SL/R231: Sprint Booster--A Closer Look
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 293
Likes: 153
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2019 SL450; 2023 M850i coupe
Sprint Booster--A Closer Look
Since there's been some talk about Sprint Booster and the like, I thought some may be interested in this review I just came across.
Sprint Booster – Is It Worth It- – outbackjoehttps://outbackjoe.com/macho-diverti...s-it-worth-it/
Sprint Booster – Is It Worth It- – outbackjoehttps://outbackjoe.com/macho-diverti...s-it-worth-it/
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 387
Only MBs - the best or nothing
Many who actually used it (on MBs) love it. Personally have SB installed in 8 different MBs - W212(2 pre-facelift, not needed for facelift), W218(1 pre-facelift, did not drive facelift), R230(1), R231(1 pre-facelift, did not drive facelift), W166(3). In my experience, most of W166s and especially pre-facelift W218s are not "drivable" without it.
Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 116
Likes: 33
From: Michigan
Bentley Continental GTS / SL 550/SL 63/Dodge Charger/RAM Truck/2021 Genesis GV 80
Hornethandler, Thank you for sharing the link about the Sprint Booster. It would appear that the author is not in favor of this device.
So I will add my brief opinion.
As I have stated in this forum prior, I have a MB SL550. In the past I have owned both an SL 55 and an SL 63. When I purchased the SL 550, I immediately noticed the lack of power compared to my prior owned vehicles. Yes, I recognize the 55 and 63 are of a different breed.
After much research, I decided to install an "OE Tune", best decision I ever made for my car. The increase in performance, torque, and speed were such an advancement that the "old" SL 550 was in the past.
Since owning this vehicle, I have had a lag in an aggressive take off (as seen in previously posted You Tube video). So I decided to try the Sprint Booster since this device claims to eliminate that lag.
In my case, IT DID NOT. However, now more than ever, I recognize this is a dealer only fix which is next after I change the fuel filters (as another elimination process). I WILL NOT RETURN the Sprint Booster. This device is INCREDIBLE! the difference in each mode is remarkable.
Anyone with an SL 550 that is looking for a faster, meaner machine, I would definitely suggest both the "OE Tune" and the Sprint Booster.
So I will add my brief opinion.
As I have stated in this forum prior, I have a MB SL550. In the past I have owned both an SL 55 and an SL 63. When I purchased the SL 550, I immediately noticed the lack of power compared to my prior owned vehicles. Yes, I recognize the 55 and 63 are of a different breed.
After much research, I decided to install an "OE Tune", best decision I ever made for my car. The increase in performance, torque, and speed were such an advancement that the "old" SL 550 was in the past.
Since owning this vehicle, I have had a lag in an aggressive take off (as seen in previously posted You Tube video). So I decided to try the Sprint Booster since this device claims to eliminate that lag.
In my case, IT DID NOT. However, now more than ever, I recognize this is a dealer only fix which is next after I change the fuel filters (as another elimination process). I WILL NOT RETURN the Sprint Booster. This device is INCREDIBLE! the difference in each mode is remarkable.
Anyone with an SL 550 that is looking for a faster, meaner machine, I would definitely suggest both the "OE Tune" and the Sprint Booster.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 293
Likes: 153
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2019 SL450; 2023 M850i coupe
josephdonofrio,
I’m glad you’re enjoying the tune and Booster; I’m sure it’s satisfying and fun.
I was looking at getting the Booster; however, I’ve always been shy about modifying equipment using non-OEM approved parts and procedures. So, I guess I’m a little biased (cautious) from the start. My background is in aircraft and space systems and modifications to in-service equipment were always engineered to the nth degree to ensure they met the intended purpose and had no adverse affect on other integrated systems. Electronics is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics--which we still don’t fully understand--and weird and not so wonderful things can happen when we deviate from original design specifications. Sorry, not trying to sound smart, I’m just relating from experience and things I’ve read.
In the case of the Booster--I don’t know for sure--it appears to amplify the throttle position signal and present higher levels (voltage/current) to the drive circuits. My concern is that it may overdrive the circuits/actuator motor and cause damage. Even if the levels never exceed the original specifications, the “sudden” application of higher voltage/current levels can, over time, wear out components. I guess the same can be said of mechanical devices as well.
Again, I don’t know the detailed theory of operation for either the Booster or the vehicle, I’m just going off the very limited experience I have.
Good luck with the tune and booster. I’m sure your 550 feels awesome.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the tune and Booster; I’m sure it’s satisfying and fun.
I was looking at getting the Booster; however, I’ve always been shy about modifying equipment using non-OEM approved parts and procedures. So, I guess I’m a little biased (cautious) from the start. My background is in aircraft and space systems and modifications to in-service equipment were always engineered to the nth degree to ensure they met the intended purpose and had no adverse affect on other integrated systems. Electronics is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics--which we still don’t fully understand--and weird and not so wonderful things can happen when we deviate from original design specifications. Sorry, not trying to sound smart, I’m just relating from experience and things I’ve read.
In the case of the Booster--I don’t know for sure--it appears to amplify the throttle position signal and present higher levels (voltage/current) to the drive circuits. My concern is that it may overdrive the circuits/actuator motor and cause damage. Even if the levels never exceed the original specifications, the “sudden” application of higher voltage/current levels can, over time, wear out components. I guess the same can be said of mechanical devices as well.
Again, I don’t know the detailed theory of operation for either the Booster or the vehicle, I’m just going off the very limited experience I have.
