so has anyone chipped their GLE?
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From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
so has anyone chipped their GLE?
I haven't been unhappy with the 450's power at all, but it's my first SUV so I might still have some of the sportscar mind lurking. I was told by one installer that the only chip which doesn't risk voiding your warranty was the Renntech but that at $2,500 it wasn't worth the slight gain in HP and reduced 0-60. Getting .3 seconds for $2,500 seems silly to me. Regardless, I am always intrigued by the opportunity.. Anyone here chip their non-AMG GLE?
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From: Toronto, Canada
2023 GLE63S - Edition 55
I've been looking for a similar solution, I've looked at Race Chip but the reviews are horrible, people aren't seeing the gains they advertise. I cannot find an option for the GLE450 on Renntech's website, can you post a link? I wouldn't mind looking into that option.
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From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
Hi Chris, I was going off of what a local installer was saying when they did the Ceramic Pro on my GLE, I just looked as well and based on the website, it looks like you're right and that they only have one for the W166 and other models. Still, $2,500 seems awful steep for the limited gains ,Maybe I need a GLE 63 next time :-) . I remain very curious!!! I'll ask them again in case I was mistaken about the manufacturer.
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Hi Chris, I was going off of what a local installer was saying when they did the Ceramic Pro on my GLE, I just looked as well and based on the website, it looks like you're right and that they only have one for the W166 and other models. Still, $2,500 seems awful steep for the limited gains ,Maybe I need a GLE 63 next time :-) . I remain very curious!!! I'll ask them again in case I was mistaken about the manufacturer.
I have considered a chip or a tune for my 53 and also my 450. My limited past experience is that a chip is kind of a band aid and $2500 is way over priced...that’s getting into full tune pricing. There may be some decent working chips but my last two did not deliver linear power. Since they trick boost delivery you hit a point that power comes on all at once and at times it makes the driving experience unsatisfactory. It’s a little hard to explain but maybe a little like you get a burst of power at a point when you are just trying to drive smoothly in city traffic. The advantage of a chip tune is it can be removed and is untraceable if a warranty claim comes into play.
A full tune can be expensive but will allow the tuner to do a much better job since they can modify more parameters. I have only bought one tune but it was well done and delivered as promised. A tune will normally get full efficiency out of the engine since they aren’t burdened by emissions requirements. They will probably state that the tune is for off Highway use only.
3/10ths of a second isn’t bad that’s about 3 car lengths in a quarter mile. My 2021 GLE 53 vs my 2020 GLE 450 is probably in that range and there is no comparison to the performance feel. My 53 has V8 torque at low speed and more sporty acceleration.
IMO, the perfect engine would be the V8 in the 580 with the electric turbo from the 53 added. Since Mercedes has recently announced new AMG Hybrids I’m going to wait to see more about that technology because that might be the perfect vehicle for those of us that aren’t ready for a fully electric car.
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From: Toronto, Canada
2023 GLE63S - Edition 55
I thought that Renntech was a full tune rather than a chip but haven’t checked.
I have considered a chip or a tune for my 53 and also my 450. My limited past experience is that a chip is kind of a band aid and $2500 is way over priced...that’s getting into full tune pricing. There may be some decent working chips but my last two did not deliver linear power. Since they trick boost delivery you hit a point that power comes on all at once and at times it makes the driving experience unsatisfactory. It’s a little hard to explain but maybe a little like you get a burst of power at a point when you are just trying to drive smoothly in city traffic. The advantage of a chip tune is it can be removed and is untraceable if a warranty claim comes into play.
A full tune can be expensive but will allow the tuner to do a much better job since they can modify more parameters. I have only bought one tune but it was well done and delivered as promised. A tune will normally get full efficiency out of the engine since they aren’t burdened by emissions requirements. They will probably state that the tune is for off Highway use only.
3/10ths of a second isn’t bad that’s about 3 car lengths in a quarter mile. My 2021 GLE 53 vs my 2020 GLE 450 is probably in that range and there is no comparison to the performance feel. My 53 has V8 torque at low speed and more sporty acceleration.
