scotto

I have an '03 g55 amg and i have noticed that the '05 g55 amg has +100 more HP from the factory. I was wondering if someone can explain the differences that drive the extra 100 HP in the vehicle...

I noticed that Kleeman, Renntech, and Hennesy all have solutions that increase HP, but I wanted to understand the basic differences betwen the two model years...because when looking at the aftermarket tuning I was wondering in general as to whether the '03 could end up with say 600HP just like the '05 can....or will it never be able to get there with say a Kleeman package or one of its competitors...and what would be the difference if I would have had an '05 instead my '03....

anyone looked into the aftermarket tuning on these vehicles?

G55K

The '05 G55 has the same kompressor engine as the E55, SL55, S55, and CL55. There are numerous differences between the '03 55 engine and the '05 55 engine in the G55. I'd say that the two biggest differnce have to do with the compression ratio of the engine and the supercharger itself.

I had an '03 Kleemann G55 and was very pleased with it. It was about neck and neck with a stock '05 G55 down the 1/4 mile track. The best mod path for the '03 engine would be full Kleemann IMO. Have them lower your engine compression by dropping in the pistons from an '05. This allows Kleemann to "crank up" the boost on their supercharger. The only downside with the Kleemann supercharger is in its inability to make as much boost as the stock AMG supercharger. It will not make as much power as an '05 Kleemann G55.

Kleemann can build you an '03 that is considerably faster than an '05 G55. I really think that they can get you very close to your 600 HP goal. Good luck.

Ted Baldwin

...............yes and no.......well, mostly yes but some significant no's. It is simply untrue that a Kleemann 03 G55 is as fast as an 05 G55. G55K and I both had 03 Kleemann G55's with s/c, headers ecu etc. Mine managed best 1/4 mile time of 14.1secs, and I think his ran 13.9secs. Very respectable...........except a stock 05 G55 runs 1/4 mile 13.2 secs.

..........secondly, the cost that it will take you to get your 03 G55 to run that 13.9 or 14.1 secs will be astronomical. Simply put, get an 05 G55. Even if you choose not to mod it, you stock car with be faster than the 03 will everything Kleemann has thrown at it. If you then choose to mod it, you will have a super truck that cannot be rivalved...........654HP and 702Lbft of torque and 1/4 mile than in the 12's. Links below.

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ted+final+dyno

http://www.dragtimes.com/Mercedes-Be...slip-7207.html


.........You can an get a used 05 now in the $80K range. The 05 G55 is just a whole different ballgame.

Ted

G55K

Ted,

When Car and Driver did the 1/4 mile test on my 2003 G55 it only had a Kleemann supercharger installed with high flow cats. It did not have any ECU tuning, headers, or cams. On other words, it was the bare bones Kleemann package as the other Kleemann mods did not exist yet. I had additional mods done at a later date and ran the 1/4 mile several times at Bandimere in Colorado which is 6000 ft above sea level. The addition of ECU tuning, exhaust, headers, higher boost, etc., knocked .4 seconds off of my best previous 1/4 mile time putting me neck and neck with a 2005 G55.

I do agree that a 2003 G55 is not the best platform to start but I'm under the impression that Scotto already owns an '03 G55. I'm sure that you realize he'd be lucky to get $50k on trade for a new G55. For $20k to $25k he can drop in lower compression 2005 pistons and install a complete Kleemann system (minus the cams). This is the quote that I received from Kleemann so I'm sure it's failry accurate. Or, he can spend $80k+ for a used 2005 G55. At the end of the day he'll have a truck that should be significantly quicker than a stock 2005 G55 IMO. Again, I'm not going to argue that a 2005 isn't a better platform because it is.

My new truck should be back from EVOMS late next week. It's the first 650 HP (700 HP on 100 oct) Cayenne Turbo that they have built. They upgraded the turbo's, new intercoolers, ECU tuning, transmission, etc. Should be fun. It will be interesting to see how it compares to your G55 in the 1/4 mile. It's EVOMS goal to see high 11's at sea level. I'll believe it when I see it but I'm looking forward to trying.

Take Care,
John

scotto

thanks for your perspectives....it is true i do own an '03 g55 amg and have been more than a bit envious of the new g55 amg's....so have been looking around at the different aftermarket tuning solutions...i think i will end up probably going down the kleeman route for the '03 since it will be a generally cheaper investment for me in the short term...i noticed there are a couple "dealers" here in GA...any advice on where to get the work done? try my luck with them? or is there a "go-to" spot for Kleeman tuning....

jimmyg

There are other important differences between your (and mine) G55 and the G55 Kompressor. The braking system in the newer G55's is MUCH improved and it finally has a modern set of disks all around to match the power/performance of the vehicle. All of the electronics have been tweaked to handle the extra power and improved brakes...an important difference for safety (traction control, etc.). Also it has improved shock absorbers which aren't as stiff but still offer improved handling...these are an easy retrofit on your g-wagen.

Ted Baldwin

..........I still strongly recommend you trade in your 03 and get an 05. By G55K's admission it will cost you close to $30K to do the modifications. If your current 03 is worth $55K, that comes to $85K wich is price of a used 05.

.............As far as short term costs, the Kleemann route will cost you more out of pocket because you have to pay the $30K right out of your pocket. If you have that much cash to shell out then use the $30K out of pocket and pay down the the 05 G55, your car payement for the 05 will be same as that for your 03. If you trade in your car and also shell out $30K, your 05 G55 will be paid for completely. I have done the analysis you are now doing and I did exactly what you are about to do. I Kleemanned my 03 only to be unsatisfied. I then sold it and got the 05 and have been blissful. Only way what you are considering will make sense is if you have completely paid off your 03.

............I live in GA as well. There are not really any good performance shops for mercedes anymore shops. The one where I had my work done has stopped doing performance work. There were the best. Atlanta Classic Cars now does the Kleemann installs and as far as I know, they don't have a dyno.

Ted

clsamg

My dad had both but he had the very first G55 still with the G500 body and wheels...
v8 354hp witch was the ML55AMG engine

clsamg

on the new one the wheels, the exhaust, the engine, the 4 lateral wings are wider, the front grill is painted in grey, and few other things.
Inside everything is the same.

I know they were updated version looking exactly like the G55K coming out in between with the same engine

Ted Baldwin

............the 05 has side curtain airbags for head protection, 03 doesn't. 05 has leather door panels up and down, 03 has leather on top, and plastic at the bottom. 05 has the grey leather stiching, 03 does not. 05 has SAT radio, 03 does not. 05 has shoulder and lap seat belts for rear passengers, 03 has lap belts only. These things probably don't matter much, but wanted to point out that the interior is not the same.

Ted

ClayJ

I'd be looking for an '05 if I were you -- substantial - and significant - differences in the build. The '05 has a much more desired build than the '03.

clsamg

Thanks never notice those points

clsamg

And their is more than a hundred hp difference...

PCH

Something else to consider would be resale. Typically, modified cars like this are not only difficult to resell but you'll be lucky to get .25 on the dollar for these expensive mods. Purchase an early, '05G55K (non GE) for under 80K and you'll be way ahead of the game.