E280CDi Glow Plug numbering

[Polko]

We have a glow plug light that is lighting on after start up for 30 seconds (but had gone out before start). On a recent visit a dealer told us it was plug no. 6 and quoted roughly £100 to fit. They also said that they found it easier to replace all plugs when doing this (I'm sure they do at a huge cost of £600!)..

Question 1: can anyone indicate where plug no.6 is - easy or difficult to access?

Question 2: This is an early 2006 car (55 plate) with 50K on the clock. There was no indication until a few days after we had visited a dealer for a service/oil change etc? Is this something that can disturb the sensor/affect the glowplug?

P

 

[BlackC55]

As you stand infront of the car it is the one nearest the bulkhead on the right side.

 

[Polko]

without going out in the rain, is it an easy job? any special tools?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

If my understanding is correct then it's not too difficult for someone suitably confident and proficient with a set of spanners, but there is a signifcant possiblility that one or more glow plugs will be very awkward to remove, and it's those that make using a professional mechanic worth every penny!!

 

[BlackC55]

Dead simple. Make sure the engine is HOT

 

[Polko]

the only last question is which is the right glow plug - looked up a few on a website last night and there seem to be a lot of alternatives? I guess a dealer will be able to supply the right one direct from their computer database of the car?

though when they recently had to change the rear springs (both cracked) under warranty they turned out to be the wrong ones coded on the Mercedes Germany system when the car was built? (mine were shorter sports springs even though the car is an Avantgarde and was on the system as standard springs).

 

[lynall]

Get genuine plugs have read a few tales of pattern ones leaving the dash warning on even though they are working fine, new geniune ones sorted it out.


Lynall

 

[Polko]

..glowplug bought today £14+VAT. 8mm spanner fitting - hopefully no need for a deep socket drive instead of simple spanner work as I will have to go out again and buy one!
Plug #6 looks simple enough to get to once a few pieces of plastic are out of the way..

many thanks all.

 

[Polko]

ok, so I DO need a deep drive socket to get down into the seat of the glowplug and extract! The gap looks very narrow - has anyone a suggestion on tool for this as I'm not sure a standard long reach socket will fit?

sorry for all the questions - I'm used to working on my 48 yr old Daimler with bags of room around the engine bay!! Off now to change all 8 plugs on that and it'll probably take me half the time as the one glowplug!

P