Spring preparation 2016
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Spring preparation 2016
As I mentioned in the thread https://mbworld.org/forums/c36-amg-c...air-boxes.html I'm starting a new topic which will cover the discovery, installation and later on some driving impressions using this upgraded air-box.
The beginning: the Postman delivered a parcel this morning after it was held up a week by the Swiss customs authorities
The beginning: the Postman delivered a parcel this morning after it was held up a week by the Swiss customs authorities
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Surprise...
The difference in size between the OE and modified air-boxe is ENORMOUS. George you have done a great job 
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Placing the two boxes side by side or one on top of the other (depends how you look at them) like two pieces of bread in a sandwich, the difference can clearly be seen. No denying the new one is BIGGER 
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Getting things ready
After removing the front engine cover (the new Star has been ordered and will be replaced, thanks Vicious_c43 for the tip https://mbworld.org/forums/c36-amg-c...air-boxes.html), you remove the front left and right air intakes from the air-box (they were tight to remove but I managed without any damage), then pull the air-box off the 4 clip retaining block nipples and the throttle manifold. Best to cover immediately the throttle intake with some paper or masking tape, to minimize the risk of unpleasant things dropping inside. BTW I use a rubber work glove to cover the intake. That works a treat.
Flip over the air-box and using a n° 25 size torx screwdriver or similar tool unscrew the 11 retaining screws. The screws don't screw totally out of the box (at least mine don't...), so just make sure to unscrew and pull them back as far as they will go so as to facilitate removal of the base.
Separate the two parts of the air-box and remove the two rectangular panel filters. I have used Green filters for 4 years now with a yearly clean and thin oiling. After cleaning and oiling they will be reinstalled in the upgraded air-box. That should also help engine breathing.
Next will be some work on the new air-box. I see that some fettling inside will further improve air-flow. More on that in the next episode
Flip over the air-box and using a n° 25 size torx screwdriver or similar tool unscrew the 11 retaining screws. The screws don't screw totally out of the box (at least mine don't...), so just make sure to unscrew and pull them back as far as they will go so as to facilitate removal of the base.
Separate the two parts of the air-box and remove the two rectangular panel filters. I have used Green filters for 4 years now with a yearly clean and thin oiling. After cleaning and oiling they will be reinstalled in the upgraded air-box. That should also help engine breathing.
Next will be some work on the new air-box. I see that some fettling inside will further improve air-flow. More on that in the next episode
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
After cleaning the filters, I assembled the lower filter framework to the new upper air-box. Everything fits perfectly and I just had to remove and swap the throttle body rubber O ring.
I then dropped the new air-box in place making sure it fits snug onto the throttle body and the clips fit nicely on the four holding nipples. The loom which passes on the frame behind the engine needs to be unclipped as it is impossible to place the air-box with the loom in place. As I have the BIG 4" version, perhaps the newer lower ones will pass without having to remove the loom. I'll see if I can place the loom above later
.
Everything is now in place, except the front engine cover which needs to be repaired with the new Star I obtained last week.
Engine is ready to be started after the battery is connected, but no driving will be done till next week as I need to collect my plates as I deposited them over the winter months.
Stay tuned peeps for some driving impressions!
I then dropped the new air-box in place making sure it fits snug onto the throttle body and the clips fit nicely on the four holding nipples. The loom which passes on the frame behind the engine needs to be unclipped as it is impossible to place the air-box with the loom in place. As I have the BIG 4" version, perhaps the newer lower ones will pass without having to remove the loom. I'll see if I can place the loom above later
.
Everything is now in place, except the front engine cover which needs to be repaired with the new Star I obtained last week.
Engine is ready to be started after the battery is connected, but no driving will be done till next week as I need to collect my plates as I deposited them over the winter months.
Stay tuned peeps for some driving impressions!
Last edited by DRBC43AMG; Apr 23, 2016 at 04:37 AM. Reason: Completed
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 46
From: New Jersey
1999 AMG C43
looks good, i'd definitely want the 4" I know you were excited to get it in, but it might have been nice to give it a run with the old box and immediately after with the new box. i mean only because you haven't driven her in nearly a year!
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
You are right, but once I find a dyno (rare pieces of equipment here) I'll do a back to back test with measurements and results
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Damn, I tried starting "T-Rex" this afternoon. No way it wanted to wake up!! I've left the battery under charge until tomorrow and we'll see then...
I've left the battery under charge until tomorrow and we'll see then...
