ECU tuning
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 436
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From: Surrey, England.
'00 Mercedes 430/55 clk cabriolet
ECU tuning
Hi Guys. I want to thank you all for all the imformative posts you've put up. Keep them coming. I'm a new guy from London trying to personalise my car. I've got a 2000 model CLK 430 cab which I've owed for 5 years. For the last 4 months I've been doing it up. I've installed an N/A AMG 55 engine and I'm running it off my old ECU. Trouble is when accellerating past 110mph it runs out of steam, it's quick as hell upto there though!! Ive had it dynoed and it makes 291hp at the crank. The Tech says it's because of the 430 ECU. Does anyone know a way to version code or flash the ECU with the 55s codes? The Tech says I have to get a new AMG ECU to get full power, is that true? ANYone who's had dealings with other installs can you chime in to help me solve my problem. Once all sorted I'm going to post what I've done....ps How do you post pics? Cheers!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 379
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From: Los Angeles
W205 C43 AMG
Oh yeah and much props for doing the engine swap. I would like to see some pics and more info on your swap. Yeah you should be putting out close to 300 @ the wheels not the crank.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Atlanta
Current: AMG GT-C. Sold: 01 CLK55, 00 ML55, 01 ML55, 06 E55
does sound like a tuning issue to me. i believe a clk55 ecu would help, but if you don't have to have it I know it would be cheaper. You'll have to find an expert on this one. Try w210 forums
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
Hi Guys. I want to thank you all for all the imformative posts you've put up. Keep them coming. I'm a new guy from London trying to personalise my car. I've got a 2000 model CLK 430 cab which I've owed for 5 years. For the last 4 months I've been doing it up. I've installed an N/A AMG 55 engine and I'm running it off my old ECU. Trouble is when accellerating past 110mph it runs out of steam, it's quick as hell upto there though!! Ive had it dynoed and it makes 291hp at the crank. The Tech says it's because of the 430 ECU. Does anyone know a way to version code or flash the ECU with the 55s codes? The Tech says I have to get a new AMG ECU to get full power, is that true? ANYone who's had dealings with other installs can you chime in to help me solve my problem. Once all sorted I'm going to post what I've done....ps How do you post pics? Cheers!
I have a couple of questions. Did you get a long block (block and heads, but no intake or exhaust)? If so, did you simply bolt the 430 intake to the 55 block? The reason I ask is the 430 intake and the 55 intake are the same (at least in the US). However, many parts that bolt to the intake are different with ME 2.8. If nothing else, the 69mm throttle body from the ME 2.0 engine is smaller than the ME 2.8 throttle body (74 mm for both the 430 and the 55, but the 55 is physically different. Lay them side by side and you'll see). That restriction seems like it would rear it's head at higher speeds. Ditto the smaller injectors.
If you got a complete 55 engine, and you're running everything that came with the complete engine, did your ME 2.8 wiring harness simply plug into a ME 2.0 ECU? If you're running your original ME 2.0 wiring harness, are you running the ME 2.8 injectors? Did those just plug in?
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
LOL. Not quite. I still have the 430. I'll tell who REALLY knows. The C43 guys who have actually transplanted 55's. ProjectC55 is a good example. One day the CLK430 forum may mirror the W202 AMG forum and M113 500 or 55 transplants will be (almost) common.
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From: Los Angeles
W205 C43 AMG
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 379
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles
W205 C43 AMG
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Corrolla
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Surrey, England.
'00 Mercedes 430/55 clk cabriolet
Thanks for all the replys guys!
( MarcusF), I've got a 2001 as you call it long block( block and heads only). I've used the fuel lines and injectors from the 55 and yes you're right the intakes are the same. I tried to use the 55s wiring loom but the pins are physically different for the 430 ECU. My 430 loom plugged straight in but couldn't work the secondary air pump so I've taken that off.
I've tried KLEEMANN in the UK, Brabus, a company over here called DMS and Mercedes themselves. No-one has answers unfortunately! I'll try MHP and the other forums aswell hopefully someone knows!! I didn't want to hand out £1400 + tax for a new ECU.
I'll keep you posted!
( MarcusF), I've got a 2001 as you call it long block( block and heads only). I've used the fuel lines and injectors from the 55 and yes you're right the intakes are the same. I tried to use the 55s wiring loom but the pins are physically different for the 430 ECU. My 430 loom plugged straight in but couldn't work the secondary air pump so I've taken that off.
I've tried KLEEMANN in the UK, Brabus, a company over here called DMS and Mercedes themselves. No-one has answers unfortunately! I'll try MHP and the other forums aswell hopefully someone knows!! I didn't want to hand out £1400 + tax for a new ECU.
I'll keep you posted!
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Corrolla
Thanks for all the replys guys!
( MarcusF), I've got a 2001 as you call it long block( block and heads only). I've used the fuel lines and injectors from the 55 and yes you're right the intakes are the same. I tried to use the 55s wiring loom but the pins are physically different for the 430 ECU. My 430 loom plugged straight in but couldn't work the secondary air pump so I've taken that off.
I've tried KLEEMANN in the UK, Brabus, a company over here called DMS and Mercedes themselves. No-one has answers unfortunately! I'll try MHP and the other forums aswell hopefully someone knows!! I didn't want to hand out £1400 + tax for a new ECU.
I'll keep you posted!
( MarcusF), I've got a 2001 as you call it long block( block and heads only). I've used the fuel lines and injectors from the 55 and yes you're right the intakes are the same. I tried to use the 55s wiring loom but the pins are physically different for the 430 ECU. My 430 loom plugged straight in but couldn't work the secondary air pump so I've taken that off.
