If you drive a Mercedes‑Benz, keeping the fuel injectors and intake clean directly affects how your engine performs, how smoothly it idles, and how much fuel it uses. Fuel deposits build up over time from ethanol blends, low-quality fuel, and normal wear — and that can cause hesitation, rough starts, reduced power, and lower fuel economy.
This guide helps you choose a cleaner that suits your car and driving needs so you can restore performance, avoid costly repairs, and extend your engine’s life.
Top Picks
|
Category |
Product |
Price |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Best Overall |
$23.95 |
96/100 |
|
|
⚡ Best Performance (Direct Injection) |
$8.79 |
94/100 |
|
|
💡 Best Innovation |
$11.99 |
95/100 |
|
|
💰 Best Value |
$10.38 |
90/100 |
|
|
🎯 Best for Everyday Maintenance |
Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner (12 oz) |
$11.99 |
88/100 |
|
🚀 Most Advanced |
$15.99 |
95/100 |
|
|
🔁 Best Concentrated Treatment |
Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner (20 oz) |
$17.51 |
89/100 |
How We Picked These Fuel Injector Cleaners
You want a cleaner that actually works with modern Mercedes engines, so we evaluated each product on:
– Cleaning Power: Look for proven active detergents (PEA or high-performance proprietary blends) that remove carbon, varnish, and deposits from injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers. That matters if you want restored power and smooth idle.
– Compatibility: Each cleaner should be safe for catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and alcohol/blended fuels commonly used in Europe and the U.S. If you use direct‑injection or turbocharged engines, prioritize products formulated for those systems.
– Ease of Use: Most of these are pour‑in treatments; you want clear directions and the right concentration per tank so you don’t under- or over-dose. – Value: We balanced price against the number of tankfuls treated and measurable benefits like improved throttle response and fuel economy.
– Brand reputation & reviews: Longstanding automotive brands, technician endorsements, and consistent positive user feedback matter because they indicate reliable results across many vehicle types. – Frequency & maintenance role: Some products are designed for one-time deep cleaning while others are meant for routine preventive use; choose what fits your maintenance schedule.
Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus (12 oz)
If you drive a Mercedes, you know small deposits can make a surprisingly big difference to how the engine feels. Techron Concentrate Plus is one of those products you add to a tank and actually notice the difference: smoother idle, fewer hesitations and improved cold starts.
You can use it as part of regular upkeep (the bottle is recommended every 3,000 miles for cars) or as a quick fix when your car feels sluggish after a long commute or winter storage. It’s formulated to tackle injectors, intake valves, carburetors and combustion chambers, so it’s useful whether you’re maintaining daily reliability or prepping the car for a long trip.
If you want something low-effort that targets the whole fuel system and has a long track record, this is a reliable choice.
What People Say
You’ll find people noticing better idle, reduced hesitation and improved cold starts after a tank treated with Techron. Many users treat it as routine maintenance to keep fuel systems feeling sharp.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️
Works in one tankful while you drive to reduce deposit-related engine knock, ping, run-on, and cold start problems — noticeable smoothing of idle and fewer hesitations.
🗣️
Improves cold start performance and fuel stability for up to one year; also helps restore lost power, acceleration and fuel economy by cleaning injectors and combustion chambers.
Situational Benefits
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Rough Idle or Hesitation |
Cleans deposits on injectors and intake valves, which smooths idle and reduces hesitation during acceleration. |
|
Hard Cold Starts |
Formulation improves cold start performance by removing deposits that interfere with fuel spray and combustion. |
|
Loss of Power or MPG |
Restores fuel flow and combustion efficiency, helping recover lost power and fuel economy. |
|
Seasonal Storage or Long Trips |
Stabilizes fuel for up to a year and cleans the system as you drive, making it good for prepping before long drives or after storage. |
Problem Solving Ability
High — targets deposit build-up across the fuel system and produces measurable improvements in drivability within one tankful when used as recommended.
Key Benefits
- Cleans entire fuel system including injectors and valves
- Restores lost power and acceleration
- Reduces rough idle, surge and hesitation
- Improves cold starts and fuel stability
- Suitable for regular maintenance every 3,000 miles
Rating: 4.6 (total: 15459+)
Royal Purple 18000 Max-Atomizer (6 fl. oz.)
If your Mercedes feels a bit sluggish or idles rough, this is the kind of bottle you’ll toss into a tank and actually notice a change. Royal Purple’s Max-Atomizer is a concentrated PEA-based cleaner that targets clogged or coked injectors, improves spray patterns and even stabilizes ethanol — useful if you run E10 or higher blends. Use it as part of regular upkeep to keep responsiveness and economy in check, or drop it in when you’re prepping for a long trip or troubleshooting a hesitant throttle.
