jason427

Noticed Renntech had one listed on their site...

Jason

GregW / Oregon

You're on the wrong forum if you have a 163 or 164. And, you misspelled "BlueTEC". Two strikes you're out here.

jellies

why the hate, because someone said the word "tune"?
he lists a 2012 ML350 bluetec in his sig.

brabus have one for $2795 plus install, must be bought through one of their dealers.

There are also a number of inline self-install ones, heaps cheaper, on ebay germany etc, that claim to add similar power.

GregW / Oregon

Semi-joking, should have used a smiley-face. Saw ML320 and just thought if he had the older BlueTEC he could get more relevant advice on another forum.

jason427

Wow, harsh.... yeah I was in a hurry and wasn't thinking... SORRY...

So do you have a tune on a ML350 BlueTEC that you could comment on? Or just raising your post count busting *****???

Jason

GregW / Oregon

Sorry, I explained my intentions above.

Don't have direct experience, since I haven't had a diesel, but Kleeman has a good reputation in Europe with their KD-Box, though not inexpensive:

http://www.kleemann.dk/Performance/tuning/Kd-box

This is add-on module, unlike RENNtech's ECU upgrade, which Kleeman also offers. They don't list the USA for that product, but here is their US distributor contact info:

http://www.kleemann.dk/KleemannUSA

fabbrisd1

Legitimate diesel "plug in" upgrades are more common/competitive in Europe, and we are not talking the $39.995 shucksters here in the US.

These plug-in before the fuel rail - an usually offer 2 or 3 setting, including a "stock" default.

I would check if the Brabus Eco Powerxtra plug in was compatible, as it's less expensive than the Kleeman, and my friends who have gone that route on earlier CDI diesel generally ended up sourcing from UK Brabus distributors.

My understanding, is that Brabus was able to adapt their Eco Powerxtra box over to Bluetec, and that it works well for what it is.

Good news is that it is plug-n-play, and removable, although cable routing is important to avoid heat damage to the cables.

Personally, for me I have more trust in the legitimate Euro guy like Brabus, Kleeman, and a couple of wel established specialty houses out there - in comparison these US shops and their riff-raff stuff is sheer nonsense

Keep the beat !

DrFox1969

I have been looking into Brabus D6 plug in, as they provide a warranty (A 3 year or 60,000 mile full warranty). I am waiting for a copy from the Brabus approved oulet in Melbourne to see what it covers, but I am told it covers all the items that MB may not do with the upgrade.

I will post a copy on here once received. Not sure if any of the other tuners provide a similar warranty.

FYI - MB UK actually offer the Brabus plug in as an accessory on their website, along with all the other Brabus accessories.

DrFox1969

Ref UK website above, see attched link.

http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/cont...rformance.html

jellies

I somehow doubt MB Australia will honor that warranty just because MB UK is offering it. Have you checked with them?

What price are they asking inc. installation ?

hmm, exxy:
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/gener...abus-chip.html

300DTurbo

There is a reason that no-one has done it.

The ML350 3.0 Turbo is essentially maximally tuned to provide the most power and torque while maintaining engine longevity and reliability.

The diesel forum would be a good place to ask this.

jellies

I think that might be putting too much faith into the engineering calculations possible by manufacturers.

There is more than one factor influencing the factory default tune: marketing, emissions, product positioning, fuel safety margins, climate extremes.

All these diesel tunes are very mild increases in torque, I can see how using them in harsher than average conditions with poorer than average fuel might increase wear, but for most owners, adding a couple of extra pounds of boost is not going to change the lifespan of the mechanicals.

To say Mercedes have tuned for optimum power already is actually saying they don't over-engineer. Are they not famous for making things stronger than they need to be?

cookstar

not necessarily true, the North American 3.0 liters get less power than Europe (240 vs 265), I would also argue that they are not pushing out power to the full potential just because they dont need to right now, manufacturers can all make allot of hp but they dont because they follow other manufacturers and do small increases.... example the BMW 750 had 400hp in 2012 and 455 now in 2013 ( same engine with tweeks), same thing with the 06 ML550 which has 302 hp and 07 which had 382 ( same engine with tweeks)

adding power is a walk in the park, competition is the reason for lack of power, MB already makes more hp and lb-tq than most other 3.0 diesel engines.

jellies

whats that about .. MB australia and UK list power as 258hp (190kw) at 3600 rpm, and torque 620nm

but MB USA lists torque as the same lb ft equivalent, yet power of 240hp at the same rpm -- 3600.

That means the torque curve is the same until the engine gets nearer to peak power, then it must go lower, but only in the US engines.

Why would they cut back torque for US market only?

dgiturbo

Cause us Americans will get tickets if we go much over 70MPH, where everywhere else, 120MPH is normal cruise.

xxGenericSNxx

While you're mostly right, the 2006/2007 ML500 had a 5.0l V8 3 valves per cylinder. The 2008 ML550 is a brand new engine that debuted in the 2007 S550. That's a 5.5L V8 with 382hp.

A better example are the current GL450/ GL550 engines. Exact same engine at 4.6L V8 TT but with a different tune to put out different outputs.

cookstar

yep, thanks for clearing that up! regarding the 13 550, bit off topic but I have been told that it sits about an inch lower than the 350 and 450, I have never read this anywhere so not sure if the salesperson was right or wrong

DrFox1969

Havent checked with MB Australia yet on warranty, still waiting for readable copy of the Brabus warranty, but have arranged to see my tame dealer to discuss next week.

Sharp Performance in Melbourne are asking AUD$2770 + approx AUD$370 fitting. Interestingly Sharp Performance have just told me they are currently installing performance plug ins in 2 cars direct for MB Australia.

I'll follow up on here with the outcome of warranty discussions.

GLO

What was the verdict?

Im about to install a DTUK CRD-T plug and play tuning box into my V251 R320cdi-L which boosts it up from 165kw (510Nm) to 200kw (640Nm)

Cant wait to have a play. there are 4 maps accessible. and Under $600 delivered.

another_geek

Are you sure about your conversion rates? Per google, 200kw = 268hp, not 640

GLO

Sorry my bad.

It is meant to read:
from 165kw (510Nm) to 200kw (640Nm)

Will correct the original post.