced items after engine oil

 

[AlphaOmega]

SPARK PLUG W

SPARK PLUG W (Mfg#278589000900).

www.ecstuning.com

This tool is now discontinued by Merc:

There is an eBay seller with generic Hazet variants. Do you happen tp know which is the right one for 2015 E350 spark plug job? Thanks

 

[AlphaOmega]

@The Critic, perhaps you know the answer to above question?

 

[The Critic]

@The Critic, perhaps you know the answer to above question?

No idea - have you asked your local MB dealer to verify availability? Those sites are generally inaccurate w.r.t. to availability.

This kit may also be something to consider:

Spark Plug Socket Set - CTA Manufacturing 2030

Spark Plug Socket Set - CTA Manufacturing 2030

www.fcpeuro.com

 

[The Artillerist]

@The Critic, did you find that hand tightening the plugs just about got them to 23 nM and the torque wrench basically confirmed that for ya?

 

[The Critic]

@The Critic, did you find that hand tightening the plugs just about got them to 23 nM and the torque wrench basically confirmed that for ya?

No