AMGC60-3

Hey guys, I may be looking for an ECU tune for my ML500. My main reason is the electronic speed limiter, I would like more top end. Is there anyone who has a tune and are you happy with it? I am looking or leaning towards Kleeman, any good deals out there?

zemun1234

check diesel forum ...some interesting discussion there

AMGC60-3

Hey, thanks for the tip Anyone else with some intel ?

u001elg

The ML500 has an electronically governed top speed of 146 mph.

This is still a SUV that weighs approx. 5000 lbs.

My thought is that unless you are on a closed course in competitive racing there is no justification to need "more top end".

If you really want to go faster, get the E63 AMG... its lighter, more responsive, more aerodynamic and gets better fuel economy.

Even the mighty ML63 AMG is limited to the same 146 mph (250 kph) as the ML500... it just gets there faster - so there must be something more to this top speed restriction than limiting pure horsepower. MB and especially AMG does not limit top speed unless there is a valid engineering reason to do so.

AMGC60-3

American spec MB,s are limited to about 135, European spec the limiter is higher and it all has to do with each countries laws, rules and regulations. For instance an European spec ML V8 is limited at 250 kmh or 155 mph and an American spec is limited to 220 kmh or about 135 mph, it has nothing to do if it can handle it or not. I have a stiffer and lowered suspension and when I do hit the limiter @ just over 4k rpm its like a walk in the park. Please dont tell me what is right or wrong, I drive the German autobahn everyday and its very different than the states.

u001elg

Didn't see that "stationed in Germany" part...

If you want to get around the top speed restriction, RennTec here in the US (I believe in Florida) has the expertise to reprogram an ECU for more power and change or possibly eliminate the top speed restriction. They are are not cheap, but then with the former head of AMG as the owner, I would not expect them to be low cost.

I have used them in the past for less electronically invasive equipment and have always been satisfied.

Stesl

amg for european has V max version for the ML 63 amg that limits it to 275km\h...the other model the performance package reach 300km\h....all the other car, with whatever engine...250km\h as limit...

559EVO

I have only been up to 115mph in the Wifes Ml but how does it feel at 150mph, your saying that the Ml500 can get up that high? I figured with drag/weight it should hit a wall before that.

Vernl

Since you are in Europe, i would start by contacting a good local high perf shop, They will have access to all the latest goodies most of which arent available in North America.They also may just be able to hook up a computer and disable your limiter if thats all you require.If you want a bit of a performance tune you can either send off the ecu or overwrite a new tune, but best results, especially on a gas motor, are done by sending off the ecu to a programmer.
I just love the way sometimes when a question is asked, and all of a sudden folks start telling you not do this and that and saying you drive to fast blah blah, most of them not even bothering to try to answer the original question, just wanting to preach a bit.

AMGC60-3

Thanks for your imput, I do love to drive but I dont drive reckless, I have many years behind me on European roads. the driving over here is so very different than home in the states along with the pace. A tune over here from a good company is very expensive and they seem to shy away from American spec vehicles. I asked about the speed limiter at my local Benz dealership and they said they cant do that, they wouldnt even match it to a German spec (250 kmh) compaired to American (220 kmh). I have already upgraded the springs (H&R lowered) and the car is very steady at high speeds on the autobahn, like a walk in the park. I have contacted Powerchip and Kleeman in the states and it is no problem with either

Speedriven1

^ this.

AMGC60-3

??? Please explain.

Speedriven1

The ML is very heavy, and the tires on it are not rated for that much weight at speeds far beyond 150 mph. Pushing the ML500 beyond its factory limited top speed is not like doing so in an E. It is very high, won't respond to rapid inputs, and will very likely cause severe tire damage with even minor impacts/road hazards due to its excessive mass.

This is a bad idea.

AMGC60-3

Oh, just noticed that Speedriven also offers ECU tunes for the ML and GLK, interesting.

Speedriven1

We do, indeed, and recommend that drivers upgrade to properly rated SUV-spec performance tires. That said, pushing a GLK to 155 is vastly different from pushing an ML to that speed.

http://tuningbible.com/?page_id=1201

AMGC60-3

Exactly, the proper rated tires.