StevensMerc

Hey guys!

My buddy has got an '08 S550 4MATIC, W221. We'd like to throw on some aftermarket performance parts. Don't want to spend a ton though.

I'm not too familiar with the S550 mods and stuff--what is pretty common for people to add on? Any particular air intakes you guys levitate towards? Are there by chance any superchargers (or even turbos I suppose) that you've heard of people throwing in? Tunes? Exhaust? Etc?

Also, where do you guys go for OEM parts? We'd like to get a replacement rocker panel (not sure if thats easy DIY or better suited for a shop though).

Thanks for all the help,
Steven

DaveW68

A tune and cat-back exhaust would likely set him back around $4-5k and only get him about 30 hp. I haven't heard of anybody adding a blower to that motor.

Biggest bang for the buck would be trading his car in on a same year S600. Likely around $8k more for a similar mileage car with a ton more equipment as standard and A LOT more power. 510 hp and 613 lb/ft torque, which can be increased over 100 each with a $700 tune. Stock it will run to 60 in the low 4's and get though the 1/4 mile in low-mid 12's. Incredible numbers for a 5000 lb ultra-luxury car.

StevensMerc

Too bad! I don't think he wants to trade it in--he loves his car. Though I did find an OE Tune for around $400, just contacted them for info.

Thanks for the information!

The Thomas J

Keep us in the loop about that $400 tune. I am curious.

DaveW68

There isn't much to be squeezed out of the M273 engine with a tune. There is no such thing as an "OE" tune....unless some company is going to charge you $400 to do absolutely nothing.

Please do post who the company is claiming to do an "OE" tune for $400 so we can all have a good laugh.

Also, he'd quickly forget about the car that he currently loves after getting into and driving an S600. There's a reason that they cost more than an S63 and almost double what a base S550 cost when new.

superpop

If he wants performance he purchased the wrong car. This is not a Honda and parts are super expensive for little performance gain. Trade it for something else that meets his needs or enjoy the luxo cruiser that he purchased, there is no third direction.

Gramma_Benz

He's not referring to an "Original Equipment" tune, he's referring to a company that goes by OEtuning. this is the tune they offer along with a dyno graph. Supposed to give 32HP/27tq over stock.

Not bad. $12.50 per HP.

http://www.oetuning.com/products/mercedes-benz/s-class/550/mercedes-benz-s550500

StevensMerc

OE Tune is a company that tunes car ECU's, sorry I didn't make that distinction. Over in the c300 forums plenty of folks buy their ECU tunes from OE Tune and get something like 40 HP increase (I haven't gotten an ECU tune because they run around $1200 which is too much for me). OE Tune's s550 tune says it can get something like +35hp from its remap. Eurocharged also offers ECU software with comparable results but a bit pricier.

StevensMerc

Oh, Gramma got to it first--whoops

Gramma_Benz

Hey, careful who you callin Gramma! lol

StevensMerc

Hahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!! Sorrrryyyy

james1911

Hey Steve... I'm new to the Colorado area living in Loveland. Where is the best Benz repair facility in Colorado?

StevensMerc

Hey, welcome to Colorado!! Loveland is a great area.

Unfortunately, I'm not really sure of any good repair places here in Colorado. I self-service my c300 for the most-part and would go to the dealer if I had any major issues (thankfully nothing yet, knock on wood). Family also has a G Wagon, but we take that to the dealership for everything (pretty big investment to risk on an automotive shop).

Sorry I can't help much. Just make sure that wherever you go they have an MB certified tech and good reviews online. Might not hurt to start your own thread and see if there's anyone else here from Colorado that might know.

sloanbj

The car is quite tunable - just google around for various ECU tunes up to ~100HP. The good news is, the car already has twin turbos so it is plenty fast and factory-tuned for reasonable mileage considering how porky it is. Save your tuning money for the repairs!

amgm5s8

My Renntech tune was only good for 20hp, Hardly noticable but I ditched the 135mph speed limiter

StevensMerc

No kidding... they all have turbos from the factory??

I've never really looked under the hood of his car, nor have I heard anything while driving (so they're probably dead, which makes sense after 100k miles). He's got a 08 W221, you sure those are turbocharged? I'll look today as well.

superpop

MY2012 and newer have twin turbos, whole different motor. My 2012 4matic goes like a raped ape when you jam the gas. Not sure I would need more HP.

StevensMerc

Gotcha.... he's got an '08 so no turbos

We did get in touch with Eurocharged. Anyone have experience with a Eurocharged tune? Online it says roughly 32 HP increase--so realistically probably in the 25-30 range??

http://www.eurocharged.com/products/...-software.html

james1911

Thanks for the feedback!