C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

c55 idle issue, TB cleaning

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Apr 25, 2013 | 10:41 AM
  #1  
biturbowagon's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
06 C55 AMG
c55 idle issue, TB cleaning

So, few months ago, car started to shake and stalled. Started back up, no issues. This month, start to notice it happened few more times. Figured it was time for some parts replacing. lol So last week, start to drive out of the hood. Car was warmed up, ready to go. Leaving my hood, car shakes violently on acceleration. Finally it starts running normal and popped it in neutral going down a hill to rev it a bit to see if its fuel related. Well car stalled. So im going down hill in neutral with no power. So car starts right up, pop back in drive... NOTHING! Car is running, but trans not doing anything. Freak out time. Pull off to safe area, park car, turn off. Car starts right up, trans is fine. I limp it home and start reading forums. Some symptoms pointed to TB or MAF. No check engine light. So scan car, nothing. Go out for drive, two seconds later.... CEL! Scan says intermittent Mass air.

So call Mercedes for part. They say, "it says here your car doesnt have that part." im pretty sure it does. lol So they try and call mercedes corporate techs or whoever. Dont hear back. So i take part off, call MB, and guess what? They have it! $440 bucks. Eff that, so i call around, and find a brand new Bosch at KOI auto for $150! So i go and pick it up, also bought some new filters cause F**K K&N since that was the culprit.

Took off the MAF, the boot to the TB, and the vent hoses as well. Pretty clean in all of those. But stuck phone down to TB and this is what i see. Crap!




Cleaned up as best as i could without pulling the TB out, and the after photo...



New MAF, New filters, and checked everything else on the motor.... looks good to go!

Clear codes and guess what..... Runs like a champ!

Will be doing plugs and trans flush next and should be good to go.


So fyi, ditch the KN filters, clean out your TB, and enjoy car! lol

Pic of work while watching the baby on the monitor! lol

Reply
Old Apr 25, 2013 | 12:55 PM
  #2  
ghiaguy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area
C55 AMG, 300D-T & Karmann Ghia
Nice writeup!! I read something about people replacing MAFs left and right- then finding that this was their problem. I'm dogearring this one because Ill be at it soon-
Cheers!
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2013 | 03:12 PM
  #3  
arekux's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2006 C55 AMG
My c55 had similiar issue, rough idle, cleaned Throttle body, runs like a champ now, had about 90k miles, had same thing happen to my 04 clk55 with 40k miles, cleaning TB helped rough idle, i also cleaned maf sensor with MAF cleaner, used this for both TB and Maf sensor..
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2013 | 04:26 PM
  #4  
dre5373's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 660
Likes: 3
From: Maryland
2006 C55, 1995 C36
Funny, I just did mine yesterday. The cams REALLY magnify the idle issues when the TB is gunked up. Needswings slk55 catch can is en route to eliminate this issue. Makes me wonder what the intake manifold looks like!
Reply
Old May 1, 2013 | 12:16 AM
  #5  
kent426's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, Warshington
2005 C55, 2006 Ram 2500 MegaCab diesel, sold 2001 Dodge 2500 Cummins, sold 87 190e-16v, sold 97 e420
Don't over oil the K&N and you will have no problem, let it dry before reinstall. I have run it for 3 years without problem.
Reply
Old May 1, 2013 | 11:34 AM
  #6  
ghiaguy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area
C55 AMG, 300D-T & Karmann Ghia
I feel it sometimes when I'm just barely letting the car roll from a stop. It seems to hunt for the proper engine speed. Some fluttering when sitting at lights also. I want to do get this done over the weekend!
Reply
Old May 1, 2013 | 03:54 PM
  #7  
amgen's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 380
Likes: 47
C55 AMG T with Kleemann K2 and some stuff: 414 hp and 562 Nm :-)
I cleaned my MAF, snorkle and TB today, with CRC showed above!
It didn´t look too nice in there...

First impression: smother idle and ride.

If it helped fuelconsumption and hp, I dunno. Future will show!

It wasn´t too tricky to do the operation. First time I assembled it, I got
it wrong. Second I got it correct and perfect!

I can write a DIY if anybody is interested..
Reply
Old May 2, 2013 | 03:24 AM
  #8  
adl320's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 1
'07 CLS 63, '91 E34 M5 Dinan Stroker
Originally Posted by amgen
I cleaned my MAF, snorkle and TB today, with CRC showed above!
It didn´t look too nice in there...

First impression: smother idle and ride.

If it helped fuelconsumption and hp, I dunno. Future will show!

It wasn´t too tricky to do the operation. First time I assembled it, I got
it wrong. Second I got it correct and perfect!

I can write a DIY if anybody is interested..
Yes, please!
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 2, 2013 | 06:07 AM
  #9  
amgen's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 380
Likes: 47
C55 AMG T with Kleemann K2 and some stuff: 414 hp and 562 Nm :-)
Ok, here we go:

("Front" = direction of the car.)

-Remove the 2 top Mercedes, AMG-covers (with airfilters in one).
-The MAF is located in the back, it holds on with 2 plasticarms in the front
and a "hook" in the back. Remove it by bending it gentle to the back so the 2
plasticarms unhook upwards and jiggle it off.
-Remove the electric connector to the MAF straight out.
-Before removing the "snorkle", remove the venthose on the side of it.
-The snorkle holds on with 2 plastic arms on the TB, on top and bottom. Release the upper arm and gentle bend the snorkle back and it will come off.
-Use a small mirror and you can easy see into the TB.
-Clean all parts! (Spray, wipe off with clean cloth)
-Let them dry for 30 minutes.

On reassembly, check the rubbergaskets that they sit correctly and are clean.
When the snorkle goes back, try to hook the under arm first and snap the top
one last. Reassemble the rest. Check all hoses round the TB. Honk and drive!
Reply
Old May 2, 2013 | 05:40 PM
  #10  
adl320's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 1
'07 CLS 63, '91 E34 M5 Dinan Stroker
Nice! Thank you. My interest in this is that I've noticed a very slight pinging under part-throttle acceleration, usually right after the shift from 1-2 and/or 2-3 that lasts less than a second. I never hear it any other time or driving condition.

I know there are lots of rat holes one can go down trying to chase pinging but I've started with the easiest - fuel. I always use shell 91, the highest I can get here in AZ. I've also dumped in a bottle of Techron once and may try again. I also have access to 100 octane race fuel and can blend this with the 91 to see if things go better with an octane boost.

The car has 77k miles but otherwise runs like a champ. I've owned it since February and the original owner took very good care of it - all records, all A/B service done on time at dealer. I wonder if I just have a slight carbon build-up issue causing timing to be retarded, hence the very slight ping.

I have 5K miles to the next scheduled B service where I may go ahead and do plugs and wires just to get a fresh set in there early. In the meantime, perhaps the cleaning you mention would help.

I used Seafoam once on the intake side of my '91 M5 and had pretty good results but use CRC products as well. Of course i have to deal with 6 individual TBs on the M5 so this should be much easier to do! Thoughts?

Last edited by adl320; May 2, 2013 at 05:45 PM. Reason: Edits
Reply
Old May 2, 2013 | 06:05 PM
  #11  
amgen's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 380
Likes: 47
C55 AMG T with Kleemann K2 and some stuff: 414 hp and 562 Nm :-)
Sorry, can´t help you with the "pinging"...

But put it this way: It won´t hurt to clean the parts as I did!
Took mine for a spin today and it goes smoother and better for sure!
Maybe the MPG has improved.

Used an old washed out cottonsheet and it got very black when cleaning the
parts out...
Reply
Old May 2, 2013 | 10:31 PM
  #12  
adl320's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 1
'07 CLS 63, '91 E34 M5 Dinan Stroker
I'm adding MB speak to my vocabulary and haven't turned a wrench on the 55 yet but this is straightforward enough. I went this route with the MAF in my M5 before getting it rebuilt. Thanks for the tip!
Reply
Old May 3, 2013 | 12:12 AM
  #13  
dre5373's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 660
Likes: 3
From: Maryland
2006 C55, 1995 C36
Like amgen said, it won't hurt. That being said, I can't see how a dirty TB would lead to knock/ping given the TB butterfly is open (ing) under part throttle. Do you have any pending codes?
Reply
Old May 3, 2013 | 12:25 AM
  #14  
adl320's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 1
'07 CLS 63, '91 E34 M5 Dinan Stroker
Originally Posted by dre5373
Like amgen said, it won't hurt. That being said, I can't see how a dirty TB would lead to knock/ping given the TB butterfly is open (ing) under part throttle. Do you have any pending codes?
Agree. Last time I was at dealer we checked and no codes. I saw a post here from years back where another 05 C55 owner reported the same slight ping on the 2-3 shift as I described. I know too much air can cause problems for a MAF and I've discovered one of my intake snorkles has a good sized hole on the underside. Could the warmer ambient air intake from the engine bay cause this?

