With all the tuning potential this engine has out there would anyone know to tell how much power the 7 speed amg speedshift automatic in the ml63 can handle under load?

 

I would not exceed 580hp if you are worried about longevity. Do not run the car hard when tranny fluid is still cold. Make sure you do tranny fluid flush AT DEALERSHIP all with transmission filter. Change your other fluids regularly and you should be ok. The 7speeds do last alot shorter than in other AMGs hpjust bc they were never really meant to push 5300lb 4WD SUV down the road with 500+ HP, but if you have aftermarket extended warranty and no sign of any physical mods then it will be covered under warranty

 

I saw Renntech offers ECU TUNE for ML63 with same power gains as other M157 AMG cars and thought about getting the tune but I don't seem to find any 2012+ ML63 tuned on the net. I emailed Renntech asking them about the same but they are on vacation till Jan 2nd. I was hoping that someone maybe tuned their m157 ml63 by now anyways will report back when I hear from renntech.

 

I have a Rentech tuned 2012 ML63. What would you like to know?

 

How is it holding up the power? Any reliability issues? Obviosly i dont plan on beating up the car every day (it is not even my daily car) but more so i am wondering how is the drivetrain holding up? That is some serious power upgrade 669HP and 734TQ.

 

hmm.... I'll be interested in this, when I get mine delivered in March. hehe

JAN80R: What Power and Torque figures did your car produce on the dyno?

 

Absolutely no issues. Everything is working flawlessly.
I bought the ML63 (fully loaded) new in July and broke it in gently by taking a 2000km road trip and driving it easy. At 2500km I pulled the ECU out and shipped it to Renntech. Originally I was going to take it to a shop but didnt want to take the risk of someone else handling the ECU or accidentally scratching or scuffing the paint, etc. After talking to George (Renntech), I was certain that i could handle the ECU removal myself. He was extremely helpful. He gave me directions to the last detail regarding the removal and install (super easy job - takes about 15 min all in).
After the install I fired it up and took it easy on it for a day or two (as per George's instructions). I couldn't tell a difference in the way the idle sounded, which was perfect, but quarter throttle or so it was a different animal. So responsive and smooth. When I laid into it, it was a monster. Hard to describe - it just revs and pulls really hard. Tranny loves it and never slips or feels any different than stock.
The bi-polar temperament is such a cool thing. Super quiet,smooth, and limo-like when I feather it and powerhouse when I give it 1/2 throttle or more. Renntech ramped the power curve starting after 10% throttle, so the ML behaves exactly like stock when I give it 0-10% throttle - really smart thinking.
This is our daily driver and we have 2 car seats in the back and take the kids everywhere. I don't beat on it everyday either, but it sure is satisfying to play with it when I want to.

I attended the AMG performance tour in Vegas in November and I have to honestly say that every single AMG vehicle I drove, including the SLS, CLS63PP and SL63, felt super sluggish and slow. This isn't meant to be an insult, it's just that I'm so used to the power and responsiveness of my tuned M157.

Right now I have winter wheels on it and drive it everyday in the harsh Alberta weather, with no issues.

I can't even begin to imagine what a Renteched 2014 E63 will be like since it will be capable of 0-100 in 3.5 s stock

 

I never dynoed it. I never had the desire because there was nothing I could change. I basically was trusting the power numbers that renntech was claiming and made the decision to send off the ECU.
Renntech told me that the numbers are actually a little understated and I believe them. The difference in power and torque is night and day. And it's so nice that the tranny, suspension and brakes on the ML are all able to handle it effortlessly.

 

Btw - it's not the HP that kills the tranny it's the torque. I've been assured that 750 ft lbs of Tq is fine but not 900+.
That's why the v12's in the AMG 65 vehicles still use the 5 speed not the new 7. The v12 builds a lot more tq than the V8's.

 

JAN8OR,

Thank you for the responses. This clears a lot of questions that i had about tuning the ml63. When i get my ml63 i will try and do a pre and post dyno #'s.

 

Although true in the past, the new 2013 SL65 has a revised 7 speed transmission! That should mean the future V12s also get the 7 speed.

 

Thanks a lot for the posts Sir very interesting info

What rims/tires do wou have for winter? How does your tuned ml63 handles in the snow?

 

That's pretty cool that the SL is getting the 7 speed. I wonder, though, if its only because its lighter. I haven't checked the weight of the SL yet, but it's probably 1000 lbs lighter than an ML or S. I would venture to guess that the weight of the ML or S would keep it from getting the 7 speed...but you never know

 

G65's got the 7 speed transmission as well! http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/m...ad-of-beijing/

And what do you mean by the weight of the ML? The ML63 has got the 7 speed as well.

 

Yes most of the 63's have the 7 but the 65's have the 5. With the new sl65 coming out with the 7, I was thinking it might be because it is 1000 lbs lighter than the S, CL, etc. Less weight is easier on parts.
However, seeing that the G65 has the 7 means that weight isn't an issue.
Can't wait to see all the upgrades that will be featured on the new S/CL

 

It might bit a little OT but AMG decided not use the wet clutch (the one on the sls) on the ML63 due to the fact that some ML owners might want to tow jetskis and so one. (the sls gearbox was overheating).

Therefore, here is my question:

How expensive would it be to retrofit the sls or new C-amg wet clutch gearbox on the ml63 ? (I know everything is feasible I am just wondering if its reasonable price wise)

 

I have the recommended MB wheels. 20" winter AMG rims and Pirelli Winters.
I love the wheels, they look and work amazing. I like the rims as much as the stock 21".
The Pirelli's are excellent in the snow and ice. Initially I was skeptical as I didn't care for the Pirelli Ice & Snow, and I am a die hard Blizzak fan. But I heard some good reviews on Pirelli's new Winter's and after trying them, I have no regrets. Handling, stopping, etc is excellent.

Here are some pics, although not great quality as I did a quick wash...