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Why did AMG didn't build a supercharger in the ML 55?

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Old Dec 4, 2004 | 03:25 PM
  #1  
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Why did AMG didn't build a supercharger in the ML 55?

Hi all,

I'm considering the ML 55 with the Kleemann supercharger upgrade, that brings this baby to 560hp/718nm.

But I was thinking, AMG is all about super fast cars; and almost every model from '00 or so has got one. But why didnt AMG put one in the ML 55, considering that it IS possible (if Kleemann can do it).

So is there a serious technical reason why AMG didnt do it? In other words.. can I expect some problems on the long term (or short) if I let Kleeman ''finish the job'' ??

Last edited by Clyde; Dec 4, 2004 at 03:30 PM.
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Old Dec 6, 2004 | 02:52 PM
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Just curious, how much does the installation and modifications for the Kleeman run?

Thanks.
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Old Dec 7, 2004 | 12:26 PM
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AMG's ML wasn't a big seller in the first place so I guess that it didn't warrant the need for extra power?
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Old Dec 7, 2004 | 11:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Clyde
But I was thinking, AMG is all about super fast cars; and almost every model from '00 or so has got one. But why didnt AMG put one in the ML 55, considering that it IS possible (if Kleemann can do it).
Well actually AMG started installing superchargers in 2002, with the C32K and SL32K. The 5.5L V8 was only supercharged from 2003, in the E55K, SL55K, S55K, and CL55K. Considering the ML55 was discontinued after 2003, it's no wonder why it didn't get the Kompressor.

Hope this helps
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Old Dec 7, 2004 | 11:23 PM
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Because then they would have to put BIGGER brakes and stiffer suspension and sportier seats and lower the car and .... and More!
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Old Dec 9, 2004 | 12:07 AM
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ML43K with Supercharger

Doing some research on the superchargers came up with this, if anyone is interested:

http://www.mbautowerks.com/performance/00013/00013.html
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Old Dec 12, 2004 | 03:59 PM
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Originally Posted by mbakshi
....... The 5.5L V8 was only supercharged from 2003, in the E55K, SL55K, S55K, and CL55K. ........
Sorry Sir,

to correct you; the SL55 started January 2002 here in Europe....

kind regards from France

Walter

PS.: the reason for NON-Charging the ML - was the gearbox ......
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Old Dec 12, 2004 | 05:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Walter.fr
Sorry Sir,

to correct you; the SL55 started January 2002 here in Europe....

kind regards from France

Walter

PS.: the reason for NON-Charging the ML - was the gearbox ......
tell me more, im not so technical. what was it about the gearbox?
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Old Dec 12, 2004 | 05:21 PM
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Clyde,

The gearbox and the 4x4 was constructed to be able to stand the power of the ML55 (+/- 10 %) therefore as well most of the European tuners are not developing over these figures....

I tried for month to find some "upgrade" for my ML55 as well, and got told by the European MB/AMG tuners that this is the reason for the "low" output - even after tuning for this engine. I am not a gearbox specialist as well - therefore I had to believe these engineers.

kind regards from France

Walter
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Old Dec 13, 2004 | 07:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Walter.fr
Sorry Sir,

to correct you; the SL55 started January 2002 here in Europe....

kind regards from France

Walter
Well I'm not sure if you have the same system as in Britain, but in the US we go by model years. So even though the SL55 came out before the physical year 2003, it was MY2003, and that's why I said 2003.

Originally Posted by Walter.fr
PS.: the reason for NON-Charging the ML - was the gearbox ......
What do you mean by "gearbox" -- the transmission? That's certainly not the case, and neither is the 4WD system AFAIK - this is evident from other uses of the same equipment.

And plus, the ML drivetrain was originally designed to handle the V12 engine from the 600's. The ML55 wasn't on the drawing boards until later - it was not a design target for the original drivetrain setup.
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Old Dec 14, 2004 | 12:23 AM
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well the 600 motor at the time had relatively the same output as the 55 engine (the 600 had slightly more torque i believe). AFAIK the ML500 and 55 share the same exact drivetrain, the 55 just has a different transmission computer. I think there were several reasons for not adding the kompressor... the 55 sales were falling and was discontinued, the transmission and transfer case were not strong enough to reliably handle the vast increase in power.
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Old Dec 24, 2004 | 12:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Pao Pao
Just curious, how much does the installation and modifications for the Kleeman run?

Thanks.
what he asked???
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Old Dec 24, 2004 | 03:35 AM
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oh well.. just wait for the W164 ML63 AMG.. 503 hp and 600 Nm of torque..
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Old Dec 25, 2004 | 06:33 PM
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if you are just getting a turbo or supercharger without upgrading your brakes, rotors, suspensions, wheels & tires. than your making the biggest mistake in your life.
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Old Dec 26, 2004 | 12:30 PM
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General price for Kleeman mods to ML55

Talked to the local MB who does Kleeman mods. Doing a quick mental tally of things while the mech was talking came to around $20K. He said the difference between before and after was black and white, a totally different truck.
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Old Jan 5, 2005 | 11:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Bilal
AMG's ML wasn't a big seller in the first place so I guess that it didn't warrant the need for extra power?
The ML55 AMG was a good seller.