It’s compact, easy to add to the tank, and it works for gasoline and diesel engines, so you can keep a bottle in the garage and reach for it when your car doesn’t feel quite right.
What People Say
People commonly report smoother idling, quicker throttle response and improved fuel economy after a treatment. Many mention noticeable improvements within a tank or two and appreciate the product’s ethanol-stabilizing claim.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Dez F.
The reviewer appreciated the pour spout and clear instructions, and reported smoother idle, reduced hesitation and improved fuel economy after use. They also noted the formula is safe on various fuel systems and stabilizes ethanol.
🗣️ Chris V.
Another user said it worked fast when added to half a tank — the car felt more responsive and it avoided an expensive shop cleaning, showing good cleaning power in everyday use.
Situational Benefits
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Rough Idle or Hesitation |
Clears deposits on injectors so spray patterns return to normal and idle smooths out. |
|
Loss of Responsiveness |
Restores proper atomization and flow, which sharpens throttle response and acceleration feel. |
|
Using Ethanol-Blended Fuel |
Includes stabilizers that help reduce ethanol-related breakdown and preserve fuel system components. |
|
Routine Maintenance or Pre-Trip Prep |
A concentrated treatment can be used periodically to keep the fuel system clean and reduce surprises on long drives. |
Problem Solving Ability
High — designed to dissolve carbon and varnish on injectors using PEA detergents, producing measurable drivability improvements in many users after one treatment when used as directed.
Key Benefits
- Restores injector flow and improves spray atomization
- Stabilizes ethanol to prevent fuel-related degradation
- Helps smooth idle, reduce hesitation and improve throttle response
- Compatible with gasoline and diesel engines
- Highly concentrated formula — small bottle treats multiple uses
Rating: 4.6 (total: 2621+)
Liqui Moly Jectron (300 ml)
If your Mercedes is feeling a bit sluggish, this is one of those bottles you can toss in the tank and actually notice a difference. Jectron is designed to dissolve carbon and varnish from injectors, valves and fuel lines so your engine breathes and fires more cleanly.
Use it as part of routine upkeep to keep idling smooth and throttle response sharp, or run a treatment when you want the car to feel lively again before a long drive or a weekend meet. It’s easy to add to the tank, safe for catalytic converters, and many owners say they see improvements within a tank or two — handy for both daily driving and when you want the car to behave on a special outing.
What People Say
You’ll commonly read that the car idles smoother, pulls better and feels more responsive after a treatment, with many owners seeing noticeable results within a drive or two when used as directed.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ S. Pinstein
The reviewer poured a bottle into the tank, drove for an extended run and noticed much quicker acceleration and a livelier throttle; they now use it every few tanks for maintenance and recommend it based on clear drivability gains.
🗣️ Sara James
User reported smoother idling, steadier acceleration and fewer start-up hesitations after adding the cleaner. They highlighted how easy it is to use and that it felt like the engine regained lost responsiveness.
Situational Benefits
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Rough idle or stalling |
Dissolves deposits that interfere with proper injector spray and valve seating, which helps stabilize idle and cut down on stalling. |
|
Soft throttle response |
Restores cleaner injector flow and atomization, so acceleration feels crisper and the engine responds more directly when you press the gas. |
|
Preventative maintenance |
Using it periodically (every few tanks or as recommended) helps keep deposits from building up and can reduce the need for more invasive cleaning later. |
|
Preparation for long trips or spirited drives |
A treatment before a long run can help ensure the engine runs more efficiently and consistently over higher-load driving. |
Problem Solving Ability
High — many users report measurable drivability improvements after one treatment as the formula targets carbon and varnish on injectors and intake components, improving atomization and combustion efficiency when used as directed.
Key Benefits
- Removes carbon and varnish from injectors, valves and fuel lines
- Reduces starting problems, hesitation and stalling
- Smoother idling and improved throttle response
- Promotes cleaner combustion and can lower fuel consumption
- Compatible with catalytic converters and typical gasoline engines
Rating: 4.7 (total: 5163+)
BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner
If your Mercedes feels a little flat or hesitant, BG 44K is one of those products you can drop into the tank and actually notice working. It’s formulated to clean injectors, intake valves, ports and combustion chambers, so the engine breathes and fires more cleanly.