I will clean the MAF and order new snorkles. How do these cars like straight 100 octane?
Reply
Old May 3, 2013 | 03:47 AM
  #15  
amgen's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 380
Likes: 47
C55 AMG T with Kleemann K2 and some stuff: 414 hp and 562 Nm :-)
Forgot to tell u guys, while cleaning the TB, I opened the throttleplate gentle with one finger and cleaned out the inside with another finger and a clean cloth...
Reply
Old May 3, 2013 | 11:29 AM
  #16  
ghiaguy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area
C55 AMG, 300D-T & Karmann Ghia
Originally Posted by amgen
gentle with one finger and cleaned out the inside with another finger and a clean cloth...
Reply
Old May 3, 2013 | 01:57 PM
  #17  
amgen's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 380
Likes: 47
C55 AMG T with Kleemann K2 and some stuff: 414 hp and 562 Nm :-)
Yes, I know, it was dirty thing to do!!!

But actually, it maybe helped MPG by almost 5%, - that´s some more HP/TQ!!!

-Just do it!

Last edited by amgen; May 3, 2013 at 02:54 PM.
Reply
Old May 3, 2013 | 03:08 PM
  #18  
ghiaguy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area
C55 AMG, 300D-T & Karmann Ghia
Yeah, I think Ill tackle this really soon. My only trepidation is fouling up my MAF that seems to be working just fine at the moment. I figure I need to get that dirt (50k miles worth) out of that inlet to improve the cars off-idle characteristics. Thanks a lot for all the DIY info!
Reply
Old May 3, 2013 | 03:25 PM
  #19  
amgen's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 380
Likes: 47
C55 AMG T with Kleemann K2 and some stuff: 414 hp and 562 Nm :-)
"How do these cars like straight 100 octane?"

-They are adaptive to different octanes.

Last edited by amgen; May 3, 2013 at 03:31 PM.
Reply
Old May 10, 2013 | 09:04 PM
  #20  
crazeazn's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Houston
C55
Originally Posted by amgen
Ok, here we go:

("Front" = direction of the car.)

-Remove the 2 top Mercedes, AMG-covers (with airfilters in one).
-The MAF is located in the back, it holds on with 2 plasticarms in the front
and a "hook" in the back. Remove it by bending it gentle to the back so the 2
plasticarms unhook upwards and jiggle it off.
-Remove the electric connector to the MAF straight out.
-Before removing the "snorkle", remove the venthose on the side of it.
-The snorkle holds on with 2 plastic arms on the TB, on top and bottom. Release the upper arm and gentle bend the snorkle back and it will come off.
-Use a small mirror and you can easy see into the TB.
-Clean all parts! (Spray, wipe off with clean cloth)
-Let them dry for 30 minutes.

On reassembly, check the rubbergaskets that they sit correctly and are clean.
When the snorkle goes back, try to hook the under arm first and snap the top
one last. Reassemble the rest. Check all hoses round the TB. Honk and drive!
I spent 30 minutes on the 2nd step and I could not get it removed. What does bending it gentle to the back mean? I really need this done my car is all sloppy
Reply
Old May 11, 2013 | 05:23 AM
  #21  
amgen's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 380
Likes: 47
C55 AMG T with Kleemann K2 and some stuff: 414 hp and 562 Nm :-)
Bending it against the window (backward)...after you unhooked the plastic
arms gently with a screwdriver...
Reply
Old May 11, 2013 | 12:13 PM
  #22  
crazeazn's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Houston
C55
Originally Posted by amgen
Bending it against the window (backward)...after you unhooked the plastic
arms gently with a screwdriver...
theres a metal bar right above it..there was not much clearance room..ill check it out when i get home.
Reply
Old May 11, 2013 | 12:20 PM
  #23  
AMG DUDE's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 111
Likes: 1
From: Houston Area
09 GL 550, 08 BMW X5 4.8, 05 C55 AMG, 05 GSX-R1000 (sold), Denali XL (sold)
Link below might help

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm
Reply
Old May 11, 2013 | 12:35 PM
  #24  
crazeazn's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Houston
C55
wanna help me out? ill buy you dinner? I think my height has something to do with it. as I can barely reach into the engine bay for any kind of leverage too.
Reply
Old May 11, 2013 | 05:26 PM
  #25  
amgen's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 380
Likes: 47
C55 AMG T with Kleemann K2 and some stuff: 414 hp and 562 Nm :-)
I sat on top of the engine, on my knees, on the intake manifold!
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:24 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE