SL/R231: 2013 SL550 - Renntech performance benchmarking
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,537
Likes: 3,670
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Have seen the Renntech info as well and it is tempting. But our 2017 is already faster than our old one (more hp and 9speed). Also running the PSS
Love to see how tires and ECU make a difference
Love to see how tires and ECU make a difference
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 254
Likes: 4
2010 HARLEY FLHTK, 2013 SL550, 2014 S63
Updates:
Renntech has changed the ECU upgrade program for the M278 and it's now producing 540 HP and 705 TQ. This is 10 HP and 99 LB-FT more than the previous version.
I emailed Renntech and they allow for free upgrades for three years from the date of initial purchased. I sent in my ECU and just received it back today.
I have also just replaced the tires on my car with Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
Modifications now include: Renntech mufflers, ECU flash and BMC air filters.
I will be re-running my 0 - 60 and standing 1/8 miles tests this week in the same location with the same meter and will post the results.
Renntech has changed the ECU upgrade program for the M278 and it's now producing 540 HP and 705 TQ. This is 10 HP and 99 LB-FT more than the previous version.
I emailed Renntech and they allow for free upgrades for three years from the date of initial purchased. I sent in my ECU and just received it back today.
I have also just replaced the tires on my car with Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
Modifications now include: Renntech mufflers, ECU flash and BMC air filters.
I will be re-running my 0 - 60 and standing 1/8 miles tests this week in the same location with the same meter and will post the results.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 29
Likes: 3
From: Austin, TX
2013 SL550
Daturk,
I was working with Legor Ratunda and three days after being told the upgrade was free, received the email below. Renntech still honored the free upgrade with no issue. I just assumed he wanted processed ASAP. I sent it out the following week with no issues and quick turn around. Big performance gain! Haven't yet had the time to test with timer, but significantly more power.
Hi Eric,
I need to inform you that the cost for new tune for 550 engines will be 1370$ ( 50% of the original price) for those who have our tunes already and they were done within previous 3 years.
As I have informed you previously , ( before the new pricing policy was applied) I will honor the free upgrade for you if you will process that asap. I will not be able to honor that proposition later.
BR,
I was working with Legor Ratunda and three days after being told the upgrade was free, received the email below. Renntech still honored the free upgrade with no issue. I just assumed he wanted processed ASAP. I sent it out the following week with no issues and quick turn around. Big performance gain! Haven't yet had the time to test with timer, but significantly more power.
Hi Eric,
I need to inform you that the cost for new tune for 550 engines will be 1370$ ( 50% of the original price) for those who have our tunes already and they were done within previous 3 years.
As I have informed you previously , ( before the new pricing policy was applied) I will honor the free upgrade for you if you will process that asap. I will not be able to honor that proposition later.
BR,
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 29
Likes: 3
From: Austin, TX
2013 SL550
*initial email below. Nice guy to work with. Seems to really know their performance products.
Hi Eric!
That is good to hear,
You have free updates for 3 years of the initial purchase – so let me know if you would like to send us your ECU!
The only thing you will need to cover is shipping.
Best regards,
Iegor Ratunda
Product Specialist
Hi Eric!
That is good to hear,
You have free updates for 3 years of the initial purchase – so let me know if you would like to send us your ECU!
The only thing you will need to cover is shipping.
Best regards,
Iegor Ratunda
Product Specialist
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 254
Likes: 4
2010 HARLEY FLHTK, 2013 SL550, 2014 S63
Daturk,
I was working with Legor Ratunda and three days after being told the upgrade was free, received the email below. Renntech still honored the free upgrade with no issue. I just assumed he wanted processed ASAP. I sent it out the following week with no issues and quick turn around. Big performance gain! Haven't yet had the time to test with timer, but significantly more power.
Hi Eric,
I need to inform you that the cost for new tune for 550 engines will be 1370$ ( 50% of the original price) for those who have our tunes already and they were done within previous 3 years.
As I have informed you previously , ( before the new pricing policy was applied) I will honor the free upgrade for you if you will process that asap. I will not be able to honor that proposition later.
BR,
I was working with Legor Ratunda and three days after being told the upgrade was free, received the email below. Renntech still honored the free upgrade with no issue. I just assumed he wanted processed ASAP. I sent it out the following week with no issues and quick turn around. Big performance gain! Haven't yet had the time to test with timer, but significantly more power.
Hi Eric,
I need to inform you that the cost for new tune for 550 engines will be 1370$ ( 50% of the original price) for those who have our tunes already and they were done within previous 3 years.
As I have informed you previously , ( before the new pricing policy was applied) I will honor the free upgrade for you if you will process that asap. I will not be able to honor that proposition later.
BR,
WOW...as soon as I mention your experience to my sales person, they have given me the same deal, my sales rep dropped me an email and informing me that as long as I cover the shipping they will do it, I just emailed him back asking him when I can sent in my ECU for the new tune...
Thnx for your post and thanx for sharing your exprince, if I had not seen your post, I was out of a deal...
