C55- Best performance upgrades for $5k?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 193
Likes: 4
From: Honolulu, Hawaii USA
'06 E55, W204 C350, '04 Carrera C4S, '02 ML55 (Wife's)
C55- Best performance upgrades for $5k?
I may be in the market again as a close friend of mine HAS to get rid of it 
(don’t ask he’s a member here as well). I have owned a C55 before and loved it. The only thing I did back then was post cat delete (car was still under warranty and I did not want to chance any issues).
I am not worried about warranty too much, but I do have a budget of about $5,000.00.
From reading and past (poor) memory here were my thoughts;
1. Post Cat Delete $80
2. MHP ECU/TCU…. Hey torque mgt and Blip throttle! Anyone know how much?
3. Headers? Which one to go with? EVO, Kleeman,…?
Thanks for the help and input!
(don’t ask he’s a member here as well). I have owned a C55 before and loved it. The only thing I did back then was post cat delete (car was still under warranty and I did not want to chance any issues). I am not worried about warranty too much, but I do have a budget of about $5,000.00.
From reading and past (poor) memory here were my thoughts;
1. Post Cat Delete $80
2. MHP ECU/TCU…. Hey torque mgt and Blip throttle! Anyone know how much?
3. Headers? Which one to go with? EVO, Kleeman,…?
Thanks for the help and input!
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn
2009 Mini Cooper Clubman S
If you are going to get a tune, I would go with LET instead of MHP. While some have been extremely satisfied with their MHP tunes, there have been a number of well documented instances of people being unsatisfied (certainly in the C63 forums, I don't know much about their tuning of C55's), and from every post I've read Jerry seems willing to go the extra mile to make sure the consumer is satisfied.
Also, the fact that the head of MHP managed to get himself suspended from the message board where he is a sponsor doesn't exactly speak volumes towards his professionalism.
Not trying to bash anyone, just putting it out there.
Also, the fact that the head of MHP managed to get himself suspended from the message board where he is a sponsor doesn't exactly speak volumes towards his professionalism.
Not trying to bash anyone, just putting it out there.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 28
From: Western Canada
2013 C63 AMG P31, 2014 GMC Sierra (6.2)
Here is a good starting point:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...arts-list.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...arts-list.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 0
From: AL,IL, GA, CA
CLS, SLK, ETC
Thres header and ECU mappon pkg from Kleemann for $1500.. Can't go wrong with that and the price is jst... insane.... I would invest rest of your money to some naws n maybe a renntech c/f airbox
Last edited by Quicktwinturbo; Jan 18, 2009 at 09:25 PM.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 193
Likes: 4
From: Honolulu, Hawaii USA
'06 E55, W204 C350, '04 Carrera C4S, '02 ML55 (Wife's)
Thanks Guys for the responses….. been away for some family stuff but back now.
First of all, I have owned a C55 before and Quicktwinturbo (wasup Chan!
) convinced me to do the resonator mod back in June of 2007. I am interested in the people that have done the mods and feedback in which was the best way to spend the $5K…. Again thanks all your advice!
Alroumi… Thanks but which brand? Do you have a set of headers?
willc55… I did not know that MHP was suspended!
I did some research through the threads and it mostly seemed like banter between the individuals and long wait times… I PM’d a few of their customers and other than the wait (W204 specific) that was the only issue. I am not defending his wait time, but his TCU reprogram is on the cutting edge and there appears no issues with the older 5-speeds (wait time). A buddy of mine has a GC SRT8 and went with MHP’s performance program and he is very satisfied.
I have also heard good things about LET but mostly from C32 owners. Do you have the LET tune? How is it?
Wawy… Thanks, I have seen the link that hooleyboy did and he did an AWESOME job
! But that’s a whole shopping list that’s over the $5k budget and I could not pick out what I wanted and stay under budget. Hooleyboy if you’re around I would love your input!
Crazeazn, kindafast & wawy... I have not seen the Kleeman supercharger go under $10,000! If so, where at? Please! I would love that…. If its $6,500 installed it’s a done deal!!! I doubt it though… and I Live in Hawaii! Shipping costs…
Quicktwinturbo… Sup Chan! Long time no see/talk! ECU/Headers for $1500! That’s a good deal… Do you have them? Know anyone who has?
