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The problem with our Direct Injection engines

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Old Feb 25, 2018 | 05:12 PM
  #1  
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W212 E350 sedan sport
The problem with our Direct Injection engines


This guy says it all and way better than I can.

Has anyone had their 2013 e350 valves cleaned from carbon deposits? I’ve already had a crankcase sensor replaced at 32k miles due to excessive chatter.
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Old Feb 26, 2018 | 10:33 AM
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Thank you for the help. It was very informative. I hope that using premium fuel will help in keeping the valves clean. I can’t do any other stuff he mentioned. Thanks again.
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Old Feb 26, 2018 | 03:30 PM
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Crap. Does anyone know if Mercedes uses oil catch cans to catch the sludge? What about their oil volatility or evaporation loss? These are the two key elements to preventing issues.
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Old Feb 26, 2018 | 03:32 PM
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Mercedes does not use catch cans.. You have to do an aftermarket install for this.
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Old Feb 26, 2018 | 04:29 PM
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I watch the video as it was pretty educational even I don't own such engine.
What makes me wonder is how diesel engines run with DI for 100 years and intake valves dirt is not a problem on them? The intake build ups does exist on diesels, but they usually drive 1/2 million miles without opening intake.
I think MB abounded oil catch back in 1980's when they made engines who don't use oil. I remember the catch system on W123 3l diesel was pretty tricky to put back once you removed air filter housing.
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Old Feb 26, 2018 | 05:34 PM
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does a diesel have a pcv system?
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Old Feb 26, 2018 | 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Jabberwock
does a diesel have a pcv system?
Yes and since diesel operates with much higher pressures, the blow-by theoretically is higher than on gasoline engines.
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Old Jun 18, 2018 | 07:47 PM
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92 W124 500E, 93 W201 190E, 11 C207 E350, 05 W211 E55
That issue does not effect Mercedes M272 and M273 DI motors, There is no EGR system to pump all that garbage back into the engine and load up the intake valves and ports. They are able to achieve this by way of fully adjustable/variable cam timing on both intake and exhaust cams. It's freaking brilliant. Some of the larger domestic brands still use traditional EGR and are having BIG warranty issues with the cylinder head "de-carbonization" process that needs to be done every 40-60K miles!!
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Old Aug 28, 2018 | 09:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Redwood415
That issue does not effect Mercedes M272 and M273 DI motors, There is no EGR system to pump all that garbage back into the engine and load up the intake valves and ports. They are able to achieve this by way of fully adjustable/variable cam timing on both intake and exhaust cams. It's freaking brilliant. Some of the larger domestic brands still use traditional EGR and are having BIG warranty issues with the cylinder head "de-carbonization" process that needs to be done every 40-60K miles!!
Wrong. I'm getting really tired of reading wrong information all the time.

EGR does not exist on gasoline cars, but a PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system does exist, and it still shoves all that crap back past the intake valves and causes carbon buildup. A great oil separator unit does help with this issue, and while there doesn't appear to be a systemic issue with MB engines and carbon buildup, it still does happen.

There is no gasoline engine made by MB, Audi, VW, Porsche (just the ones I've looked into) that do no have a PCV system. They all do (gasoline engines), and they all cause the same issue. The reason is because of environmental concerns.
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Old Aug 28, 2018 | 10:17 AM
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superangrypenguin- Really, EGR does not exist on gasoline cars?!?! Maybe you should talk to a few folks to get educated on the subject...
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Old Aug 28, 2018 | 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Redwood415
superangrypenguin- Really, EGR does not exist on gasoline cars?!?! Maybe you should talk to a few folks to get educated on the subject...
You're talking and confusing what a EGR does and a PCV does. Many production German engines do not have EGRs anymore, and they certainly do not contribute to fuel dilution or intake valve carbon buildup.

Last edited by superangrypenguin; Aug 28, 2018 at 10:59 AM.
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Old Aug 29, 2018 | 07:19 PM
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On the N54 (BMW)... we get a walnut blasting. I guess this isnt a thing with MB? TIA... Walnut shell blasting is an effective method for cleaning the engine intake of your car without damaging the intake valve, valve guide, or intake port. If you're interested in reinvigorating your BMW's engine with an intake valve cleaning, contact: BMW Excluservice.
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Old Aug 29, 2018 | 07:38 PM
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If it eases anyone's mind, I asked the service manager at my Benz dealership ( who confirmed with his top mechanic ) that this is NOT an issue with these engines. They have never had to do this. This made me feel much better.
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Old Sep 4, 2018 | 11:28 PM
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W212 E350, UZJ100, PZJ77
Use shell premium and be done with it. From my understanding MB recommends mobile 1 oils. I will likely switch to rotella t5/6 once my car is off warrantee. Rational: the detergents in rotella t5 or 6 better reduce carbon deposits. I would greatly appreciate feedback from people who know these engines better.
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Old Dec 27, 2020 | 04:33 AM
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W212 E350CDI, E200CDI, W201 190D
I just recently opened up a M271 engine due to chain failure at 110 000km. The valves and the intake around the valves were full of carbon buildup. I was surprised as i didnt find any EGR. I concluded the turbo was leaking but forgot about the crank ventilation. But yes, this is and issue even if there are no EGR. But when these cars are 10 years old the dealers dont care anymore. Also a bit sad dealers are not warning customers about the timing chain issues.

Regards
Oddemann
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Old Dec 27, 2020 | 09:08 AM
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No need to dig up multiple old posts and comment. The M271 timing chain issues are well known on the forums and have been an issue since the engine emerged (in the US) in 2003ish for the C-class. Based on my reading here, it was never fully resolved even in the 2014 model year C-class.

Carbon buildup is not something we hear much of. Mercedes has certainly done a much better job than most manufacturers on this issue.
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Old Dec 28, 2020 | 11:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Oaklandish510

This guy says it all and way better than I can.

Has anyone had their 2013 e350 valves cleaned from carbon deposits? I’ve already had a crankcase sensor replaced at 32k miles due to excessive chatter.
It really depends on how well you look after your motor. A boroscope test can help determine if these problems are happening to your car or not. During my 10k km service I always engage my MB mechanic to do a boroscope test and he always says it's clean. I've been driving a 09 212 M272 and '14 212 M276 without any of the aforementioned issues. One cause of sludge buildup is the use of lower quality fuels. IMHO using 95RON fuel from major manufacturers such as Chevron and Mobil or Esso will help maintain your injectors well and keep them clean. Try it out.
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