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
She's in the workshop with my Ultima and has plenty of heat and electricity. OK I never started her up of the winter, nor did I connect the trickle charger (that's for the Ultima), but it's not a reason to remain asleep 
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,418
Likes: 194
From: America
1999 C43 AMG, 2005 E55 Wagon
my car sat in the shop untouched for 5 months and the battery died. stealership warned me that allowing the battery to go completely dead can sometimes cause EIS failure. they said if you leave the key in ignition and the battery dies, you will definitely need to buy a new key because the old one will get screwed, which is what happened to me.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
In my early w202 ownership, I left the key in the ignition on off and gear in N to be able to move the vehicle back and forth without switching on the engine. Battery went flat in a couple of days, but didn't have problems with the key when the battery recharged.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,053
Likes: 398
From: A.D., U.A.E
2000 (W202 C200) & 2000 (W202 C55)
I think EIS/EZS signal should NOT affect, even if it in the key while battery dead,
cause it use infrared AK/RS magnet radiation wavelength, which saved in the ECU Electro-mag. file,
it goes to "--Interrupt Factor Mode>-",,,
and need fully adapted through STAR/DAS, as a factory "EI/EPROM file Adaptation..!
ZAYED,,
cause it use infrared AK/RS magnet radiation wavelength, which saved in the ECU Electro-mag. file,
it goes to "--Interrupt Factor Mode>-",,,
and need fully adapted through STAR/DAS, as a factory "EI/EPROM file Adaptation..!
ZAYED,,
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Started after a few coughs and a nice puff of blue oil smoke....
Now need to get the plates tomorrow
Now need to get the plates tomorrow
Last edited by DRBC43AMG; Apr 25, 2016 at 03:49 PM. Reason: Completed post
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 130
From: Bolingbrook Illinois
1999 C43 Amg
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Expecting to get a drive today if snow doesn't cancel play...
Stay tuned!
Stay tuned!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
No snow in my region for the moment. As the sun is out and temperatures are relatively pleasant, T-Rex showed her nose outside for the first time after the hibernation period. After checking all fluid levels and tyre pressures, I drove around to get everything up to operating temperatures. My aim was not to do a long drive, but just a smallish half hour on the roads to blow the cobwebs away.
I left the vehicle in second and floored the throttle
WOWWWW accelerated about 300m before stamping down on the brakes as the end of the road was coming up faaaast. 
The acceleration is really great and the engine appears to be breathing so much better and feels smoother right up to the red line. George you have done a great job and I can recommend this air-box to any and all c43 owners I can imagine how this upgrade would work with a 55 conversion...
I need to do some driving to help the ECU adapt to the new environment.
Next step will be to do a back to back dyno test comparing the OE and the modified air-box. It will be interesting to see what figures come out.
I left the vehicle in second and floored the throttle
WOWWWW accelerated about 300m before stamping down on the brakes as the end of the road was coming up faaaast. The acceleration is really great and the engine appears to be breathing so much better and feels smoother right up to the red line. George you have done a great job and I can recommend this air-box to any and all c43 owners I can imagine how this upgrade would work with a 55 conversion...I need to do some driving to help the ECU adapt to the new environment.
Next step will be to do a back to back dyno test comparing the OE and the modified air-box. It will be interesting to see what figures come out.
Last edited by DRBC43AMG; Apr 26, 2016 at 11:57 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
As I have a GoPro sitting in a drawer, I'll pull it out and try doing a couple of videos... Just need to be careful not to attract any attention on the road 
So this afternoon with some spare time on hand, I lifted the front of T-Rex and dropped a very oily plastic engine undercover
Looked around and I can't see any visible oil leaks but the color of the oil around the front is a bit reddish, so I'm thinking of some type of ATF weep. I'll be tightening first of all the ATF pipe which runs from the cooler across the front of the engine and goes back to the transmission, as that was the oiliest part. I don't think its the front crank O ring
We will see tomorrow
So this afternoon with some spare time on hand, I lifted the front of T-Rex and dropped a very oily plastic engine undercover
Looked around and I can't see any visible oil leaks but the color of the oil around the front is a bit reddish, so I'm thinking of some type of ATF weep. I'll be tightening first of all the ATF pipe which runs from the cooler across the front of the engine and goes back to the transmission, as that was the oiliest part. I don't think its the front crank O ring
We will see tomorrow
Last edited by DRBC43AMG; Apr 27, 2016 at 12:43 PM. Reason: Completed post
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
No success identifying the source of the little annoying leak... 
It is rather difficult looking in nooks and corners at the front due to lack of space and view. I'll try getting the vehicle up on a lift for a better look for the bottom as jacks and axle stands are not very workable for a clear view...
It is rather difficult looking in nooks and corners at the front due to lack of space and view. I'll try getting the vehicle up on a lift for a better look for the bottom as jacks and axle stands are not very workable for a clear view...
