Benz getting more aggresive hunting for ECU tunes at dealers. Heads up!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,092
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From: Salt Lake City (but not Morm)
2003 E55 & 2014 GL550
Benz getting more aggresive hunting for ECU tunes at dealers. Heads up!
Great talk catching up with my buddy who works at the local Stealer.
He said for the first time he noticed a bulletin come through on Star about "how to uncover aftermarket tuning" on cars coming through the shop.
He didn't say it was required for techs to snoop, but obviously Benz is jumping in early with this as we approach nirvana of a Twin Turbd V8 E55.
Wouldn't doubt if they eventually will alter Star Das to check the ECU and alert the tech about aftermarket.
Also bet they are gonna be highly guarded over my old idea of just "buying a spare ecu" and swapping out for service.
Can't wait. I just LOVE this cat and mouse stuff.
He said for the first time he noticed a bulletin come through on Star about "how to uncover aftermarket tuning" on cars coming through the shop.
He didn't say it was required for techs to snoop, but obviously Benz is jumping in early with this as we approach nirvana of a Twin Turbd V8 E55.
Wouldn't doubt if they eventually will alter Star Das to check the ECU and alert the tech about aftermarket.
Also bet they are gonna be highly guarded over my old idea of just "buying a spare ecu" and swapping out for service.
Can't wait. I just LOVE this cat and mouse stuff.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
Great talk catching up with my buddy who works at the local Stealer.
He said for the first time he noticed a bulletin come through on Star about "how to uncover aftermarket tuning" on cars coming through the shop.
He didn't say it was required for techs to snoop, but obviously Benz is jumping in early with this as we approach nirvana of a Twin Turbd V8 E55.
Wouldn't doubt if they eventually will alter Star Das to check the ECU and alert the tech about aftermarket.
Also bet they are gonna be highly guarded over my old idea of just "buying a spare ecu" and swapping out for service.
Can't wait. I just LOVE this cat and mouse stuff.
He said for the first time he noticed a bulletin come through on Star about "how to uncover aftermarket tuning" on cars coming through the shop.
He didn't say it was required for techs to snoop, but obviously Benz is jumping in early with this as we approach nirvana of a Twin Turbd V8 E55.
Wouldn't doubt if they eventually will alter Star Das to check the ECU and alert the tech about aftermarket.
Also bet they are gonna be highly guarded over my old idea of just "buying a spare ecu" and swapping out for service.
Can't wait. I just LOVE this cat and mouse stuff.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 39
From: Northern VA
2006 E55
The newer BMW's actully have an "after market tuning device detected" code. Unbelievable!
One way around the Mercedes issue is to have a flash drive and flash the ecu back to stock for the dealer visit. While not foolproof, should suffice.
The new amg engine is going to be a whole new ball game. Might have to resort back to the rice days and just slap a $40 manual boost control on those engines....lol.
One way around the Mercedes issue is to have a flash drive and flash the ecu back to stock for the dealer visit. While not foolproof, should suffice.
The new amg engine is going to be a whole new ball game. Might have to resort back to the rice days and just slap a $40 manual boost control on those engines....lol.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
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From: Houston
2003 W211 E55, 2003 W220 S600
if you connect your car to STAR DAS you can look at the ecu reflash table and see how and when the ecu has been reflased.
I guess the techs have this at their disposal but never really cared too much to look for ECU modifications.
I guess the techs have this at their disposal but never really cared too much to look for ECU modifications.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: NYC - CT
03 E55 AMG - 01 996 TT
havent tuned the E55 yet
but for my 996tt i got a tune, worked great
has the ability to go to different modes, 91 oct, 93 oct, 104 oct, and STOCK MODE, all controlled by the cruise control arm
completely invisible to DEALERS
anyone know if i can do something like this for my e55
but for my 996tt i got a tune, worked great
has the ability to go to different modes, 91 oct, 93 oct, 104 oct, and STOCK MODE, all controlled by the cruise control arm
completely invisible to DEALERS
anyone know if i can do something like this for my e55
Former Vendor of MBWorld
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From: Houston
2003 W211 E55, 2003 W220 S600
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Junior Member
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From: NYC - CT
03 E55 AMG - 01 996 TT
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: NYC - CT
03 E55 AMG - 01 996 TT
How EMCS Works
Step 1
Press and hold the "set" button on your cruise control. After approximately five seconds, the "check engine" light on your dash will begin to blink once per second. This will tell you that you are activating program one. This blinking sequence will continue for approximately five seconds.
After this five second interval, the "check engine" light will begin blinking twice per second. This will indicate that you have activated the second program. This process is continued to access any remaining programs you may have purchased. (three blinks = program three, four blinks = program four).
Step 2
Once you have activated the desired program, simply release the "set" button. The "check engine" light will stop flashing. Turn the ignition key off for 10 seconds, turn the key back on, and you will be locked in that program until you change it again.
It's that simple.