One can treats about 20 gallons, which makes it easy to use during routine fill-ups or before a long trip. It’s compatible with alcohol-blended fuels and safe for catalytic converters and oxygen sensors, so you don’t need to worry about harming emissions gear. Use it as preventative maintenance every few tanks or when you’re chasing down rough idle, hesitation, or a dip in fuel economy — many owners say it restores responsiveness and smooths out drivability without any fuss.
What People Say
People commonly report smoother idle, reduced hesitation and livelier throttle response after a treatment, with many noticing benefits within a tank or two when used as directed.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ AutoTechMike
Poured one can into the tank (treated ~20 gallons), drove normally and noticed smoother idling and crisper acceleration within a tank or two. Seemed to clear up small hesitations and made the car feel more responsive on both city and highway runs.
🗣️ Claire_Rides
Used it in a car that had mildly coked injectors; it loosened deposits and the engine ran noticeably cleaner. Liked that it’s safe with ethanol blends and won’t hurt the catalytic converter — I felt a small improvement in fuel economy after a couple of fills.
Situational Benefits
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Rough idle or stalling |
Dissolves deposits on injectors and intake areas that can cause unstable idle and occasional stalls, helping the engine settle and run more smoothly. |
|
Hesitation or stumble under acceleration |
Clears coked injectors and improves spray pattern, which helps reduce hesitation and makes throttle response feel more immediate. |
|
Drop in fuel economy |
Restores more complete combustion by removing deposits, which can help reclaim a bit of lost MPG over subsequent tanks. |
|
Pre-trip or spirited driving |
A treatment before longer runs helps ensure the engine is running efficiently under sustained load, giving more consistent performance. |
Problem Solving Ability
High — targets carbon and corrosive deposits throughout the fuel system, quickly improving injector flow and combustion quality so drivability issues like hesitation, stumble and weak throttle response are often reduced after use.
Key Benefits
- Cleans injectors, intake valves, ports and combustion chambers
- One can treats about 20 gallons of gasoline
- Restores performance and improves driveability
- Compatible with alcohol-blended fuels and common additives
- Safe for catalytic converters and oxygen sensors
Rating: 4.8 (total: 2156+)
Chevron Techron High Mileage Fuel System Cleaner
If your Mercedes has higher mileage and feels like it’s lost a bit of pep, this is the kind of additive you can use without fuss. You pour a 12 oz bottle into about 21 gallons of fuel and it works through the tank to dissolve gum, varnish and carbon that build up over years.
It’s designed for older passenger cars, light trucks and classic engines, and is safe with ethanol blends and modern emissions gear, so you don’t have to worry about catalytic converters or O2 sensors. Use it every 1,000 miles as routine care, or before a long trip to freshen up drivability—pretty handy whether you drive daily or only break out the car for weekend cruises.
What People Say
Owners of higher-mileage cars often report smoother idle, better throttle response and fewer small hesitations after a treatment, with noticeable changes over a tank or two.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ DonaDriver
Poured one bottle into my tank (treated ≈21 gallons) and noticed the idle settle and low-speed hesitation improve within a couple of tanks. My older Mercedes felt less sluggish and I liked that it’s labelled safe for ethanol blends.
🗣️ MilesOnTheRoad
Used it in a 2004 E-class with noticeable carbon buildup — the throttle response smoothed out and the fuel gauge sensor stayed accurate. Liked the corrosion inhibitors; seemed reassuring for an older fuel system.
Situational Benefits
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Rough idle or light stalling |
Dissolves gum and varnish on injectors and intake areas so the engine can idle more steadily and avoid minor stalls. |
|
Sluggish acceleration on older engines |
Cleans deposits that restrict spray patterns, which can make throttle response feel sharper and more immediate. |
|
Corroded fuel sensors or metal parts |
Includes corrosion inhibitors that help protect both ferrous and non‑ferrous components, helping maintain sensor accuracy and part longevity. |
|
Pre-trip or long highway runs |
A treatment beforehand helps ensure more complete combustion and consistent performance during sustained driving. |
Problem Solving Ability
High — formulated to target carbon, gum and corrosion in high‑mileage fuel systems, improving injector flow and combustion quality so issues like hesitation, poor idle and mild power loss are often reduced after use.
Key Benefits
- Cleans injectors, intake areas and combustion deposits
- One 12 oz bottle treats up to 21 gallons of gasoline
- Restores power and improves throttle response
- Contains corrosion inhibitors to protect fuel system components
- Compatible with ethanol blends and safe for catalytic converters
Rating: 4.7 (total: 1161+)
Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus (20 oz)
If your Mercedes feels a bit dull at low revs or hesitates off the line, this 20 oz Techron Concentrate Plus is one of those easy fixes you can try at home. It’s a concentrated bottle you add to a near-empty tank, then fill up — the detergent works through the fuel system to break down gum, varnish and carbon so injectors and intake passages spray more cleanly.
