Change Car Glow Plugs Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Change Car Glow Plugs

Intermediate 1h30–2h00 ~150–200£
Estimated time 1h30–2h00
Estimated labour cost ~150–200£
Difficulty Intermediate
Vehicles
S-Class 1999-2006 4
  • 320 CDI Diesel (613.960)
  • 320 CDI, -L Diesel (648.960)
  • 400 CDI, -L Diesel (628.960)
  • 400 CDI, L Diesel (628.960)
S-Class 2005-2013 8
  • 250 CDI BlueEFF Diesel (651.961)
  • 320 CDI Diesel (642.930)
  • 320/350 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (642.932)
  • 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.868)
  • 350 BlueTEC Diesel (642.862)
  • 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFF Diesel (642.932)
  • 350 CDI BlueEFF Diesel (642.930)
  • 420 CDI Diesel (629.911)
S-Class 2013-2020 5
  • 300 BlueTEC Hybrid Diesel,Electricity (651.921)
  • 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.867)
  • 350 BlueTEC, -4MATIC Diesel (642.861)
  • 350 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929)
  • 400 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929)
S-Class 2021-2025 1
  • 350 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929)

What is the role of Mercedes-Benz S-Class glow plugs?

Glow plugs are used in diesel engines to preheat the combustion chamber before starting, particularly in cold weather. Unlike petrol engines that use spark plugs to ignite the fuel, diesel engines rely on compression ignition. Modern glow plugs also remain active after starting to reduce emissions and noise during the warm-up phase.

When should you change your Mercedes-Benz S-Class glow plugs?

Generally, glow plugs last between 80,000 and 160,000 km. Symptoms of failing glow plugs include: difficulty starting in cold weather, white or grey exhaust smoke on start-up, rough idle during warm-up, the glow plug warning light remaining illuminated, and increased fuel consumption.

How do I know if the Mercedes-Benz S-Class glow plugs need changing?

Via the EOBD diagnostic system, faulty glow plugs will trigger fault codes (typically P0380–P0384 for glow plug circuit faults). Individual glow plug resistance can be measured with a multimeter (typically 0.5–2 ohms for a good plug).

Is it difficult to change Mercedes-Benz S-Class glow plugs?

Difficulty level 3/5: intermediate. Glow plugs can seize in the cylinder head over time due to heat and corrosion, making removal difficult and risking breakage. Key steps: warm the engine first, apply penetrating oil, use the correct glow plug socket, unscrew carefully (do not force — a broken glow plug requires specialist extraction).

View all compatible products →
View your S-Class maintenance plan (keep the S-Class token) →

5 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
S-Class 1999-2006 1999-2006 280, -L Petrol (112.922), 320 CDI Diesel (613.960), 320 CDI, -L Diesel (648.960), 320, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (112.944), 350 4MATIC, -L Petrol (112.975), 350, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (112.972), 400 CDI, -L Diesel (628.960), 400 CDI, L Diesel (628.960), 430 4MATIC, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
S-Class 2005-2013 2005-2013 250 CDI BlueEFF Diesel (651.961), 300 Petrol (272.946), 320 CDI Diesel (642.930), 320/350 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (642.932), 350 4MATIC, -LPG LPG,Petrol (272.975), 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.868), 350 BlueTEC Diesel (642.862), 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFF Diesel (642.932), 350 CDI BlueE… Diesel, Electricity, LPG, Petrol
S-Class 2013-2020 2013-2020 300 BlueTEC Hybrid Diesel,Electricity (651.921), 320 Petrol (276.824), 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.867), 350 BlueTEC, -4MATIC Diesel (642.861), 350 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929), 400 4MATIC Petrol (276.824), 400 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929), 450 EQ Boost, - 4MATIC Petrol (256.93… Diesel, Electricity, Petrol
S-Class 2021-2025 2021-2025 350 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929), 500 4MATIC 48V (MHEV),Petrol (256.930) 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Petrol
S-Class Coupe/Cabrio 2014-2020 2014-2020 400/450 4MATIC Petrol (276.824), 500/550, -4MATIC Petrol (278.929), 63 AMG 4MATIC Petrol (177.980), 63 AMG, -4MATIC Petrol (157.985), 65 AMG Petrol (279.980) Petrol

Other repair guides

Change Car Air Filter

Change Car Air Filter

Very easy 0h30–1h30
Change Car Battery

Change Car Battery

Very easy 0h30–1h30
Change Car Cabin Filter

Change Car Cabin Filter

Very easy 0h30–1h30
Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Easy 2h30–3h30
Change Car Front Brake Pads

Change Car Front Brake Pads

Easy 1h30–2h30
Change Car Handbrake Cable

Change Car Handbrake Cable

Very easy 0h30
Change Car Rear Silencer

Change Car Rear Silencer

Easy 1h30–2h30
Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Easy 0h45–7h00
Change Car Fuel Filter

Change Car Fuel Filter

Easy 0h45–3h30
Change Car Oil Filter

Change Car Oil Filter

Easy 0h45–1h00
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30–5h00
Change Car Shock Absorbers

Change Car Shock Absorbers

Easy 3h00–5h00
Change Car Spark Plugs

Change Car Spark Plugs

Easy 1h30–6h00
Change Car Turbo

Change Car Turbo

Very technical 5h00–38h00
Change Car Water Pump

Change Car Water Pump

Easy 2h00–13h00
View the service schedule for your S-Class →