What does this 'air duct' really do?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 319
Likes: 28
2013 E550, 2014 GLK 350
What does this 'air duct' really do?
Hi All,
I did the speedriven IC pump last summer on my 2013 E550 and there was a part that I think is referred to as an 'air duct' that had to be removed. The shop said it looked like it was diverting air up towards a turbo and that they really didn't see a functional need for it. I have a note into Marcin because I just ran into it in my basement the other day. I've seen no indication in the months I have been driving it that there have been any obvious repercussions from it's removal.
I've attached pictures and the part number (which I have looked up and seems to be related to the cooling system, which makes sense) is A 218 528 10 08.
Any thoughts and insights would be helpful.
Thanks,
Brian
I did the speedriven IC pump last summer on my 2013 E550 and there was a part that I think is referred to as an 'air duct' that had to be removed. The shop said it looked like it was diverting air up towards a turbo and that they really didn't see a functional need for it. I have a note into Marcin because I just ran into it in my basement the other day. I've seen no indication in the months I have been driving it that there have been any obvious repercussions from it's removal.
I've attached pictures and the part number (which I have looked up and seems to be related to the cooling system, which makes sense) is A 218 528 10 08.
Any thoughts and insights would be helpful.
Thanks,
Brian
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 580
Likes: 62
From: Maryland
2013 E550 4Matic
The engine design is so efficient, they simply had no use for that space and decided to fill it with plastic.....
I have no idea. lol
How has the IC pump been? notice any difference in operating temps? do you recommend for tuned cars?
I have no idea. lol
How has the IC pump been? notice any difference in operating temps? do you recommend for tuned cars?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 319
Likes: 28
2013 E550, 2014 GLK 350
It's done nothing for operating temps, per se. That's controlled by the thermostat/tune in my experience. I am on the factory tune so can't really help with that one.
In terms of drivability - on a 90 degree day the car feels like it doesn't get tired if driving it spiritedly like it did with the stock pump (still felt plenty fast, just didn't pull as hard). The flow is much better and ironically, the pump is actually smaller than stock.
Also - the air duct that was removed is full of bends (as you can see) and it really isn't that large an opening.........just for perspectives sake.
In terms of drivability - on a 90 degree day the car feels like it doesn't get tired if driving it spiritedly like it did with the stock pump (still felt plenty fast, just didn't pull as hard). The flow is much better and ironically, the pump is actually smaller than stock.
Also - the air duct that was removed is full of bends (as you can see) and it really isn't that large an opening.........just for perspectives sake.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 580
Likes: 62
From: Maryland
2013 E550 4Matic
Been wondering if I should get the IC pump upgrade as well, but I don't do a lot of "spirited" driving... mostly just cruising. I guess I'll see how it feels this summer with the RennTech tune and decide then if I should upgrade.
Yeah that air duct doesn't look like it would be particularly useful, given all the bends. I'm sure it has a purpose, but who knows
Yeah that air duct doesn't look like it would be particularly useful, given all the bends. I'm sure it has a purpose, but who knows
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,001
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From: NY
2014 E350 4Matic
Just a guess, but it seems like that pipe connects the supplementary air pump on top of the engine to the exhaust manifold. If that's it, it is only there for emissions purposes and has no effect on the engine's performance.
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 99
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From: Bradenton, FL
'12 E550 4M, '14 ML5504M
Hi Brian, I just had this conversation with my mechanic! He says the duct moves air to the turbocharger casing. My guess is it's a thermal efficiency thing; as the casing gets hot, it raises the temperature of both the compressor wheel and the intake air charge, which lowers the efficiency of the turbocharger itself. I would further guess it'll impact the long term life of the compressor wheel and turbine shaft itself, but couldn't begin to guess at what point that would happen.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 319
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2013 E550, 2014 GLK 350
That's interesting - the shop that did the install indicated that there was plenty of under hood airflow so this was basically not needed. I'll keep digging and next time I have it in I will take a look myself. Is there a 'matching' one on the other turbo? I haven't been under the car yet.
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Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 99
Likes: 7
From: Bradenton, FL
'12 E550 4M, '14 ML5504M
I think so. There was a pair of cutouts in the air dam under the grill. It was on both sides, so I only assume there'd be a matching drivers side duct.
As far as free air flow in the engine bay, I'm not the best to judge; I owned a 190e 2.6 which had the worst time keeping itself cool, so I'm a bit biased to keeping the engine bay as cool as possible. In my mind, the turbocharger casing is a hotspot buried in the bowls of the engine, so it is cause for concern. That being said, this car has survived Miami rush hour traffic without breaking a sweat, so perhaps there is sufficient cooling capacity in the system to not really need the ducts.
As far as free air flow in the engine bay, I'm not the best to judge; I owned a 190e 2.6 which had the worst time keeping itself cool, so I'm a bit biased to keeping the engine bay as cool as possible. In my mind, the turbocharger casing is a hotspot buried in the bowls of the engine, so it is cause for concern. That being said, this car has survived Miami rush hour traffic without breaking a sweat, so perhaps there is sufficient cooling capacity in the system to not really need the ducts.
