CLEANING THE ENGINE BAY, GOOD IDEA? BAD IDEA?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,138
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From: NY
2014 E550 4matic,, sold 2012 E 350 4matic,,sold 2010 e350 4w,sold 2002 e320 se
CLEANING THE ENGINE BAY, GOOD IDEA? BAD IDEA?
As many users here we care for our cars and while it's a no brainer that the outside can look great,,,under the hood not so much. I've seen some guys using bathroom cleaning scrubbing bubbles,,,P21s Total wash,,,Gunk degreaser,,with water from a hose to rinse,,and sure it looks great afterwards,, but isn't it risky? 🤔 My independent tech advises against it,citing possible electrical issues,,etc.
So what's the consensus?
So what's the consensus?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2012
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
I clean under the hood frequently, with a rag and a spray bottle of washer fluid, using as little liquid as possible, yes, this takes time but I don't have to worry about frying out electricals. On the oily spots I just keep wiping and throw the rag out afterwords.
Last edited by pierrejoliat; Nov 22, 2021 at 11:17 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
cosmetic work
Pierre has this figured out to spray-clean locally!
Do a dry cleaning if you have to. Your mechanic is all right about MB electricals not liking water. The engine bay is remotely water tolerant, not waterproof.
MB leaks come in garment sizes: S - M - L...
Engine dirt is like a Japanese garden: the unperfections are part of the beauty. I don't worry about how the beast should look.
Do a dry cleaning if you have to. Your mechanic is all right about MB electricals not liking water. The engine bay is remotely water tolerant, not waterproof.
MB leaks come in garment sizes: S - M - L...
Engine dirt is like a Japanese garden: the unperfections are part of the beauty. I don't worry about how the beast should look.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Nov 22, 2021 at 12:05 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 385
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From: Bognor Regis UK
Alfa 159
Well this wont go down well but.....but my past three Mercs engines have regularly received the water from the working end of the jet washer!! I tape poly bags on the obvious ECUs etc and don't aim directly at electrical plugs. Also I always make sure the engine is warm (NOT hot) before I start...that way there is enough heat in the bay to dry it out quick and before it has time to penetrate where it shouldn't. I then clean and polish everything and liberally coat the electrics in water displacing spray so its ready for the next time. Never had an issue over all those years and engine is clean and shiny!! A clean engine makes it so much easier to spot leaks and other issues!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,138
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From: NY
2014 E550 4matic,, sold 2012 E 350 4matic,,sold 2010 e350 4w,sold 2002 e320 se
That's what I like,,,a diverse and informed dialog,,,I kinda like the ideas AL and Pierre put out,,,I could see doing the removable plastics with p21s and they take up alot of the space,,as for under there where you have metallics,,,wiping down with a rag and a solution,,,even tire foam could work well. No reason why a topshelf vehicle like we enjoy can't be tidy.
Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 93
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From: West Los Angeles
2003 W203 C230, 2021 RS6, 2022 992S, 2024 Q8 Etron
I wipe down the engine bay whenever I wash my car so it is relatively clean. If you keep it up with simple wipe down and cleaning, it won't get dirty enough to require a hose to clean.
I find that using compressed air works pretty good to get rid of the dirt. And spray bottle and cloth take care of the rest.
I find that using compressed air works pretty good to get rid of the dirt. And spray bottle and cloth take care of the rest.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 4
From: TX
2017 C 63 AMG
I am often leary of introducing copious amounts of water inside the engine bay due to the numerous electronics living under the hood....Just a light spray mixture of water/ Simple green & wait about 20 mns....Then take a damp rag and remove the loose dirt & debris...
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MBWorld God!
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Recently, we had been discussing about cleaning the engine bay as well here: https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...ngine-bay.html
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