People use it as routine care for daily drivers, before a long trip, or as a first attempt at fixing knock, rough idle or stubborn hesitation. It’s formulated to be safe with modern emissions equipment and ethanol blends, so you can use it on most Mercedes models without worrying about sensors or the catalytic converter. If you like keeping things simple, add a treatment every few tanks or use a couple of bottles in tougher cases and you’ll likely notice smoother idle and crisper throttle response.
What People Say
Owners commonly report smoother idle, improved throttle response and measurable gains in fuel economy after a treatment or two, with heavier treatments helping tougher issues like engine knock or early catalytic fouling.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Space Boy
Poured one bottle into my tank and after topping up at a Chevron my gas mileage went from about 16 mpg to 19 mpg. The engine sounded and felt more responsive, and idle settled down over a couple tanks.
🗣️ MesaGuy
This has a strong PEA content — helped reduce engine knock and cleaned catalytic-converter deposits for me when used over multiple tanks. For stubborn issues I used extra bottles up front and then tapered to one per tank for a couple fills.
Situational Benefits
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Rough idle or frequent stalling |
Helps dissolve deposits on injectors and intake so the engine can idle more steadily and avoid minor stalls. |
|
Hesitation or poor throttle response |
Cleans spray patterns and combustion deposits, which can make acceleration feel sharper and more immediate. |
|
Engine knock or pinging under load |
High PEA content can help reduce deposit-related knock when used over several tanks; some users recommend repeated treatments for stubborn cases. |
|
Preparing for a long trip or inspection |
A pre-trip treatment helps improve combustion consistency and can reduce small drivability issues during sustained highway driving or before emissions checks. |
Problem Solving Ability
High — designed to target carbon, gum and other fuel-system deposits so injectors spray properly and combustion is cleaner; many users see reductions in hesitation, rough idle and mild power loss after treatment.
Key Benefits
- Breaks down carbon, gum and varnish that foul injectors and intake areas
- Improves cold starts and can stabilize fuel for up to a year
- Helps reduce rough idle, hesitation and engine surge
- Concentrated formula — 20 oz bottle treats multiple tanks when used as directed
- Formulated to be safe with ethanol blends and modern emissions components
Rating: 4.6 (total: 15459+)
Red Line SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner (15 Fl Oz)
If your Mercedes has a hesitant throttle, slightly rough idle, or feels a bit sluggish after long use, this Red Line SI-1 bottle is a simple thing you can try at home. You pour one 15 fl oz bottle into a tank (follow the directions), fill up, and let the detergent work through injectors, carburetors and combustion chambers. It’s concentrated, so people use it as routine maintenance for daily drivers, as a targeted fix for misfires or hesitation, or a prep step before a long drive. Many owners notice smoother idle, crisper throttle response and better fuel stability after a treatment, and it’s straightforward to use even if you don’t wrench on cars often.
What People Say
You’ll see reports of smoother idles, crisper throttle response and improved drivability after a treatment or two; in tougher cases people run an initial heavier dose and then taper to single-bottle maintenance.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Erik
I’ve been using Red Line’s SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner for a while now… particularly effective at tackling deposits that accumulate in injectors, carburetors, valves, and combustion chambers. Beyond just cleaning, this product also works to prevent future corrosion… incredibly easy to use – simply pour one bottle into your fuel tank for an effective treatment.
🗣️ Joseph Corbisiero
Out of these three, Redline has the HIGHEST amount of PEA in it… PEA cleans like dishes in a dishwasher. It breaks down any dirt and stuff in fuel system, and carries it away to combustion. This product will clean injectors, improve spray patterns, maybe increase VOLUME of fuel to the engine, and clean up ‘Ethanol poop.’
Situational Benefits
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Rough idle or minor stalling |
Dissolves deposits on injectors and intake so the engine can idle more steadily and avoid small stalls. |
|
Hesitation or misfire |
Cleans spray patterns and combustion deposits; multiple treatments often clear stubborn misfires or restore smoother acceleration. |
|
High-mileage or neglected engines |
Higher PEA concentration can address heavy carbon and varnish buildup when used over a couple of tanks. |
|
Preparing for a long trip or inspection |
A pre-trip treatment improves combustion consistency and can reduce small drivability issues during sustained highway driving or before emissions testing. |
Problem Solving Ability
High — formulated to attack carbon, gum and varnish with a potent detergent blend (notably high PEA levels), so injectors and combustion areas get cleaner and drivability issues like hesitation, rough idle or mild misfires often improve after treatment.
