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Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG: How to Clean Throttle Body

A dirty throttle body on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class can affect its acceleration and performance. Learn how to clean it, and make it a regular maintenance.

By Jerry Perez - June 17, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG w211 (2002-2009).

Upgrading, replacing, or even just cleaning your Mercedes-Benz E-Class' throttle body isn't only good for the overall health and longevity of your car, but it could also yield slight power and performance gains. The throttle body sits in between two components: the air intake and the engine block. The throttle body does the job of managing the incoming airflow from the air intake, regulating it via the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and allowing it to flow into the engine, so it can breathe and create horsepower. It's not too hard to see why an old, dirty throttle body could negatively impact your performance.

Materials Needed

  • Flat head screwdriver
  • 8mm socket
  • Ratchet wrench
  • Throttle body cleaner
  • Paper towels

Step 1 – Switch off ignition

Before commencing any work with the throttle body, make sure the key is not in the ignition. The fuel injection system gets activated when the key is in the ignition waiting for startup. Leaving the key in this position could lead to a bad MAF reading.

Step 2 – Remove air intake

Open your hood and locate the air box. The air box is a black plastic box connected to the air intake. The air intake is usually held in place by metal clamps or plastic tabs on the side of the box. You can use a flat head screwdriver to help pop out the tabs or clamps. Pull the assembly upwards and to the left at the same time.

Figure 1. Pop the tabs to help release the air box.

Step 3 – Prepare throttle body

Once the air intake assembly is removed, you will see a plastic curved tube bolted to the throttle body. This tube is held in place by a hose clamp and two 8mm bolts. Use the flat head screwdriver to loosen and remove the hose clamp. Now use the socket and ratchet wrench to remove the two bolts to free the tube. Once those are loosened and removed, you can wiggle the black tube off the throttle body. The throttle body is now fully exposed.

Figure 2. Undo the hose clamp and two bolts.

Step 4 – Clean throttle body

Now that the throttle body is exposed, use an appropriate throttle body cleaner and paper towels to clean it. First spray the throttle body thoroughly, making sure that all the dirt and grime gets soaked by the liquid. Then, let it sit for no more than a couple of minutes, and finally, wipe all the remaining excess liquid off with paper towels. Your throttle body should look squeaky clean before you cover it back up.

  • Figure 3. Dirty throttle body.
  • Figure 4. Clean throttle body.

Step 5 – Re-install components

Now that the throttle body is squeaky clean, you can re-install the components back. Follow these steps:

  1. Replace the intake tube.
  2. Attach the two 8mm bolts and the hose clamp.
  3. Mount the air intake.
  4. Start the ignition and check system.

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