C280driv3r

The only way you can avoid DI is with BlueTEC or expensive AMG

K-A

Too early to tell. Even though lots of manufacturers have had initial issues with D/I, the true test is how they will fare in the long term, and how they can avoid build up which can hamper reliability and performance. At this point, there's no way to know with M-B's versions though.

thekurgan

bluetec is direct injected, the older term was "CDI". The difference is that the diesel has somewhat of a lubricity contained within, to help the seals of the high pressure fuel pumps, which are the normal weak point in the U.S., due to a number of things, like the use of ethanol.

Raymond Lee

I agree with 2 earlier comments but I have a strong confidence that MBZ did their home work well before releasing DI engine. As I understand, DI engine is more simpler than CDI engine and less problems prone.

thekurgan

Common rail Direct Injection ... they are the same design, for quite some time now. MB just dropped the CDI in favor of the bluetec nomenclature.

dfordham

This was discussed in depth on the W204 forum since the C350 is the same engine as the E350.

Suggest you pay particular attention to Glyn Ruck's comments.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...n-buildup.html

Regards,
Don

thekurgan

Agreed. BMW had an issue with their N54 design and have somehow gotten around it via valve timing to a degree with the N55. Still, I agree it makes more sense to have fuel/detergent sprayed over the intake valve(s).

Raymond Lee

thekurgan
Thanks for the information. It is even better then. Common rail Direct Injection is proven engine, right?

brauhaus313

Not too many Mercedes folk are doing things like tearing the top half of their motor down, so it is hard to tell for sure, but IMO, its a safe bet in 2-3 years we will be hearing about excessive carbon buildup from our DI motors. I must say, my years in the VW/Audi world were more fun in the way of modding because the enthusiasts there do all kinds of DIY work and info is more abundant there. I do like my w212 very much though.

I've heard of DI carbon buildup in both NA and forced induction setups from Mazda to Porsche and Audi, and there's not a thing different about Mercedes' implementation of DI that would prevent carbon buildup if it were to occur. This is precisely the reason why I decided to lease vs. buy.

I believe VW/Audi are adding an injector/s into their intake manifold to address the carbon buildup problem in their next generation of turbo charged DI engines.

thekurgan

Yes, a very long time, especially in the European Union, BMW, Volkswagen, etc. all have CDI/TDI designs with lots of success. Even BMW, with their high pressure fuel pumps fiasco with the gasoline engines, has had lots of success with the diesel variant, and on U.S. ULSD lower cetane diesel.

Raymond Lee

thekurgan
Thanks again for making me feel better. Always learning something new that I need to know.

BenzV12

For diesel engines , it's recommended that you should have carbon clean job every 35000 km or 25K miles or so that you can hinder carbon build up in your engines and your car performs like new

Raymond Lee

BenzV12
Thanks for the information. Is there some additive that I can use to clean the carbon or is it something that has to be done at dealership?

ferrariyellow44

My 06' A4 2.0T has some serious carbon build up problems, at least I believe. WOP always gives a nice cloud of carbon out of the exhaust

thekurgan

First I've heard of this in all the diesels owned in the family. I'll look into it, thanks.

BenzV12

You're welcome , diesel engine MB models are not as widespread as you can find them in Europe so dealerships can perfom this job for you and generally they ask you to do this for engine performance . Otherwise , private mechanics or private shops carry this machine, they add some sorta addtive and rev up your engine . Your engine works 30 mins and they shut down the system .

It really is worth doing it because it cleans up your engine like new . Carbon build up is not something you can sneez at because it could cause detonation in long term

K-A

DAMN! Some of the pics in Linked Thread show practically brand new cars with engine insides covered in gunk build up.

thekurgan

I use the Stanadyne Power additive at every fillup, and step into the throttle daily, so I hope that will reduce the amount of soot as well.

thekurgan

Yes, the RS4 is one car you don't want out of warranty for that reason, it's fugly inside the heads, but beautiful outside and sounds sweet, but that carbon ... wow!

Raymond Lee

This information is a very useful one and I thank you guys again. I just came back from local dealer who told me BlueTec cars shouldn't have to worry about carbon deposit build up until it reaches around 70,000 miles. Anyway, parts guy told me they will carry BG additive product soon. They have seen it work. It happens to be that it is made in USA, not China!

thekurgan

Dipetane has been used successfully for years, although it states it takes up to 6k miles for the carbon to be released, which makes sense, if you have an additive that is strong enough to remove the carbon quickly, it will most likely strip the lubricitiy additive out of the fuel, rapidly increasing wear.

http://www.dipetaneusa.com/index.php

brauhaus313

Fairly off topic, but you're probably running rich. You may have carbon buildup, but its not what's coming out at WOT.