uclachan

Good afternoon.
First off, Thank you for many informative threads!

I purchased used 2010 E63 (NA) from a dealer(non-MB one) at the end of last year. I did my due diligence and check the car ins & outs. I even take it to MB dealer to see if it has any unusual problem/missing parts. everything came out clean.

and here is the problem I am facing.
I tried to replace my engine air filter yesterday and realized that there is a charcoal filter in the driver's side airbox and none in the passenger side. I searched threads here talking about charcoal filters. I am definitely missing one. Before I purchased my vehicle, I asked the dealer to check if everything is ok. i.e. no aftermarket parts, missing parts, engine oil, air filter and etc. They said they checked and everything is in order. Do I have a right to ask the dealer to put the charcoal filter? some folks in the forum says that charcoal filter won't affect engine performance / longevity. However, I read an article somewhere that it's there because of US emission control. I just want to keep my car stock form. what should I do?

P.S. it's very weird that previous owner took out one charcoal filter and leave the other. very weird.

Vic55

You could ask the dealer to put in the missing filter but in reality Id just take the car and remove the one still in it.... Some say there are gains and others say placebo. When I removed mine I didnt dyno the car (2010 E63) but had no issues.

uclachan

Thank you Vic55!
That's my argument. if Charcoal filter (i think it's more of a HC absorption bed than others) doesn't do anything for the performance, I'd say keep it.

I talked to the dealer and they asked me to bring the car in. seems like they are going to replace the missing piece!

Racing Dad

funny, i would leave them off. I took mine out a long time ago!

Never went back! :-)

You'll probably notice some breathing restrictions once you put them in and will end up taking them back out . :-)

uclachan

Thanks Racing Dad for your suggestion. I might.
I dropped my car off @ the dealer this morning.

uclachan

Hello everyone.
I need your expertise and help. I do not know where to go. I have googled and search this forum but couldn't find a solid advice or evidence. (in writing or manual etc)

Now the dealer is saying that the carbon absorption pad is optional and they do not need to replace the missing piece. Is there a place i can get this in writing? the carbon absorption pad is required by the state or federal? that's what i read from other threads. Please help me. I just want my car in stock form.

Racing Dad

Huh.. i doubt you'll get it in writing anywhere. this is a hard one, when they designed the engine, they added it in.

if you really want it, let me konw, I can send you mind for free! Just pay for me $10 for shipping.

Actually come to think of it, not even sure where mine is. If you're interested, let me know, I'll see if i can dig it up

s52

You do realize the charcoal filters are a US thing... M156 powered vehicles in other countries do not have the charcoal filters... So you're not going to hurt it anything without them

Racing Dad

he does make a good point.

uclachan

Thank you s52 & Racing Dad.
I know it won't hurt the engine or the car. I am just worried that down the road when i need to get my Smog checked, I don't want to my car to fail because of this.
Thank you for the offer Racing Dad! If you find yours, please let me know =)

uclachan

I got the answer from MBUSA. spoke to Product specialist.
just FYI for who drives E63 in California and states that follow California Emission law.

“Charcoal canister in fuel filter area for 404 California spec. Simply has larger filter which fuel vapor send back to engine via purge valve. General comparison other than size, non-404 spec car has cylindrical canister. 404 spec car has box shape charcoal canister. This Charcoal canister is not an option for California vehicle. It must be in the vehicle per California emission law.”

uclachan

Quick question for whom removed charcoal filter

sorry to bring up the old post.

I was looking into other air box setup and seems like i have one US airbox and the other non-US spec airbox. am I right?
if so, who would change one and not the other?

NickE63

leave them off but complain to dealer!

uclachan

Thank you NickE63.
what I am wondering is that one side will give high flow air than the other. would it create a problem in a long run?