Tune Question
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Joined: Jul 2020
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From: NoVA
2016 C63S
Tune Question
What software do tuners (e.g., RennTech, Weistec, Velos, Dinan) use? Curious as to why the cost is so high for this platform. From previous cars I've owned the Chevy/LSx world uses HPTuners (mostly) and Hondas use Hondata or Ktuner - that'll run ya $600-1000. I've had my cars street and track tuned(!) for $500 or so. $3K seems absolutely absurd.
Last edited by IvanC63S; Aug 5, 2020 at 09:46 PM.
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From: Florida
AMG C63s
Doubt has anything to do what they use...JMO, simply a) relative new on the market for M177 generation cars, and b) MB/AMG premium, c) still relative small client base to recoup development cost. In addition most ODBII flash tunes still rely on a relative expense handheld (Genius) today. To add to your comparison, MHD for F series BMW starts at like $250...and you tune via Mobile app with a dongle.
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From: Austin, TX
2017 Porsche 911 C4
There is a newer handheld (not MyGenius) that allows you decode with software (on the tuning side), and then load your (encoded) files/maps onto a color touchscreen for consumer delivery.
Alientech Tools (Powergate 3+): https://www.alientech-tools.com/en/powergate3/
I just got one of these handhelds from AMR Performance to replace my Dinan piggyback. I’ve noticed this new handheld is also becoming regular in the VAG market as well.
I haven’t flashed the tune yet, but I love the interface and they offer the decoding tools (not sure what cost) for tuners who want to use their platform/software. And unlike 99% of handhelds out there, it acts like a Cobb Accessport in that you can uninstall/unmarry the tune from your car and resell it to another C63/M177 owner. AFAIK, pretty much all MyGenius handhelds are VIN locked to your vehicle permanently to prevent resale.
Alientech Tools (Powergate 3+): https://www.alientech-tools.com/en/powergate3/
I just got one of these handhelds from AMR Performance to replace my Dinan piggyback. I’ve noticed this new handheld is also becoming regular in the VAG market as well.
I haven’t flashed the tune yet, but I love the interface and they offer the decoding tools (not sure what cost) for tuners who want to use their platform/software. And unlike 99% of handhelds out there, it acts like a Cobb Accessport in that you can uninstall/unmarry the tune from your car and resell it to another C63/M177 owner. AFAIK, pretty much all MyGenius handhelds are VIN locked to your vehicle permanently to prevent resale.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 79
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From: NoVA
2016 C63S
Anyone know who the go-to tuners are for this platform? I don't know any names - completely new to the Benz scene. I live in Northern VA and wouldn't mind driving up to 10 hours or so to get her dialed in perfectly.
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Joined: Mar 2020
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From: Massachusetts
2020 s63 amg............2018 e63s amg w213............2017 C63s Coupe W205
Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 218
Likes: 70
From: Massachusetts
2020 s63 amg............2018 e63s amg w213............2017 C63s Coupe W205
What software do tuners (e.g., RennTech, Weistec, Velos, Dinan) use? Curious as to why the cost is so high for this platform. From previous cars I've owned the Chevy/LSx world uses HPTuners (mostly) and Hondas use Hondata or Ktuner - that'll run ya $600-1000. I've had my cars street and track tuned(!) for $500 or so. $3K seems absolutely absurd.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 79
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From: NoVA
2016 C63S
Thanks. I'll inquire. Back in my Ford days I drove from DC to Detroit to have Livernois Motorsports tune my car in person. Made for a fun trip!
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From: Miami, Florida
W205 C63 AMG Coupe
Depends on what you are looking for tbh. Theres a million more lsx engines out there than these, so that plus german engineering plus how much you want to customize tune are what dictates pricing. It's not crazy to pay $2-3k for custom tune and dyno runs for these.
I'm currently researching tunes and aftermarket parts and have just accepted that it's all going to cost more than similar mods for other platforms have cost me.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 79
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From: NoVA
2016 C63S
Yeah but tunes for these cars appear to just be off-the-shelf tunes but are still $2k - $3k. I think the price is mainly a function of the AMG tax and partially a supply and demand issue.
I'm currently researching tunes and aftermarket parts and have just accepted that it's all going to cost more than similar mods for other platforms have cost me.
I'm currently researching tunes and aftermarket parts and have just accepted that it's all going to cost more than similar mods for other platforms have cost me.
Edit: got replies from the top players and they all pretty much validated what we already thought. Just wanted to hear it from the horse's mouth. Most through reply is below (in regards to cost if tuning our platform vs LS engines)
"1.You can pretty much throw a rock in a random direction and hit someone that is good at tuning LSx engines. Few places are truly good at tuning German luxury performance vehicles
2. The stakes are much higher with AMG engines. $60-80k engine vs well under ~$15k for an LSx engine. Also far easier and cheaper to repair an LSx than any German V8
3. Camaros and most Corvettes are cheap and plentiful meaning its quite easy to get one for testing and development and the customer base is huge. a $100-150k AMG means much higher development costs spread out over a much smaller number of potential customers."
Last edited by IvanC63S; Aug 7, 2020 at 06:09 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
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From: Dallas, Texas
2017 c63 amg, Catless DP, Velos tune
I went with a velos tune. The customer service with them was amazing. I'm very happy with the tune. The car performs way better then I expected. I haven 't had any issues with there tune to date. If you have any more questions just shoot me a PM.
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From: Florida
AMG C63s
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 424
From: Florida
AMG C63s
I can vouch for Velos. Excellent customer service, car runs smooth w/o any hesitation and jerking, they keep answering question long after the sale. Also I important: I had my car in service this week and super easy to remove and put back on again. Works like a charm.
I never did a dyno and don’t race but today I made my tires (285’s) loose traction easily pulling in 4th (was in a car rally and had to play catch up) I actually was a bit surprised.
I never did a dyno and don’t race but today I made my tires (285’s) loose traction easily pulling in 4th (was in a car rally and had to play catch up) I actually was a bit surprised.
