# When is the right time for new spark plugs on SLK 320 (2001)

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-is-the-right-time-for-new-spark-plugs-on-slk-320-2001/65110>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [May 31, 2011, 8:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-is-the-right-time-for-new-spark-plugs-on-slk-320-2001/65110 "2011-05-31T20:17:29Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![fnxtong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecd19e/32.png) [@fnxtong](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fnxtong)\
**Post date:** [May 31, 2011, 8:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-is-the-right-time-for-new-spark-plugs-on-slk-320-2001/65110/1 "2011-05-31T20:17:29Z")

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Hi,

I have a 2001 SLK 320. It has 48k miles on it. I’ve bought it used in 2005. It had 6k miles on it when I bought it. So it spent its early years kept in a garage. For the next 5 years I have been driving it everyday to work, but my commute is short. So it only has 48k on it.

My question is when is a good time to replace the spark plugs, given my circumstances. The normal thing to do would be to replace them at 7th year, but I didn’t do it then because of the extreme low mileage. And then I forgot about it. Now it is 10 years old. I wonder you guys think?

I want to do the job myself. So my other question is what is the recommended “spark plug gap” for this car and what is the torque specification?

Phoenix Tong

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**Author:** ![circuitsmith](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/circuitsmith/32/40376_2.png) [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\
**Post date:** [May 31, 2011, 8:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-is-the-right-time-for-new-spark-plugs-on-slk-320-2001/65110/2 "2011-05-31T20:39:04Z")

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This car probably has platinum or iridium plugs in it. Good for 50-100k miles.  
The new plugs will come gapped. Don’t try to adjust.  
The best bet is to stick with the same brand and part# plug it came with.  
Now’s a good time to change them. Mainly so they won’t get stuck in place.

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**Author:** ![fnxtong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecd19e/32.png) [@fnxtong](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fnxtong)\
**Post date:** [June 1, 2011, 12:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-is-the-right-time-for-new-spark-plugs-on-slk-320-2001/65110/3 "2011-06-01T00:29:44Z")

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Thanks for the reply.   
  
This car does have platinum. Anyone know the torque setting to use?  
  
Another item I am wondering if I should replace is the poly-v-belt, which is also original.  
  
Phoenix

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**Author:** ![circuitsmith](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/circuitsmith/32/40376_2.png) [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\
**Post date:** [June 1, 2011, 5:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-is-the-right-time-for-new-spark-plugs-on-slk-320-2001/65110/4 "2011-06-01T17:50:54Z")

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At 10 years I would change the belt, radiator hoses and thermostat.  
Inspect the rubber brake hoses and the rubber boots on suspension parts.