2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Spark Plug Type & Gap

Quick reference

Why the right plug matters

Choosing the correct spark plug for your 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is crucial for optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity. The spark plug is responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. An incorrect plug can lead to misfires, reduced power, poor fuel economy, and even costly engine damage.

Several factors make a spark plug "right" for your engine:

• Heat Range: This refers to the plug's ability to dissipate heat. A "hot" plug retains more heat, while a "cold" plug dissipates it quickly. Using a plug with the wrong heat range can cause pre-ignition (too hot) or fouling (too cold), both of which negatively impact performance and engine health. Your Sprinter's engine is designed for a specific heat range, and the OEM plug reflects this.

• Electrode Metal: Modern vehicles primarily use iridium or platinum spark plugs due to their durability and extended service intervals. Copper plugs, while excellent conductors, have a shorter lifespan and are typically found in older or performance-oriented applications where frequent changes are acceptable. Most 2022 Sprinter gasoline engines will use iridium plugs for their superior longevity and consistent spark over tens of thousands of miles.

  • Iridium: Extremely hard and durable, offering a long lifespan and consistent performance. Often found in modern engines with extended service intervals.
  • Platinum: Good durability and performance, often used in conjunction with iridium or as a standalone upgrade over copper.
  • Copper: Excellent conductivity but softer, leading to a shorter lifespan. Generally not recommended for modern Sprinter gasoline engines unless specifically called for by the manufacturer for a particular application, which is uncommon.

How to gap a spark plug

While many modern iridium and platinum spark plugs come pre-gapped, it's always wise to double-check the gap before installation, especially for the 2.0L I4 Turbo engine in your Sprinter. Even a slight discrepancy can affect performance. The recommended gap for the 2.0L I4 Turbo is 0.032 inches (0.8 mm).

1. Obtain a gap tool: A wire-type feeler gauge is ideal for iridium and platinum plugs as it measures the gap without damaging the delicate center electrode. Avoid disc-style gap tools, which can chip or bend the fine wire electrodes.
2. Measure the gap: Carefully slide the correct size wire gauge between the center and ground electrodes. There should be a slight drag.
3. Adjust if necessary: If the gap is too small, gently pry the ground electrode very slightly with the gapping tool. If it's too wide, carefully tap the ground electrode on a clean, hard surface. Make small adjustments and re-measure until the correct gap is achieved. Be extremely gentle with precious metal plugs like iridium; their electrodes are brittle.

Replacement procedure tips (2.0L I4 Turbo Gasoline)

Replacing spark plugs on your 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's 2.0L I4 Turbo engine is a task that can be performed by an experienced DIYer, but care must be taken.

1. Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting any work. Ensure the engine is cool.
2. Access: The 2.0L I4 Turbo engine uses a coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system. You will need to remove any engine covers and carefully disconnect the electrical connectors from the ignition coils. Then, gently twist and pull each coil upward to remove it from the spark plug well. Avoid pulling directly on the wires.
3. Cleanliness: Before removing the old plugs, use compressed air to blow out any debris from around the spark plug wells. This prevents dirt and grime from falling into the combustion chamber when the old plug is removed.
4. Removal: Use a spark plug socket with a rubber insert to remove the old plugs. This prevents the porcelain from cracking and aids in removal. Turn counter-clockwise to loosen.
5. Anti-Seize Debate: There's ongoing debate regarding the use of anti-seize compound on spark plug threads. Mercedes-Benz generally manufactures their engines with coated spark plug threads that do not require anti-seize, and applying it can actually lead to over-torquing and potential damage to the cylinder head threads. Most OE spark plugs come with a special coating on the threads. If your replacement plugs are pre-coated, do not add anti-seize. If you are using aftermarket plugs without a coating and feel compelled to use anti-seize, apply a very thin coat to the threads only, and reduce the torque specification by 10-20% to compensate for the lubricity.
6. Installation: Insert the new spark plugs into the cylinder head and carefully thread them in by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once finger-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten them to the specified 15-22 lb-ft (20-30 Nm). Over-torquing can damage the spark plug or the cylinder head threads, while under-torquing can lead to combustion gases escaping.
7. Dielectric Grease: Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside the rubber boot of each ignition coil. This helps prevent moisture intrusion, improves electrical connection, and makes future removal easier. Reinstall the coils, ensuring they seat properly over the new spark plugs, and reconnect their electrical connectors.
8. Reassembly: Reinstall any engine covers, reconnect the battery, and start the engine to check for proper operation.

Known issues

The 2.0L I4 Turbo (M274) engine in the 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is generally robust. There are no widely reported common issues specific to spark plugs with this engine, such as the widely publicized two-piece plug breakage issue in some Ford 3-valve engines.

However, neglecting spark plug replacement or using incorrect plugs can lead to:

• Misfires: A faulty or worn plug will not ignite properly, leading to a rough running engine, illuminated check engine light, and reduced power.
• Reduced Fuel Economy: Inefficient combustion due to poor spark will cause your engine to consume more fuel.
• Catalytic Converter Damage: Unburnt fuel entering the exhaust system due to misfires can damage the catalytic converter, a very expensive repair.

Note for Diesel Engines: The 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel (OM642) engine in the Sprinter uses glow plugs for cold starting, not spark plugs for ignition. Therefore, information regarding spark plugs, gap, and torque does not apply to diesel models. Glow plugs have their own specific maintenance and replacement procedures.

Need plugs replaced? Find a shop on Repairius.