Good luck with the tune and booster. I’m sure your 550 feels awesome.
Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 131
Likes: 48
2014 sl550
Hornethandler, Thank you for sharing the link about the Sprint Booster. It would appear that the author is not in favor of this device.
So I will add my brief opinion.
As I have stated in this forum prior, I have a MB SL550. In the past I have owned both an SL 55 and an SL 63. When I purchased the SL 550, I immediately noticed the lack of power compared to my prior owned vehicles. Yes, I recognize the 55 and 63 are of a different breed.
After much research, I decided to install an "OE Tune", best decision I ever made for my car. The increase in performance, torque, and speed were such an advancement that the "old" SL 550 was in the past.
Since owning this vehicle, I have had a lag in an aggressive take off (as seen in previously posted You Tube video). So I decided to try the Sprint Booster since this device claims to eliminate that lag.
In my case, IT DID NOT. However, now more than ever, I recognize this is a dealer only fix which is next after I change the fuel filters (as another elimination process). I WILL NOT RETURN the Sprint Booster. This device is INCREDIBLE! the difference in each mode is remarkable.
Anyone with an SL 550 that is looking for a faster, meaner machine, I would definitely suggest both the "OE Tune" and the Sprint Booster.
So I will add my brief opinion.
As I have stated in this forum prior, I have a MB SL550. In the past I have owned both an SL 55 and an SL 63. When I purchased the SL 550, I immediately noticed the lack of power compared to my prior owned vehicles. Yes, I recognize the 55 and 63 are of a different breed.
After much research, I decided to install an "OE Tune", best decision I ever made for my car. The increase in performance, torque, and speed were such an advancement that the "old" SL 550 was in the past.
Since owning this vehicle, I have had a lag in an aggressive take off (as seen in previously posted You Tube video). So I decided to try the Sprint Booster since this device claims to eliminate that lag.
In my case, IT DID NOT. However, now more than ever, I recognize this is a dealer only fix which is next after I change the fuel filters (as another elimination process). I WILL NOT RETURN the Sprint Booster. This device is INCREDIBLE! the difference in each mode is remarkable.
Anyone with an SL 550 that is looking for a faster, meaner machine, I would definitely suggest both the "OE Tune" and the Sprint Booster.
i have a 14 sl550 with oe tune. dont tempt me man ahahah
Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 116
Likes: 33
From: Michigan
Bentley Continental GTS / SL 550/SL 63/Dodge Charger/RAM Truck/2021 Genesis GV 80
Excellent information on the Sprint Booster.
I recently installed the Spring Booster in my MB SL 550 (added an OE Tune first).
The tune is incredible and I suggest a tune of you want a dramatically different performance vehicle.
I purchased the Sprint Booster after reading about others who had an issue as mine.
Upon hard acceleration from a stand still or slightly rolling start, the vehicle would strongly hesitate as shown in the recent You Tube video I posted here.
I installed the Sprint Booster and two things happened; 1) the hesitation DID NOT go away, the Sprint Booster did nothing to help solve the issue I was and still am having.
2) It does exactly what it states it does; gives the vehicle a much faster response upon aggressive acceleration at any speed. It does work.
Now to my issue, I finally took my car to a MB "expert". We test drove the vehicle and within seconds his diagnosis was the transmission is slipping thus creating my heavy pause.
He plugged in his computer diagnostic machine into the OBD port, a couple of "transmission" codes did pop up, he cleared them, however, these codes were not the hesitation problem.
Wednesday, I am taking the car back to him for a couple reasons, see if we can confirm the transmission needs replacing, check the current level of the transmission fluid, (this has to be done with the car in the air, removing an internal "dip stick". Also, we noticed a small leak in what may be the cooling transmission connections to the cooler. Also, some degree of fluid was on the under plastic cover panels.
We may get lucky and find that there is a small leak, the trans fluid is low. Fill to proper level, see if that supports the hesitation and/or fix the two cooling lines (which or which may not be for the trans but may be for the oil cooling).
If not, to the dealer it goes for a new transmission.
I recently installed the Spring Booster in my MB SL 550 (added an OE Tune first).
The tune is incredible and I suggest a tune of you want a dramatically different performance vehicle.
I purchased the Sprint Booster after reading about others who had an issue as mine.
Upon hard acceleration from a stand still or slightly rolling start, the vehicle would strongly hesitate as shown in the recent You Tube video I posted here.
I installed the Sprint Booster and two things happened; 1) the hesitation DID NOT go away, the Sprint Booster did nothing to help solve the issue I was and still am having.
2) It does exactly what it states it does; gives the vehicle a much faster response upon aggressive acceleration at any speed. It does work.
Now to my issue, I finally took my car to a MB "expert". We test drove the vehicle and within seconds his diagnosis was the transmission is slipping thus creating my heavy pause.
He plugged in his computer diagnostic machine into the OBD port, a couple of "transmission" codes did pop up, he cleared them, however, these codes were not the hesitation problem.
Wednesday, I am taking the car back to him for a couple reasons, see if we can confirm the transmission needs replacing, check the current level of the transmission fluid, (this has to be done with the car in the air, removing an internal "dip stick". Also, we noticed a small leak in what may be the cooling transmission connections to the cooler. Also, some degree of fluid was on the under plastic cover panels.
We may get lucky and find that there is a small leak, the trans fluid is low. Fill to proper level, see if that supports the hesitation and/or fix the two cooling lines (which or which may not be for the trans but may be for the oil cooling).
If not, to the dealer it goes for a new transmission.