Jturkel… Yup, My dealer does not like ANY aftermarket reusable filter….. they almost voided my wife’s warranty on her ML55 for putting them in (dealer replaced MAF 3x). Now I know I don’t really care about warranty, but I don’t feel like chasing MAF gremlins!
Thanks again for all your input!
First of all, I have owned a C55 before and Quicktwinturbo (wasup Chan!
) convinced me to do the resonator mod back in June of 2007. I am interested in the people that have done the mods and feedback in which was the best way to spend the $5K…. Again thanks all your advice!Alroumi… Thanks but which brand? Do you have a set of headers?
willc55… I did not know that MHP was suspended!
I did some research through the threads and it mostly seemed like banter between the individuals and long wait times… I PM’d a few of their customers and other than the wait (W204 specific) that was the only issue. I am not defending his wait time, but his TCU reprogram is on the cutting edge and there appears no issues with the older 5-speeds (wait time). A buddy of mine has a GC SRT8 and went with MHP’s performance program and he is very satisfied. I have also heard good things about LET but mostly from C32 owners. Do you have the LET tune? How is it?
Wawy… Thanks, I have seen the link that hooleyboy did and he did an AWESOME job
! But that’s a whole shopping list that’s over the $5k budget and I could not pick out what I wanted and stay under budget. Hooleyboy if you’re around I would love your input!Crazeazn, kindafast & wawy... I have not seen the Kleeman supercharger go under $10,000! If so, where at? Please! I would love that…. If its $6,500 installed it’s a done deal!!! I doubt it though… and I Live in Hawaii! Shipping costs…
Quicktwinturbo… Sup Chan! Long time no see/talk! ECU/Headers for $1500! That’s a good deal… Do you have them? Know anyone who has?
Jturkel… Yup, My dealer does not like ANY aftermarket reusable filter….. they almost voided my wife’s warranty on her ML55 for putting them in (dealer replaced MAF 3x). Now I know I don’t really care about warranty, but I don’t feel like chasing MAF gremlins!
Thanks again for all your input!
Last edited by VaderSS; Jan 19, 2009 at 01:27 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 0
From: AL,IL, GA, CA
CLS, SLK, ETC
Hey~~ I remember you now 
Whers my coffee? haha Jk
I don't have them yet. I'm currently in Korea and I'm consider buying them once values of USD go down a little.. It's kinda expensive to convert korean won to USD at the moment.
Anyway, I only heard good things about those upgrades.. They are dyno proven.. Do a little search for the dyno results..
Kleemann is one of the BEST MB tuners in the world.. You can't go wrong with their parts and it's hard to beat $1500 deal that includes s/h...
Good luck~^_^
Oh, BTW, Kleemann did offer SC kit special last year.. It was about $10k for ECU + headers + SC + INSTALLATION... But you had to bring ur car to their shop..
Whers my coffee? haha Jk I don't have them yet. I'm currently in Korea and I'm consider buying them once values of USD go down a little.. It's kinda expensive to convert korean won to USD at the moment.
Anyway, I only heard good things about those upgrades.. They are dyno proven.. Do a little search for the dyno results..
Kleemann is one of the BEST MB tuners in the world.. You can't go wrong with their parts and it's hard to beat $1500 deal that includes s/h...
Good luck~^_^
Oh, BTW, Kleemann did offer SC kit special last year.. It was about $10k for ECU + headers + SC + INSTALLATION... But you had to bring ur car to their shop..
Last edited by Quicktwinturbo; Jan 19, 2009 at 09:51 PM.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 3
From: Glendale Arizona
C55,SL55,C63
I think your best bet is to go with the standard stuff, Like headers, ecu tune, intake, exhaust. If it must be 5k and thats totally understandable. look at these options.
ecu 500-1500
headers 1500-4500
exhaust 300-600 and so on
airbox 800-900 used renntech new 1400
k&n filters $70 for both
2k get you headers and ecu from kleemann (correct me if im wrong) pick up a used renntech airbox for around say 900 that leaves you with exhaust work for about 500 say that and go custom its cheaper and just as good (working wise) with the other 1700 buy a LSD or put it or some hi flow cats. with money to spare.
ecu 500-1500
headers 1500-4500
exhaust 300-600 and so on
airbox 800-900 used renntech new 1400
k&n filters $70 for both
2k get you headers and ecu from kleemann (correct me if im wrong) pick up a used renntech airbox for around say 900 that leaves you with exhaust work for about 500 say that and go custom its cheaper and just as good (working wise) with the other 1700 buy a LSD or put it or some hi flow cats. with money to spare.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 193
Likes: 4
From: Honolulu, Hawaii USA
'06 E55, W204 C350, '04 Carrera C4S, '02 ML55 (Wife's)
Quicktwinturbo... Please tell me you got the coffee! Or was the ‘Jk’ = joke?
