Explaining the E55/S55/CLK55 engine acceleration points?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 769
Likes: 5
From: New York
Mercedes S55 AMG
Explaining the E55/S55/CLK55 engine acceleration points?
I would really like to know exactly what is happening in terms of the power delivery/timing of the NA 55 engines in the older cars. (Like the W210 E55, W220 NA S55, etc)
Here's what I am talking about. I have an S55, and for all I can tell it is very healthy and typically runs very strong.
If I accelerate fully, with the kick down, up to about 30mph and below, I get a really strong push back in the seat, and the car's engine seems to go into an "overdrive" mode and really take off. The strongest range seems to be about 5mph-29mph or so to feel this after the car is already moving. How can this be explained? Is it the pulley engaging? Or what?
Similarly, If I accelerate from starting from around 31mph, and even if I start at around 50mph, the car does not seem to go into that "overdrive" mode. It still accelerates quickly, but it's much smoother and I do not get that push back into the seat. What explains this?
And lastly, starting at around 54mph, and each speed up to 65mph, it happens again - I get that really strong push back into my seat and the car's pulley seems to engage or something like that, the noise is louder and more aggresive - similar to the 30mph pull but at a higher speed. If I kick down 66mph or higher, it does what it did 31mph-53mph or so - still accelerates rapidly but I don't get that "kick" and it is much smoother.
I hope you guys can shine some light on this - is it the pulley engaging, or perhaps the power band, something. I know that you can't expect the same power in every speed/RPM, so I am curious exactly what is going on here.
Here's what I am talking about. I have an S55, and for all I can tell it is very healthy and typically runs very strong.
If I accelerate fully, with the kick down, up to about 30mph and below, I get a really strong push back in the seat, and the car's engine seems to go into an "overdrive" mode and really take off. The strongest range seems to be about 5mph-29mph or so to feel this after the car is already moving. How can this be explained? Is it the pulley engaging? Or what?
Similarly, If I accelerate from starting from around 31mph, and even if I start at around 50mph, the car does not seem to go into that "overdrive" mode. It still accelerates quickly, but it's much smoother and I do not get that push back into the seat. What explains this?
And lastly, starting at around 54mph, and each speed up to 65mph, it happens again - I get that really strong push back into my seat and the car's pulley seems to engage or something like that, the noise is louder and more aggresive - similar to the 30mph pull but at a higher speed. If I kick down 66mph or higher, it does what it did 31mph-53mph or so - still accelerates rapidly but I don't get that "kick" and it is much smoother.
I hope you guys can shine some light on this - is it the pulley engaging, or perhaps the power band, something. I know that you can't expect the same power in every speed/RPM, so I am curious exactly what is going on here.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 229
SL55, S500
I would really like to know exactly what is happening in terms of the power delivery/timing of the NA 55 engines in the older cars. (Like the W210 E55, W220 NA S55, etc)
Here's what I am talking about. I have an S55, and for all I can tell it is very healthy and typically runs very strong.
If I accelerate fully, with the kick down, up to about 30mph and below, I get a really strong push back in the seat, and the car's engine seems to go into an "overdrive" mode and really take off. The strongest range seems to be about 5mph-29mph or so to feel this after the car is already moving. How can this be explained? Is it the pulley engaging? Or what?
Similarly, If I accelerate from starting from around 31mph, and even if I start at around 50mph, the car does not seem to go into that "overdrive" mode. It still accelerates quickly, but it's much smoother and I do not get that push back into the seat. What explains this?
And lastly, starting at around 54mph, and each speed up to 65mph, it happens again - I get that really strong push back into my seat and the car's pulley seems to engage or something like that, the noise is louder and more aggresive - similar to the 30mph pull but at a higher speed. If I kick down 66mph or higher, it does what it did 31mph-53mph or so - still accelerates rapidly but I don't get that "kick" and it is much smoother.
I hope you guys can shine some light on this - is it the pulley engaging, or perhaps the power band, something. I know that you can't expect the same power in every speed/RPM, so I am curious exactly what is going on here.
Here's what I am talking about. I have an S55, and for all I can tell it is very healthy and typically runs very strong.
If I accelerate fully, with the kick down, up to about 30mph and below, I get a really strong push back in the seat, and the car's engine seems to go into an "overdrive" mode and really take off. The strongest range seems to be about 5mph-29mph or so to feel this after the car is already moving. How can this be explained? Is it the pulley engaging? Or what?
Similarly, If I accelerate from starting from around 31mph, and even if I start at around 50mph, the car does not seem to go into that "overdrive" mode. It still accelerates quickly, but it's much smoother and I do not get that push back into the seat. What explains this?
And lastly, starting at around 54mph, and each speed up to 65mph, it happens again - I get that really strong push back into my seat and the car's pulley seems to engage or something like that, the noise is louder and more aggresive - similar to the 30mph pull but at a higher speed. If I kick down 66mph or higher, it does what it did 31mph-53mph or so - still accelerates rapidly but I don't get that "kick" and it is much smoother.