Key Benefits
- Cleans injectors, carburetors, valves and combustion chamber deposits
- Helps prevent corrosion in the fuel system
- Improves fuel stability and reduces gum and varnish formation
- Concentrated formula — one bottle treats a tank for routine maintenance
- Easy to use: pour into tank and fill up
Rating: 4.7 (total: 7129+)
FAQ
How Do I Choose The Right Fuel Injector Cleaner For My Mercedes Benz?
You should match the cleaner to your engine type and the problem you’re trying to solve. If you have a modern direct‑injection Mercedes, prioritize products that advertise PEA (polyether amine) detergents and direct‑injection compatibility (examples include Red Line SI‑1, Royal Purple Max‑Atomizer and some Liqui Moly formulas).
For routine maintenance on port‑injected or older engines, proven all‑around cleaners like Chevron Techron or BG 44K work well and are safe for catalytic converters and oxygen sensors. Also check the product directions for ethanol‑blend compatibility, choose a high‑mileage formula if your car has more than about 75,000 miles, and always follow your Mercedes owner’s manual for additive guidance.
How Often Should You Use A Fuel Injector Cleaner And How Do You Use It Safely?
Follow the label for each product, but a practical approach is to use a trusted cleaner every few thousand miles or as a periodic maintenance treatment; some manufacturers recommend treatment every 3,000 miles while high‑mileage formulas may be used more frequently for older cars. For best results add the cleaner to a near‑empty tank and then fill up so it mixes evenly, drive normally for one or two tanks to let it circulate, and avoid combining different additives at once.
Use personal protective measures (gloves, ventilated area), don’t use gasoline additives in diesel engines, and stop using a do‑it‑yourself chemical if you see new error codes or worsening symptoms — that’s a sign to consult a technician.
Can A Fuel Injector Cleaner Fix Severe Carbon Buildup On Mercedes Direct Injection Engines?
Mild to moderate deposits often respond well to concentrated PEA‑based cleaners (Red Line, Royal Purple, Liqui Moly, BG), and you may need more than one treatment to see full improvement. However, severe valve carbon on direct‑injection engines is commonly caused by fuel not washing the intake valves, so chemicals alone may not be enough; in those cases you’ll likely need professional mechanical cleaning such as walnut blasting or intake removal.
If your Mercedes has persistent misfires, rough idle or long‑term power loss, treat with a good PEA cleaner first but be prepared to visit a qualified shop if symptoms don’t improve after recommended treatments.
Buyers Top Picks
When choosing between Chevron Techron, Royal Purple Max-Atomizer, and Liqui Moly Jectron, you’ll typically focus on whether you want a pour-in concentrate for regular fuel-system treatments or an aerosol for targeted cleaning, plus how strong and reputable the detergent chemistry is for Mercedes engines. You’ll also balance bottle size and dosing convenience, price and frequency of use, and overall ease of use so the product matches your maintenance routine and driving habits.
Wrapping Up
Key Takeaways: Choose a cleaner that matches your Mercedes’ fuel system and driving habits. BG 44K is the best overall for comprehensive cleaning and driveability improvement, while products like Royal Purple and Red Line are excellent if you need aggressive cleaning for direct‑injection or heavily fouled injectors. For routine upkeep, Chevron Techron formulas and Liqui Moly Jectron give dependable results at good value.
Use the right concentration, follow the directions, and run a full tank after adding the treatment so the product circulates and reaches injectors and valves.
| Product | Image | Rating | Volume | Special Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner, 12 oz |
 |
4.6/5 (15,459 reviews) | 12 fluid ounces |
|
| Royal Purple 18000 Max Atomizer Fuel Injector Cleaner, 6 fl. oz. |
 |
4.6/5 (2,621 reviews) | 6 fluid ounces |
|
| Liqui Moly 2007 Jectron Gasoline Fuel Injection Cleaner, 300 ml |
 |
4.7/5 (5,163 reviews) | 300 ml (10.14 fl oz) |
|
| BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner |
 |
4.8/5 (2,156 reviews) | 1 can treats up to 20 gallons |
|
| Chevron Techron High Mileage Fuel System Cleaner, 12 oz |
 |
4.7/5 (1,161 reviews) | 12 fluid ounces |
|
| Red Line 60103 SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner, 15 fl oz |
 |
4.7/5 (7,129 reviews) | 15 fluid ounces |
|
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