Which spark plugs? 1988 300CE

[Deadly Dave]

I am going to do a full service on my 1988 300CE over Christmas. I got everything from MSL except for the spark plugs. They said they don't have them listed anymore.
Any recommendations please, does the new E10 fuel change anything?
Thank you.

 

[markjay]

6 x NGK Iridium IX Spark Plug TR5IX, according to:

MyPartFinder

ngk.mypartfinder.com

Other NGK plugs are also available, but my understanding is that NGK's Iridium range is the best they make.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Hopefully you are not running a car that old on E10.....I wouldn't. Stick to the 97 to 99 octane stuff as that will be E5.... so 5% ethanol or less.

 

[Deadly Dave]

Hopefully you are not running a car that old on E10.....I wouldn't. Stick to the 97 to 99 octane stuff as that will be E5.... so 5% ethanol or less.

I would run it on 99 octane leaded if I could but in Ireland I'm stuck using E10 rubbish

 

[Deadly Dave]

6 x NGK Iridium IX Spark Plug TR5IX, according to:

MyPartFinder

ngk.mypartfinder.com

Other NGK plugs are also available, but my understanding is that NGK's Iridium range is the best they make.

Thanks Mark. I'll order a set today.

 

[ALFAitalia]

I would run it on 99 octane leaded if I could but in Ireland I'm stuck using E10 rubbish

Lol... even we can't buy leaded ... not since 1999!....but we can get fuel with a lower ethanol content, under 5 percent... for now at least. Just as well...because even some relatively recently Mercs can't use E10...like the 200 CGI for example.

 

[alabbasi]

Copper non resistor plugs. I think for NGK, it's BP6EFS. Non resistor is important

 

[carat 3.6]

6 x NGK Iridium IX Spark Plug TR5IX, according to:

MyPartFinder

ngk.mypartfinder.com

Other NGK plugs are also available, but my understanding is that NGK's Iridium range is the best they make.

Those are resistance plugs, not recommended for the m103. NGK BCP5ES are what I would go for.

Edit: Al beat me to it.

 

[markjay]

Those are resistance plugs, not recommended for the m103. NGK BCP5ES are what I would go for.

Edit: Al beat me to it.

No idea. I am just going by what NGK recommend:

Feel free to use whatever you think is best.

 

[Deadly Dave]

NGK BCP5ES or BP6EFS ?

Different heat range I suppose?

Hopefully they will take the TR5IX back.

 

[carat 3.6]

NGK BCP5ES or BP6EFS ?

Different heat range I suppose?

Hopefully they will take the TR5IX back.

Yep, either will be fine.

 

[ray_hennig]

Those are resistance plugs, not recommended for the m103. NGK BCP5ES are what I would go for.

This.

Non-resistor plugs only.

Don't be seduced by costly exotica when the real thing is cheap. Mine is the M104 engine and I got genuine MB ones a year ago.

Ideally, get the MB reference from an EPC or, as in my case, from a little label next to the radiator.

RayH

 

[alabbasi]

NGK BCP5ES or BP6EFS ?

Different heat range I suppose?

If you're engine is worn and you burn a little oil, hotter plugs will help burn the oil off. If plugs are too hot, they could cause detonation and damage the engine.

 

[Deadly Dave]

There's only 120k miles on her and I've replaced the valve stem seals before so she doesn't burn oil.
Mercedes have changed plug type over the years probably to allow for changes in fuel quality, so I was hoping they would recommend a plug for E10 but they don't .

 

[Will]

Worth checking the main dealer for prices.

When I put new plugs in the SL500 the genuine parts were something like £2/3 a piece and you won’t be guessing on correct part numbers etc.

 

[ALFAitalia]

I was hoping they would recommend a plug for E10 but they don't .

You plugs don't care what E rating your petrol is.....but you old rubber fuel lines and pump seals might.