zer0t

I didn't search but couldn't find any recent threads on tuning boxes for the 164 Bluetec engines. I don't want to reflash my ecu but would prefer something that can be removed for warranty work.

I've seen Kleeman, Carlsson and I've heard Brabus has a solution. I am curious to hear from someone who's been running one or someone knowledgable on diesel tuning.

I find the truck to be quite nice but I'm coming out of a touareg V10 and I miss some of the power. I don't expect to ver fully replicate that capability. I also don't want to degrade what is really good fuel economy.

u001elg

SO... which do you want more? The BlueTec can produce more power but at the expense of fuel economy.

I own a 2010 BlueTec and commute 84 miles daily and average 28 to 32 mpg with a best of just a little over 34. I also have a 2006 ML350 with the gas engine (16 to 18 mpg). I am happy with BlueTec power level and I am also OK knowing that the gas version will out accelerate the oil burner.

I assisted a friend with a Cummings in a Dodge 3500 P/U by installing a larger turbo w/ Gale Banks tunable controls and large bore exhaust. He now has close to 1,000 ft-lb torque available, but dropped fuel economy from 18 to 21 to around 7 to 9 mpg. He says that he won't use the additional power and keep the tune low, but invariably he likes the extra HP and cranks it up.

SO... back to the original question: which is more important to you the mpg or the power?

zer0t

Ok, I'd give up some for more power.

boardboy330

The Kleeman box is nice on the E320 CDI. Gives a solid bump in power throughout the band and feels like it has more pickup. I haven't seen the MPGs drop significantly - but again - it's a CDI.

zer0t

Can I expect similar results in a BTC or is CDI just better?

boardboy330

I only have it on a CDI. Simply giving my experience with that. I imagine the boxes would perform very much the same across both platforms.

zemun1234

Kleeman doesn't work with newer models. Also, the newer models have additional 40 HP and it's no need for some tuning (I think it is already pushed to the limit of motor design).

As for Kleeman, I am using it for long time and I can tell - it is working very good for CDI engine.

zer0t

That's disappointing.

boardboy330

Stock you have an extra 40HP...how exactly is that disappointing lol.

zer0t

No I meant no tuner. Always happy to have more power. Coming off the VW it's a bit of a let down although the ML is much nicer.

boardboy330

That is true. I am still trying to figure out how to change the blow off valve/wastegate so I can manually set it.