Sprint Booster!
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Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Indiana
2016 GL63 AMG, 2012 E550 4 matic
Sprint Booster!
Last week I installed a Sprint Booster module in my 2012 E550. I've waited a week to post about it so I could give an experienced evaluation. My impression: WOW what a difference! It makes the car feel like it has a hundred more horsepower. But the best part is that you feel more connected to the car.
The difference is so notable that my brother who owns a 2007 CLS 550 drove my E550 yesterday for the first time. even with the sprint booster off he was impressed enough with the power. But then I activated the sprint booster and he was blown away. So much so that he is now ordering one for his car.
Its super easy to install and it feels like a nice quality piece. The LED on the button is BRIGHT, enough so that you can see it in direct sunlight. And its fun to toggle between the modes.
Like everyone else, I think the race mode (red) is too aggressive for daily driving. I leave it in the green mode.
If you are thinking about getting one, I highly recommend it.
The difference is so notable that my brother who owns a 2007 CLS 550 drove my E550 yesterday for the first time. even with the sprint booster off he was impressed enough with the power. But then I activated the sprint booster and he was blown away. So much so that he is now ordering one for his car.
Its super easy to install and it feels like a nice quality piece. The LED on the button is BRIGHT, enough so that you can see it in direct sunlight. And its fun to toggle between the modes.
Like everyone else, I think the race mode (red) is too aggressive for daily driving. I leave it in the green mode.
If you are thinking about getting one, I highly recommend it.
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: NorCal
Current: 2019 M5 Donnington Gray, 2021 GLE53 Diamond White Met. Previous: 2010 C63, 2012 E550 Coupe
Does it operate differently between Economy and Sport mode? I've got a 2012 E550 coupe and I'm considering the Sprint Booster. The car really only needs the SB in E mode so I'm afraid of what would happen in Sport mode.
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Then don't use the E mode. The E mode starts the car from 2nd gear for better fuel economy. It would be silly to get a Sprint Booster to jack up the E mode. Regards. Ned.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Indiana
2016 GL63 AMG, 2012 E550 4 matic
To answer your question; Yes it does. So with the Sprint Booster selections, I have 6 modes of which to choose (3 for each mode of E & S)
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: NorCal
Current: 2019 M5 Donnington Gray, 2021 GLE53 Diamond White Met. Previous: 2010 C63, 2012 E550 Coupe
I had a Sprint Booster in a 2008 E350 and it was great. It just made the throttle react more like every other car I've driven. You push the pedal and the car starts going.
The stock throttle in that car was more like: start pushing the pedal, push a little farther, a little farther, ok now I see that you really want to go somewhere.
The E mode in the 2012 is kind of like that, though not as bad. I realize it starts in 2nd so I'm not sure that SB would help that anyway. I'll just drive it in Sport mode most of the time.
The stock throttle in that car was more like: start pushing the pedal, push a little farther, a little farther, ok now I see that you really want to go somewhere.
The E mode in the 2012 is kind of like that, though not as bad. I realize it starts in 2nd so I'm not sure that SB would help that anyway. I'll just drive it in Sport mode most of the time.
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I would also add that the "feel" of the accelerator is in part what makes a Mercedes a Mercedes. I can remember the first time I drove my friends mid 1970's Mercedes and that was one of the things that left a lasting impression on me was the feel of the accelerator, a kind of relaxed luxurious feel. I'm fine with it and have adjusted to the fact that you just need to mash it at times to get that extra bit of get up and go. It's made to take it. For most driving circumstances, I like the feel. It what makes it a Mercedes. Regards. Ned.
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From: So. Cal.
Current: 2011 W212 Previous: 2008 W211 2006 550 2001 Rover 1997 W210
+1 for Sprintbooster.
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Here is a white paper that was pretty highly regarded.
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I would also add that the "feel" of the accelerator is in part what makes a Mercedes a Mercedes. I can remember the first time I drove my friends mid 1970's Mercedes and that was one of the things that left a lasting impression on me was the feel of the accelerator, a kind of relaxed luxurious feel. I'm fine with it and have adjusted to the fact that you just need to mash it at times to get that extra bit of get up and go. It's made to take it. For most driving circumstances, I like the feel. It what makes it a Mercedes. Regards. Ned.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Indiana
2016 GL63 AMG, 2012 E550 4 matic
People mod Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, watches, guns, and everything else. My E now feels like a muscle car with the reliability, comfort and luxury of a Benz. I love me car even more now.
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From: So. Cal.
Current: 2011 W212 Previous: 2008 W211 2006 550 2001 Rover 1997 W210
Really? Have you tried typing "sprint booster problems" into Google?
Here is a white paper that was pretty highly regarded.
Here is a white paper that was pretty highly regarded.