Anyway here’s more coffee….
.
.
Kidding… hey but seriously if you didn’t get the coffee please let me know…..
Wawy… thanks for the info! I will call Tuesday and see if I can pre-order without having the car yet and see if they will refund if deal does not go through.
hooleyboy... I didn’t even think of sourcing a used air box! Great idea! I figure your one of the more heavily modded non-SC C55's.... How do you like your EVO Header?
AMS… What a great price! I’ll PM some ?’s Thanks
Guess that would leave money for an LSD!
***** I’d still am lured by the TCU programming with tq mgt and blip throttle down shifts!
Anyway here’s more coffee….
.
.
Kidding… hey but seriously if you didn’t get the coffee please let me know…..
Wawy… thanks for the info! I will call Tuesday and see if I can pre-order without having the car yet and see if they will refund if deal does not go through.
hooleyboy... I didn’t even think of sourcing a used air box! Great idea! I figure your one of the more heavily modded non-SC C55's.... How do you like your EVO Header?
AMS… What a great price! I’ll PM some ?’s Thanks
Guess that would leave money for an LSD!
***** I’d still am lured by the TCU programming with tq mgt and blip throttle down shifts!
Last edited by VaderSS; Jan 19, 2009 at 10:48 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 0
From: AL,IL, GA, CA
CLS, SLK, ETC
Quicktwinturbo... Please tell me you got the coffee! Or was the ‘Jk’ = joke?
Anyway here’s more coffee….
.
.
Kidding… hey but seriously if you didn’t get the coffee please let me know…..
Wawy… thanks for the info! I will call Tuesday and see if I can pre-order without having the car yet and see if they will refund if deal does not go through.
hooleyboy... I didn’t even think of sourcing a used air box! Great idea! I figure your one of the more heavily modded non-SC C55's.... How do you like your EVO Header?
AMS… What a great price! I’ll PM some ?’s Thanks
Guess that would leave money for an LSD!
***** I’d still am lured by the TCU programming with tq mgt and blip throttle down shifts!
Anyway here’s more coffee….
.
.
Kidding… hey but seriously if you didn’t get the coffee please let me know…..
Wawy… thanks for the info! I will call Tuesday and see if I can pre-order without having the car yet and see if they will refund if deal does not go through.
hooleyboy... I didn’t even think of sourcing a used air box! Great idea! I figure your one of the more heavily modded non-SC C55's.... How do you like your EVO Header?
AMS… What a great price! I’ll PM some ?’s Thanks
Guess that would leave money for an LSD!
***** I’d still am lured by the TCU programming with tq mgt and blip throttle down shifts!
I didn't get it last time
It's ok though~ Hooly, if you look at the Kleemann deal, you get ecu tune + headers + return s/h for ur ECU and free s/h for headers for $1500....
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 3
From: Glendale Arizona
C55,SL55,C63
I like the evosport headers they are nice IMO. I would rather of had Kleemann headers but at the time they were $3500 and now they are 1500 and you cant beat that anywhere. its just to good of a deal to pass up if you want headers. I tell you what though the AMS headers look nice maybe AMS can post some pics of them so we can check them out.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 2
From: Kuwait City, Kuwait
G55, G500 & SLK55
Thanks Guys for the responses….. been away for some family stuff but back now.
First of all, I have owned a C55 before and Quicktwinturbo (wasup Chan!) convinced me to do the resonator mod back in June of 2007. I am interested in the people that have done the mods and feedback in which was the best way to spend the $5K…. Again thanks all your advice!
