Hello,

I've been reading this forum for a while but finally joined. I'm hoping for some good suggestions as to how I can improve the performance of my W210 E320. Obviously, this is not an AMG, or a V8 for that matter, so my range of performance products is inherently limited. I also accept that I will not be creating some kind of speed demon, but I would enjoy the process of making it quicker and more responsive than it currently is.

Here are my thoughts:

(1) ECU reset (anticipated cost = FREE). This will take it back to factory settings with perhaps a quicker throttle response and higher rev's before changing gears. The previous owner is near and dear to me, but I am familiar with the driving style, and it is rather "leisurely" rather than sporty. The ECU has adapted to that and I'd like to start from square one.

(2) Exhaust (anticipated cost = ~$1k). This is an understated sedan, so I don't want anything too loud, but something a little sporty might be nice. I understand that Eisenmann systems are excellent, though they seem loud, regardless of Sport v. Race choice of systems. I read a review by someone who had tried multiple systems and found a Remus to be sporty yet understated (comparatively speaking). Any thoughts? Should I be considering other offerings aside from these two manufacturers?

(3) Headers. (anticipated cost ~$1k) I am only aware of AMS headers for the w210 v6 engine. I have read mixed reviews of these and I am not willing to take the gamble. Did Kleeman, Carlsson, etc ever make headers for this vehicle?

(4) Do the powerchips or signal boosters really do anything? I honestly wonder whether a big part of it is simply resetting the adaptive drive that I described above, which can be accomplished for free.

I would love to put the Kleeman supercharger on it, but it is extremely expensive compared to these other options and would not be worth it on a car this old. Of course, if anyone is aware of fantastic prices on these, please let me know! The cheapest (and only) one I can find is $9k at vivid racing.

Thanks for all your help. I look forward to participating in this forum!

 

Honestly, your best bet is to sell it and get a V8 model if you want to go faster. You could probably upgrade to a 430 or even 55 for a few grand. Or you can sink a few grand into parts and labor, and still not be as fast.

An exhaust will make very little difference, power wise. Any eBay special tune or chip will do nothing. A sprint booster will make it respond quicker, but won't make the car quicker. An actual tune from a reputable company will only add a few hp. A supercharger costs more than the car is worth. A rear turbo could maybe be done for a few grand, but it would be cheaper and faster to just get a 55.

I know it sucks to hear.

You could always focus on appearance, instead of performance. There are some really nice looking 320s out there.

 

O well, thanks for the feedback. Does kind of suck to hear, but I'm going to stick with this car rather than the hassle and loss of selling and finding another.

 

hey man.... where are you at? ..... what do you exactly mean by.... "improve my performance".... and yes, you can make subtle changes to the v6 (within limits) that would allow you to ".... enjoy the process of making it quicker and more responsive than it currently is." .... i have made some changes which have improved my performance, but it's still a work in progress... good luck!

 

E55 swap would be the most cost effective mod. Wrecked W210 E55's can be found for as low as $3500.

When time and money allows, that is probably the only performance mod I'm going to do to my wagon. Adding headers and chip to an E320 is a huge waste of money. Maybe back when the car was new and worth 50 grand but nowadays those mods will cost you more then what the car is worth.

 

I struggled with the same issue when I had my CLK320. I kept it for a while without modding it and after a year sold it and bought an E55 for less than $2k in difference. It's definitely doable.

 

Unfortunately, i'm going to agree w/ all the guys above.
This thing is a lead sled. weighing in at just shy of 4k pounds, any performance work will be hardly noticeable.

My route on this car is slow & low.

You want to go fast, get something else.
After I get a house, i'm furnishing the garage w/ a tracked out lotus, that way i get the best of both worlds.

 

Lead sled?you can call a volvo or honda that
0-60 in 6 sec.thats not a lead sled,thats darn good for a 11 yr.old technology and 4000 lbs.
Slower you drive longer you live(hopefully)and longer your cars last

 

Volvo yes. Honda's are tin cans.
I do agree that moving 4k lbs to 60mph in 6 sec is good, my overall point is that its pointless to really modify these motors. You won't get much if any benefits unless you sink serious money. A 1k exhaust and chip reset, wont' do anything.

My advice to the OP, just maintain the motor and keep it as a daily.

As for how I drive, slow on roads/highways. fast on track. the way its supposed to be. But, thanks for your concern

 

If your going to keep it i'd say just dump it and dont do any performance mods.. just isnt worth it in a 320
Heres some inspiration from my old 210

 

Front camber angle looks scary and must eat tires.

 

Can the car even make turns? To the OP, I have a E320 too. It's all show and no go. All the mods I have done are mental HP. lol

On a serious note. Does anyone know if I swap a bigger engine, do I have to change all the wirings inside the car too? This is what my tech suggested. Or it's really just a "swap" ? I know there's going to be reprogramming of the ECU. Any ideas?

 

I think that would be a question for TheBenzManE55. He did the swap with a Toyota Supra motor. I'm sure he would know what it would take.