E-Class (W210) 1995-2002: E 200, E 220D, E 240, E 290TD, E 300TD, E 200, E 240, E 280, E 320, E 420, E 430 (Wagon, Touring, 4Matic)

Increasing Performance

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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 05:02 PM
  #1  
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97 E420, 00 E430
Thumbs up Increasing Performance

I have a 97 E420 and would like to know if there are any chips to increase horsepower & torque:o
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 05:27 PM
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08 S550, 10 GLK350, 05 Clk500
No, there is nothing that I have heard works from someone with first hand experience.
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 09:28 PM
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From: Raleigh, NC
1997 E420 Sport
there are chips for your car but the gains are not always what they are claimed to be. Upsolute is a chipper who alot of people on this board have been happy with. Do a search for Upsolute in the performance board and you'll find alot of background. The chips basically alter the fuel/air ratios and shift points to maximize power and torque throughout the curve but don't expect gains of 30+ hp.

You can also mod your car with underdrive pulleys (+10 to +20 hp in some cases), get a carbon filter air intake or an oiled air filter.
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 10:46 AM
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From: Houston
08 S550, 10 GLK350, 05 Clk500
Why don't you try it all and then give us feedback . . .
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 11:22 AM
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97 E420, 00 E430
Thanks!

Thanks for the feedback. I will check out the chips for upgraded performance.
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 11:40 AM
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I have been told that the chips are not to safe to use as they screw up your cars original settings rather than improve them. Is this true or just a bunch of blah, blah, blah?
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 01:09 PM
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John Deere
Upsolute claims a 20hp increase on the E-class. But I have yet to find conclusive evidence that the gains are not short-lived. The persistent rumor is that the main computer re-learns the factory settings that the Upsolute chip changes.
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 02:25 PM
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From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
Renntech has a Software (Chip) program That Will give Aprox 15HP...

Note Each car is Different so HP Numbers will be Different from car to car.
The FLASH (Chip) retains the Memory and Will NOT relearn the Old(Stock) program Unless it is REFLASHED Back into the Control unit

As My Wifes car has Been Dynoed Several times and the Gains are still there

If You add Power Pulleys (Underdrive) and a Intake (Air Filter or cold air kit) you MAY Have Gains of 40+ HP on a NA Engine
Not bad for Bolt on gains!
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 02:57 PM
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Wow, thanks for the info. Mark. Now, how much does $ the Renntech software program go for (apprx)?
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 03:28 PM
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Mark, I've always wondered one thing about the cold-air intake thing. Why don't I feel any power increase during winter driving? If the ambient air temp is 80 degrees colder than, say, today, surely the air pouring through the intake is at least somewhat denser?

just wondering.

Who sells the pulley for the W210?
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 06:29 PM
  #11  
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08 S550, 10 GLK350, 05 Clk500
Please, go try Upsolute - I am a follower rather than a leader I guess.
I have been wanting to do Upsolute but never heard from someone with first hand experience.
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 07:17 PM
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From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
My Wifes car has UPSOLUTE..It Works! Not sure if Upsolute has a program for the W210 V8..

Im Not sure re Renntechs prices...Give them a Call

The Cold air System I was talking about Uses a Flow through carbon canister (BMC) and Eliminates the restrictive (stock) air box...Looks Better and Works!
Uses the Stock air Inlet..Good for a couple of HP

Evosport makes the Power Pullies..They work! You Can Feel it.
I Dynoed my car before and after..the gains ARE there!
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 10:46 PM
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1997 E420
Are we talking about 97 V8 (M119) E420 and not 98 V8 M113?

If so there is nothing much you can do performance-wise.

Renntech ECU retails $1,995. Maybe price can be bargained down but I never bothered to find out since you gotta send the ECU to florida.

Absolute's database only has E430. I E-MAILED them before regarding 420 and never got a reply.

Powerchip has 420 on their site but if you get it tuned thru them, your car won't crank.

Pulley is only available for 98 and on and not available for 97. Evosport can make you one if we can get 25 people committed with the same accessories (Need check with MB parts dept which other chasis shares the same part# of water pump pully, alternator & power steering with the 420).

Header can be customed made, however since it will be the first one made there is no guarantee gain and not exactly cheap.

I say give up and buy a new car.
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Old Jun 27, 2003 | 11:03 AM
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Wow! Thanks for all of info. W420. I guess and E55 is looking closer than I expected. Now, let me figure out how to pay for it without my fiance hanging me...
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