SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Bottleneck is where..?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Apr 19, 2010 | 03:41 PM
  #1  
maxabo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 8
From: Sweden
2008 MB CL600. 2020 MB E300 de. 1987 BMW M535i.
Bottleneck is where..?

I've just put a downpayment on a 2007 SL65. FINALLY.
Been looking around here for the tuning questions I have, but without finding any...
Hopefully this will get me some answers..;

1. Where is the tightest "bottleneck" on a 65..?
Up front, I'm getting a ECU, of course!
But then what..? What comes next in line..?
Or better yet, in what order..?

- air filters,
- bigger IC,
- more efficient water pump for the turbos,
- better motor oil cooling,
- exhaust (like metal cats for instance)..?
- Or non of the above, but something else instead..?

2. Is there any use in replacing the stock water pump into a CM30 pump (I already have one laying around), with or without the ECU..?

(Ps. We have 100 octane gas at the stations here.)

Veery grateful for answers, guys..!
Even for just thoughts and ideas!

Last edited by maxabo; Apr 20, 2010 at 03:32 PM. Reason: Got no opinions...
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 03:17 AM
  #2  
maxabo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 8
From: Sweden
2008 MB CL600. 2020 MB E300 de. 1987 BMW M535i.
C'mon guys, not even a thought..?

OK, I go first.
I THINK, that a bigger IC should be Priority One, perhaps with some filters.
And to expand that, the air intake in general, with bigger and/or smoother air ways...
And bigger water tanks.

Then comes the exhaust.
Deletion of the last 2 cats, and probably also the last silencer/muffler.
Exchange the first 2 cats with some 200 cell metal cats.

And last, engine/tranny oil cooling.
Since I THINK (still don't know), that is only gonna be needed in looong runs. Not the strip for instance.

Could this be right..?
Or am I totally off?
Anyone..?

Last edited by maxabo; Apr 26, 2010 at 10:55 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 03:44 AM
  #3  
Marky's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 231
Likes: 1
From: Sweden, Europe
AMG
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...riven-tcu.html

If you are getting a ECU, dont forget to get a TCU. Read more about it here. I dont know if Turbo Center in Tumba are used to do TCU? Im from Sweden and have been reading about your cars here!
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 04:37 AM
  #4  
maxabo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 8
From: Sweden
2008 MB CL600. 2020 MB E300 de. 1987 BMW M535i.
Originally Posted by Marky
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...riven-tcu.html

If you are getting a ECU, dont forget to get a TCU. Read more about it here. I dont know if Turbo Center in Tumba are used to do TCU? Im from Sweden and have been reading about your cars here!
Well, I've read that thread before, allthough it has expanded a bit since then.
Sounds very nice, that ECU.
Regarding TCU I'm not sure what to believe, since some say it's no use on a AMG car ("AMG Speedshift"), and others say there is...

About ECU, I'm also considering Kleemann.
Not because they are the best, because I do think speedriven or Tumba could make a better job there!
But just because I think it raises the value of the car if I go with a "Well Known Tuner", like Kleemann, Väth or something like that...

I'm being somewhat afraid of revealing to the next owner of my car, that i got it tuned by something/someone else...

But I've used Tumba many times before, and friends of mine too, and we have been more than happy with their results!
Sadly, they don't do TCU's...
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 08:23 AM
  #5  
LOVEMYBS's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 917
Likes: 1
From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
Originally Posted by maxabo
I've just put a downpayment on a 2007 SL65. FINALLY.
Been looking around here for the tuning questions I have, but without finding any...
Hopefully this will get me some answers..;

1. Where is the tightest "bottleneck" on a 65..?
Up front, I'm getting a ECU, of course!
But then what..? What comes next in line..?
Or better yet, in what order..?

- air filters,
- bigger IC,
- more efficient water pump for the turbos,
- better motor oil cooling,
- exhaust (like metal cats for instance)..?
- Or non of the above, but something else instead..?

2. Is there any use in replacing the stock water pump into a CM30 pump (I already have one laying around), with or without the ECU..?

(Ps. We have 100 octane gas at the stations here.)

Veery grateful for answers, guys..!
Even for just thoughts and ideas!
Congratulations on your purchase, its a great car!

FYI, you won't notice any performance gain with K&N's and in fact they may cause your oxygen sensors to foul and set a bothersom check engine light. This happened to me when I changed from OEM filters to K&N's in my E550. No problems to-date with my CLK BS and SL.

The CM30 pump is a good idea for older cars but Merc recognized the cooling problem in 05 and corrected it. Unless you experience heat soak or other cooling problems I personally wouldn't make the change. I also use a product called "Water Wetter" which is a race-proven additive that reduces your coolant temperature from 8-10 degrees. It also lubricates your water pump. I use it in all my cars and have had no problems.