Conclusions
The Sprint Booster is a simple amplifier that multiplies the accelerator pedal sensor signal, making the accelerator pedal more sensitive. It does not eliminate any significant delay in throttle response, nor does it greatly improve acceleration figures. It does not change the adaptive throttle control programming of electronic throttle control vehicles. It does change pedal “feel”. This change in feel is interpreted by some as improved throttle response, acceleration, and a change in adaptive throttle control programming. Considering what it actually does, it is expensive.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Yeah, that was just a total generalization of a statement. Nothing is perfect indeed, and I don't blame anyone for wanting to tweak certain parts of their Benz, even if it takes a certain "Benz-ness" out of it. The gas pedal feel is by design the way I see it, but it doesn't mean that it's the end-all-be-all to how a Benz is supposed to operate.
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
After just skimming through the "white paper" here is what I have cut and pasted from it...
First time I have to disagree w/ ya KA. No offense taken, but I wanted a MB. Just because I want to press my gas pedal a little less than how it is stock, I should buy a different car? The "Benz" is not a "Benz" because of the gas pedal and how it works, but obviously for reasons that are opinions of the individual. I bought MB because of the luxury, comfort, looks, and so on... I guess there are some of you out there that bought the MB because of the gas pedal feel...
Conclusions
The Sprint Booster is a simple amplifier that multiplies the accelerator pedal sensor signal, making the accelerator pedal more sensitive. It does not eliminate any significant delay in throttle response, nor does it greatly improve acceleration figures. It does not change the adaptive throttle control programming of electronic throttle control vehicles. It does change pedal “feel”. This change in feel is interpreted by some as improved throttle response, acceleration, and a change in adaptive throttle control programming. Considering what it actually does, it is expensive.
First time I have to disagree w/ ya KA. No offense taken, but I wanted a MB. Just because I want to press my gas pedal a little less than how it is stock, I should buy a different car? The "Benz" is not a "Benz" because of the gas pedal and how it works, but obviously for reasons that are opinions of the individual. I bought MB because of the luxury, comfort, looks, and so on... I guess there are some of you out there that bought the MB because of the gas pedal feel...
Out Of Control!!
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I agree, I like the pedal feel due to those attributes as well. Super smooth takeoff, and makes the cars feel hefty and luxurious. I've never driven a Sprint Booster car, so I don't have that to compare it to, but I have driven cars with pedals that are designed to be snappier, and they don't feel as nice as a Benzes pedal, though they feel sportier, naturally.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 192
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From: Washington, MI
2011 E350 4-Matic Sport
Super smooth takeoff? What car are you driving?
At a standstill or even worse, shifting from reverse to drive, the e class is embaressing. I've learned to live with it for now, but after service A I'm going with with the SB for sure.
At a standstill or even worse, shifting from reverse to drive, the e class is embaressing. I've learned to live with it for now, but after service A I'm going with with the SB for sure.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 192
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From: Washington, MI
2011 E350 4-Matic Sport
How about you address your anger issues and not use vulgar language like the word "moron" on a forum.
Maybe your attitude is why that person backed up into your rear bumper.
Have a good one.
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From: Indiana
2016 GL63 AMG, 2012 E550 4 matic
I doubt the "pedal feel" is designed to give a certain experience. More likely, it was manipulated to conform to mpg and enviro restrictions mandated by governments. So more like a perversion of sorts and hardly a "signature attribute."
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Looks like something is wrong with your car bud. No response problems on mine from takeoff. Instant feedback, however, the takeoff is very smooth due in part to the way the pedal feel is engineered. And Enzo, M-B's have always had this sort of pedal feel, from way before MPG was such a concern and PC attribute. I'm firm on my belief that the "lofty" pedal feel is by design and not a side-effect.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 192
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From: Washington, MI
2011 E350 4-Matic Sport
So K-A,
Your saying that you have no problem what so ever with the throttle response on your vehicle?
I've driven my brothers c class (sport) along with my friends E-500 (sport/2004) and the response is completely different. I feel 100x safer in their vehicles, for example on the highway, when you overtake another driver or speed up to avoid dangerous situations.
Your saying that you have no problem what so ever with the throttle response on your vehicle?
I've driven my brothers c class (sport) along with my friends E-500 (sport/2004) and the response is completely different. I feel 100x safer in their vehicles, for example on the highway, when you overtake another driver or speed up to avoid dangerous situations.
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
My car doesn't seem to have the same problem as yours.
The throttle response on my car is on point, however, it's the "pedal feel" that I find to be an attribute of the car, rather than a downfall. The C-Class might have a more snappy pedal feel, however it partially contributes to a less luxurious ride. It's not that my car has a delay, more-so it just has a smoother and longer pedal travel.
The only time my transmission has a delay is when shifting quickly from R to D in 3-point turns, it literally lags, then kicks in like a turbo-booster. When kept in "D", I never feel any lag in throttle response.
The throttle response on my car is on point, however, it's the "pedal feel" that I find to be an attribute of the car, rather than a downfall. The C-Class might have a more snappy pedal feel, however it partially contributes to a less luxurious ride. It's not that my car has a delay, more-so it just has a smoother and longer pedal travel.
The only time my transmission has a delay is when shifting quickly from R to D in 3-point turns, it literally lags, then kicks in like a turbo-booster. When kept in "D", I never feel any lag in throttle response.
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