More Speed
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Atlanta suburbs
2008 Aspen, 1970 Corvette, 2000 Corvette and 2009 Legacy Limited
More Speed
Hi all,
Well warm weather is coming in a few months! My quest for more power from my 22K mile 2002 E320 SE is not going well. I want to put in a supercharger and came up empty. They are a few out in the market place, but for $15K... I should just find a preowned 2002 E55. I want to keep my car. I love it! Best car I ever owned... next to my 1970 Corvette of course.. hee hee.
So... my question is: What power mods are available for our beautiful E320s? Has anyone had success with the underdrive pullies? How about exhaust? I visited Kleemann and they have cams for the W210. Anyone try these yet? Cam swap is really easy for the V6... but I know they are not cheap.
I was also thinking ECU, but then I read on this forum the MB Shop will just flash the ECU and kill any changes???? Granted, I know the E320 was not built for SPEEEED, but there must be some upgrades possible to get more from the V6. It is frustrating to find that $5K cannot get me more noticable power????????
Well warm weather is coming in a few months! My quest for more power from my 22K mile 2002 E320 SE is not going well. I want to put in a supercharger and came up empty. They are a few out in the market place, but for $15K... I should just find a preowned 2002 E55. I want to keep my car. I love it! Best car I ever owned... next to my 1970 Corvette of course.. hee hee.
So... my question is: What power mods are available for our beautiful E320s? Has anyone had success with the underdrive pullies? How about exhaust? I visited Kleemann and they have cams for the W210. Anyone try these yet? Cam swap is really easy for the V6... but I know they are not cheap.
I was also thinking ECU, but then I read on this forum the MB Shop will just flash the ECU and kill any changes???? Granted, I know the E320 was not built for SPEEEED, but there must be some upgrades possible to get more from the V6. It is frustrating to find that $5K cannot get me more noticable power????????
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From: Ventura County USA
'06 E55, '05 SLK55, a few others
Agreed. You could spend an awful lot of money on a 320 and it will still not go like a stock 55. Besides, when you get bored with the stock 55, you can always put a blower on that. 
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Atlanta suburbs
2008 Aspen, 1970 Corvette, 2000 Corvette and 2009 Legacy Limited
I have seen some really good deals on a 2002 E55. I know this would be silly, but how fast are they? It is a shame to think of this because my E320 is MINT... not a blemish on it.. inside and out. Maybe I can convince my wife to dump the 2002 ML320. That is also in great shape... we bought them new about the same time..... hmmmm.
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From: NY
2014 E550 4matic,, sold 2012 E 350 4matic,,sold 2010 e350 4w,sold 2002 e320 se
I think you havent really read all the upgrade info this forum has.I learned about the Powerchip mod,now I have one,along with a Remus exhaust,K&N filter,soon to have the pulleys in,and some Iridium sparks.Lets say the car came with about 210 HP from the factory.With the chip,exhaust,and filter alone,I ran a 6.47 0-60mph,got 274HP @95mph,in a 14.87 1/4 mile.Plus,am seeing an extra 1.5mpg when I drive normal.Now I cant argue that an E55 would be the answer to more stock power,but in the absence of buying one,its fun to see the faces of the other guys when they get passed by my so called"stock looking" SE.
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From: Ventura County USA
'06 E55, '05 SLK55, a few others
Bone stock W210 E55 will turn a mid to low 13, so even a blown 320 isn't going to beat it. At that point, you'd be looking for better brakes and suspension to match, so the costs are out the window. Hard to give up on a pristine car though. Maybe ditch the ML for a 55 and keep the 320? Stemags, how do you like the F1's? I seem to catch hell every time I tell people they're good tires!
Thread Starter
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From: Atlanta suburbs
2008 Aspen, 1970 Corvette, 2000 Corvette and 2009 Legacy Limited
Stemags- Our cars stock are running what... 15.3 sec 1/4 mile? But you ran 14.8 sec... good improvement. However, how much did that half second cost you? This is my dilema.... cost to benefit ratio! I am married to a bean counter... I have been "complaining" my E320 needs more power for about a year. I kick myself for not going E430. But the E320 test drive was so nice... I bought it!
I kind of narrowed down some facts. I love the new E55.. who doesn't? But at $75K and up... out of my price range. So, I am left with...
Modding my 2002 E320.
Getting a used 2002 E55 (wife does not want me to get used car...)
Buying a 2005 E500
I am torn... I love my car but want more power... I think the E500 has decent power?? Maybe a good middle road between my E320 and new E55. I know... I am
I kind of narrowed down some facts. I love the new E55.. who doesn't? But at $75K and up... out of my price range. So, I am left with...
Modding my 2002 E320.
Getting a used 2002 E55 (wife does not want me to get used car...)
Buying a 2005 E500
I am torn... I love my car but want more power... I think the E500 has decent power?? Maybe a good middle road between my E320 and new E55. I know... I am
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From: Columbia, SC
E300
Originally Posted by Mr.Gearhead
Stemags- Our cars stock are running what... 15.3 sec 1/4 mile? But you ran 14.8 sec... good improvement. However, how much did that half second cost you? This is my dilema.... cost to benefit ratio! I am married to a bean counter... I have been "complaining" my E320 needs more power for about a year. I kick myself for not going E430. But the E320 test drive was so nice... I bought it!