Alroumi… Thanks but which brand? Do you have a set of headers?
willc55… I did not know that MHP was suspended! I did some research through the threads and it mostly seemed like banter between the individuals and long wait times… I PM’d a few of their customers and other than the wait (W204 specific) that was the only issue. I am not defending his wait time, but his TCU reprogram is on the cutting edge and there appears no issues with the older 5-speeds (wait time). A buddy of mine has a GC SRT8 and went with MHP’s performance program and he is very satisfied.
I have also heard good things about LET but mostly from C32 owners. Do you have the LET tune? How is it?
Wawy… Thanks, I have seen the link that hooleyboy did and he did an AWESOME job! But that’s a whole shopping list that’s over the $5k budget and I could not pick out what I wanted and stay under budget. Hooleyboy if you’re around I would love your input!
Crazeazn, kindafast & wawy... I have not seen the Kleeman supercharger go under $10,000! If so, where at? Please! I would love that…. If its $6,500 installed it’s a done deal!!! I doubt it though… and I Live in Hawaii! Shipping costs…
Quicktwinturbo… Sup Chan! Long time no see/talk! ECU/Headers for $1500! That’s a good deal… Do you have them? Know anyone who has?
Jturkel… Yup, My dealer does not like ANY aftermarket reusable filter….. they almost voided my wife’s warranty on her ML55 for putting them in (dealer replaced MAF 3x). Now I know I don’t really care about warranty, but I don’t feel like chasing MAF gremlins!
Thanks again for all your input!
First of all, I have owned a C55 before and Quicktwinturbo (wasup Chan!
) convinced me to do the resonator mod back in June of 2007. I am interested in the people that have done the mods and feedback in which was the best way to spend the $5K…. Again thanks all your advice!Alroumi… Thanks but which brand? Do you have a set of headers?
willc55… I did not know that MHP was suspended!
I did some research through the threads and it mostly seemed like banter between the individuals and long wait times… I PM’d a few of their customers and other than the wait (W204 specific) that was the only issue. I am not defending his wait time, but his TCU reprogram is on the cutting edge and there appears no issues with the older 5-speeds (wait time). A buddy of mine has a GC SRT8 and went with MHP’s performance program and he is very satisfied. I have also heard good things about LET but mostly from C32 owners. Do you have the LET tune? How is it?
Wawy… Thanks, I have seen the link that hooleyboy did and he did an AWESOME job
! But that’s a whole shopping list that’s over the $5k budget and I could not pick out what I wanted and stay under budget. Hooleyboy if you’re around I would love your input!Crazeazn, kindafast & wawy... I have not seen the Kleeman supercharger go under $10,000! If so, where at? Please! I would love that…. If its $6,500 installed it’s a done deal!!! I doubt it though… and I Live in Hawaii! Shipping costs…
Quicktwinturbo… Sup Chan! Long time no see/talk! ECU/Headers for $1500! That’s a good deal… Do you have them? Know anyone who has?
Jturkel… Yup, My dealer does not like ANY aftermarket reusable filter….. they almost voided my wife’s warranty on her ML55 for putting them in (dealer replaced MAF 3x). Now I know I don’t really care about warranty, but I don’t feel like chasing MAF gremlins!
Thanks again for all your input!
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 3
From: Glendale Arizona
C55,SL55,C63
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,935
Likes: 5
AMG
AMS C55 AMG Headers Link
.
Last edited by AMS Performance; Jan 20, 2009 at 01:21 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Watertown, SD
2005 C55 AMG
Heres the link to our V8 headers page, A'la is about to post the independent dyno results, the results came out great. I highly recommend if you want a good deal to get our Stage 2 Performance package (headers & pulley), The savings are more than getting them separate. Stage 2 is the bulk of the power you can free up on the C55s, ECU does help alittle bit but its not as pronounced as headers & pulley. Hope that helps
AMS C55 AMG Headers Link
.
AMS C55 AMG Headers Link
.
James Reeser
Watertown, SD
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,935
Likes: 5
AMG
Stage 3+ is our most aggressive performance package. It is an even more aggressive ECU tune designed to take full advantage of the headers & pulley & other basic bolt on upgrades (K&N filters and minor exhaust upgrades). Typically, its best to do ECU last once all hardware modifications have been done, that way you can chose the proper ECU tune and do it once, instead of having to constantly upgrade tunes (which can get expensive). Hope that helps.
~AMS~
~AMS~
Last edited by AMS Performance; Jan 20, 2009 at 03:03 PM.