I hope you guys can shine some light on this - is it the pulley engaging, or perhaps the power band, something. I know that you can't expect the same power in every speed/RPM, so I am curious exactly what is going on here.
The car is in a higher gear thus the slower acceleration.
Try to play around in manual mode and you'll see
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 769
Likes: 5
From: New York
Mercedes S55 AMG
Ah yes, I have just been researching some gear ratios! But how come the 55mph acceleration is stronger than the 31mph one? Shouldn't the lower one/gear still be stronger?
These are it for my car:
First Gear Ratio (:1) 3.59
Second Gear Ratio (:1) 2.19
Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.41
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.00
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.83
Reverse Ratio (:1) 3.16 (1.95 Winter Mode)
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 2.82
These are it for my car:
First Gear Ratio (:1) 3.59
Second Gear Ratio (:1) 2.19
Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.41
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.00
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.83
Reverse Ratio (:1) 3.16 (1.95 Winter Mode)
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 2.82
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 229
SL55, S500
Ah yes, I have just been researching some gear ratios! But how come the 55mph acceleration is stronger than the 31mph one? Shouldn't the lower one/gear still be stronger?
These are it for my car:
First Gear Ratio (:1) 3.59
Second Gear Ratio (:1) 2.19
Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.41
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.00
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.83
Reverse Ratio (:1) 3.16 (1.95 Winter Mode)
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 2.82
These are it for my car:
First Gear Ratio (:1) 3.59
Second Gear Ratio (:1) 2.19
Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.41
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.00
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.83
Reverse Ratio (:1) 3.16 (1.95 Winter Mode)
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 2.82
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,978
Likes: 1
From: NYC/FT Lauderdale
W220 M113K
Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 76
Likes: 1
2004 S600 (V220.176)
Acceleration without kick-down
Having said that, are you sure about the final gear ratio? My S600 has 2.65 and then the figures change as follows:
If at 31 mph your car stays in second gear and then you have the unvaforable rev range of around 2200 (3800 in 1st gear), whereas at 55 you are at 4050 revs with more torque.
You can make your car forget the "dozy" driving style you had and then it will kick down into 1st in S-Mode. See elsewhere on how to reset your ECU.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 411
Likes: 29
From: Aiken, SC
2007 S600
On an S55 2500 is the magic number, that's the RPM when the supercharger clutch engages and you make boost and that push in your backside happens!
If all comes down to what gear you are in at that speed which determines the RPM you are running at. In any event if you floor it you should feel the boost come on at 2500 to 2600 rpm.
The first way to make it happen more often is to select S mode for your tranny. The button down by the shifter (C-convienence, skips 1st gear and shifts at lower RPMs, M is manual which holds the gear you select unless you redline, and S-sport which always uses 1st gear and holds all gears to higher revs between shifts.
The second thing to do is reset to factory settings on the adaptive tranny. Then go drive it like mad so that it 're-learns" that you like hard acceleration and crisp shifts. See this post: https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...t-happens.html
Finally, use your paddles! Try this, crusing at 70 stomp the peddle. Okay, but not fabulous, right?
Now, crusing at 70 use the left shift button on the steering wheel to drop to 3rd (noted in gear display in lower right of instrument panel) and then stomp the peddle. See the difference!
It's all a matter of how much time it takes to get to that 2500 rpm where the SC clutch engages.
If all comes down to what gear you are in at that speed which determines the RPM you are running at. In any event if you floor it you should feel the boost come on at 2500 to 2600 rpm.
The first way to make it happen more often is to select S mode for your tranny. The button down by the shifter (C-convienence, skips 1st gear and shifts at lower RPMs, M is manual which holds the gear you select unless you redline, and S-sport which always uses 1st gear and holds all gears to higher revs between shifts.
The second thing to do is reset to factory settings on the adaptive tranny. Then go drive it like mad so that it 're-learns" that you like hard acceleration and crisp shifts. See this post: https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...t-happens.html
Finally, use your paddles! Try this, crusing at 70 stomp the peddle. Okay, but not fabulous, right?
Now, crusing at 70 use the left shift button on the steering wheel to drop to 3rd (noted in gear display in lower right of instrument panel) and then stomp the peddle. See the difference! It's all a matter of how much time it takes to get to that 2500 rpm where the SC clutch engages.
Last edited by Zachmac; Oct 21, 2011 at 06:53 AM.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 98
Likes: 2
From: Wilmington NC
2004 CL500
I agree...try an ECU re-set:
1. Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position.
2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for five to ten seconds.
3. Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.
4. Wait at least two minutes for ECU to reset.
1. Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position.
2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for five to ten seconds.
3. Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.
