RENNtech M278 twin turbo 4.6 liter V8 ECU tune upgrade - +70 horsepower, 530 crank ho

[Dueclaws]

Impressive gains over the stock '12E550 M278 engine! "RENNtech is proud to announce our latest ECU performance upgrade for the all new M278 engine currently in the C218 CLS 550, E550, CL550, S550 and other upcoming Mercedes models. We have been hard at work refining our performance tune for these engines and are pleased to announce our latest ECU upgrade. It’s clear that the 4.6L V8 biturbo engine from Mercedes is certainly underrated from the factory and though our extensive testing and R&D; our ECU upgrade truly unleashes the performance lurking in the M278 engine. RENNtech’s ECU upgrade for the M278 offers huge gains across the entire RPM range; increasing crank performance numbers an additional 70 HP and 80 TQ. This translates to an astonishing 530 HP and 606 lb/ft of torque at the crank! These numbers are factored at a conservative 15% drive train loss. The performance increase is instantly noticeable at the bottom end and continues throughout the biturbo engines broad powerband." http://www.porscheboost.com/content....U-Upgrade-M278

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[Raygt3]

Wonder how these numbers are going to translate to the E550? Will intake and exhaust upgrades be required?

[PGT]

more importantly, is this a reflash or a tune? I.e., can I ship my ECU or do I have to have it there for a custom tune?

[Dueclaws]

Ray- Wonder how these numbers are going to translate to the E550? Will intake and exhaust upgrades be required?

PGT- more importantly, is this a reflash or a tune? I.e., can I ship my ECU or do I have to have it there for a custom tune?

Here are the answers:
No intake or exhaust upgrades required...

"Thank you for inquiring about RENNtech upgrades for the CLS550.

To answer your question the ECU is reprogrammed by us. You can send the
ECU here to RENNtech and we will reprogram it and send it back to you. It
usually takes 2 days for you to get it back. I was driving a CLS550
yesterday with the RENNtech tune and the performance is very impressive.
The power is delivered at a lower RPM which makes in town driving more
fun. The throttle response is also greatly improved. I can email you
removal and reinstallation instructions for the ECU if you choose to do it
yourelf and send the ECU to us. The other option is that you can let me
know where you are located and I can assist in finding a shop that can
assist with the ECU. Let me know when you would like to schedule the
upgrade or if you have further questions I can answer for you."

[PGT]

so, same as Kleeman but 2x the price. Umm...WTF?

[Raygt3]

Guess my question might be what kind of numbers woud we expect given our motors are rated at something like 410HP vs. the cls stock numbers of around 436HP. Take 25hp off their published cls HP numbers?

[Dueclaws]

Originally Posted by Raygt3

Guess my question might be what kind of numbers woud we expect given our motors are rated at something like 410HP vs. the cls stock numbers of around 436HP. Take 25hp off their published cls HP numbers?

I believe the CLS550 has the same US rating as the E550: 402 hp, but that seems to be conservative.

PGT-
I didn't see Kleeman's. Does their ECU upgrade have the same hp increases?

[Raygt3]

My bad, CL550 not CLS is rated at 429HP w/ 516 lb.ft., same engine, I believe. Just a factory tune?

[Dueclaws]

Originally Posted by Raygt3

My bad, CL550 not CLS is rated at 429HP w/ 516 lb.ft., same engine, I believe. Just a factory tune?

I believe it is. According to Renntech all M278 engines from the E550/CLS550 thru CL550/S550 achieve the same power after the ECU update.

[Raygt3]

Originally Posted by Dueclaws

I believe it is. According to Renntech all M278 engines from the E550/CLS550 thru CL550/S550 achieve the same power after the ECU update.

Very cool, almost too good to be true!

[PGT]

Originally Posted by Dueclaws

PGT-
I didn't see Kleeman's. Does their ECU upgrade have the same hp increases?

I was talking in general...not any particular tune they've done for the new motor. Coming from the Subaru world where a hand-held tuner and robust aftermarket costs $700 (with off the shelf maps....more for actual dyno tunes), $1400 for a reflash with the ECU out and no resale value on the money spent is a bit much to take. 2x that is over the top.....Mercedes tax and then some.

[Raygt3]

I backed the peak stock crank numbers out using 15% drive train loss and came up with about 460 HP and 520 lb '. Is that possible? Way more than advertised numbers. Am I doing something wrong? Could it be possible a stock motor is making numbers like this?

[PGT]

100hp/L on a forced induction car = VERY real. Hell...Ferrari and Honda have done more than 120hp/L on N/A motors. FI motors typically are higher....just shows you that MB isn't done playing with this motor (or left a LOT of overhead there for longevity).

[Dueclaws]

Originally Posted by Raygt3

I backed the peak stock crank numbers out using 15% drive train loss and came up with about 460 HP and 520 lb '. Is that possible? Way more than advertised numbers. Am I doing something wrong? Could it be possible a stock motor is making numbers like this?

Ray
I came up with the same figures. Puts a smile on my face.
Not saying the E550 is in C63 league, but this power is in their range and acceleration might surprise them.

The torque is one reason I opted to have the dealer install the Quaife LSD.

[PGT]

the big difference will be reflexes; suspension tuning, throttle mapping, etc.

[Dueclaws]

Originally Posted by PGT

the big difference will be reflexes; suspension tuning, throttle mapping, etc.

I agree.

[togaclk55]

Impressive gains

[Yosheego]

Originally Posted by Dueclaws

....This translates to an astonishing 530 HP and 606 lb/ft of torque at the crank! ....

i want 2012 now...

[BenzoBoi]

[Dueclaws]

I received the following in an email from RENNtech after I inquired about the effect of the ECU upgrade on Mercedes warranty:

“Our ECU upgrade does not void the new car warranty. It is up to the discretion of each Mercedes Benz dealership how they treat modifications done outside of factory specifications. We have an excellent relationship with many dealers thru out the country and an ECU upgrade is usually not an issue. Only if there was a repair needed that was proven to be the result of the upgrade could they make it customer pay. We have been doing this for over 22 years and we are known for designing products that do not compromise the drivability or durability of the car. We also cover our parts for 24 months 24,000 miles. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Many Thanks
RENNtech Product Specialist”

[terrence]

So what is the price for the Renntech tune?

[Dueclaws]

Originally Posted by terrence

So what is the price for the Renntech tune?

(http://news.renntechmercedes.com/201...0-stage-1-ecu/)

[Raygt3]

Just got my ECU back from Renntech, dramatic difference. Had the dealership handle everything, charged me 1 hour labor. Figured it was cheap insurance, gets me out of the loop should any issues come up. Great service, great results. Dealer assured me there were no warante related issues tied to the upgrade. Actually prretty comfortable with this and everyone's approach. Geez, glad I went to fat 19" tires. In sport mode the car will really get your attention. The change in "tip in" is pretty obvious.

[ronsc1985]

Originally Posted by Raygt3

Just got my ECU back from Renntech, dramatic difference. Had the dealership handle everything, charged me 1 hour labor. Figured it was cheap insurance, gets me out of the loop should any issues come up. Great service, great results. Dealer assured me there were no warante related issues tied to the upgrade. Actually prretty comfortable with this and everyone's approach. Geez, glad I went to fat 19" tires. In sport mode the car will really get your attention. The change in "tip in" is pretty obvious.

What car did you put this on. Your avatar lists a 2008 s63

[Raygt3]

Have a Black/black '12 E550 Cab