Quick Overview
The E350's coil‑on‑plug ignition system turns the battery's 12 volts into up to 40,000 volts, firing each spark plug at the perfect time for smooth, efficient power. Modern E‑Class cars place one slim coil directly above every cylinder, trimming weight and reducing misfire risk. (Wikipedia, Wikipedia)
How It Works
Inside each coil are two copper windings around an iron core. When the engine computer closes the low‑voltage circuit, a magnetic field builds; the instant it opens, that field collapses and induces a high‑voltage surge that leaps the spark‑plug gap. HELLA notes the primary side sees battery voltage, while the secondary side can exceed 30 kV. (FORVIA HELLA)
Where It Lives
Failure Causes
Heat, oil seepage, and age can break down insulation or crack the epoxy housing. Mercedes service writers list failed coils as a top cause of E‑Class engine misfires, second only to worn spark plugs. (mercedesoflittleton.com) In rare cases, production‑line solder defects triggered factory campaigns to replace coils that didn't meet spec. (NHTSA)
Warning Signs
Diagnosis Tips
Swap a suspected coil to a different cylinder; if the misfire code follows, the coil is bad. A coil‑on‑plug tester or multimeter can also reveal open primary or secondary windings. HELLA's tech bulletin outlines correct pin readings and safety steps. (FORVIA HELLA) A DIY video shows the full test‑and‑swap process on an '09 E350. (YouTube)
Fix & Torque
Cost & Time
RepairPal lists an average $200-$261 for one coil, with labor around $107-$157. (RepairPal.com) Mobile‑mechanic data show totals up to $463 when premium coils are used. (YourMechanic) Industry surveys place DIY time at 30-60 minutes and parts from $35 to $100 each, depending on brand grade. (AutoNation Mobile Service)
Maintenance Advice
Mercedes schedules spark‑plug replacement every 50,000 miles, pairing it with an ignition‑coil inspection; early coil swaps prevent catalytic‑converter damage from raw fuel. (Ed Hicks Imports) Typical life expectancy is about 100,000 miles, though heat can shorten that span. (JustAnswer)
Compatibility Notes
| Model Year | Engine Code | Coil Part No. | Notes |
| 2006‑2009 | M272 V‑6 | A 000 150 27 80 | W211 chassis |
| 2010‑2016 | M276 V‑6 | A 000 150 27 80 | W212 chassis |
| 2017‑2020* | M276 DE30 | A 000 150 27 80 | Some late E350e hybrids |
| *Check VIN to confirm; coil‑on‑plug design stayed the same. (YouTube) |
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Recalls & Campaigns
Environmental Impact
A weak spark means incomplete combustion, higher fuel use, and increased HC/CO emissions. Mercedes' campaign bulletin warns that faulty coils may trigger a Malfunction Indicator Lamp and raise emissions beyond legal limits. (OEMDTC)
Safety Tips
Coils can generate tens of thousands of volts-always disconnect the battery and wait five minutes before unplugging a coil. Use insulated tools and keep metal jewelry away from terminals. HELLA stresses verifying no 12‑V feed is present while hands are near the secondary circuit. (FORVIA HELLA)
Healthy coils rely on clean spark plugs, intact coil‑boots, and accurate camshaft & crank sensors. Mercedes service advisers note that worn plugs are the fastest way to over‑stress a coil pack. (mercedesoflittleton.com)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does an ignition coil do?
A: It converts low 12‑volt battery power into the high voltage a spark plug needs to ignite fuel. (Wikipedia)
Q: How many coils does an E350 have?
A: Six-one for each cylinder in the V‑6 engine. (YouTube)
Q: What are signs of a failing coil?
A: Rough idle, flashing check‑engine light, P0300‑series codes, sluggish acceleration, and a fuel smell. (Kbb.com)
Q: Can I drive with a bad coil?
A: Short trips are possible, but unburned fuel can overheat the catalytic converter, so repair quickly. (mercedesoflittleton.com)
Q: Is coil replacement a DIY job?
A: Yes-basic tools, a Torx driver, and 30-60 minutes will handle it for most owners. (YouTube)
Q: What bolt torque is correct?
A: Tighten the coil‑retaining bolt to 9 N·m (about 80 in‑lb). (BenzWorld)
Q: Should I replace all coils at once?
A: If mileage is high, swapping the full set prevents chasing future misfires. (JustAnswer)
Q: How much does the fix cost?
A: Expect roughly $200-$260 per coil at a shop, or $35-$100 for the part if you DIY. (RepairPal.com, AutoNation Mobile Service)
Q: How long do coils last?
A: Around 100,000 miles under normal heat loads, but early failure is possible. (JustAnswer)
Q: Are there recalls on E350 coils?
A: Yes-2022 and earlier campaigns replace coils that could misfire and raise emissions. (OEMDTC)
Q: What code points to a coil fault?
A: P0300 (random misfire) or P0301‑P0306 (specific cylinders). (Kbb.com)
Q: Does coil health affect fuel economy?
A: A strong spark improves combustion, saving fuel and cutting emissions. (OEMDTC)
Q: Will new spark plugs extend coil life?
A: Yes-fresh plugs lower the voltage the coil must generate, easing stress. (Ed Hicks Imports)
Q: Can water ruin a coil?
A: Moisture can track inside the boot and cause high‑voltage leakage or corrosion. Keep the engine cover sealed. (FORVIA HELLA)
Q: What if the misfire moves after swapping coils?
A: The coil you moved is likely defective-replace it. (YouTube)
Q: Do hybrids use the same coil?
A: Plug‑in E350e models still use coil‑on‑plug packs with the same part number. (YouTube)
Q: Are aftermarket coils better?
A: Quality varies; meet or exceed OE spec to avoid early failure. Look for reputable manufacturers, not bargain brands. (AutoNation Mobile Service)
Q: What maintenance keeps coils healthy?
A: Timely spark‑plug changes, fixing valve‑cover leaks, and avoiding pressure‑washing the engine. (Ed Hicks Imports)
Q: Why does the engine shake more in rain?
A: Damp conditions worsen current leakage across cracked coil insulators, intensifying misfires. (YouTube)
Q: Can a failing coil damage the catalytic converter?
A: Yes-raw fuel from misfires overheats the catalyst, risking costly repairs. (mercedesoflittleton.com)
With clear explanations, practical data, and authoritative references, this content equips readers to diagnose, maintain, and replace the Mercedes‑Benz E350 ignition‑coil system confidently.
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