ECU Re-Mapping

[GlynC]

Has anyone had this done to a E320CDI
I have been told it raises the hp by about 30-35 and the torque to 550nm
I had an Audi Turbo petrol done about 8 years ago and it worked a treat but wondered if anyone had experience of re-mapping a diesel??
:smile:

 

[oigle]

I have re-mapped a 270CDI a few months ago and had a great result. Up to 140Kw and 495Nm. In normal driving, economy has not been affected. Makes for much better response in traffic conditions too, which is a failure in the normal 270CDI, particularly in an ML which is quite heavy. I also use the ML for towing a 1600kg caravan and the improvement on hills is noticeable.

Being in Australia, I used "Powerchip" but I believe the English equivalent is "Superchip". Not cheap but a good result. Worth the effort. I haven't done any other engine mods.

Ian S.

 

[nicky]

Re-mapping of the on board computer gives up to 10% more power. Other annoying traits such as hesitation and poor throttle response, that can occur on computer-controlled cars, are eliminated making the car more lively and responsive. This makes in-town driving a pleasure, requiring less gear changing with a smooth and progressive engine response.So it is really worth doing.....

 

[robbi-wan]

Does anyone know of a reputable supplier / fitter for this in the midlands area?
How much dosh is required?/
rob

 

[GlynC]

Thnaks for the info guys
I may seek out a deal on this
Already had a few quotes from £500 upwards
When I had the Audi done it was dyno'd on a rolling road which gave me the before and after spec's
Probably would like this again. The cars quick now but I feel this would release a bit more, plus I have been told once the urge to try it wears off the actail mpg improves too
:twisted:

 

[oigle]

Check out http://www.superchips.co.uk/what.html for a chip supplier.

Re performance increase, the 10% Nicky mentioned in usually the petrol engine improvement. Turbo diesel is far better - often up to 25%, particularly with torque.

 

[996jimbo]

What's the cost though - surely there's some trade off? If there is a better engine map than the standard why does MB not have that mapping on the car in the first place?

 

[oigle]

The blurb from the chip people goes like this - these engines are made to use various standards of fuel from all over the world and are thus "detuned" to cope with the worst fuel. They don't want to have to make different engines for each area. In countries like the UK, Europe, Australia, etc., the quality of the fuel is very high - low sulphur etc - and this allows the settings to be enhanced to take advantage of this better fuel. A little more boost is used (about 2 pounds) and the fuel mapping is more aggressive.

I guess, if one was to rev the hell out of the engine and use the extra performance all the time, one would suffer shorter engine life and worse economy, as one of the main reasons diesels last longer is that they are used at lower revs. But if the extra performance is used when and where it is sensible, no ill effects. Certainly makes them nicer to drive.

IanS.

 

[996jimbo]

They don't want to have to make different engines for each area.

Seems that they're rolling several issues in to one to confuse the logic a bit; the chip doesn't change the engine just the mapping. I'm fairly sure the factory chips will be country specific (or at least region specific) as each country has its own emissions standards and find it hard to believe the arguement that MB design all engine management systems to suit the lowest worldwide fuel standard.

Sounds as if the chips work by reducing the safety margins which I believe will be region specific (regardless of the rest of the worlds fuel quality). I guess you pays your money and takes your choice.

Having said that my C43 will (no doubt) have amongst other things a different chip to a 'standard' 430 engine, though my service intervals will be shorter to compensate.

 

[oigle]

what you are saying is probably right about reducing safety margins. I agree about reducing service intervals and do my oil changes every 10000km. I'm sure the chip people are region specific when they re-map. Superchip are more agressive than Powerchip for instance. Euro diesel fuels are better than Aussie fuels - less sulphur etc - and that vindicates the more aggressive settings. Don't know about MB doing different chips for each market - could be possible I guess - but North America make ALL the RHD variants for all the world markets in ML's at least, not sure about other models. Be interesting to know what the differences are in different markets. I guess one could get the part number involved and see if there are any variances.

As a fillip for your worries, Powerchip - the Aussie mob that specialise in Euro imports - has not EVER had a motor let go as a result of a chip upgrade. They have been operating for over 10 years in the chip management area. I did a fair amount of investigating before I became a customer, and couldn't fault their record. Can't comment on Superchip but would probably be similar.

IanS

 

[pascal]

North America make ALL the RHD variants for all the world markets in ML's

I thought the RHD MLs were made in Austria

 

[Myros]

name-dropping

don't Carlsson do something in the chip game. Or am I getting all wogan again.

 

[blassberg]

I thought the RHD MLs were made in Austria

Yep - in Graz unless that's changed since mine was

 

[blassberg]

North America make ALL the RHD variants for all the world markets in ML's at least, not sure about other models.

RHD C-Class in South Africa - as mine will be in a few weeks..

 

[oigle]

Could be wrong about the RHD ML's all being from the US. I know they USED to be sourced from Austria but, when I bought mine in 2003, they (the dealer) said that all were now being made in Alabama(USA) Something to do with Austrian capacity being insufficient to meet the demand. I do recall someone in England stating theirs was made in the US too.

Following on the possible variable chip bit, the ML270 sold in OZ has 120Kw and 400Nm. How does that compare with Euro and British ML's?

 

[blassberg]

I thought the RHD MLs were made in Austria

Yep - in Graz unless that's changed since mine was

Actually I realise I should have written

Diesels built in Graz

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Heard good things about DMS Automotive. Autocar ran a BMW 330D tuned by them, and they suggested save money by not ticking the extras boxes, and get a DMS upgrade instead. I believe that there was an article in Mercedes Enthusiast featuring a DMS tuned ML270 CDi - can't get hold of a copy though ...anyone got one?? Unfortunately DMS haven't even got one!!

Based in Andover, so a little bit of travelling unless you're in South Midlands. IIRC it was about £6-700 ish, and it's a bespoke map for your car, using a chassis dyno.

http://www.dmsautomotive.com/index.asp?upid=26&msid=3

Brabus are highly respected but expensive, and use a generic map, so not tailored to the specifics of your car, if my understanding is correct. I think there are only three Brabus outlets, and none are in the Midlands IIRC. Have a look at their main website though - look for D4 package.

http://www.brabus.com/homee.htm

Hope this helps!! No personal experience of either of the above though.