Kleemann KD-Box Installed
 

Got my KD-Box installed today - very simple and straight forward. Plug is a little difficult to get to with a hot engine, but we managed and have it secured closed to the passenger fender.

Seat-of-the-pants is impressive. Mid range at 60% throttle and more is where you really feel it. At first I was a little perplexed because I didn't notice much of a difference getting onto the highway, but after about 50 miles and more various rpm/speed/throttle working I definitely was able to feel it. Looking forward to seeing the longer term effects (ie, mileage, etc)

I did not bother to dyno the truck but I may sometime down the road.

I love this truck, btw. Best truck I've ever owned. Looking forward to tackling winter with it.

-m

I want to dyno with the kd-box too but can't find a 4-wheel dyno. The diesel does pull a lot stronger with the claimed 25% bump in hp and torque.

I'm getting better with putting it on and off before dealing with the service department. I wonder why the clips can sometimes be so hard to release.

Interested in this product. Where can I purchase one? Pricing?

wbrownie:

http://www.kleemannusa.com - it looks like your local MB dealer sells their products.

Tennessee

Mercedes-Benz of Nashville
630 Bakers Bridge Avenue
Franklin, TN 37067
Contact: Darrick Davidson
Tel: 615-742-8000
Fax: 615-742-4523
Web:www.mbnashville.com

-m

Would be interested to hear your fuel economy impressions soon. Also, any change in turbo lag? I doubt spool time would change but thought I would ask.

more info
 

Whats the cost of the box and can it be installed by the consumer or does the dealership have to do it?

Thanks for any info.

+1. Also wondering if anyone knows what's the difference with the Kleemann unit from the one from TDC Technologies.

http://www.tdc-technologies.com/

I'm going with the idea that unless the dealer sells and warrantees the box, it is better for me for them not to know.

It is easy to install but hard to see and maybe awkward to reach the connection point the first time. The box does come with instructions and Cory at Kleemann in Denver is very helpful if there is a question.

Any turbo lag is barely noticeable...power delivery is much better than stock. My GL is quicker than before.

Cost is twice as much as the TDC unit while TDC claims better results. I didn't get better mileage per gallon and as said before, I haven't dynoed yet to verify Kleemann numbers.

anb957:

Fuel economy impressions will have to wait, because at the moment I'm enjoying the power a bit too much ;)

TV550:

$895 if I remember correctly. Very easy to do yourself, completely bolt in affair - it comes with a harness that you just plug in, and mount the box.

kerlyb:

No experience with TDC, but I trust Kleemann and value Cory@Kleemann's technical expertise. I cannot say anything negative about TDC, though. I'm just happy with my Kleemann product.

Overall the box is not rocket science, and while if the box were to fail it could cause significant damage, it seems like this a pretty popular item and has been used for quite a long time with many customers and I haven't heard of any problems.

-m

Thanks, I'll give them a call

update please?

If you are looking for a 4 wheel dyno, try searching for Subaru WRX or Mitsubishi EVO tuners...

There are a bunch of them around here in Phoenix and they all have 4 wheel dynos (since they are needed for dyno tuning these cars)...

I would really like to know what the real world comparison is for the Kleemann box...

A few runs with it unplugged and a few runs with it plugged in... Average out the numbers.

I found some evo threads that went back to 2003 and still found a 4-wheel dyno in a shop that is still open. I’ll try and go in the next couple of weeks.

I guess it would be better to do it first with the box for maximum effect since it is supposed to be fully adapted after a couple hundred miles and then unplug it, rev it up in park for a couple of times, and then do a pull.

I don’t know anything dynoing the GL. Is there is a dyno mode like the E55?...it seems like it wouldn’t be needed and the ESP wouldn't kick in if all the wheels are spinning.

Is there a special connection point for a rpm readout or better just to use an optical pickup?

Probably a good plan to do it first with the box attached and then without...

As far as the RPM and other signals, the dyno will likely have an OBD-II connector that will plug right into the GL diagnostic port for these parameters. Every car has an OBD-II port required by law these days and they all fit the same plug and speak the same language.

One thing that might be worth mentioning... I believe that most MBs nowadays have adaptive transmission that get used to driving like a granny if you do it regularly.

The process to reset it is as follows:

1. Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position.

2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for five seconds.

3. Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.

4. Wait at least two minutes for ECU to reset.

You might want to do this prior to running on the dyno so that you can get the full effect.

I never did the sneaky ECU reset to get the quicker shift points and kickdowns. I used to do it in the E55 in a minute or two with stabbing the pedal about 5 or 6 times to get downshifts and the same results...the transmission learns fast. Besides shooting through the gears won’t help to get a true number in one gear.

Is 5th or 6th closer to a 1:1?

How about an update on any fuel mileage changes? Thanks!

Not that I'm trying to show my ignorance, but if 5th is closest to 1:1, wouldn't that make both 6th and 7th overdrive gears?

I finally called MB and got their tech line. It turns out 5th is 1:1. Sixth and seventh are spaced a little close together but they are both overdrive gears.

2008 GL320 CDI transmission gear ratios are:

R......-3.42
1st.....4.38
2nd....2.86
3rd....1.92
4th....1.37
5th....1.00
6th....0.82
7th....0.73

I haven't noticed a difference.

For sale Kleeman KD-box from W221 320 CDI 2009
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...ee4d53b003.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...62e1365236.jpg

What was the price for it? Just curious.