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SLK55 AMG Spark Plug Change

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Also there are some threads already regaring changing Sparkplugs for the r171 I wanted to share my experience. Overall it was easier than expected but pretty time consuming because you need to change 16 plugs. Most important besides taking your time is having the right tools. The special 17mm open wrench to get the wires off the spark plugs and later back on is an absolut must have. I purchased it on ebay for $15.50. Also the magnetic spark plug socket (Advance Auto ca. $11.00) was helpful though for the far rear ones I needed a deep socket with extension because of space restrictions. Further needed is a Torx socket T30 for the coils.

The coils have indications which wire goes were but I labeled them some for easier identification during reinstal.
To have access you need to remove the airfilter box first - etyu did a great how to for this: http://www.slkworld.com/attachments...pictures-green-filter-install-slk-55-etyu.pdf
To remove the boots you take the special tool and slowly and steady pry them out. For install, pry firm against them with the tool til your a plop. If not sure if they are seated properly, remove again and redo.
Overall it took me with changing the airfilters around 3 hours plus some breaks for my back...:smile:

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Also there are some threads already regaring changing Sparkplugs for the r171 I wanted to share my experience. Overall it was easier than expected but pretty time consuming because you need to change 16 plugs. Most important besides taking your time is having the right tools. The special 17mm open wrench to get the wires off the spark plugs and later back on is an absolut must have. I purchased it on ebay for $15.50. Also the magnetic spark plug socket (Advance Auto ca. $11.00) was helpful though for the far rear ones I needed a deep socket with extension because of space restrictions. Further needed is a Torx socket T30 for the coils.

The coils have indications which wire goes were but I labeled them some for easier identification during reinstal.
To have access you need to remove the airfilter box first - etyu did a great how to for this: http://www.slkworld.com/attachments...pictures-green-filter-install-slk-55-etyu.pdf
To remove the boots you take the special tool and slowly and steady pry them out. For install, pry firm against them with the tool til your a plop. If not sure if they are seated properly, remove again and redo.
Overall it took me with changing the airfilters around 3 hours plus some breaks for my back...:smile:
Whilst I primarily agree with the aforementioned 'Tool-kit' to carry-out the replacement of 'the illustrious 16 spark-plugs' of the infamous 55 Amg. I sincerely suggest: post medication to compliment the relief of the affected areas of discomfort. (IE: Lower back pain, sciatic nerve, backs of knees, embarrassing straddle stance (posterior facing sky-wood - could attract, basic instincts of local animals to copulate) Numbness of toes, shrinkage of Gentleman's anatomy (excessive bend-over) Post traumatic stress, and cognitive dissonance...This is classified as medicinal relief:http://i.imgur.com/nAvRzGc.jpg Suggestion by: Wheelbase21 & i860...:|

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well got my local indy to do it pain free for 180 uk pounds a bargain
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well got my local indy to do it pain free for 180 uk pounds a bargain
Supply and fit, or just fit?
Also there are some threads already regaring changing Sparkplugs for the r171 I wanted to share my experience. Overall it was easier than expected but pretty time consuming because you need to change 16 plugs. Most important besides taking your time is having the right tools. The special 17mm open wrench to get the wires off the spark plugs and later back on is an absolut must have. I purchased it on ebay for $15.50. Also the magnetic spark plug socket (Advance Auto ca. $11.00) was helpful though for the far rear ones I needed a deep socket with extension because of space restrictions. Further needed is a Torx socket T30 for the coils.

The coils have indications which wire goes were but I labeled them some for easier identification during reinstal.
To have access you need to remove the airfilter box first - etyu did a great how to for this: http://www.slkworld.com/attachments...pictures-green-filter-install-slk-55-etyu.pdf
To remove the boots you take the special tool and slowly and steady pry them out. For install, pry firm against them with the tool til your a plop. If not sure if they are seated properly, remove again and redo.
Overall it took me with changing the airfilters around 3 hours plus some breaks for my back...:smile:

Good write-up, thanks!

How many miles were on the old plugs? How burnt were they - photos?

What brand did you replace with?
it was supply and fit but my mistake it was 220 uk pounds had other work done on the invoice so didnt seperate it correctly still seems quite a good price though
it was supply and fit but my mistake it was 220 uk pounds had other work done on the invoice so didnt seperate it correctly still seems quite a good price though
Not bad - 16 NGK plugs on Fleabay just over a hundred quid., so maybe 90 mins labour.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-...hash=item1c24bf43eb:m:mPtTGucJbVJSjljq2vJ0QLA

Did you see the condition of those removed?
no i didnt just had the new ones fitted as part of the service schedule
Good write-up, thanks!

How many miles were on the old plugs? How burnt were they - photos?

What brand did you replace with?



The old spark plugs looked pretty good (sorry, didn't take a picture). They had ca. 39k on it but were never changed before. I used the MB recommended NKGs.
:surprise:Well, my plugs were supposedly changed at the MB main dealers "31,000" miles ago! Look at the photo: Top left, the 4 plugs that came from the furthermost rear cylinders - the next 2 from either side, followed by the rest from the front and middle cylinders. I'm just wondering (By the condition of the "6 rear plugs, if they were really changed?" Has anyone had the same situation regarding condition of plugs?:surprise:

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:surprise:Well, my plugs were supposedly changed at the MB main dealers "31,000" miles ago! Look at the photo: Top left, the 4 plugs that came from the furthermost rear cylinders - the next 2 from either side, followed by the rest from the front and middle cylinders. I'm just wondering (By the condition of the "6 rear plugs, if they were really changed?" Has anyone had the same situation regarding condition of plugs?:surprise:
I think I'd be avoiding the dealer that took the money for that work 31,000 miles ago! :surprise:
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Having mine done also at the dealership, 268.08 including brake fluid change and spark plugs
I've not yet seen plugs removed at 40-50k miles which show significant wear. I'm tempted to let mine keep going significantly over, unless a code throws up. Considering the hassle and potential damage to coil packs, leads, threads etc. In the old days, gaps would widen due to wear and ignition systems would struggle to make a fat spark, but with high powered electronics and modified fuels, plugs seem to last a lot longer. What am I missing?
Recommended service interval for spark plugs is 100000 miles or after 5 years.
Mine were in very good condition but I was afraid they might be seizing if I kept them in any longer.
Recommended service interval for spark plugs is 100000 miles or after 5 years.
Mine were in very good condition but I was afraid they might be seizing if I kept them in any longer.
Oh, I've seen 40k mentioned and mine were done at 50+, just before I acquired the car. Guess I'll leave them well alone! :smile:
Recommended service interval for spark plugs is 100000 miles or after 5 years.
Mine were in very good condition but I was afraid they might be seizing if I kept them in any longer.
FYI - The 2009 Maintenance Manual says "80,000" (for the 2009 AMG) - and, "Severe operating conditions (fre- quent starting and stopping, excessive idling, sustained fast highway driving) may call for spark plugs to be replaced correspondingly sooner."
Try doing a CL 600 V12 twice after some mumpet jet washed the engine bay talk about missfire .
Mind you was easier the second time around. >:D
Considering that my splugs are kept clean by my driving habits (ahem), and the oil & fuel used, I'm gonna forego changing them before my 2000 mi trip, next weekend. Saving $18 in fuel vs a $500 maintenance charge is a no-brainer, at this point. Just sayin'... :)
I keep seeing several different options for the plugs..
Bosch 9603's
NGK IFR6D10's
NGK SX1926 ?? Iridium IX

Gets real confusing to say the least. Don't have the book in front of me and would like to order some plugs and want to do the correct ones as this car will go for sale soon and don't want any future problems.
According to the manual the correct spark plug for a 2006 SLK55 is the NGK IFR6D10.
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