IMO, the perfect engine would be the V8 in the 580 with the electric turbo from the 53 added. Since Mercedes has recently announced new AMG Hybrids I’m going to wait to see more about that technology because that might be the perfect vehicle for those of us that aren’t ready for a fully electric car.
I have considered a chip or a tune for my 53 and also my 450. My limited past experience is that a chip is kind of a band aid and $2500 is way over priced...that’s getting into full tune pricing. There may be some decent working chips but my last two did not deliver linear power. Since they trick boost delivery you hit a point that power comes on all at once and at times it makes the driving experience unsatisfactory. It’s a little hard to explain but maybe a little like you get a burst of power at a point when you are just trying to drive smoothly in city traffic. The advantage of a chip tune is it can be removed and is untraceable if a warranty claim comes into play.
A full tune can be expensive but will allow the tuner to do a much better job since they can modify more parameters. I have only bought one tune but it was well done and delivered as promised. A tune will normally get full efficiency out of the engine since they aren’t burdened by emissions requirements. They will probably state that the tune is for off Highway use only.
3/10ths of a second isn’t bad that’s about 3 car lengths in a quarter mile. My 2021 GLE 53 vs my 2020 GLE 450 is probably in that range and there is no comparison to the performance feel. My 53 has V8 torque at low speed and more sporty acceleration.
IMO, the perfect engine would be the V8 in the 580 with the electric turbo from the 53 added. Since Mercedes has recently announced new AMG Hybrids I’m going to wait to see more about that technology because that might be the perfect vehicle for those of us that aren’t ready for a fully electric car.
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From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
I thought that Renntech was a full tune rather than a chip but haven’t checked.
I have considered a chip or a tune for my 53 and also my 450. My limited past experience is that a chip is kind of a band aid and $2500 is way over priced...that’s getting into full tune pricing. There may be some decent working chips but my last two did not deliver linear power. Since they trick boost delivery you hit a point that power comes on all at once and at times it makes the driving experience unsatisfactory. It’s a little hard to explain but maybe a little like you get a burst of power at a point when you are just trying to drive smoothly in city traffic. The advantage of a chip tune is it can be removed and is untraceable if a warranty claim comes into play.
A full tune can be expensive but will allow the tuner to do a much better job since they can modify more parameters. I have only bought one tune but it was well done and delivered as promised. A tune will normally get full efficiency out of the engine since they aren’t burdened by emissions requirements. They will probably state that the tune is for off Highway use only.
3/10ths of a second isn’t bad that’s about 3 car lengths in a quarter mile. My 2021 GLE 53 vs my 2020 GLE 450 is probably in that range and there is no comparison to the performance feel. My 53 has V8 torque at low speed and more sporty acceleration.
IMO, the perfect engine would be the V8 in the 580 with the electric turbo from the 53 added. Since Mercedes has recently announced new AMG Hybrids I’m going to wait to see more about that technology because that might be the perfect vehicle for those of us that aren’t ready for a fully electric car.
I have considered a chip or a tune for my 53 and also my 450. My limited past experience is that a chip is kind of a band aid and $2500 is way over priced...that’s getting into full tune pricing. There may be some decent working chips but my last two did not deliver linear power. Since they trick boost delivery you hit a point that power comes on all at once and at times it makes the driving experience unsatisfactory. It’s a little hard to explain but maybe a little like you get a burst of power at a point when you are just trying to drive smoothly in city traffic. The advantage of a chip tune is it can be removed and is untraceable if a warranty claim comes into play.
A full tune can be expensive but will allow the tuner to do a much better job since they can modify more parameters. I have only bought one tune but it was well done and delivered as promised. A tune will normally get full efficiency out of the engine since they aren’t burdened by emissions requirements. They will probably state that the tune is for off Highway use only.
