C320 CDi Performance Upgrade.

[Paulopt2248]

I am considering 'chipping' my C320 CDi (W203). I have been considering the Kleemann DX box which is a plug and play device. This increases the BHP from 224 to 260 and more importantly, the torque from 376 to 460 LB/FT.

'Superchips' also offer an upgrade for the 320CDi engine and this is a remapping of the ECU rather than a plug in device. The increase in BHP and torque is roughly the same as the Kleemann plug in module.....261 BHP and slightly less torque at 428LB/FT.

There is also the Barbus upgrade which is considerably more expensive, but it has the benefit of being approved and warrantied by MB.

I have had experience of using plug in modules with other turbo diesels I have owned, and had no problems whatsoever. In these applications the performance was vastly improved and the fuel consumption at a steady cruise was better by about 10%.

Does any member here have experience of chipping a 320CDi engine and what benefits did you gain?...and were there any downsides.

Paul

 

[whitenemesis]

Not used them myself but would lean toward a custom remap rather than plugin box.

The Brabus is only warrantied if the engine has done less than 18k miles

 

[240D 3.0VNTi]

Same here. Plug in boxes just modify the signals sent to the injectors and the signals sent by sensors. Remappers do that inside the computer so they can more efficiently control the injection.

Plug in boxes also put up a big red flag to the service techs for warranty denial trouble if you bring it in for repairs.

 

[Blobcat]

IIRC you don't actually have 224BHP in the W203 to start with, Mercedes lower the power of the 320CDI for the C class presumably for the gearbox & running gear. They do the same for the AMG 55's & 63's. To me it would depend on how long you want to keep the car, if a short while do it for the long term I would leave it standard and if you need more power then forget about chipping and buy and AMG model (55 or 63) instead.

 

[whitenemesis]

My brochure for the C class (203) shows 224bhp with 510Nm for the 320CDI

 

[GCLTuning]

Custom Remap is the only way to get the most power and torque the safest way. I would recommend to any owner of a forced induction vehicle.