ML 280/300/320/350 - Will all remap to the same power?

[MBDevotee]

Hi there,

Question for the GAD / MSL type guys out there.

Am looking at an ML or GL possibly as the next car.

The GL only comes as a 320 or 420, but the ML comes as a 280 / 300 / 320 / 350

My understanding is the 280/320 is the older engine and 300/350 is the newer.

However they all seem to be 3 litres - and the 280's seem a bit cheaper mileage & age being the same - so if I bought a 280 and had it re-mapped, would it have the same performance as a re-mapped 320 (assuming the 280 is just a "detuned" 320 anyhow - or were there physical differences in the engine to mean the 280 remapped would have less power than a 320 re-mapped?

If I can buy a nice spec 420 I'll get that as it seems an awesome beast, but they are rare as whatsit.

Also, has anyone used Avon Remaps? They are Bristol based so way closer than GAD or MSL - but I've heard such good things about them that I'd be loathed to pay almost as much to have it done by a company who are perhaps not as well regarded (not saying they aren't - have no feedback on them either way).

Thank you.

 

[V6Matty]

yep all very similar engines that after mapping all get to about the same state of tune, they aren’t the exact same engines mind but they are similar

 

[ajlsl600]

I am not convinced that re maps dont come with penalties. Mpg is not likely to be a concern for most but reliability may be.
Can these be done so in effect the car runs on std map until one selects sport mode .?

 

[Gazwould]

Remaps are a refinement and a further development , engines can run smoother and quieter .

A complete change of how the torque comes in can sometimes be done .

Had this on the VW with it's spikey delivery that caused a hint of clutch slip , a special map table topped the torque making it linear , not a hint of slip despite a 47 Nm increase .


It's also like Eibach Pro kit springs increased handling with stock comfort levels - a further development .

4 remapped cars in the family , 1 chipped as 25 years old , the youngest 9 , with mileages from 65K - 190K .

The crack is to pick a good 'author' , 3 of them I can assign a single person's name to them .

 

[bembo449]

I am not convinced that re maps dont come with penalties. Mpg is not likely to be a concern for most but reliability may be.
Can these be done so in effect the car runs on std map until one selects sport mode .?

Nonsense! Ive had over 30 remapped cars / 4x4 both derv and petrol , reliability hastn altered and in most cases fuel usage drops slightly , id recommend it to anyone aslong as their car is in good health

 

[alexanderfoti]

I am not convinced that re maps dont come with penalties. Mpg is not likely to be a concern for most but reliability may be.
Can these be done so in effect the car runs on std map until one selects sport mode .?

Keep in mind, as in OP's situation (280/300/320 CDI). All the same engine, all the same running gear, different software.

You could do 280 to 320 power levels and give no additional strain on all the components vs the 320 vehicle.

Some can be switched via a button, but most non AMG MB cannot.

 

[ajlsl600]

Ok .understand .so the de tuned versions just better on fuel then or ?

 

[MBDevotee]

I think sometimes the detuned versions aren’t better on fuel, just a way for Manufacturers to sell a car at a lower price point and “justify” that as it has less power....


That’s great news, I can look at all versions then, the 280’s and 300’s are a little cheaper than the 320/350 version....

 

[MBDevotee]

I am not convinced that re maps dont come with penalties. Mpg is not likely to be a concern for most but reliability may be.
Can these be done so in effect the car runs on std map until one selects sport mode .?

I think if you use the extra power often then of course more fuel will be used, however often the car produces more torque lower down the Rev range allowing a higher gear to be used so sometimes they can use less fuel.

That’s my understanding anyhow

 

[Gazwould]

That's true , but even economy maps don't deliver a gain then the full beans Stage 1 would of been better .

Rule of thumb if it's really good on fuel , probably no gain , not a good as you expect mpg - sometimes improves .

 

[MBDevotee]

My aim will be simply to make the engine the best it can be - and although I’m a long way from either, probably go to MSL or GAD rather than the local guys unless one of them has someone near the South West?

As mentioned before there is Avon Tuning - but I’d need to see some good reviews on here with actual Dino results before I spent money there rather than did the drive to a well reviewed place.

 

[V6Matty]

I know @GAD Tuning LTD do visit Ian @star on occasion

 

[clubadria]

I cannot help you with the remap, But I tried 3 GL's the first was a late 2011 350cdi with 265 bhp that drove very good but low spec.
Next one had had very good spec but was a early 2011 so 224bhp that was slow getting going but was a nice drive.

Then I decided that I didn't want to spend that much money so went looking for older models

A ML 450CDI private sale but I didn't go and look should have done.
A GL 450cdi again private sale but more money 2011.
So that left me with looking at 420cdi mainly GL because better spec. I needed a towbar and more GL were fitted with them.

Mine has just done 120,000 bought last year.
Radio packed up week later. Dealer bought second hand one from salvage car at my request.
I paid for fitting, Lost the TV and rear units with newer NTG2.5.
Then rear suspension kept sagging. Dealer bought one air bag I bought the other.
Then later in the year while away compressor and valve block needed replacing, Genuine Mercedes parts as broke down.
Then the rear shock absorbers needed doing as car wallowed about every time went over a bump.
Again genuine parts fitted by garage in Loughborough.

So if the car has air check it rides well as the parts fitted probably cost upwards of £2000.
As you can see I didn't save anything, But who knows if a newer car would have issues. For me I wish that the car was a 2011 and not a 2008.

I came from a Audi A8 4.2 tdi .

Good luck in finding the right car for you .
Good

 

[MBDevotee]

Thank you interesting info.

I'd already thought the GL320 might be a bit less lively. There is a bargain GL320 out there at the moment, but one of the rear corners looks like it's collapsed so I am steering clear....

I just hope to keep my eye out and perhaps land a bargain if I look long enough, no rush...

 

[JBell]

I know @GAD Tuning LTD do visit Ian @star on occasion

They also visit Avantguard in Clevedon

 

[MBDevotee]

Aaaahhh do they - that is seriously interesting, although they can’t bring their rolling road I assume (I know you can get rolling roads in trailers, but doubt that’s what they have.....)

If I got a remap I think i’d want a b4 and after Dyno

 

[Steve Paul Thompson]

That's true , but even economy maps don't deliver a gain then the full beans Stage 1 would of been better .

Rule of thumb if it's really good on fuel , probably no gain , not a good as you expect mpg - sometimes improves .

I had my C350Cdi remapped just before Christmas. The power gain is very noticeable , and I,ve also noticed an improvement in fuel economy. Car still runs very sweet. Steve.

 

[Gazwould]

One of those room for improvement , unlike a 220 CDI.

 

[Blobcat]

I had my C350Cdi remapped just before Christmas. The power gain is very noticeable , and I,ve also noticed an improvement in fuel economy. Car still runs very sweet. Steve.

How are you measuring the improvements?

 

[Steve Paul Thompson]

Sorry not very high tech, but the extra performance is very noticeable just by the feel and my fuel seems to be lasting longer. It definately hasn,t gone worse. Steve.

How are you measuring the improvements?