Is it necessary to clean the Mercedes-Benz intake tract?

[MacJeffrey]

Cleaning the Mercedes-Benz intake tract is necessary. Cleaning cycle: Regular car washing, once a week is sufficient, and it doesn't need to be too frequent. Do not wash the car within one week after applying a car wrap. Dirt can be wiped clean with a soft, fine towel and water. Corrosive contaminants (such as oil stains, dyes, bird droppings, etc.) should be cleaned as much as possible within 24 hours. Leaving them unattended may result in stubborn marks that are difficult to remove. Return to the wrapping shop every six months or a year for a wrap maintenance, which is essentially a thorough cleaning of the wrap surface to remove accumulated stubborn stains. Precautions: Avoid directly flushing the edges with a water gun to reduce the chance of peeling. Do not use acid or alkaline corrosive cleaners to clean the car wrap.

[SanOmar]

As someone who has driven a Mercedes for ten years, I feel that intake cleaning is sometimes quite necessary. City driving with frequent stops and starts tends to accumulate sludge and carbon particles in the intake, making the engine sluggish, leading to issues like weak acceleration and increased fuel consumption. During maintenance, I have it cleaned every 40,000 kilometers or so—the technician sprays a specialized cleaner from the air filter into the running engine for cleaning. After cleaning, the throttle response improves slightly, and it feels more fuel-efficient. However, for new cars or those driven mostly on highways, cleaning once every two to three years may suffice. The key is to check the throttle condition—only clean if it's dirty. Otherwise, cleaning too frequently is a waste of money and may even over-clean and damage components. Overall, it's most cost-effective to decide based on driving habits and vehicle condition.

[MartinRose]

From a technical perspective, cleaning the intake tract is crucial for Mercedes-Benz engines. Carbon deposits can obstruct airflow, impair combustion efficiency, and lead to knocking or idle vibrations. Having serviced numerous Mercedes vehicles, I've observed significant performance restoration post-cleaning, especially in turbocharged models where carbon buildup tends to accumulate more easily. It's advisable to inspect every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers; if oil residue appears on the throttle body, cleaning can resolve the issue. This procedure doesn't need to be performed at every maintenance interval—regular upkeep is more cost-effective and safer than waiting for a malfunction. Additionally, remember to replace the air filter and use high-quality fuel to prevent carbon deposit formation. Post-cleaning, the engine runs smoother, extending its service life.

[McChristopher]

Economically speaking, I don't think Mercedes intake cleaning needs to be done frequently. The cost ranges from hundreds to thousands, with uncertain benefits. With good driving habits like avoiding short trips and using high-grade gasoline, carbon buildup is less likely. I've calculated that the fuel savings from one cleaning are questionable. Only consider it when symptoms like shaking or power loss occur. Using additives or highway driving for cleaning is more cost-effective. Over-cleaning is wasteful and risky.