2014 Bluetec Build Thread
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Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 170
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From: Toronto, ON
86 190E 2.3, 2014 ML350 Bluetec
2014 Bluetec Build Thread
Hi guys, I bought this truck back in 2017 and it's been my daily ever since. With covid and being remote I finally have time to have some fun with it.
Mods so far:
TDI Tuning Box: 330HP 530 FT LB
Sprint Booster Throttle Response (a must on these tuned down diesels)
Custom Catch Can
Sequential Turn Signals
MB Illuminated Star
21" OEM AMG Wheels
Alpine + 12" Subs added to HK Sound System
Here it is when I bought it in 2017 on the factory 19's:
Sitting next to the car that brought me to the MB gang, my 86' 190E 2.3:
Even got a little tow action in:
I bought the truck used with 156k km on it, so the paint was not in the greatest condition with plenty of dents, rock chips, etc. It was in a minor rear-end collision last year, since I work remotely it's no longer a highway warrior on a daily basis. So I decided to do a full respray to bring it back to its former glory:
After that, I was able to source some 21x10 OEM AMG wheels for a pretty sweet deal. These came off of a GL so it actually has the incorrect tire size right now, sitting on 295/40/21. Next summer I plan on getting the correct 295/35/21 along with refinishing them gloss black with the polished lip. Unfortunately I don't have Airmatic so I can't adjust the ride height that easily (but at least it's reliable haha). The offset is also pretty aggressive so I went ahead and order some GLE 63S replica fenders from CKM to give it more of an OEM look.
Sequential Turn Signals installed, pretty terrifying trying to get these mirrors apart but I was successful:
Heres a vid of them in action:
https://photos.app.*******/bQWuenMdSNdAC5Rz9
Alpine MRV-500 and two 12" Cerwin Vega's make a solid improvement to the already great Harmon Kardon system:
Illuminated MB Star installed, I actually didn't like these at first but they grew on me. So I decided to give it a shot:
Integrated Rearview Mirror Dashcam, the camera works great but using the app to download content is a bit sketchy:
Being remote and having the truck sit for days in negative degree weather meant that the 8-year-old battery was starting to show its age. Replaced it with an Interstate AGM and it's back to starting on a dime.
After getting into my own maintenance I started to realize the issue with the PCV and oil being pulled into the turbo, so I decided to build my own catch can setup. It definitely helps but I think I will still need to replace the PCV valve at some point.
Currently it's sitting with around 216k on it and while there have been a few inconveniences (*ahem* Nox sensors) its been pretty reliable so far with regular maintenance. I'm definitely looking to do an SCR/DPF/EGR delete in the future. I'm also very keen on trying to take apart my intake manifold and clean the infamous diesel carbon once I build up the knowledge/courage to do so.
Cheers!
Mods so far:
TDI Tuning Box: 330HP 530 FT LB
Sprint Booster Throttle Response (a must on these tuned down diesels)
Custom Catch Can
Sequential Turn Signals
MB Illuminated Star
21" OEM AMG Wheels
Alpine + 12" Subs added to HK Sound System
Here it is when I bought it in 2017 on the factory 19's:
Sitting next to the car that brought me to the MB gang, my 86' 190E 2.3:
Even got a little tow action in:
I bought the truck used with 156k km on it, so the paint was not in the greatest condition with plenty of dents, rock chips, etc. It was in a minor rear-end collision last year, since I work remotely it's no longer a highway warrior on a daily basis. So I decided to do a full respray to bring it back to its former glory:
After that, I was able to source some 21x10 OEM AMG wheels for a pretty sweet deal. These came off of a GL so it actually has the incorrect tire size right now, sitting on 295/40/21. Next summer I plan on getting the correct 295/35/21 along with refinishing them gloss black with the polished lip. Unfortunately I don't have Airmatic so I can't adjust the ride height that easily (but at least it's reliable haha). The offset is also pretty aggressive so I went ahead and order some GLE 63S replica fenders from CKM to give it more of an OEM look.
Sequential Turn Signals installed, pretty terrifying trying to get these mirrors apart but I was successful:
Heres a vid of them in action:
https://photos.app.*******/bQWuenMdSNdAC5Rz9
Alpine MRV-500 and two 12" Cerwin Vega's make a solid improvement to the already great Harmon Kardon system:
Illuminated MB Star installed, I actually didn't like these at first but they grew on me. So I decided to give it a shot:
Integrated Rearview Mirror Dashcam, the camera works great but using the app to download content is a bit sketchy:
Being remote and having the truck sit for days in negative degree weather meant that the 8-year-old battery was starting to show its age. Replaced it with an Interstate AGM and it's back to starting on a dime.
After getting into my own maintenance I started to realize the issue with the PCV and oil being pulled into the turbo, so I decided to build my own catch can setup. It definitely helps but I think I will still need to replace the PCV valve at some point.
Currently it's sitting with around 216k on it and while there have been a few inconveniences (*ahem* Nox sensors) its been pretty reliable so far with regular maintenance. I'm definitely looking to do an SCR/DPF/EGR delete in the future. I'm also very keen on trying to take apart my intake manifold and clean the infamous diesel carbon once I build up the knowledge/courage to do so.
Cheers!