3/10ths of a second isn’t bad that’s about 3 car lengths in a quarter mile. My 2021 GLE 53 vs my 2020 GLE 450 is probably in that range and there is no comparison to the performance feel. My 53 has V8 torque at low speed and more sporty acceleration.
IMO, the perfect engine would be the V8 in the 580 with the electric turbo from the 53 added. Since Mercedes has recently announced new AMG Hybrids I’m going to wait to see more about that technology because that might be the perfect vehicle for those of us that aren’t ready for a fully electric car.
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Based on my experience with those type of chips from prior vehicles I would expect decent bump of about 10% or so.
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
This makes a lot of sense. I had a full tune done on my CLK430 from ages ago with all Brabus parts and it made for a beast of V8 fun. I would never do that to the GLE 450 as the return seems like there would be a lot of daily compromises. I agree that boost at the wrong time won't make for a pleasing ride. If there was a simple chip that didn't risk warranty (I can't imagine that MB doesn't have things set up to find out) and gave a bit more punch, I'd be game but since the 450 seems to have pretty good acceleration, maybe I need to think about enjoying it as is for a while and maybe upgrade to a 63 in a couple of years.
If they come with the V8 and Garret electric/gas combo Turbo with Hybrid soon that will be a very interesting SUV. I wonder what will happen to the insurance premium with an 800HP vehicle? That would be the 63S of the future but will they move the new Hybrid 4 to the GLE 53 or add a Hybrid and the Garret Turbo to the 6 cylinder? The Hybrid 6 would be awesome but the 4 might be OK too. Somethings to look forward to...
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From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
We always want more, ha ha! I tried to like the 63 but travel a lot and was concerned about the range between fill ups. There also seemed to be some hesitation at times between the EQ boost transition to the Turbos spooling up. That might get better after break in...my 53 is getting a little stronger. I do notice that the electric Turbo assist on the 53 is frequently active, much more than I expected. When I start to accelerate at any speed it becomes active.
If they come with the V8 and Garret electric/gas combo Turbo with Hybrid soon that will be a very interesting SUV. I wonder what will happen to the insurance premium with an 800HP vehicle? That would be the 63S of the future but will they move the new Hybrid 4 to the GLE 53 or add a Hybrid and the Garret Turbo to the 6 cylinder? The Hybrid 6 would be awesome but the 4 might be OK too. Somethings to look forward to...
If they come with the V8 and Garret electric/gas combo Turbo with Hybrid soon that will be a very interesting SUV. I wonder what will happen to the insurance premium with an 800HP vehicle? That would be the 63S of the future but will they move the new Hybrid 4 to the GLE 53 or add a Hybrid and the Garret Turbo to the 6 cylinder? The Hybrid 6 would be awesome but the 4 might be OK too. Somethings to look forward to...
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From: Orange County, CA
'16 Jaguar F-Type R, '21 GLE63s
For city driving, I've been averaging around 14-15mpg and on the highway around 19-20mpg but I haven't done any long distance trips yet so I assume I could get slightly better than that. On my old W166 63, I could get around 24-25mpg on long trips.
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
The 450 is rated at 21/26. The 63 is rated at 15/19
I could get 30 highway with my 450 at lower speeds like 55-60. At 80+ my mileage dropped to 21-22. My 53 gets less but does 19-20 city in casual driving. So far my highway trips have been in high wind conditions or towing but I sense highway mileage will be a couple lower than the 450. After spending $100k on a car the cost of fuel is a minor consideration anyway except for more stops to fuel.
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2019 GLE450
Race Chip
I recently installed a Race Chip GTS chip on my 2019 W167 GLE 450; www.racechip.com
This is not a task I would attempt on my own, and I found a friendly tech shop (non-Merc dealer) to do this for me.
This solution improves power and torque to be comparable to the GLE53. Nice and perky and I'm not concerned about putting undue stress on the motor, gearbox and drive system.
There are 3 modes, all adjustable; Eco, Sport and Race - selectable and tunable on an app on my phone. Works perfectly and very simple to use, in real time.