Thnx Eric...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 29
Likes: 3
From: Austin, TX
2013 SL550
2013 SL550 with 30,000 miles
Renntech ECU flash - 540 HP 705 TQ
Renntech mufflers
high-flow air filter
Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires
Factory Stock
0 - 60: 4.27 / 4.28
Post above modifications
0 - 60: 4.01 / 4.07 / 4.10 (consistent 4.1)
All testing occurred at the same location as before.
Overall impression
The newest flash from Renntech for the M278 is a huge improvement over the previous version. The car now makes big power and pulls considerably harder both from a standing start or from any speed. Even more wheel spin from a hard standing start and between 1st and 2nd, but enough power to more than make up for it as shown by consistently quicker 0 - 60 times.
I was getting the quickest times by turning off the traction control and just smashing the gas. Car gets a little sideways off the line and lots of wheel spin between 1st and 2nd, but consistently getting the quickest times. I suspect times could be improved through better feathering of the throttle to limit wheel spin, but the few times I tried that technique my times were actually much slower. With a little more practice I suspect I could improve my times using this technique.
The car is definitely more fun to drive post flash and I would recommend the flash to any M278 owner.
Renntech ECU flash - 540 HP 705 TQ
Renntech mufflers
high-flow air filter
Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires
Factory Stock
0 - 60: 4.27 / 4.28
Post above modifications
0 - 60: 4.01 / 4.07 / 4.10 (consistent 4.1)
All testing occurred at the same location as before.
Overall impression
The newest flash from Renntech for the M278 is a huge improvement over the previous version. The car now makes big power and pulls considerably harder both from a standing start or from any speed. Even more wheel spin from a hard standing start and between 1st and 2nd, but enough power to more than make up for it as shown by consistently quicker 0 - 60 times.
I was getting the quickest times by turning off the traction control and just smashing the gas. Car gets a little sideways off the line and lots of wheel spin between 1st and 2nd, but consistently getting the quickest times. I suspect times could be improved through better feathering of the throttle to limit wheel spin, but the few times I tried that technique my times were actually much slower. With a little more practice I suspect I could improve my times using this technique.
The car is definitely more fun to drive post flash and I would recommend the flash to any M278 owner.
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 254
Likes: 4
2010 HARLEY FLHTK, 2013 SL550, 2014 S63
Received & install my re-flashed "New Tune" last Friday, I dont have the SOLO to test but I can definitely tell that there is a huge improvement, car pulls very hard, I can almost say as hard or harder than my S63 (with RennTech Tune) incredible it spins on first & second, I don't know if it was a fluke but I tried of the hard accel. at red light, I didn't get spin on first but did get little spin on second this happen only once and tail whip as well..., I couldn't replicate this, almost all hard accel. 1st & 2nd get a spin....no complains here, its like a new car now...lol
, I couldn't replicate this, almost all hard accel. 1st & 2nd get a spin....no complains here, its like a new car now...lol
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 18
Likes: 3
2017 AMG SL 63 Polar White
RennTech 2015 SL550
Had my eyes on the RennTech tune for a couple of years, and the only reason that I held off was that I would've had to send in the ECM. Then RennTech came out with the hand held tune, I waited and then finally purchased it. Not disappointed in the least. Out in the open country a couple of years ago, before the tune, I got my SL up to 140 mph, the car was noisy and the engine was loud relatively. Last week, with the RennTech tune, I got it up to 150 mph easily, and there was still plenty of peddle left and it was truly low altitude flying with none of the issues experienced previously. I've never been a big zero to sixty fan, drag racing is too one dimensional for me. With the RennTech the car is much quicker off the line and fast, a true sports car. Be careful though, because the traction control features are modified in favor of performance, don't turn a coroner and accelerate to quickly, or you'll end up like a vette driver and spin out. Also, the upper speed limit is modified as well so be careful. The other SL ride performance features inherent in the vehicle compliment the tune. Money well spent as far as I am concerned. The RennTech tune truly unleashes the car's performance, and I've always enjoyed pushing my vehicles to the outer edge of their performance envelopes. No, I am not a paid spokesperson for RennTech.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,537
Likes: 3,670
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Traction is the culprit. The SL63 official 0-60 time was 4.1sec. as well. You can always get a tune (like Eurocharged, etc.) for the fun factor. Just don't expect any significant gains from a stop. Different story from a roll...
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 501
Likes: 92
From: Miami Beach
2006 CLS55 AMG Sold 2010 E550 Coupe totaled by mechanic, '13 SL550 I totaled it, 2017 SL63 current
When the time comes for my tune, I am leaning towards Pressertech. Equal performance for about half the price. Anyone use Pressertech?
Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 86
Likes: 2
2012 Mercedes CLS550 4Matic, 2014 ML550 Diamond White, 2015 SL550 Diamond White
SL550 acceleration is traction limited
I had a 2015 SL550 that consistently ran 4.1 second 0 to 60 times STOCK. (measured with high quality G Tech performance meter)
I believe the reason was that it had a good set of Continental All Season Tires on it. Specifically Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus Ultra High Performance all season.
