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I need to replace the intake manifold on my 2011 E350 station wagon. I’ve got a DTC 0521 (charge movement flap malfunction, bank 1). I was also told by a very experienced technician at a Mercedes dealership that the flap was stuck. I currently have over 267,000 miles on my engine on the original intake manifold and I think replacing the entire assembly is preferable to fixing linkages.
I’m weighing two Amazon options. First is the FORRYE manifold for $188, with 4.5 stars from 180 reviews.
https://a.co/d/07VOGkQV
The other is from Auto Parts Prodigy, an Amazon Choice, which replaces OE 2721402401.
https://a.co/d/0dLjfSw6
Both have strong reviews and are far cheaper than OEM. I’ll still use genuine gaskets.
Anyone have thoughts on either of these? Would you trust one over the other?
I too wouldn't (and didn't when I needed to do it) risk it. RockAuto has the Pierburg for a good price, which is identical to the original one. How often do you replace the oil separator centrifuge? If you haven't, it is time.
I too wouldn't (and didn't when I needed to do it) risk it. RockAuto has the Pierburg for a good price, which is identical to the original one. How often do you replace the oil separator centrifuge? If you haven't, it is time.
I replaced my centrifuge cover and cam plugs (only the 2 smaller ones) less than 800 miles ago. However, I did use an aluminum unit that required rtv sealant as the gasket unlike the usual plastic.
I replaced my centrifuge cover and cam plugs (only the 2 smaller ones) less than 800 miles ago. However, I did use an aluminum unit that required rtv sealant as the gasket unlike the usual plastic.
Why did you opt for the aluminum unit? I don't think it would be any better or worse honestly. The separator drip pan (2730100162) sometimes gets wobbly and it is a good idea to replace it at some point as well. Of note, the bolt in the middle is reverse threaded.
Why did you opt for the aluminum unit? I don't think it would be any better or worse honestly. The separator drip pan (2730100162) sometimes gets wobbly and it is a good idea to replace it at some point as well. Of note, the bolt in the middle is reverse threaded.
no reason in particular. I just thought it to looked kind of cool and different. The kit which included the cam plugs, came with a small tube of RTV sealant, which I also used on the cam plugs as well, in addition to the centrifuge cover.
After doing a little research, I may install an oil catch can as well. Once I replaced everything, I sprayed brake cleaner to get rid of any oil residue so if there is a leak still present somewhere I’ll be able to tell where it’s coming from.
You’re right I probably will end up doing the drip pan eventually as well as the other cover by cylinder 4 which I’m not sure it’s been replaced or not.
With 240000 miles on mine I’m thinking of replacing it with a Forrie and rebuilding the original in my spare time as a back up. I know a guy that put in a Forrie in his m272 and last time I heard he is happy with it.
With 240000 miles on mine I’m thinking of replacing it with a Forrie and rebuilding the original in my spare time as a back up. I know a guy that put in a Forrie in his m272 and last time I heard he is happy with it.
Thank you for sharing this. So I’m not the only one that’s amazed by the incredibly low price and the fact that it has so many positive reviews on Amazon.
Trust me, I’m not one to buy something just because it’s the cheapest I’ve learned my lesson with URO and MCM branded parts and know that cheaper is not always better. I installed an MCM window regulator in a W116 300SD I used to own and it was absolute junk!
And on the other hand, I recently replaced my ISM with an aftermarket Chinese unit less than $200and it’s working great so far. At $190 I think this is a damn problem. I’m willing to make with a 30 day Amazon return policy.
I should have all parts there by Monday, but this is what I have so far…
To me the original intake from FCP with shipping, taxes and duties with lifetime warranty would be for sure over $1100 Canadian ( local it is higher and no lifetime warranty) whereas Forrie is a little over $300. My actuator broke sometime just before 200000 miles, if the aftermarket can get me to 300k or even 350k miles I would be happy, at that point I would likely retire her.
Was also thinking of doing a smoke test before and after replacement
Why did you opt for the aluminum unit? I don't think it would be any better or worse honestly. The separator drip pan (2730100162) sometimes gets wobbly and it is a good idea to replace it at some point as well. Of note, the bolt in the middle is reverse threaded.
I heard this as well about the drip pan wobble, I replaced my drip pan not too long ago, but the seal from the tray around the metal pan tube looked to be tight when I took them apart. I have pics of the tear down in this thread at the end.
I replaced my intake manifold over the weekend and after a few hiccups it’s running beautifully! I did snap off two m7 bolts in the manifold that secure it to the head, but there didn’t seem to be any adverse effects as of yet, but I’ll be extracting them out asap just in case.
New aftermarket manifold
Mid job run to Wally World for additional supplies Make sure you don’t leave vacuum lines near the engine belt! Good news is you’ll know immediately that something is wrong!
I would have expected that. Swap em out with the OEM's. No big deal.
There could be a reason causing it not to work that’s fixable. Maybe a vacuum line or something. If a not, I’ll have it returned for a replacement. If that one doesn’t work then I’ll consider the Pierberg.
Sounds like a lot of work for a stuck vacuum solenoid.
How hard could it be to service the old one? It's just parts you can take apart and put back together, right?
I have M276 and M278 motors and I don't know much about the previous gen engines.
I’ve heard that with all the work involved it’s just easier to install a new one. Plus, the one I have is original to the car and I’m at over 268,000 miles.
FCP Euro sells a kit that utilizes the intake manifold for an SLK that doesn’t have flaps and is made from composite and not magnesium, but it’s been out of stock for who knows how long.
Last edited by johnfranciscog; Apr 10, 2026 at 12:51 AM.
If by grease monkeys you mean factory-trained and certified master-technicians with decades of experience at the busiest Mercedes-Benz service department on the continent of North America, then yes.
I also don’t have an alignment rack or tire machine, among other specialty tools/equipment the dealership has that wouldn’t be practical for me to own even if I could afford them.
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