The Eco mode seems to boost the torque (bottom end) and just makes the car get up and go with a little more urgency - very nice for every day commute type of driving; I have not driven in this mode long enough to give feedback on whether there is any real consumption benefit, but I have no reason to doubt the claimed benefits.
Sport mode adds power to the mid-range and Race mode seems to move the power a little more up the rev range; Both these modes really wake the car up, and if you push your foot deep into the accelerator pedal, you can really feel the difference. This is not really a car you want to drive too much in "Race mode", but if you are in the mood for a brisk drive, it's nice to know it can be done.
Overall I'm very happy - will keep you updated in case of any problems!
This is not a task I would attempt on my own, and I found a friendly tech shop (non-Merc dealer) to do this for me.
This solution improves power and torque to be comparable to the GLE53. Nice and perky and I'm not concerned about putting undue stress on the motor, gearbox and drive system.
There are 3 modes, all adjustable; Eco, Sport and Race - selectable and tunable on an app on my phone. Works perfectly and very simple to use, in real time.
The Eco mode seems to boost the torque (bottom end) and just makes the car get up and go with a little more urgency - very nice for every day commute type of driving; I have not driven in this mode long enough to give feedback on whether there is any real consumption benefit, but I have no reason to doubt the claimed benefits.
Sport mode adds power to the mid-range and Race mode seems to move the power a little more up the rev range; Both these modes really wake the car up, and if you push your foot deep into the accelerator pedal, you can really feel the difference. This is not really a car you want to drive too much in "Race mode", but if you are in the mood for a brisk drive, it's nice to know it can be done.
Overall I'm very happy - will keep you updated in case of any problems!
Last edited by cyrillincoln; May 23, 2021 at 07:41 AM. Reason: Change of supplier
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From: Toronto, Canada
2023 GLE63S - Edition 55
Thank you for the update on Race Chip...
Maybe I'll reconsider this now that I've seen a legitimate review from another GLE450 owner. Please keep us updated on your experience as you put some mileage on, especially the impact in fuel economy, positive or negative.
Maybe I'll reconsider this now that I've seen a legitimate review from another GLE450 owner. Please keep us updated on your experience as you put some mileage on, especially the impact in fuel economy, positive or negative.
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From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Here is a video from a YouTube reviewer who I have come to trust over a year or so watching.
It's on the Brabus B53 500 chip, for GLE53.
It's on the Brabus B53 500 chip, for GLE53.
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From: Toronto, Canada
2023 GLE63S - Edition 55
The Race Chips do not change any internal programming so it's unlikely it can be traced. It intercepts stock signals, enhances them and sends to the various attached components to increase the overall power. At least that's my understanding....
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From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
Does your plug into the diagnostic port or is it wired into the engine compartment? I've see both types advertised
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
I was wondering the same thing but I think all chips plug into the engine sensors with some adding the OBD Port. I think that they can do a better job by adding the OBD, but that makes it more difficult to install and remove for a Service...if you want to keep it from the dealer.
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From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
I was wondering the same thing but I think all chips plug into the engine sensors with some adding the OBD Port. I think that they can do a better job by adding the OBD, but that makes it more difficult to install and remove for a Service...if you want to keep it from the dealer.
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From: Toronto, Canada
2023 GLE63S - Edition 55
All the connections are done in the engine bay. There is a harness that has to be installed between the Race Chip brain and several sensors in the engine bay. I don't think anything is done with the diagnostic port for this application. They advertise the ease of just removing the brain if you take your car in for service, however I wonder if the techs won't notice this wiring harness sitting there connected to nothing ....
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
The entire harness is then removed by clipping a few zip ties.
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From: Central Indiana
2021 GLC 300 4Matic
I sent an email to Racechips the other day and just received their response. They don't have a chip for the 450 yet but didn't provide an ETA or specifically say if they're making one for the 450. I hope they do.
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
You might do a search, there have been 450’s chipped with Racechip. As I recall they ordered out of Germany.
