Filed Under: German, Mercedes-Benz, Tuners
RENNtech has created a new "plug and play" ECU upgrade module.

Dubbed the R.A.T (RENNtech Auto Tuner), the performance module connects directly to the ECU via the OBD II port. This effectively makes installation a simple one-step process by eliminating the need to remove (or bypass) the stock ECU.

The RAT comes preprogrammed with a variety of RENNtech software which is designed for the ME2.7.1 and ME2.8.1 ECUs used on the E55 AMG and 2006 or earlier, Mercedes V12 turbos. When the RAT is first connected to the OBD II port, it decides which software should be used for that particular vehicle.

Should an owner find the RENNtech performance a tad too aggressive for daily use, they can simply hit a switch on the RAT and revert back to a stock setup. Other unique features include an ECU backup (in case of an interruption during programming) and the availability of custom tuning software for owners willing to use 100-octane fuel.

See press release below for further details.

Source: Renntech
Press Release (Click to expand)


2009 * R.A.T. - RENNtech Auto Tuner
RENNtech Inc., the premier Mercedes Benz high performance specialist, introduces a new revolutionary Auto Tuner for Mercedes Benz vehicles. The first of its kind, the R.A.T. (RENNtech Auto Tuner) has new features that allow that the user to plug directly into the ECU, via the OBD II port, thus eliminating the need for ECU removal. The R.A.T. can be shipped from RENNtech to anywhere in the world and comes pre-programmed with a RENNtech list of firmware. Reprogramming the ECU takes as little as 90 seconds and has been made as simple as plugging in the R.A.T. Once plugged in, the user can easily switch between stock, for street use, and tuned, for the track.
Extensive research and development plus endless hours of testing, resulted in RENNtech¹s new creation, the R.A.T. that ³marries² itself to the first Mercedes Benz that it is plugged into. Designed for the ME2.7.1 and ME2.8.1, the R.A.T. distributes the bulk of its standard tuning for the Mercedes Benz E55 and 2006, or earlier, Mercedes V12 Turbos.
When connected to the OBD II port, the R.A.T. will make a pre-determined decision which firmware should be loaded for the specific vehicle. If the necessary firmware is not pre-installed, the supplied software can be used to email the results to RENNtech. Once the proper firmware is selected and tested, it is sent back to the user as an encrypted file containing the stock and modified firmware pair. The user then has the option to select between the stock and tuned files by using a switch located on the device. RENNtech is also able to design and send custom firmware to be used with 100-octane fuel.
The RENNtech Auto Tuner is designed so that if the programming process is interrupted, either by a power loss or by the user, it will automatically recover the ECU back to stock when plugged back in. This eliminates the need to pull the ECU for recovery.
To get more information about the Renntech Auto Tuner (R.A.T.) contact us at 561-845-7888 or email us at pressrelease@renntechmercedes.com.


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Tags: RENNtech, RENNtech RAT
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comment is posted to this article Comments
Kepe
July 20, 2009 7:00 PM
Why do they only do this for a huge V12? Make it for cars that people actually own, and sell millions of them!

M!
July 20, 2009 8:28 PM
they say E55 as well.

radmeister
July 20, 2009 11:07 PM
Well BSR has the market already with their plug and play ECU tuner for the CDIs, Naturally aspirated engines are mostly hardware mods for power. So what was left were the big petrol induced engines. E55s with the supercharger and the S600-65s with the twin turbo.

Jo@Switzer
July 22, 2009 1:11 AM
@radmeister
Not all software is created equal - there are lots of ways to tune the CDIs that no one has really played with, yet.


Jo@Switzer
July 21, 2009 1:10 AM
RENNtech sells 55 Kompressor software for $1495, and 65 AMG software for $5800 (US) ... what is stopping you from ordering a 55 K RAT (worst name ever, by the way) and putting it in a 65 AMG? $4300 discount - WOO HOO!!

500lbman
July 21, 2009 6:12 PM
Kepe is right. If they made this for the C350 and E350 they would sell a bazillion of these.

Jo@Switzer
July 22, 2009 1:10 AM
@500lbman
RENN has a long history of ignoring the "smaller" cars - this is how Kleemann and MKB have been able to grow their brands in the US.


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Nothing new. I think it was GIAC doing it for Audi/VW. Must be very $$$.

 

It shouldn't be too expensive. The Cobb Tuning AccessPORT (via OBD II port) for the Nissan GT-R is $995 and provides that car with an add'l +63AWHP / +70 lb-ft AWTQ (stage 1 ) and +70 AWHP / + 90 lb-ft AWTQ (stage 2).

http://www.cobbtuning.com/products/?id=3853

So, where is RENNTech's "RAT" for the MB C63 AMG??????? This is what I want!!!!!!

EDIT -- E-mailed RENNtech (re: the possible availability for the C63 AMG) about this...will let you guys know if/when I get a response.

 

I've had similar technology for my Mustangs for 6 years, Diablo Predetor is one brand name Superchips is another. So I agree nothing new its really about time they caught up.

 

Your reasoning that the RENNtech RAT won't be too expensive is that a similar offering exists for a Japanese sportscar and that product is reasonably priced? Just making sure I understand...

 

One can dream, no?

 

+1

 

Interesting... I still dont think it's worth the $3500 price for a freakin ECU program

 

I spoke with Renntech. They said they dont have the RAT for the C63. They can give you the same results though for an extra $500. You will get the ECU package for $3495 and they will add the switch for stock and race setup and it will have a laptop plugin to export the data logs. $4k!

You can buy a lot for 4K. I think you can get the K2 package and still have money left over.

 

Yeah, I agree that's just ridiculous! They suk. I wish they would work with us, especially since I live very close to them. If I get a tune, I will do the Kleemann K1 then. Thanks.

 

Im doing the same. The K2 package while nice will make the C63 way to loud and IMO way to much as a kids car.

I decided to drive the C63 for the quality, refinement, prestige AND performance. I really don’t want to sacrifice the MB name turning the C63 into a tuner car. I have plenty of race cars, ill just make this one a little bit faster with the K1 tune.

All in my opinion... please don’t take what I feel about mods to this car personally if you have done them. If someone can confirm the K2 package isnt way to loud for a MB then ill consider it.