Race 4. (43 minutes later) We were both in DYNO mode. We were both able to do decent burnouts. I had a good launch – I felt the back settle like normal but the track was still greasy and I wasn’t able to mat it early. Was expecting a decent time
Winner CLS55 12.942 @ 109.30 last 1/8 4.555
Loser CLS63 13.420 @ 108.68 last 1/8 4.555

Race 5. (1hour 20 minutes later – after intermission and track preparation). Both cars in Dyno mode – both did decent burnouts. I knew there would be more grip but still somehow didn’t get on the gas early enough. I had a decent launch but not my best.
Winner CLS55 12.879 @ 109.83 last 1/8 4.535
Loser CLS63 13.502 @ 109.17 last 1/8 4.536
================================================== ======

These 2 runs best can sum up the difference in cars...

55k.. better ETA but trap speed a bit better than the 63

63 slower ETA but almost the same trap speed

and your highway runs.. pretty much tell the same story, they are too close.

But, I would have to believe that after 120mph, the 7 gears would help the 63 engine over the 55

I think really puts an end to the 1/4 debate (with runs in Cali and Florida)

How about a road track, and see how much better the 63 vs 55?

.

 

Not only that, the 19" wheels you have on the 030 package even though i love them, they are very heavy wheels and weigh more then 18" CLS wheels and i believe even a little more then the stock CLS55 wheels.

Mercedes should really start to have their larger wheels forged aluminum.

 

That's my understanding. In addition, doesn't the 030 have larger rotors which probably adds to the weight? Or is it just the fronts that are larger?

Either way, I agree... 030 package should have lighter wheels than the stock setup. It just doesn't make sense.

 

Thanks to all about the 030 and the wheel setup. I thought that the 030 would help in the launch compared lets say to a non 030 CLS or even a E55. The sidewall issue is something new to me. So thanks.

2004 E55 took delivery in Oct 03 so build date around Aug/Sept 03
ESP off, I can do a burn out all day long.

By the way, my car has 43K and I have just scheduled a Schedule D appt. We will see if the reflash of the ECU affects my car after Friday.

amgBG

 

Hey Mike

had a really good time with you at Moroso. I definitely want to do it again and I would love to run your car down the strip - thanks for the generous offer.

I could possibly do it Friday 20th if weather looks good - some cold fronts desperately needed to get the air temps down out of the 80s and the humidity out of the 70's - what we really need is a good evening with cool dry air and no wind, and hopefully a decenly prepared track.

And FIKSE - definitely up for a track rental - just give me decent warning so I can arrange my schedule.

 

awesome run, wish i could've seen that in person... only thing that i think would've made it more fair is if you guys switched cars for half the runs... one had more experience in launching his car than the other and it might show a more fair outcome

 

Siswati, the 20th doesn't work for me. I am in Orlando with the Family. Lets see what the first available date is in November. Also, if I hear back from the rental Manager, I will see what availability they have to rent the strip for a few hours.

 

Thanks for the great info, guys! Very detailed and objective!!!




I have no problem doing a standing burnout in my car with ESP off.

 

I agree regarding the rims ... they are heavier, which is why I got rid of them.

As to the larger rotors, from the 030 package, remember they are composite so they are in fact supposed to be lighter.

 

What Model - what build year?

 

Just checked the calendar, I had the trip off by a week. The 20th could possibly work.

 

Great test, interesting to see that the new AMG was defeated by the 55, this makes me wonder.....

 

Sorry, it's in my signature... 2006 E55. Like your previous car, I've gone 12.16 in this one, totally stock.

 

Well that puts the buid year theory to bed

Seems like there are some cars that can do a stationary burnout with ESP off (my old 2004 E55, WayneE's 2006 E55) and there are some that just cannot do it (like my 2006 CLS55, MHK's 2006 CLS63, Alberts 2005 E55)

Must be some ECU programming deal going on - very surprised that its not consistent accross all models/build years

 

From looking at the trap speeds, they indicate the power is there, but since your friend's ride is still fairly new, I say better results will roll in when he has about 3-4k miles on the clock. Keep practicing on the launch and the CLS will surely hit 12s.

 

Nice write up.... and Siswati is very lucky to have a wife who was willing to wait 3 hours on the strip

Anyway, if both of you don't mind, you guys should switch cars... this should minimize the experience factor (assuming you are not experienced w/ 63, Siswati).

To me... 60ft < 2s vs. first timer is too much of a difference in terms of experience despite same track condition, same setting, etc.

 

ZOINK - thanks for the compliments regarding my wife - yup as anyone who has met her will vouch, she is an angel - no question

Regarding the launch - remember the purpose of the excercise wasnt to see which car was faster in the 1/4 mile - we all knew going in that the 55K motor with supercharger would always beat the 63NA engine - what we really wanted to find out was whether the 63NA engine actually puts out 505HP or not

And its pretty obvious is doesnt.............

here is what we know

55k vs M5
Many 55k motors including mine have lined up against M5's at the 1/4 mile - the 55k always wins due to the torque, launch and 60ft. At the 1/8th we generally have a good 3-4 car lengths, but the M5's are coming on real strong at the end of the strip and are generally trapping 2-3 MPH faster - thats what we would expect from the 30HP difference (trap speed is an indicator of HP - ET is an indicator of torque, traction and skill)

55k vs 63NA
Once again the 55k motor gets the launch and pulls 3-4 car lengths, but the 63NA never starts catching - whatever gap is made at the launch is still there at the end, and the trap speeds are identical, as are the last 1/8mile times.

Deduction
obviously gearing is a factor in these equations, but from what I have seen

M5 makes its claimed 500HP -its obvious from the way it comes on strong at the end and the trap speeds confirm it - anyone who has run against an M5 over 120 mph will know it will anihilate our 55k motors

63NA might make its claimed 500HP - but it doesnt come on strong like the M% - who knows it could possibly be around 469 HP like the 55k motors - this is what the trap speeds and last 1/8 mile times tend to confirm, as do the few dyno tests that have been done. THis is also what I deduced from our head to head rolling runs from 50MPH - the 63NA does not pull away from the 55K motor like the M5. Maybe there is some ECU programming going on, some load limiter at work. I am sure we will find out soon.


But remember

the 63NA's have only been out a few months, there are very few data points - certainly not enough to make any absolute claims - just enough to raise some doubts and opinions, and as more 63NA's go to the dyno and make more 1/4 mile runs we will definitely see better times and numbers.

Also AMG USA is very aware of the situation - Rob Allen is sending two US spec'd cars to Germany for evaluation - that should give you an idea of how seriously they are looking into this. I personally dounb that MB woudl claim 505 and then deliver anything less - MB tends to be conservative, and tehy certainly have seen whats happened to manufacturers who claim more than they deliver - Ala Ford Mustang, Mazda RX9 to name a few.

I am sure it will all become clear real soon

 

That's strange because I have no problem spinning the wheels w ESP off. I acutally find it hard to get a good start with it off because of this.

 

Speed Thrills
If you keep your foot planted on the brake - ie no forward movement on the car at all - can you do a burnout with ESP off?

I have no problem doing the above as long as the front wheels are in motion, but if stationary the ECU just cuts the power

Seems as though there are different ECU programs in different cars - both on the E's and ClS's

 

Also could be the K1 ECU programming letting me do this. I forgot about that.

 

that would definitely explain it for sure