GL Class (X166) 2013-2015 after facelift became GLS (X166)

Alpha ECU tune

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Old Sep 2, 2016 | 08:45 AM
  #1  
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13' GL550, 10' GLK350, MKIV Supra Turbo, MKIII Supra Turbo
Alpha ECU tune

Hi,

I'm looking at extracting a bit more power out of my GL500, and was wondering if anyone has done the Alpha ECU tune. I also looked at the RENNtech ECU upgraade. From what i know the RENNtech is reversible. Any input greatly appreciated.
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Old Sep 2, 2016 | 07:11 PM
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Frankly - if you are talking about X166 GL550 - the RennTech upgrade will be fully compatible and not trigger any CEL codes - sure, you will finds posts about other "tunes" that say "worked fine - no problems - love it" - but I recommend RennTech as they do their sh*t very/very well and NO problems is infinitely better than a $800-$1000 tune that triggers consistent (or constantly random) CEL's..
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Old Sep 2, 2016 | 08:02 PM
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I went with the Renntech tune. Great results. Wanted a reliable tune with no issues. Have heard too many stories with the "budget" tuners. Went thru my Mercedes dealer who is also a Renntech dealer. Do it!
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Old Sep 3, 2016 | 09:53 AM
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fabbrisd1,

yes, i have an x166 flatform GL550 i fat fingered the 5. Thats really good to know that that the RENNtech is the "preferred" choice as i have read many of your forum replies and is pretty confident you definitely know what you're talking about.

Powerguy1,

Thanks, my GL is only 3 month's old so i was thinking of getting the RENNtech, and an AMG exhaust upgrade for my Christmas present.

Thanks!
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Old Sep 3, 2016 | 05:24 PM
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Renntech all the way. It says a lot when dealerships sell and install their tunes.
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Old Sep 3, 2016 | 07:07 PM
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I just picked up a 2013 GL550, the vehicle is on its way, what kind of HP/torque does the Renntech tune put the vehicle to? What other performance upgrades are included with the Renntech tune? Does the GL550 not come with the AMG exhaust stock? Is the AMG exhaust still quiet at idle and cruising speed? Thank you and I am a newbie to the GL550, we had an ML550 back in 2010 and just got rid of our Escalade for the GL, looking forward to it!
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Old Sep 3, 2016 | 11:30 PM
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I believe the tune on the 2013 450/550 is 501 hp 576 tq.
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Old Sep 4, 2016 | 09:20 PM
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on GLC300 #2, a 2022 CPO purchased b/c I really dislike the X254's UI (GL350 before those)
Wow, those are some impressive numbers.
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Old Sep 4, 2016 | 11:13 PM
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Are there any other benefits besides the HP and TQ gains?
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Old Sep 7, 2016 | 08:11 AM
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As an update to this thread, i found out that Euro Motor Cars of Bethesda is indeed an approved RENNtech Mercedes dealer. Ricky has quoted me $2740 for the ECU tune for 530 HP, and 606 TQ.
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Old Sep 7, 2016 | 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by BlownV8
I believe the tune on the 2013 450/550 is 501 hp 576 tq.
Those are numbers just for the 450. The 550 tunes yield a bit more power 530/606, not sure how though. I thought they were identical in the engine dept completely hw-wise. Wonder if the difference is for marketing or due to something different in the two trims.
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Old Sep 7, 2016 | 03:10 PM
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Difference between 450/550 engine - before changeover to 450/twin-turbo-V6 - earlier 450 V8 was same "base" engine - but lesser configuration than V8 550
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Old Sep 7, 2016 | 06:59 PM
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Ok curious to know, what exactly was lesser? My understanding was that there was no difference apart from the tune. So if custom tuned, they should both yield same numbers. Unless the 550 has a better breathing/exhaust apparatus, the difference is probably just forced by tuners to maintain a nominal difference in trim levels.....kinda like Mercedes did to begin with.
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Old Sep 7, 2016 | 08:03 PM
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The x166 V8 450 and 550 have the same motor and exhaust and just tuned differently from factory. Was told that the Renntech tunes are the same and just marketing a difference to justify same cost for each tune. If you compare specs you will see that the max hp and torque for each are at same rpm.

Last edited by Powerguy1; Sep 7, 2016 at 08:06 PM.
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Old Sep 7, 2016 | 09:33 PM
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Only one way to find out!


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Old Sep 7, 2016 | 10:43 PM
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Originally Posted by 4everalone
Those are numbers just for the 450. The 550 tunes yield a bit more power 530/606, not sure how though. I thought they were identical in the engine dept completely hw-wise. Wonder if the difference is for marketing or due to something different in the two trims.
Same engine in the 450 as the 550 from 2013 - 2014. If the 550 will get 530, so will the 450.
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Old Sep 8, 2016 | 08:32 AM
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13' GL550, 10' GLK350, MKIV Supra Turbo, MKIII Supra Turbo
The basic M278 has a displacement of 4,663 cc (284.6 cu in) with a bore of 92.9 mm and stroke of 86 mm. Output is 429 hp (320 kW, 435 PS) at 5250 rpm with 516 ft·lbf (700 N·m) of torque at 1800-3500 rpm for S-Class, CL-Class, SL-Class, and GL-Class models.[2] CLS-Class, E-Class, and M-Class models are derated to 402 hp (300 kW) with 443 ft·lbf (600 N·m) of torque at 1600 rpm.[5] Although it no longer corresponds with the engine displacement, all of the above models are still badged as "550". The GL-Class, besides the GL550 above, also features the GL450 trim that carries a detuned version of the 4.6 L engine making 362 horsepower and 406 pounds-feet of torque [6]

For 2014 S-Class models (chassis code W222), power is increased to 455 hp (335 kW) at 5250 rpm, while torque remains at 516 ft·lbf (700 N·m) between 1800-3500 rpm. .[7]
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