Musikmann

I don't know how technical we can consider this, but I have asked about the item on another forum and it didn't generate much interest. I had my dealer special order 2 cans of this stuff for me, and I would like to know if anyone has had any experience using it. Here is some of the info on the label and a link to the BASF Keropur page. Thanks in advance!

MB # A 000 989 25 45 12

Keropur 3131 S45 N inside
Additive for gasoline engines, keeps the intake system clean

100ml or 3.4oz.

Note: Preferably to be added to tank before refuelling. Dosage: Contents of can for 1 tank filling/approx. 65 liters.

Contains SOLVENT NAPHTHA, NAPHTALEN

http://corporate.basf.com/en/innovat...4uygAhHtbcp1-7

whoover

The PIBA that they describe is similar to the PEA in Techron:

http://www.chevron.com/products/prod...ate_plus.shtml

Techron is also approved by Mercedes and is a lot easier to find and is cheaper. I think Keropur makes sense in Europe where it would be cheaper, but if you want to use a fuel additive here, use Techron and save some bucks.

Musikmann

Thanks whoover,

I am well aware of Techron and have used it in all of my cars (since I became aware of it) every 3000 miles as they recommend. I also knew that it is the only other MB recommended fuel additive.

I forgot to mention that I paid $7 per can of the Keropur, and the large bottle of Techron (treats up to 20 gallons) costs about $12 here.

MB-Dude

Although I was under the impression Mercedes did not approve of *any* fuel additives, I have been adding a bottle of Techron about every 4,000 miles. When I do an oil change, I add a can of Techron to the gas at the next fill-up. Ironically, it came recommended to me from an MB service manager - but I've never seen anythng in print. I do see an immediate boost in gas mileage (about 2-3 MPG), and then it slowly tapers off through the 4,000 miles. Annual smog checks are always well within limits.

However, I never add octane-boosters or other such stuff; only Techron. As mentioned above, a bottle of Techron is readily available at any reputable auto parts house.

Whooever - I would really appreciate reviewing the Mercedes-approved list of fuel additives, if it is available. I have always felt like a 'closet addict' whenever adding fuel additive because of the legend & folklore about MB not approving of fuel additives.

whoover

https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...7&d=1177856937

Page 15.

MB-Dude

Cool! Thanks Whooever... now I can come out-of-the-closet!

Musikmann

Yep, it's official, I have seen that .pdf file too. Thanks to whoover! My owner's manual says not to add anything to the fuel either, and evidently that was the MB position in 2001.

Musikmann

My service manager told me they use it also, but their parts department sells a BG product #202 called Supercharge II. Go figure!

Musikmann

These 2 organic compounds certainly sound similar, but I guess we need a chemist to compare and/or contrast polyisobuteneamine and a polyether amine. Thanks for the Techron link so we can compare. It is interesting that the BASF section seems to treat then as functional equivalents.

I had a 2 semester (plus lab) college course in organic chemistry but it was too long ago. I vaguely remember what amines are (contain nitrogen, and I think an NH3 group), and that an ether is a form of ketone. Butene, no problem, and similar to butane (bonds are the only difference). Iso- might mean isomer, and I think we can all understand poly-!

whoover

Both PEA and PIBA are classes of compounds, not specific molecules. Here's a paper from BASF that basically says "PIBA is as good as PEA at preventing valve deposits, but is cheaper to make":

http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/65...scription.html

Chevron says "yeah, but it's not as good in preventing combustion chamber buildup":

http://www.chevron.com/products/prod...sScience.shtml

An alkene, like isobutene, is a hydrocarbon with only carbon and hydrogen atoms, with a double bond. An ether is two hydrocarbon groups connected by an oxygen atom.

whoover

Yep isobutene is an isomer of butene. Instead of the four carbons being lined up, three of them are attached to a central fourth, with one of the three double-bonded.

The main advantage of PIBA is that it's cheaper to make.

Musikmann

Thanks for the chemistry refresher and the additional links whoover. So since PIBA costs less to make than PEA, that would also explain why the BASF product costs us less than the Chevron does!

siglo

The dealer here recommends adding a can of Keropur with every tank filling because of quality issues with the gasoline available here. Fuel prices in Kuwait are quite cheap so I don't mind adding it with every tank. I am just wondering if there are any negative effects of doing so.

lkchris

Oh, that's easy to figure.

BG has an extensive "awards" program for parts people and service personnel for selling their products. There are tokens in the cans.

ray6189

Yah, BASF Keropur 3131 is difficult to find. Could anyone tell me where to buy?
Thanks!