I've tried KLEEMANN in the UK, Brabus, a company over here called DMS and Mercedes themselves. No-one has answers unfortunately! I'll try MHP and the other forums aswell hopefully someone knows!! I didn't want to hand out £1400 + tax for a new ECU.
I'll keep you posted!
Kool keep us posted
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From: KCMO, but Houston is my home.
01 CLK 430
That's what a lot of people end up doing to get everything to run properly. Some even have ECU's with different tunes on them that they can just swap out.
Thanks for all the replys guys!
( MarcusF), I've got a 2001 as you call it long block( block and heads only). I've used the fuel lines and injectors from the 55 and yes you're right the intakes are the same. I tried to use the 55s wiring loom but the pins are physically different for the 430 ECU. My 430 loom plugged straight in but couldn't work the secondary air pump so I've taken that off.
I've tried KLEEMANN in the UK, Brabus, a company over here called DMS and Mercedes themselves. No-one has answers unfortunately! I'll try MHP and the other forums aswell hopefully someone knows!! I didn't want to hand out £1400 + tax for a new ECU.
I'll keep you posted!
( MarcusF), I've got a 2001 as you call it long block( block and heads only). I've used the fuel lines and injectors from the 55 and yes you're right the intakes are the same. I tried to use the 55s wiring loom but the pins are physically different for the 430 ECU. My 430 loom plugged straight in but couldn't work the secondary air pump so I've taken that off.
I've tried KLEEMANN in the UK, Brabus, a company over here called DMS and Mercedes themselves. No-one has answers unfortunately! I'll try MHP and the other forums aswell hopefully someone knows!! I didn't want to hand out £1400 + tax for a new ECU.
I'll keep you posted!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 1
From: Surrey, England.
'00 Mercedes 430/55 clk cabriolet
N/A AMG 55 engine in CLK 430
Quick update.
I've put Shrick cams in. The car works fine with the 55 engine and 430 wiring. It accellerates very fast 0-62mph. Around 5.7 - 6 seconds, not forgetting it's a cab. Torque is incredible compared to my old engine. The car wheelspins on take-off!! I've still got the problem of running out of steam on kick-down 110+ mph, although on straight accelleration from low speed you don't notice it much because you're pinned to the seat!
The gearbox was a straight fit. It can handle way more torque and power than what the 430 has. Only problem is the final drive is higher in the 430 than the 55, not much, but it means slightly higher gearing. In 5th the car now does 95mph with only 3000 revs!!
It seems Mercedes doesn't want people messing with their cars. All ECU's come from the factory chassis coded. There are certain things locked, such as Ignition, and ABS, amongst others. Dealers just load a format on and that's it!
I'm still looking for cheaper options!
I've put Shrick cams in. The car works fine with the 55 engine and 430 wiring. It accellerates very fast 0-62mph. Around 5.7 - 6 seconds, not forgetting it's a cab. Torque is incredible compared to my old engine. The car wheelspins on take-off!! I've still got the problem of running out of steam on kick-down 110+ mph, although on straight accelleration from low speed you don't notice it much because you're pinned to the seat!
The gearbox was a straight fit. It can handle way more torque and power than what the 430 has. Only problem is the final drive is higher in the 430 than the 55, not much, but it means slightly higher gearing. In 5th the car now does 95mph with only 3000 revs!!
It seems Mercedes doesn't want people messing with their cars. All ECU's come from the factory chassis coded. There are certain things locked, such as Ignition, and ABS, amongst others. Dealers just load a format on and that's it!
I'm still looking for cheaper options!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
frankenstein 2001 CLK 430
i asked what they did to my car, they used the same ECU but version coded it, its the same ECU but know it thinks its a e50 engine not e43... ask around about version coding your ecu or re formatting the 55 ECU u got 
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 1
From: Surrey, England.
'00 Mercedes 430/55 clk cabriolet
Thanks (ahmed1881).....In Britain there's not much in the way of after market tuners for Mercs. All the main Tuners have no answers. I've posted on other sites so hopefully I'll get some answers. I emailed your guy but haven't heard back yet.
Last edited by Pauljay; Feb 26, 2009 at 11:47 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
frankenstein 2001 CLK 430
Quick update.
I've put Shrick cams in. The car works fine with the 55 engine and 430 wiring. It accellerates very fast 0-62mph. Around 5.7 - 6 seconds, not forgetting it's a cab. Torque is incredible compared to my old engine. The car wheelspins on take-off!! I've still got the problem of running out of steam on kick-down 110+ mph, although on straight accelleration from low speed you don't notice it much because you're pinned to the seat!
The gearbox was a straight fit. It can handle way more torque and power than what the 430 has. Only problem is the final drive is higher in the 430 than the 55, not much, but it means slightly higher gearing. In 5th the car now does 95mph with only 3000 revs!!
It seems Mercedes doesn't want people messing with their cars. All ECU's come from the factory chassis coded. There are certain things locked, such as Ignition, and ABS, amongst others. Dealers just load a format on and that's it!
I'm still looking for cheaper options!
I've put Shrick cams in. The car works fine with the 55 engine and 430 wiring. It accellerates very fast 0-62mph. Around 5.7 - 6 seconds, not forgetting it's a cab. Torque is incredible compared to my old engine. The car wheelspins on take-off!! I've still got the problem of running out of steam on kick-down 110+ mph, although on straight accelleration from low speed you don't notice it much because you're pinned to the seat!
The gearbox was a straight fit. It can handle way more torque and power than what the 430 has. Only problem is the final drive is higher in the 430 than the 55, not much, but it means slightly higher gearing. In 5th the car now does 95mph with only 3000 revs!!
It seems Mercedes doesn't want people messing with their cars. All ECU's come from the factory chassis coded. There are certain things locked, such as Ignition, and ABS, amongst others. Dealers just load a format on and that's it!
I'm still looking for cheaper options!