I kind of narrowed down some facts. I love the new E55.. who doesn't? But at $75K and up... out of my price range. So, I am left with...
Modding my 2002 E320.
Getting a used 2002 E55 (wife does not want me to get used car...)
Buying a 2005 E500
I am torn... I love my car but want more power... I think the E500 has decent power?? Maybe a good middle road between my E320 and new E55. I know... I am
I kind of narrowed down some facts. I love the new E55.. who doesn't? But at $75K and up... out of my price range. So, I am left with...
Modding my 2002 E320.
Getting a used 2002 E55 (wife does not want me to get used car...)
Buying a 2005 E500
I am torn... I love my car but want more power... I think the E500 has decent power?? Maybe a good middle road between my E320 and new E55. I know... I am
Also gotta keep in mind that it is always easy to get rid of something good, and once you do something will happen that you had wished you had never gotten rid of it.
That's my luck in life
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From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
I think the first question to be asked is how much more power do you really want - at least for the short term, until you decide you really need or yearn for a real performance vehicle.
Sure an E55 or 500 would give you more instant power and sure there are limits to which you could take your existing car but if you really love it that much, and it sounds like there is some sentimental value attached, getting a more powerful car outright would take away some of the enjoyment (sometimes pains) of creating something different by yourself. In the process of modification, you will also appreciate the car even more when you discover more about it and the new found performance. And that's also ignoring the cost of the transition to a different car and the extra consumption of the 55.
Assuming stemags' numbers are correct, with a few simple mods and at a very modest cost, he's taken his car's performance to close to an E430. Would you be happy with the sort of gains he's achieved and what's more, dear wifey doesn't have to know if you do it progressively
Sure an E55 or 500 would give you more instant power and sure there are limits to which you could take your existing car but if you really love it that much, and it sounds like there is some sentimental value attached, getting a more powerful car outright would take away some of the enjoyment (sometimes pains) of creating something different by yourself. In the process of modification, you will also appreciate the car even more when you discover more about it and the new found performance. And that's also ignoring the cost of the transition to a different car and the extra consumption of the 55.
Assuming stemags' numbers are correct, with a few simple mods and at a very modest cost, he's taken his car's performance to close to an E430. Would you be happy with the sort of gains he's achieved and what's more, dear wifey doesn't have to know if you do it progressively
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From: NY
2014 E550 4matic,, sold 2012 E 350 4matic,,sold 2010 e350 4w,sold 2002 e320 se
Hey,very good point Whitey,,,and how about the additional mpg,which in itself would satisfy a person's tendency to count beans?(xtra 30 miles per tank) The time may be more than a 1/2 sec difference,because right now I have snow tires on,it was raining,and that might have an affect on performance.Also,consider this: the dealer who sold me the car still maintains that he believes our model yr. car,pound for pound and dollar for dollar was MB's most successful and rock solid chassis thru recent memory.Including customer satisfaction,proven safety,road handling,aerodynamics and all the free stuff a lucky S.E. owner like you and me got when we bought it,I'd say we did well. So I think you can see that like Whitey says,a few well placed and spaced out mods can give you add'tl power,and save you some $ in the long term.
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From: Atlanta suburbs
2008 Aspen, 1970 Corvette, 2000 Corvette and 2009 Legacy Limited
I saw a couple intake tubes out there... they all look cheesy! Which one did you use? Also, which vendor is the best to get the powerchip? It is an ECU software upgrade or a plug in module on the ECU. Also, I looked under the car last night. I noticed some resonators in the exhaust system. Typically these are put there due to the lenght of the exhaust for sound and backpressure purposes... maybe I could take these out to free up the exhaust...? If I could bump the HP upto 275... yeah that would be a great start...
Whitey... you are correct. For some reason, I can't bring myself to part with this car. Being the original owner with only 22K miles, it would kill me to let it go for another car. (I researched another car, 300C SRT8. The dealer stated I could come in a preorder from them for delivery in April. 425HP for only 46K is just incredible... but it is a CHRYSLER...)
I need to take the car to the track to base line the performace. Then measure the upgrades....
An E55 motor ... hhaahah.... now that would be funny. Maybe a Chevy 502 with fuel injection... NOW THAT I CAN WORK ON... hahahahahah
Whitey... you are correct. For some reason, I can't bring myself to part with this car. Being the original owner with only 22K miles, it would kill me to let it go for another car. (I researched another car, 300C SRT8. The dealer stated I could come in a preorder from them for delivery in April. 425HP for only 46K is just incredible... but it is a CHRYSLER...)
I need to take the car to the track to base line the performace. Then measure the upgrades....