Better motor oil cooling? Are you thinking of an oil cooler?
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 08:51 AM
  #6  
R230_Nicke's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 2
From: Stockholm, Sweden
SL 600 640bhp/1000Nm
Originally Posted by maxabo
Well, I've read that thread before, allthough it has expanded a bit since then.
Sounds very nice, that ECU.
Regarding TCU I'm not sure what to believe, since some say it's no use on a AMG car ("AMG Speedshift"), and others say there is...

About ECU, I'm also considering Kleemann.
Not because they are the best, because I do think speedriven or Tumba could make a better job there!
But just because I think it raises the value of the car if I go with a "Well Known Tuner", like Kleemann, Väth or something like that...

I'm being somewhat afraid of revealing to the next owner of my car, that i got it tuned by something/someone else...

But I've used Tumba many times before, and friends of mine too, and we have been more than happy with their results!
Sadly, they don't do TCU's...

Why?
No problem since You most likely will sell it to me
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 10:47 AM
  #7  
maxabo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 8
From: Sweden
2008 MB CL600. 2020 MB E300 de. 1987 BMW M535i.
Originally Posted by R230_Nicke
Why?
No problem since You most likely will sell it to me
Ha hah haa..!
Got your point there..!

But I'm just soo thrilled with the idea of seeing this car, which to me is "Creme de la Creme" already stock,
being topped of with some tuning (visable emblems, of course) saying;
-Sorry, but stock was just not enough for me, guys..!
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 10:49 AM
  #8  
maxabo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 8
From: Sweden
2008 MB CL600. 2020 MB E300 de. 1987 BMW M535i.
Originally Posted by LOVEMYBS
Better motor oil cooling? Are you thinking of an oil cooler?
Yes.
In that case a bigger, or a second, cooler...

Thanks for the info given!
And where can I get/read more about this "Water Wetter"..?

Last edited by maxabo; Apr 26, 2010 at 11:00 AM.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 11:36 AM
  #9  
LOVEMYBS's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 917
Likes: 1
From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
Originally Posted by maxabo
Yes.
In that case a bigger, or a second, cooler...

Thanks for the info given!
And where can I get/read more about this "Water Wetter"..?
Yes, Water Wetter is manufactured by RedLine at http://www.redlineoil.com/Products.aspx?pcid=10
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 12:16 PM
  #10  
AMGfan's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 5
From: Tampa, Florida
06 SL65 / 97 993tt /11 Suburban/ 2012 GTR (AMG è la mia Famiglia la Bestia è la mia protezione)
- Heat soak (moreso on the 65 than my 55)...get a larger IC radiator or secondary cooling system in your trunk.

- Wire your IC pump to run continuously.

- Get larger intercoolers (I believe SpeeDriven have them...they designed them for VRP)...

- Get ECU tune...

Take care of heat soak first then get ECU tune...
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 03:05 PM
  #11  
Marcus Frost's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 3
From: Chicago, IL
Real Cars
Originally Posted by maxabo
I've just put a downpayment on a 2007 SL65. FINALLY.
Been looking around here for the tuning questions I have, but without finding any...
Hopefully this will get me some answers..;

1. Where is the tightest "bottleneck" on a 65..?
Heat dissapation & relatively small turbochargers (for size of engine)

Up front, I'm getting a ECU, of course!
But then what..? What comes next in line..?
Or better yet, in what order..?

- air filters,
- bigger IC,
- more efficient water pump for the turbos,
- better motor oil cooling,
- exhaust (like metal cats for instance)..?
- Or non of the above, but something else instead..?
#2 and #3 should be at the top of your list. R230 can add very large additional heat exchanger due to design of the front bumper, take advantage of it.

2. Is there any use in replacing the stock water pump into a CM30 pump (I already have one laying around), with or without the ECU..?

(Ps. We have 100 octane gas at the stations here.)

Veery grateful for answers, guys..!
Even for just thoughts and ideas!
I would replace the stock pump with a Meziere pump instead of the CM30. After running numerous CM30s I am now convinced that Meziere makes the best pump that actually flows better than stock and has superior build quality. It is around $250USD for the pump and required fittings.

-m
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 04:17 PM
  #12  
maxabo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 8
From: Sweden
2008 MB CL600. 2020 MB E300 de. 1987 BMW M535i.
Very interesting inputs there!
Thanks a lot!
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2011 | 05:50 PM
  #13  
SLKV12TT's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
SL600 190SL
Meziere pump

Where can I buy the Meziere Pump and which model do I purchase?

My SL600 (2004) was inspected by MB Dealer today and they say computer says heat levels were exceeded. No light for pump failure or anything but they say this is a sign the pump is going bad. True?



Originally Posted by Marcus Frost
Heat dissapation & relatively small turbochargers (for size of engine)



#2 and #3 should be at the top of your list. R230 can add very large additional heat exchanger due to design of the front bumper, take advantage of it.



I would replace the stock pump with a Meziere pump instead of the CM30. After running numerous CM30s I am now convinced that Meziere makes the best pump that actually flows better than stock and has superior build quality. It is around $250USD for the pump and required fittings.

-m
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 1 votes, 5.00 average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:24 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE