Mercedes S550 W221 4.6L spark plug replacement 2013

2013 S550 W221 4.6L spark plug change for the first timer. About a 2 hour job. Tool list and hints to make it an easier job. First time video, first time plug change on the twin turbo (a lot different than the 5.5L of 2007-2011).

[@DIYDharma]

i'm looking to change the spark plugs on my 2013 GL450, which has the same engine (m2378). I think there is a special spark plug tool for these engines that may make it easier. Also, it is very difficult to remove the coil pack/boot - you did good work with the crow bar though. Thanks for the video. You're the first brave one to do a DIY and that too while sharing a lot of information. Kudos.

[@jerryhrastinski2404]

Thanks for the comment. I could (should) have made a better, shorter video, but I did not have the time to do any editing.

[@jerryhrastinski2404]

HI PAPA! ITS ME NOAH YOUR GRANDSON

[@pawpawtube7584]

I could not find a video on the 2013 so I did one myself to help others. The 4.6L twin turbo spark plug replacement is nothing like the earlier 2007-2011 5.5L motor. A lot tighter space on the sides of the heads instead of on the upper part of the head.

[@ronnyozeri9328]

your video is excellent. i am going to change the spark plug myself for my e550, and please can you write what is the brand of the digital Torque wrench you have . thank you for the informative video. well done.

[@TheAviam]

I started replacing one coil but boot physically melted onto the engine. Half the boot split. I couldn't get to it easily. Id bought some picks from Walmart. Great video very helpful. Ur the only msn that showed this on KZbin

[@mikimiki195]

This is great video I had misfire on cylinder #4 so I decide to swap out coil #4 and #3 getting cil boot off is pain in the ass. U used 12 gauge wire there’s hook on bottom of the coil boot and I used screwdriver to pry up and it work like charm.

[@vemireddyp]

Great job on the video! Thanks for sharing. I have a 2012 CLS550 with the same engine and need to do this. There's not much out there on this engine, so this will be a great help.

[@jerryhrastinski2404]

Also using the home made string and wood handle tool for pulling the coil wires works good in really tight spaces.

[@lelisortiz8557]

"The drivers side housing has a hose connected to it. If that hose has never been disconnected from the housing in the past, it will have a factory pinch clamp on it. My advice is to remove the pinch clamp, and replace it with a regular hose clamp. Do NOT try to pull the hose stub from the air filter housing, you'll break the stub from the housing."

[@youngveteranjae]

Thanks for the video saved me a bunch of time. Please take his advice on the lockable extension.

[@lelisortiz8557]

Let me tell you this: This is not an easy task. This is the same procedure as the GL550 from 2013 on. You should buy a Mercedes Benz Spark wrench part number 278589000900 or something similar, I would say 4 hours to perform this spark plugs change. Be careful when removing the ignition coils, space is limited and it is difficult to pull them. Wear gloves and yes, set a towel to avoid losing parts and screws. This forum article is very helpful mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-x166/672906-changing-spark-plugs-14-gl550.html Good Luck!

[@garyleonardo3538]

Thanks Great video

[@TheAviam]

Great video. The only video showing the twin turbo 4.7 spark plug replacement. After how many miles is sparkplug replacement recommend?

[@robertmatthews7527]

CAUTION DO NOT attempt this if you do not have the skill. ALSO NOTE: If you have large hands you can count on 5+ hours plus a ton or two of absolute frustrations. My change was in a 2014 E550 M278 motor at 50,000 miles. On Amazon CTA Tools 1061 Spark Plug Socket w/Swivel-14mm x 12 Pt. For my change the most difficult portion of the change was removing the spark plugs rubber boots attached to the coil packs. I could not find a tool for this. I improvised by using surgical instruments to get into the spark plug well to position a flexible very strong thin cord (I used nylon ripcord) positioning it under the bottom of the rubber boot. This is necessary to pull the boot off at an angle without breaking the plug. If you attempt to use a pry bar to pull the boots off you will separate the rubber insulator from the coil pack and in most cases, the boot will remain in the plug well. In the video I doubt this was the first plug change for this engine. Best of luck.

[@christianczentye3768]

Yep you’re right. Did it on my 100k+ miles cls 63 and broke about half the boots. They were so stuck on even the European auto shop I towed it to took 3 hours to finish the job that was half completed. If you have low miles then try it. I don’t think the plugs on mine were ever changed (bought it at 70k miles) and this was far beyond a DIY job.

[@slystephens9313]

I'm trying this now, but the boot part of the coil pack is stubborn as hell. I think the boot part of the coil might be stuck to the spark plugs porcelain from engine heat, I tried everything I could to get it loose and accidentally broke the head off the rubber boot portion where the coil spring rests inside. Now, I have to buy a new coil pack, just hope the over coil packs ain't as stubborn

[@Duke-ih8mo]

Oyea best video on KZbin can I ask you a question is 77k miles alot for this motor I'm looking at a cls550

[@vemireddyp]

I would say 77k miles is not a lot. I have a 2012 CLS550 with 153k miles on it. No issues with the engine. It's all about doing the proper maintenance as specified in the maintenance schedule.

[@crunch6947]

how did you index the plugs I heard it is critical to make sure the plug gap is pointed towards the intake valve?

[@vemireddyp]

According to this thread, the threads in the cylinder head and threads on the plugs are cut in such a way to properly index the plug. That's assuming you use the correct Bosch replacement plug. mbworld.org/forums/glk-class-x204/643471-spark-plug-indexing-m276-engine.html

[@jerryhrastinski2404]

You index by getting the torque correct. I use 23NM

[@princeabdallah7522]

how many spark plugs does a 2013 mercedes s550 require because i had a 2001 mercedes s500 and it required 16 spark plugs in total 2 for each cylinder is this engine the same?

[@lemon-drops8047]

The 2013 S550 has 8 spark plugs

[@hz4331]

Thanks mercedes wanted $760 dollar I did it for $160

[@mikimiki195]

Not sure where you are located but in USA 🇺🇸 it’s about $1500

[@JohnSmith-dp5bf]

I have 2012 s550 4 matic is it the same method?

[@jerryhrastinski2404]

Yes it would be the same. Jerry in ky

[@Hmmm313]

Worst coil ever from mercedes…. Change plugs and coils at 100k.