I read and hear a lot about Oil-Catch-Cans on Direct Injection Engines. They say they can reduce carbon build-up on the back of the valves.

Is the 350 Diesel OM642 engine a candidate for Oil Catch Cans, or are they for older oilers? In my case, it's a 2012 ML350 Bluetec. I am interested to know what experiences people have had with Catch Cans.

Cheers.

I'm also curious about this.
I read a lot about this and saw people installing them on other diesels, but i didnt see anything for the ml350, wondering if it is at all beneficial for the ml350 and if there is a decent kit out there for it.

Wondering if this is of interested to you. He is an Australian car commentator that has a valid opinion. Interesting that 2/3 up-voted and 1/3 down-voted. Im still keen to hear other opinions too.

An oil catch can on the OM642 would need to be installed on the PCV side of things just before the intake into the turbo. It's main benefit would be to keep the oily mist from entering the intake and then combined with the EGR's carbon stuff from clogging the intake, specifically clogging the swirl flaps and therefore causing the swirl flap motor to error out. Is it worth the effort and money? Maybe. I would rather spend money on other stuff: EGR Delete, DPF Delete, DEF Delete. Doing those 3 deletes gives you the ability to run better oil than the 229.51/229.52. The EGR Delete reduces the carbon deposit on the intake. DEF allows you to ignore/delete the NOX sensors that carbon up. DPF Delete specifically helps by allowing any oil you choose without worrying about the ASH and Soot build-up caused by not using Low SAPS oil (229.51 and 229.52).

Keep in mind the amount of oil that get's sucked in by your intake is going to get worse if you allow your Intake Air filters to clog up. The turbo is going to suck as much air in as possible, so if the Air Filters are plugged up, it's going to suck more of that oily air from the PCV side....So preventive maintenance on the Air Filters will help.