2013 GL450 ECU Tune
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6
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e350 4matic
hp and tq gains
Thank of for all that info; I just wish we would get what we pay for you know; with these restrictions; if I have a vehicle that produces 429hp and 516tq and can be tuned to possibly 100 more horsepower and 120 more Torque without paying 1000 2000 3000 for someone to punch in a few codes from a flash .. and I understand to an extent That it's more complicated then that with the time that spent learning these programs and software.. but hey I guess I'll just get my KandN filters and hope to get at least 5 horsepower more and save a little more gas lol
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
There is one available. http://www.renntechmercedes.com/www/catalog/404
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage, AK
GL450 and a GLK350
No warranty issues for me, in fact there was an update from MB that my dealer did to fix some throttle response, then they had to send the ECU off to have it redone by Renntech at no charge to me. They specifically told me when I did this originally they would warranty any issues. Mileage around town is no better, even worse, but highway miles are 25ish per gallon @ 65 on the cruise control. I love the performance now too!
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 53
Likes: 6
No warranty issues for me, in fact there was an update from MB that my dealer did to fix some throttle response, then they had to send the ECU off to have it redone by Renntech at no charge to me. They specifically told me when I did this originally they would warranty any issues. Mileage around town is no better, even worse, but highway miles are 25ish per gallon @ 65 on the cruise control. I love the performance now too!
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage, AK
GL450 and a GLK350
I suppose if they are a Renntech Dealer then yes they honor the warranty. My local dealer does, and there is no Renntech after market shop here. And my dealer does not do any OE tuning other than Renntech. But I know the one time it needed re-tuning, they gave me a loaner C class while mine was in their shop.
SPONSOR
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5,745
Likes: 134
From: Santa Ana, CA
OE Tuning C63 AMG
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2013 GL450
Might be way out from left field, but has anyone considered purchasing a "virgin" GL550 ECU/ECM from dealership and installing it? I know there is some special process to sink all the systems, not sure if a dealership has to do it or if it can be a DIY. Anybody have experience w/ this route? Considering it is the same engine in both cars, theoretically there shouldn't be any issues w/ the vehicle accepting the ECU from a GL550. I would assume any warranty concerns would be moot point if successful. If a dealership is required for the sync, I'm also curious if they would have issues w/ an ECU from a GL550 being placed into a GL450. Obviously a tuned ECU would still produce more gains over a stock GL550. Just thinking out loud.
SPONSOR
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5,745
Likes: 134
From: Santa Ana, CA
OE Tuning C63 AMG
Might be way out from left field, but has anyone considered purchasing a "virgin" GL550 ECU/ECM from dealership and installing it? I know there is some special process to sink all the systems, not sure if a dealership has to do it or if it can be a DIY. Anybody have experience w/ this route? Considering it is the same engine in both cars, theoretically there shouldn't be any issues w/ the vehicle accepting the ECU from a GL550. I would assume any warranty concerns would be moot point if successful. If a dealership is required for the sync, I'm also curious if they would have issues w/ an ECU from a GL550 being placed into a GL450. Obviously a tuned ECU would still produce more gains over a stock GL550. Just thinking out loud.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 814
Likes: 9
15 GL550
It won't void your warranty but any problems that arise to the powertrain components that could be linked to the additional torque, hp, heat, etc will probably void your warranty. Having owned two GL's that both have had considerable warranty work done on the powertrain, there is NO WAY I would do this while my car is still under warranty. At least wait until your warranty expires.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 663
Likes: 49
From: Bucks Cty, PA
2015 gl450
It won't void your warranty but any problems that arise to the powertrain components that could be linked to the additional torque, hp, heat, etc will probably void your warranty. Having owned two GL's that both have had considerable warranty work done on the powertrain, there is NO WAY I would do this while my car is still under warranty. At least wait until your warranty expires.
Your first 5 words say one thing and the rest of the post says the opposite. I think what you meant was a tune won't void your entire warranty.
Knowing what I know about W211 Amg's that were still under warranty and mod'd, it's a risk. MB has no problem backing dealers who open hoods, see mod's and then refuse to even diagnose motor or drivetrain issues.
There are mod friendly dealers out there, but it's a crap shoot as to what they will warranty one day and deny the next.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 814
Likes: 9
15 GL550
Your first 5 words say one thing and the rest of the post says the opposite. I think what you meant was a tune won't void your entire warranty.
Knowing what I know about W211 Amg's that were still under warranty and mod'd, it's a risk. MB has no problem backing dealers who open hoods, see mod's and then refuse to even diagnose motor or drivetrain issues.
There are mod friendly dealers out there, but it's a crap shoot as to what they will warranty one day and deny the next.
Knowing what I know about W211 Amg's that were still under warranty and mod'd, it's a risk. MB has no problem backing dealers who open hoods, see mod's and then refuse to even diagnose motor or drivetrain issues.
There are mod friendly dealers out there, but it's a crap shoot as to what they will warranty one day and deny the next.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
jetta
It won't void your warranty but any problems that arise to the powertrain components that could be linked to the additional torque, hp, heat, etc will probably void your warranty. Having owned two GL's that both have had considerable warranty work done on the powertrain, there is NO WAY I would do this while my car is still under warranty. At least wait until your warranty expires.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 663
Likes: 49
From: Bucks Cty, PA
2015 gl450
Just having a tune doesn't (and can't lawfully) void an entire warranty but...if anything breaks that Mercedes could directly attribute to the tune, then you're going to have problems. And, I guarantee you they are going to fight you if they think your tune had anything to do with something failing. Certainly there are some powertrain components that don't receive extra wear and tear from a tune. The warranty on these cars is so valuable that I just wouldn't recommend doing anything to mess the coverage up for yourself. Hopefully that makes sense.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 15
Likes: 2
Gl450
I sold Mercedes and we Sold Certifed Used cars and one was a Rennetech build. 700 hp CLS. Brabus and Renntech have relationships with the manufacturer. That's why a Brabus tune is like 9k and Renntech is 3k. If OE is 1200 I'll go with that. I still have friends that are service advisors 
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 6
From: USA
S, GLS
I did the OE ecu tune four months ago, paid $950, on sale from 1200 on their site. GL is running flawlessly, got all the power it suppose to have back and more (as most of you know, Mercedes de-tuned the 2013,14 gl450 from the same engine in the 550). I kept up with a gl63 on the way to Vancouver on a recent trip. It's a huge and instant difference from the factory setup, everything else is stock. Extra HP and toque match perfectly for the 21" AMG I upgraded to. Also, most Mercedes starts from 2nd gear which explains the sluggish initial response, the tune took care of that as well.
Dealer didn't care when I bought it in for service, sales guy really enjoyed the test drive I gave him.
Dealer didn't care when I bought it in for service, sales guy really enjoyed the test drive I gave him.
Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 131
Likes: 9
2015 GL550 2006 S55
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 6
From: USA
S, GLS
I believe the GL is actually an exception to this due to the extra weight according to what I've read. I know my 2015 GL550 always starts from 1st from a complete stop. For example, my S class starts from 2nd gear when in comfort mode and 1st when in sport. Sport and comfort settings on my GL only change suspension stiffness and ride height.
In our X5 50i m, I am almost afraid to set to sport or sport plus because it kicks into track mode, super fast and fun.
