Burger tuning for noob like me
 

This post is about sharing my recent experience on:
1. BMS MB Type1 Billet Intake, Filter, and Mounting Hardware
2. JB+ Tuner for Mercedes-Benz 2011-2017 W204 SLK 250, C250 and E250
These are purchased and installed by myself at home.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...00/Burger1.jpg

Introduction:
I have a 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 with M271 1.8 liter turbo engine. It is a fun little roadster but we always want more from the car right?
I heard that RaceChip doesnt add anything to the car. RaceChip is a bit too expensive in my country too. After searching for years I finally give Burger Tuning a go hoping things are easier when they all come from 1 brand.

The package arrived quickly but there was no printed instructions to be found. I had to download the instructions onto your phone beforehand as my garage as no network. Burger's instructions looks simple but I think Burger missed out some details or tricks. Being a noob I spent like 3 hours on these (more on that later). I know that would make you guys laugh but I think these photos might help someone down the road.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/08...28_AM_540x.png

Product description (adapted from manufacturer web site):

Quote:

---

Intake: Bolt on More Horsepower, Torque, and Better Sound

This plug and play air intake system unlocks 7-10hp to the wheels from your 1.8L L4 gasoline engine. In addition to the extra power throttle response and sound is dramatically improved, finally allowing you to hear your turbo spool up under heavy acceleration. The system is CNC machined from aluminum to avoid heat soak, anodized black for a clean look, and includes a reusable K&N high flow filter. In addition the OEM cold air intake tube remains fully functional. Install takes only minutes and is fully reversible.

---

Quote:

---

Tuner: Instantaneous increase in Power and Torque!

Take your gasoline powered SLK 250, C250, and E250 to the next level with this simple plug and play tuner. Increases torque and power across the power band with the most noticeable increases coming at lower RPM and throttle positions where you really need them. In addition to adding power and torque it reduces turbo lag and improves throttle response. Gains are up to 20 hp to the wheels and 40 torque to the wheels from 2500 to 4500rpm. Includes plug and play connectors for quick install and removal.

---

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/08...5e712_360x.jpg

Claims (found on manufacturer's web site):
- Simple plug and play
- Increase torque
- Increase power
- Reduces turbo lag
- Improve throttle response
- Better sound

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/08...7799b69e3e.png

Details:
1. Packaging: Intake in carton box and tuner box came in padded enveloop
2. Directions:
https://www.n54tech.com/instructions...ke_install.pdf
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/08...50_install.pdf
3. Construction: Intake is made of billet aluminum whereas tuner box is mostly plastic
4. Color: black
5. Filter: Online reports say Burger filter is too large it would rub against engine cover result in a hole on filter element. I wrote to Burger but Christine said they could not supply another one to me. So I purchased K&N RU-5111 on top of the provided filter.
Source: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ng-issues.html
6. Price: I paid MSRP USD$129.00 for intake, USD$279 for tuner with Paypal.
7. Running Cost: you need to buy a filter cleaner (and filter oil if oiled filter) for keeping these. Depends on your country it can vary greatly.
8: Manufacturer: Burger
9: Made in: USA

http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...00/Burger0.jpg

Additional Products used:
1. Wera Kraftform Kompakt Zyklop Speed 1/4" 05051045001
Depending on your vehicle history, you may need to use Ratchet with Hex 7mm, 8mm and 10mm sockets, as well as Torx 20 bit
2. Hazet 197-3 Magnetic Cup
3. Knipex 87 02 250 Cobra Wasserpumpenzange
4. Shop towels for cleaning

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....L._SL1177_.jpg
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....L._SL1500_.jpg
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....L._SL1500_.jpg

Environmental Conditions:
31*C / 88F
~80% RH


We shall see some photos first and rejoin for the summary.


http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...00/Burger3.jpg
You need to remove the factory air-box first before you can install the Burger intake.
There are 3 Torx T20 screws holding the air-box, and a hex socket on the hose clamp.
Loosen the Torx completely be careful not to drop them into your engine bay.
Loosen the hex socket but no need to take it off completely.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...00/Burger4.jpg
Pull the air box open along the directions marked here.
Then pull the round hose forward so you can take the cover away.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...00/Burger5.jpg
Install K&N cone air filter onto Burger mount.
Note the direction of Burger logo is pointing to front of vehicle.
I re-used the Torx T20 from factory air box to hold the aluminum mount onto factory airbox.
Hand tighten T20 and 2 hose clamps. (anyone know the torque figures please?)
Double check if there is any rubbing or wobble.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...00/Burger6.jpg
Now we move onto the tuner box. It took me over 20 minutes to figure out where Burger was referring to in the Instructions:
Green O refers to the electrical grounding;
Red O refers to the MAP; and
Blue O refers to the solenoid.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...00/Burger7.jpg
Green part:
Take the black protective rubber cap off by hand.
Use a 10mm hex socket to loosen it just enough to insert JB+'s fork-looking ground under the hex nut.
I prefer to have JB+'s wire leading to the front of vehicle.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...00/Burger8.jpg
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...0/Burger8a.jpg
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...0/Burger8b.jpg
Red part:
Locate your MAP.
There is a grey plastic lip on your MAP.
Pull the plastic lip out gently you should hear a crisp click sound.
Push the grey lip down.
Pull the MAP out.
This part took me over an hour. I couldnt find it, and I couldnt remove it because I didnt know you have to push the grey lip down. Sigh...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...00/Burger9.jpg
Connect the MAP connectors onto the male and female parts of your JB+.
Be easy on the plastic connectors.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...0/Burger10.jpg
Blue part:
Instruction says remove the by "pushing in on metal clip". Which side is "in"? Which clip is "the metal clip" I should push? Do I push one clip or both clips? Being a noob I spent an hour fighting concluded that they were too tight for bare hand removal.
Finally decided to go back home to take my trusty Cobra. Problem solved in 1 minute.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...0/Burger11.jpg
Install engine cover back.
I placed cables hanging over my intake pipe hoping it wont be damaged from excess engine heat.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...urgerRemus.jpg
Start the engine, check for any engine codes of problems!



Observations:

It is good fun to spend a Saturday afternoon "boosting" car. (I heard it has another meaning in English?)

Yes it is a piggy back. Yes it is a hot air intake. I do not have a dyno so I cannot prove Burger right or wrong. I would suggest taking manufacturer's dyno charts with grain of salt. Besides, Burger may want to provide more details in their instructions manual.

There might be products out there that provide more power gain, but they are usually be more expensive. Burger is a reputable brand. I had high hope on them. However, after driving it for few days, my car is behaving funny:
1. Electronics - hazard warning indicators dont work now.
2. Turbo - the car appears to be overboosting. It accelerate really quick and then the turbo sound is very loud, but after WOT the car had engine light and get into limp mode.
3. Engine - the engine bay get much hotter than usual, and judging from exhaust the car is burning engine oil (which it never consumed a bit before).

Based on that I am trying to remove the unit tonight and will see if the car can drive normal after a few days.


Pros:
+1 The whole package is inexpensive
+2 Filter mount is well-built
+3 The fuel economy seem unchanged
+4 Installation can be done at home with simple hand tools most car owners have

Cons:
-1 Electronics, engine and turbo issues
-2 That is too trouble for 20ps

???:
?1. Cable clips so the device doesnt hang around when driving?
?2. The instructions could be improved unless they don't want noobs like me to get it done at home


I have no affiliation with Burger, Remus or Mercedes-benz.
If I do, this post will only have positive points about a single brand anyway.
I paid full price for these products.
Hope you have enjoyed the post. Questions and comments welcomed.
I cannot be held responsible for anything posted here.