4. Wait at least two minutes for ECU to reset.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
2006 S55
I had power loss issues with mine. At times it felt like the supercharger was not 'on' and not making the power it should. Turns out that when your intercooler pump shuts down, it also shuts down your supercharger to protect the engine from high intake temps and detonation. Normally I/C pump would shut down when you have driven the car 20+ minutes and do 4-5 WOT on highway. When you stop doing the WOT, and let your car cool down, the I/C pump turns back on and you have full power again, until it gets heat soaked. If you have not replaced your I/C pump, then you may want to look into that. It is a common problem.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Northern Ca
2004 SL500, 2003 S55, 2002 S430 RIP, 1999 ML430, 1999 SLK Sports 230 Compressor "Sold"
Its probably gearing and ECU.
But I'm confused If you have an NA S55 why would you think you have a clutch? A supercharger clutch? on a Normally Aspirated engine?
If it is NA there is no clutch or pulley issues.
But I'm confused If you have an NA S55 why would you think you have a clutch? A supercharger clutch? on a Normally Aspirated engine?
If it is NA there is no clutch or pulley issues.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 411
Likes: 29
From: Aiken, SC
2007 S600
! What year S55 are we talking here? If it is NA then everything that has been said in response is N/A (no pun intended).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 363
'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
On an S55 2500 is the magic number, that's the RPM when the supercharger clutch engages and you make boost and that push in your backside happens!
If all comes down to what gear you are in at that speed which determines the RPM you are running at. In any event if you floor it you should feel the boost come on at 2500 to 2600 rpm.
The first way to make it happen more often is to select S mode for your tranny. The button down by the shifter (C-convienence, skips 1st gear and shifts at lower RPMs, M is manual which holds the gear you select unless you redline, and S-sport which always uses 1st gear and holds all gears to higher revs between shifts.
The second thing to do is reset to factory settings on the adaptive tranny. Then go drive it like mad so that it 're-learns" that you like hard acceleration and crisp shifts. See this post: https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...t-happens.html
Finally, use your paddles! Try this, crusing at 70 stomp the peddle. Okay, but not fabulous, right? Now, crusing at 70 use the left shift button on the steering wheel to drop to 3rd (noted in gear display in lower right of instrument panel) and then stomp the peddle. See the difference! It's all a matter of how much time it takes to get to that 2500 rpm where the SC clutch engages.
If all comes down to what gear you are in at that speed which determines the RPM you are running at. In any event if you floor it you should feel the boost come on at 2500 to 2600 rpm.
The first way to make it happen more often is to select S mode for your tranny. The button down by the shifter (C-convienence, skips 1st gear and shifts at lower RPMs, M is manual which holds the gear you select unless you redline, and S-sport which always uses 1st gear and holds all gears to higher revs between shifts.
The second thing to do is reset to factory settings on the adaptive tranny. Then go drive it like mad so that it 're-learns" that you like hard acceleration and crisp shifts. See this post: https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...t-happens.html
Finally, use your paddles! Try this, crusing at 70 stomp the peddle. Okay, but not fabulous, right?
Now, crusing at 70 use the left shift button on the steering wheel to drop to 3rd (noted in gear display in lower right of instrument panel) and then stomp the peddle. See the difference! It's all a matter of how much time it takes to get to that 2500 rpm where the SC clutch engages.maw
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
1999 E55
Adaptive ECU
The NA ecu has a keen sense of delivering what (it thinks) you want, and because of that, you will get slightly different levels of power depending upon many conditions it monitors, some of it stored info from your driving habits, some of it from the many different parameters it monitors (including things like throttle position and rate of change of throttle position). This is exaggerated by shifts (or lack thereof) from the tranny, which will greatly affect how the power "feels". (350hp feels a lot different at 30mph in 1st gear than it does in 2nd or 3rd)
I'ver certainly noticed the same variations you described depending upon when and how you ask it to give you everything it's got.
If you reset the ECU (I've always done it by disconnecting battery for awhile, haven't tried the key on/off step on pedal method) and then floor it immediately from a dead stop (meaning don't roll on the power - snap the pedal all the way to the floor) it will (should?) give you 100% all the way til the road runs out, and shift at best (highest) rpms. Any other situation (applying the throttle smoothly or at some point other than dead stop or having months of slow driving stored in the adaptive memory) might give you less, depending upon what the programmer thought you should get...
Granted, kinda frustrating in some ways, but certainly better than having something that doesn't have computer control (like carbs - remember them?)
I'ver certainly noticed the same variations you described depending upon when and how you ask it to give you everything it's got.
If you reset the ECU (I've always done it by disconnecting battery for awhile, haven't tried the key on/off step on pedal method) and then floor it immediately from a dead stop (meaning don't roll on the power - snap the pedal all the way to the floor) it will (should?) give you 100% all the way til the road runs out, and shift at best (highest) rpms. Any other situation (applying the throttle smoothly or at some point other than dead stop or having months of slow driving stored in the adaptive memory) might give you less, depending upon what the programmer thought you should get...
Granted, kinda frustrating in some ways, but certainly better than having something that doesn't have computer control (like carbs - remember them?)
