C240 / C280 V6 Spark Plug Change

wigs_1 · 23-01-2010, 07:29 PM

Today I did the plugs on my 2.4 and my pals 2.8.
Read all the spark plug threads before setting out to get all the info and now I'm done I thought I'd share my experiences for anyone attempting this..

The 2.4 is now on 122k, the plugs last done at 43k !!!
The 2.8 is on 110k, plugs done at 55k.
The 2.4 now running noticably better!!

The 2.4 was the hardest as they had been in longer and it was the 'practice car'. Took about 4hrs with tea & scone breaks. The 2.8 took just 2 hours.

Tools used:
NGK platinum plugs PFR5G-11 (from Camskill, £170 for 24)
17mm spanner
Torx drivers + torx socket
5/8" spark plug socket (better fit than 16mm)
Assortment of 3/8" extensions and rachets
16" long 1/2" drive breaker bar with adapters to 3/8 (the 2.4 was difficult!)
Torque wrench

What did we learn (other than the stuff listed in other threads).
- When levering the leads off don't use loads of force. Instead, spanner on the top side, put your hand underneath. Alternate force between your hand and the spanner to wiggle the lead out, was very easy. Using the spanner alone was very difficult and in some cases they didn't come out.
- Copper grease on new plugs, on all bar one of the old ones (on the 2.4) I had to use the 16" bar (I could have used the shorter one but with the force being applied my knuckles could have suffered, 16" bar eased them out)
- Put vaseline on the electrodes of the new plugs before re-fitting leads, got this advice from the local MB garage as the leads weren't going on too easy (I think someone else suggested silicone grease but we didn't have any)
- Remove the screen washer bottle, makes loads more room

I think thats it, thanks to everyone who wrote the previous posts as they have proved invaluable. Saving in labour at the stealership for 2 cars is approx £700. All in all a good days work.

Related threads I used for reference:

Good pics & method here
Spark Plug Replacement, V6

Choose your plugs
Service, gearbox oil and spark plugs

Cheers, Chris

jaymanek · 24-01-2010, 12:34 PM

Well done... I always hate when our guys do this job.. they are often seized in solid and i have nightmares of having to remove heads..

23-01-2010, 07:29 PM	#1
wigs_1 Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Edinburgh Car: 98 C240 Sport Posts: 116	C240 / C280 V6 Spark Plug Change Today I did the plugs on my 2.4 and my pals 2.8. Read all the spark plug threads before setting out to get all the info and now I'm done I thought I'd share my experiences for anyone attempting this.. The 2.4 is now on 122k, the plugs last done at 43k !!! The 2.8 is on 110k, plugs done at 55k. The 2.4 now running noticably better!! The 2.4 was the hardest as they had been in longer and it was the 'practice car'. Took about 4hrs with tea & scone breaks. The 2.8 took just 2 hours. Tools used: NGK platinum plugs PFR5G-11 (from Camskill, £170 for 24) 17mm spanner Torx drivers + torx socket 5/8" spark plug socket (better fit than 16mm) Assortment of 3/8" extensions and rachets 16" long 1/2" drive breaker bar with adapters to 3/8 (the 2.4 was difficult!) Torque wrench What did we learn (other than the stuff listed in other threads). - When levering the leads off don't use loads of force. Instead, spanner on the top side, put your hand underneath. Alternate force between your hand and the spanner to wiggle the lead out, was very easy. Using the spanner alone was very difficult and in some cases they didn't come out. - Copper grease on new plugs, on all bar one of the old ones (on the 2.4) I had to use the 16" bar (I could have used the shorter one but with the force being applied my knuckles could have suffered, 16" bar eased them out) - Put vaseline on the electrodes of the new plugs before re-fitting leads, got this advice from the local MB garage as the leads weren't going on too easy (I think someone else suggested silicone grease but we didn't have any) - Remove the screen washer bottle, makes loads more room I think thats it, thanks to everyone who wrote the previous posts as they have proved invaluable. Saving in labour at the stealership for 2 cars is approx £700. All in all a good days work. Related threads I used for reference: Good pics & method here Spark Plug Replacement, V6 Choose your plugs Service, gearbox oil and spark plugs Cheers, Chris

24-01-2010, 12:34 PM	#2
jaymanek Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Nuneaton Warwickshire Car: 560 SEC AMG Widebody, 560 SEC AMG, W124 500E, W123 280CE, W123 200, R107-500SL Posts: 10,005	Well done... I always hate when our guys do this job.. they are often seized in solid and i have nightmares of having to remove heads.. __________________ Mercland is listed here on MBClub please click to see services and discounts available. 1969 280SL Pagoda in Met Light Blue 1980 123-200 in Sahara Yellow 1985 123-280CE in Champagne 1988 500SL in Met Light Blue Now with Leather 1988 560SEC AMG in Midnight Blue 1989 560SEC AMG Widebody 1993 E500 Brabus in Silver with lots of toys! 1 of 29 UK Supplied Cars Gallery Link

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