Can anyone inform me on just what an oil separator does on my CLK550 engine, right rear of cylinder head? I have tried to Google the question externally with no results.

 

It's the modern version of a PCV valve, which allows pressure inside the crankcase to be relieved without bringing oil with it. It spins so that the oil is centrifugally pushed to the outer edges of the cover and the air is sucked out from the center and router back to the intake.

 

Thank you for the reply, that makes sense now.

I have another question for you sir. My wife has acquired a 2008 CLK550 Cabriolet from her sister as a gift. It has 23K miles on it. The original window sticker indicates that it has an option package which included the Satellite Radio, Multiple CD Disc device in glove box and pre-wire for the hands-free telephone system. However I do not see any cradle or device in the center console. How could I make the vehicle able to bluetooth to an iphone or is it not able to be done?

 

I like that design much better than the Porsche design that uses a screen to catch the oil. The problem is than when (yes, when) the screen fails the AOS does nothing and your intake fills up with oil that sloshes into the cylinders generating smoke bombs and in the worst case hydraulig locks. Not to mention that the AOS is really hard to get to. I have a spare sitting on a shelf so I can change mine at the first sign of failure.

 

This thread may be of help to you. There are others as well if you do a search.

https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...-question.html

 

Unfortunately, that pre-wiring is a $5 piece of wire, so you're about $1000 in parts sort of adding Bluetooth handsfree calling. You might look into some aftermarket options like Dension, Mobridge and others.

 

Is this a common area to have a vacuum leak in?

 

It could be. More often than not, you get oil leaks around the cover where it seals against the head. AS the rubber ages, you could get leaks in the vacuum hose leading from there to the intake.

 

Cool, I'll have to check that out.