An E55 motor ... hhaahah.... now that would be funny. Maybe a Chevy 502 with fuel injection... NOW THAT I CAN WORK ON... hahahahahah
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From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Originally Posted by Mr.Gearhead
I noticed some resonators in the exhaust system. Typically these are put there due to the lenght of the exhaust for sound and backpressure purposes... maybe I could take these out to free up the exhaust...?
. I'm pretty sure you won't get much power gain but there will be "some" and the car sure SOUNDS faster and more powerful
Aftermarket cool air intakes typically won't give you any worthwhile gains, at least for the kind of money you pay and you'll risk MAF problems in the long run.
Over to you on the chip Steve..........
Yes, please do keep records of baselines and gains - extremely valuable information for here if you're willing to share
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From: Atlanta suburbs
2008 Aspen, 1970 Corvette, 2000 Corvette and 2009 Legacy Limited
Steve? Stemags right? Chip info would be great. I will definately keep you guys in the loop on all upgrades. I will take photos and post.
I noticed the resonators and it would be real simple to MIG in a few pieces. I was think of a way to get dual tips as well. It is gonna be difficult because there isn't room on the passenger side rear due to the spare tire and trunk being so low.... I might be able to run inline borla mufflers and then branch out from there... need to check for space to route the second pipe. I want to use the flat oval pipes the CL55 uses.
I noticed the resonators and it would be real simple to MIG in a few pieces. I was think of a way to get dual tips as well. It is gonna be difficult because there isn't room on the passenger side rear due to the spare tire and trunk being so low.... I might be able to run inline borla mufflers and then branch out from there... need to check for space to route the second pipe. I want to use the flat oval pipes the CL55 uses.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Originally Posted by Mr.Gearhead
Steve? Stemags right? Chip info would be great. I will definately keep you guys in the loop on all upgrades. I will take photos and post.
I noticed the resonators and it would be real simple to MIG in a few pieces. I was think of a way to get dual tips as well. It is gonna be difficult because there isn't room on the passenger side rear due to the spare tire and trunk being so low.... I might be able to run inline borla mufflers and then branch out from there... need to check for space to route the second pipe. I want to use the flat oval pipes the CL55 uses.
I noticed the resonators and it would be real simple to MIG in a few pieces. I was think of a way to get dual tips as well. It is gonna be difficult because there isn't room on the passenger side rear due to the spare tire and trunk being so low.... I might be able to run inline borla mufflers and then branch out from there... need to check for space to route the second pipe. I want to use the flat oval pipes the CL55 uses.
yes, Steve=Stemags
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From: NY
2014 E550 4matic,, sold 2012 E 350 4matic,,sold 2010 e350 4w,sold 2002 e320 se
Chip,,from powerchip,exhaust from remus,K&N, all mean about 275HP right now,,for roughly $1400. Of course,when the pulleys and plugs go in,we should have an update. 
Hey,Gears,,post a pic of your car for us,if you can
Hey,Gears,,post a pic of your car for us,if you can
Last edited by stemags; Feb 25, 2005 at 01:05 PM.
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From: Salinas, CA (831)
2007 E550
[QUOTE=Whitey]Alexbenz has "duals" (one on each side, right?).....maybe he could share some info on the custom job.
Lorinser Makes a dual exhast kit too I wonder how they routed the piping
Lorinser Makes a dual exhast kit too I wonder how they routed the piping
Thread Starter
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From: Atlanta suburbs
2008 Aspen, 1970 Corvette, 2000 Corvette and 2009 Legacy Limited
Hi all,
Well.. I tried...
I attempted to trade in my incredible 02 E320 SE, 23K on the car and mint condition. I was looking to get an 03 E55 loaded!
http://www.brandywine.mercedescenter...x=75&pageNum=8
The dealership offered me $24K for my trade in... yes $24,000. Wow... what a hit! Am I crazy... should this car be worth a few thousand more???
Also, I bought my 02 from this dealership group and also a C230 back in 01 that was also new. Not to mention a 2002 ML320 new... (from a dealership closer, traded the 01 C230 for wifey...)
KBB states my car's trade in value is about 29K. Looks like trading for an E55 won't happen anytime soon. Besides all this about my car... they didn't want to lower their E55 price either. The 300C SRT is looking better by the second. Atleast they offered $28K for my trade in on a $45K car...
Talk about double dipping on car sales...
Well.. I tried...
I attempted to trade in my incredible 02 E320 SE, 23K on the car and mint condition. I was looking to get an 03 E55 loaded!
http://www.brandywine.mercedescenter...x=75&pageNum=8
The dealership offered me $24K for my trade in... yes $24,000. Wow... what a hit! Am I crazy... should this car be worth a few thousand more???
Also, I bought my 02 from this dealership group and also a C230 back in 01 that was also new. Not to mention a 2002 ML320 new... (from a dealership closer, traded the 01 C230 for wifey...)
KBB states my car's trade in value is about 29K. Looks like trading for an E55 won't happen anytime soon. Besides all this about my car... they didn't want to lower their E55 price either. The 300C SRT is looking better by the second. Atleast they offered $28K for my trade in on a $45K car...
Talk about double dipping on car sales...
