Replace GL450 with GL550 ECU
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Joined: Mar 2010
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S212, X166 AMG
Replace GL450 with GL550 ECU
Maybe a newbie question, but I can’t find an answer via site or Google search. Lots of recommendations for RennTech and other ECU tunes for more HP for the M278 450 engine. However, I’m wondering...
If the GL450 is just a de-tuned GL550 (minus some features and bling), why can’t you just use a GL550 ECU to get some more power? Exhaust, intake, transmission and other pieces are the same.
I’m sure I’m missing something massively obvious, but can’t figure it out.
BTW, just got a 2014 GL450 w/32k for $32k. Pretty happy. It’s a Manufacturer buyback for “Strong Chemical Odor”, hence the price. But, it’s a well maintained car with no history of mechanical issues, great cosmetic condition and the buyback gives me 12/12k Warranty. Almost like a CPO on the cheap (lemon law give us good protections)!
If the GL450 is just a de-tuned GL550 (minus some features and bling), why can’t you just use a GL550 ECU to get some more power? Exhaust, intake, transmission and other pieces are the same.
I’m sure I’m missing something massively obvious, but can’t figure it out.
BTW, just got a 2014 GL450 w/32k for $32k. Pretty happy. It’s a Manufacturer buyback for “Strong Chemical Odor”, hence the price. But, it’s a well maintained car with no history of mechanical issues, great cosmetic condition and the buyback gives me 12/12k Warranty. Almost like a CPO on the cheap (lemon law give us good protections)!
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Joined: Feb 2009
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2015 GL550 2006 S55
You just need to get a tune. Several companies offer this and its huge bang for your buck. Here is info from Eurocharged's website.
Eurocharged performance engine software (ECU Upgrade) for the Mercedes GL450 Bi-Turbo (M278 Engine)
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _
Brilliantly Engineered Software…
The ECU software development team at Eurocharged Performance has revolutionized the tuning industry with the most brilliantly engineered software available. Our team of engineers strive for the highest quality software possible, ensuring you the most desirable driving experience imaginable. Now that’s Brilliantly Engineered Software!
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __
Performance Numbers:
The manufacturers rating for this engine is 402HP and 443LB-FT of torque.
The Eurocharged rating for the ECU upgrade is 530HP and 606LB-FT of torque.
Description:
Performance ECU software precisely engineered for your engine. Countless hours were invested into the development of this ECU software and all OEM safety maps remain intact to ensure the highest level of protection. Our most popular features include better throttle response, faster acceleration, removed top speed limiter and an overall better driving experience.
Eurocharged performance engine software (ECU Upgrade) for the Mercedes GL450 Bi-Turbo (M278 Engine)
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _
Brilliantly Engineered Software…
The ECU software development team at Eurocharged Performance has revolutionized the tuning industry with the most brilliantly engineered software available. Our team of engineers strive for the highest quality software possible, ensuring you the most desirable driving experience imaginable. Now that’s Brilliantly Engineered Software!
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __
Performance Numbers:
The manufacturers rating for this engine is 402HP and 443LB-FT of torque.
The Eurocharged rating for the ECU upgrade is 530HP and 606LB-FT of torque.
Description:
Performance ECU software precisely engineered for your engine. Countless hours were invested into the development of this ECU software and all OEM safety maps remain intact to ensure the highest level of protection. Our most popular features include better throttle response, faster acceleration, removed top speed limiter and an overall better driving experience.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 23
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S212, X166 AMG
@OrionS55 - Yes, thanks. I’m aware of the 3rd party tuned ECU’s from Eurocharged, RennTech and others. However, I’m still wondering whether a stock GL550 ECU would work to improve performance since the GL450 engine (for 2013-2014 x166) is just a detuned version of the same engine as the GL550.
It would not make quite the power as aftermarket tunes, but would be factory designed and (likely) a less expensive alternative for those that were interested.
And, I’m still wondering - would it work?
Thanks,
jk
It would not make quite the power as aftermarket tunes, but would be factory designed and (likely) a less expensive alternative for those that were interested.
And, I’m still wondering - would it work?
Thanks,
jk
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From: Houston/ Austin /Toronto / UAE / Minneapolis / Orlando /Cincinnati
Eurocharged Performance ML63 and TT lambo
@OrionS55 - Yes, thanks. I’m aware of the 3rd party tuned ECU’s from Eurocharged, RennTech and others. However, I’m still wondering whether a stock GL550 ECU would work to improve performance since the GL450 engine (for 2013-2014 x166) is just a detuned version of the same engine as the GL550.
It would not make quite the power as aftermarket tunes, but would be factory designed and (likely) a less expensive alternative for those that were interested.
And, I’m still wondering - would it work?
Thanks,
jk
It would not make quite the power as aftermarket tunes, but would be factory designed and (likely) a less expensive alternative for those that were interested.
And, I’m still wondering - would it work?
Thanks,
jk
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
S212, X166 AMG
For the sake of accuracy, let me correct something I wrote above. I don’t have a full 12/12 warranty. It only applies to the “defect” that caused the buy back/lemon law trigger.
It varies by state, but many say if a “lemon” is resold, the manufacturer must correct the issue and warrant it for 12 months. So, if our GL starts to have a “strong chemical odor”, MB has to rectify it. None so far...
So, yeah, maybe I am ready for an ECU! It’s really my wife’s, so she has to buy-in. I already have 500hp in my car (‘08 CLS63).
It varies by state, but many say if a “lemon” is resold, the manufacturer must correct the issue and warrant it for 12 months. So, if our GL starts to have a “strong chemical odor”, MB has to rectify it. None so far...
So, yeah, maybe I am ready for an ECU! It’s really my wife’s, so she has to buy-in. I already have 500hp in my car (‘08 CLS63).
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From: Europe
2014 X166 (GL500)