They may not be as sticky as Ultra High Performance summer tires on a hot day, but I believe the All seasons stay softer and provide better traction in colder temperatures and are better all around. They also last longer.
Never the less, I was getting 4.1 second 0 to 60 times with the Continental DWS 06 Plus All Seasons
I missed my SL550 so much that I recently bought another 2015. And Im considering getting a Renntech tune for it
Any new thoughts or impressions on the Renntech tune would be appreciated!
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
sl550
Renntech great!
Renntech is fantastic. I got a 20% bump in torque and hp (guesstimate)... only downside is in Cali, if you want the top notch package, you must add racing fuel to blend the 92 to 93 or above... no biggie for me.. around 7 miles away from racing fuel retailer.. but for some it may be. They have a lower hp/tq for those living in Cali and not near or wanting to mix racing fuel /pump gas. I say, why bother if not the whole schebang. Is easily brought back to stock tune as well.. with the handheld. Very good deal for the amount of performance gained. IMHO
The SL550 acceleration from a stand still is traction limited because of its RWD and high torque and hp
I had a 2015 SL550 that consistently ran 4.1 second 0 to 60 times STOCK. (measured with high quality G Tech performance meter)
I believe the reason was that it had a good set of Continental All Season Tires on it. Specifically Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus Ultra High Performance all season.
They may not be as sticky as Ultra High Performance summer tires on a hot day, but I believe the All seasons stay softer and provide better traction in colder temperatures and are better all around. They also last longer.
Never the less, I was getting 4.1 second 0 to 60 times with the Continental DWS 06 Plus All Seasons
I missed my SL550 so much that I recently bought another 2015. And Im considering getting a Renntech tune for it
Any new thoughts or impressions on the Renntech tune would be appreciated!
I had a 2015 SL550 that consistently ran 4.1 second 0 to 60 times STOCK. (measured with high quality G Tech performance meter)
I believe the reason was that it had a good set of Continental All Season Tires on it. Specifically Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus Ultra High Performance all season.
They may not be as sticky as Ultra High Performance summer tires on a hot day, but I believe the All seasons stay softer and provide better traction in colder temperatures and are better all around. They also last longer.
Never the less, I was getting 4.1 second 0 to 60 times with the Continental DWS 06 Plus All Seasons
I missed my SL550 so much that I recently bought another 2015. And Im considering getting a Renntech tune for it
Any new thoughts or impressions on the Renntech tune would be appreciated!
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 3
2014 SL63
Eric, I may have missed this in the thread so excuse me if you already answered this, but did you go for the ECU+ Upgrade or the standard ECU upgrade? Doesn't sound like you were using the hand-held tuner, but please clarify. I have a SL63 that I am interested in modifying. More interested in performance in the 60MPH+ range the 0-60. Pilot SS are great by the way.
Cheers
Cheers
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 699
Likes: 149
2015 SL550, 2017 GLS 550, 2010 G550, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
2013 SL550 with 30,000 miles
Renntech ECU flash - 540 HP 705 TQ
Renntech mufflers
high-flow air filter
Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires
Factory Stock
0 - 60: 4.27 / 4.28
Post above modifications
0 - 60: 4.01 / 4.07 / 4.10 (consistent 4.1)
All testing occurred at the same location as before.
Overall impression
The newest flash from Renntech for the M278 is a huge improvement over the previous version. The car now makes big power and pulls considerably harder both from a standing start or from any speed. Even more wheel spin from a hard standing start and between 1st and 2nd, but enough power to more than make up for it as shown by consistently quicker 0 - 60 times.
I was getting the quickest times by turning off the traction control and just smashing the gas. Car gets a little sideways off the line and lots of wheel spin between 1st and 2nd, but consistently getting the quickest times. I suspect times could be improved through better feathering of the throttle to limit wheel spin, but the few times I tried that technique my times were actually much slower. With a little more practice I suspect I could improve my times using this technique.
The car is definitely more fun to drive post flash and I would recommend the flash to any M278 owner.
Renntech ECU flash - 540 HP 705 TQ
Renntech mufflers
high-flow air filter
Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires
Factory Stock
0 - 60: 4.27 / 4.28
Post above modifications
0 - 60: 4.01 / 4.07 / 4.10 (consistent 4.1)
All testing occurred at the same location as before.
Overall impression
The newest flash from Renntech for the M278 is a huge improvement over the previous version. The car now makes big power and pulls considerably harder both from a standing start or from any speed. Even more wheel spin from a hard standing start and between 1st and 2nd, but enough power to more than make up for it as shown by consistently quicker 0 - 60 times.
I was getting the quickest times by turning off the traction control and just smashing the gas. Car gets a little sideways off the line and lots of wheel spin between 1st and 2nd, but consistently getting the quickest times. I suspect times could be improved through better feathering of the throttle to limit wheel spin, but the few times I tried that technique my times were actually much slower. With a little more practice I suspect I could improve my times using this technique.
The car is definitely more fun to drive post flash and I would recommend the flash to any M278 owner.
