c5581

C55 is 362hp vs ML55 342hp

Both 376 ft-lbs

Curious if anybody knows if there are any other differences?

W203Ramos

+20hp 4 U and a better pu$$y magnet

arekux

tuning probably, mercedes slightly detuned ml55, just like c63, e63, same engine different tuning, chip c63 it has same power as e63.

OverDrive

mmm... Not sure about that one gogo, The 2001-2003 ML I think used the older style M113 (The one in the W210 E55's) In 2003 They revised the motor and stuck it the CLK, and whatever else. I ask an AMG mechanic about it once, said the 2003+ onward were much stronger than the older M113's

Viper98912

The transmission gearing might be different as well, so they redo the fuel maps for smooth operation and efficiency between the couple. I also like overdrive's info.

TemjinX2

i agree its probably tuning. The e63 has larger headers and more aggressive tune then the c63. Thats why the c63 makes such crazy power with just headers and tune.

EVOII_Racer

Well owing both these cars I must admit that the gearbox and exhaust are not that great on the ml55. The engine sounds good of course but the c55 engine just sounds 100 times better. The gearbox is also in a complete different league

lkfoster

I seem to recall reading somewhere that the C63 is de-tuned by limiting the WOT opening to something short of full open.

mrobinso

See the attached list. Pretty sure the answer is, while the engines are substantially similar, they have been tweaked per individual model and are therefore classified with a different engine number.

Can someone tell me how to make this bigger? Frustrating I can't insert a table from excel into my post.

This list was found on autohausaz.com.

thtguy

I know the airbox on the C55 is much freer flowing, dual filters dual cold air "ram-effect" inlets the ML has a single large airbox that pulls in intake air from passenger side wheel well.

Newzchspy

The ML is not detuned, I believe its tuned differently for more low end "off-road" grunt. The other difference is exhaust. C55 more tuned for performance and the ML 55 does not have even the same sound stock. Other than that the engines are identical.


I'll tell you this, don't engage an ML 55 in the rain or snow, you'll get eaten alive till about 60!!

Newzchspy

+1, I too speak from experience. From the digg though, and we've had mine at Morrocco, the ML is a monster when its wet, raining, icy or snowy!! Particularly if it has good snows on it. Although with the ESP off in the dry, it will still spin all 4 tires. Its also almost 5000 lbs wet, so its no lightweight. Its a low 6 second 0-60 truck, not as quick as an ML63 nor the SRT-8 Jeep, but for an old M113, its still a "tough old truck".

Throw a set of Blizzaks on the ML 55 or ML63 and nothing inspires more confidence in the snow!!

bigkermw211e55

see things like this make sense . Different air intake / boxes / filters , also one member above said something about transmissions & fuel maps , not to mention final drive ratio from rear differential. Also the exhaust tubing / cats / mufflers are different on each model so of course sound is very different. tuning of ECU/ TCU make sense too obviously . Isn’t the ml55 all wheel & c55 rear wheel ? , interesting stuff . oil pumps are different so that could be a factor also in HP gains maybe ? .

cdk4219

Thanks for clearing that up after 14 years.

bigkermw211e55

no problem 😉