Mercedes sold 12120 ML55 AMG (W163.174) through 12/2003. MBUSA sold about 4000 of them and it was their most popular AMG model.
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Old Jan 5, 2005 | 11:47 PM
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Originally Posted by AlBoston
the transmission and transfer case were not strong enough to reliably handle the vast increase in power.
Doesn't the ML55 AMG use the 722.6 W5A580 which is also used in other models with kompressor? I can't see why it should not have worked in the ML.

The M-class transfer case (all models) can handle an input torque of 1580 lb-ft, and should thus have been strong enough for the kompressor several times over..
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Old Dec 9, 2007 | 01:55 AM
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Originally Posted by ml320
Doesn't the ML55 AMG use the 722.6 W5A580 which is also used in other models with kompressor? I can't see why it should not have worked in the ML.

The M-class transfer case (all models) can handle an input torque of 1580 lb-ft, and should thus have been strong enough for the kompressor several times over..
is that 1580lb ft of torque good for one blast of torque, or for constant use? there are things that have high ratings i.e. y rated tires that can go 200mph but drive it like that for 90% for the life of the car and it will last only 10% what it would at regular street driving.
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Old Dec 14, 2007 | 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by ml320
The ML55 AMG was a good seller.

Mercedes sold 12120 ML55 AMG (W163.174) through 12/2003. MBUSA sold about 4000 of them and it was their most popular AMG model.
The ML55 was actually an awful seller... in its first year it did well because there was no other vehicle like it. Then BMW came to market in 01 and by the time it was discontinued there was more competition then MB could handle.

While the gear box was strong for what it was, it could not handle the extra power over a prolonged period of time as well as the type of driving that is accomponied with it. The Torsion bar system was also not a great platform to start on with something with 500hp
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 03:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Bilal
AMG's ML wasn't a big seller in the first place so I guess that it didn't warrant the need for extra power?
It wasn't a big seller because less than 4000 were produced for US delivery over the 4 years they were manufactured. They were sold out everywhere.

The bulk of them were made in 00 and 01, very few ML55's in 02 and 03.

amg-mercedes.com/privatelounge has the exact breakdown year by year.

ML 55 AMG

2000 2084
2001 1105
2002 735
2003 150

Last edited by boldt; Jan 5, 2008 at 04:06 AM.
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Old Jan 31, 2009 | 11:00 AM
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Looks like the ML55 AMG was MBUSA's AMG bestseller in 2000.

C 43 AMG
2000 91

E 55 AMG
2000 1203

ML 55 AMG
2000 2084

And also did quite well in 2001, compared with MBUSA's other AMG models.

CL 55 AMG
2001 303

CLK 55 AMG Coupe
2001 1343

E 55 AMG
2001 653

ML 55 AMG
2001 1105

S 55 AMG
2001 1042

Numbers from: http://www.topgearage.com/?p=260
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Old Sep 12, 2009 | 12:28 AM
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91' 300e // 99 300e TD // 00' ML55 AMG
so... supercharger or no? lol one day id like to do it once i dont need the truck aspect of it...
does anyone know the constant tourqe the transfer case can handle? 500hp would be nice...
lol
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Old Sep 17, 2009 | 11:52 AM
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You Can supercharge an ML 55

Originally Posted by e320newbie
so... supercharger or no? lol one day id like to do it once i dont need the truck aspect of it...
does anyone know the constant tourqe the transfer case can handle? 500hp would be nice...
lol

I have a 2001 ML 55 and thought from day one the veh needed more power. Kleemann in CO still does the set-up and I believe it runs about $18,000 or so. Prices may be less now that there's not a lot of demand for it for the ML 55, BUT it would still have to be well north of $10,000. Call Cory at Kleemann USA and ask him.
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Old Sep 18, 2009 | 03:23 AM
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2000 ML55/Kleeman Headers
Powerdyne

I am working on putting the powerdyne supercharger on my ML. I have Kleeman headers and sports cats in the garage awaiting help from the right person on the powerdyne mounting. According to what I have been told the drivetrain can handle the power
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Old Sep 18, 2009 | 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by filterman
I am working on putting the powerdyne supercharger on my ML. I have Kleeman headers and sports cats in the garage awaiting help from the right person on the powerdyne mounting. According to what I have been told the drivetrain can handle the power
Powerdyne makes one for the ML 55?? I though most of their applications were domestic??? Kleemann yes, Powerdyne???
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