Available Features
APR's EMCS is a truly modular system that allows for future enhancements and features to be added as they are developed without the need for additional hardware. EMCS makes the following advanced features possible:
Step 1
Press and hold the "set" button on your cruise control. After approximately five seconds, the "check engine" light on your dash will begin to blink once per second. This will tell you that you are activating program one. This blinking sequence will continue for approximately five seconds.
After this five second interval, the "check engine" light will begin blinking twice per second. This will indicate that you have activated the second program. This process is continued to access any remaining programs you may have purchased. (three blinks = program three, four blinks = program four).
Step 2
Once you have activated the desired program, simply release the "set" button. The "check engine" light will stop flashing. Turn the ignition key off for 10 seconds, turn the key back on, and you will be locked in that program until you change it again.
It's that simple.
Available Features
APR's EMCS is a truly modular system that allows for future enhancements and features to be added as they are developed without the need for additional hardware. EMCS makes the following advanced features possible:
- Program Switching Enables you to swap between two or more engine programs using the cruise control stalk. All cars have stock and standard chipped program versions available. Valet, race-gas, and other specialty programs are available for most models.
- Fault Code Erase/Throttle Body Alignment (FCE/TBA) Fault Code Erase allows you to erase and reset engine related trouble codes without having to use a specialty tool. Throttle Body Alignment allows you to manually perform throttle-body adaptation.
- Security Lockout Prevents unauthorized personnel from accessing EMCS functions. The user may select any 2 to 4 digit security code. The security code is entered using the cruise control buttons.
- Anti-Theft You can render your car immobile to thieves, even if there is an attempt to start the car with your own key! For more information about Anti-Theft, click here.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, TX
2007 E63, 2005 Dodge Ram Hemi
The newer BMW's actully have an "after market tuning device detected" code. Unbelievable!
One way around the Mercedes issue is to have a flash drive and flash the ecu back to stock for the dealer visit. While not foolproof, should suffice.
The new amg engine is going to be a whole new ball game. Might have to resort back to the rice days and just slap a $40 manual boost control on those engines....lol.
One way around the Mercedes issue is to have a flash drive and flash the ecu back to stock for the dealer visit. While not foolproof, should suffice.
The new amg engine is going to be a whole new ball game. Might have to resort back to the rice days and just slap a $40 manual boost control on those engines....lol.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,732
Likes: 1
From: NJ
2005 E55
Is ECU tuning really necessary for a TTV8?
I remember in the good ole days, we would slap on an HKS electronic valve controller to keep the wastegate closed long enough to build higher boost. At boost levels that made sense with stock turbos, the stock ECU and injectors would be able to call for sufficient fuel to give you safe, moderate hp gains.
Do we think that these upcoming ECU's will override the ability to do that?
I understand the modern preference for tuning the ECU to keep the wastegate closed longer than stock programming calls for in order to generate higher boost levels, but can't the same result be obtained safely with a manual override of the wastegate, like an EVC?
I have been out of the tuning game for a long time, so I am more than prepared to be corrected.
I remember in the good ole days, we would slap on an HKS electronic valve controller to keep the wastegate closed long enough to build higher boost. At boost levels that made sense with stock turbos, the stock ECU and injectors would be able to call for sufficient fuel to give you safe, moderate hp gains.
Do we think that these upcoming ECU's will override the ability to do that?
I understand the modern preference for tuning the ECU to keep the wastegate closed longer than stock programming calls for in order to generate higher boost levels, but can't the same result be obtained safely with a manual override of the wastegate, like an EVC?
I have been out of the tuning game for a long time, so I am more than prepared to be corrected.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 3
From: Glendale Arizona
C55,SL55,C63
You could get a RENNtech R.A.T. remote tuner. With a RAT, you can have a stock, performance, and race fuel files at your finger tips. Load up the file and hit the road.
The days of mailing your ECU in for tuning are kind of over. The way it works is. You oder a tune and a RAT from any RENNtech dealer. A file is made for your car then uploaded onto the RAT. The RAT is mailed off to you. Oce you get the RAT tuner, you marry it to your car via OBDII. Durring the marring process your vin ID is logged and the RAT becomes usable only by that car.
The RAT is can hold 2 files at one time on it. Allowing you to switch between any combo of the two files you have uploaded to the car.
The RAT plugs in to your home PC via USB port. Then Its a matter of dragging and dropping the two files you want onto the RAT. If you have more than 2 files (including stock) You can store the other one on your PC for use later.
Its a cool tool. I remember having to go to the shop and upload my 100oct file on Friday when I wasnt racing until Sunday morning. It made for an expensive weekend at the pump. When I was only wanting to run 5 or so passed.
At $795 for the RENNtech RAT tuner, Its a cool, convenient investment.
The days of mailing your ECU in for tuning are kind of over. The way it works is. You oder a tune and a RAT from any RENNtech dealer. A file is made for your car then uploaded onto the RAT. The RAT is mailed off to you. Oce you get the RAT tuner, you marry it to your car via OBDII. Durring the marring process your vin ID is logged and the RAT becomes usable only by that car.
The RAT is can hold 2 files at one time on it. Allowing you to switch between any combo of the two files you have uploaded to the car.
The RAT plugs in to your home PC via USB port. Then Its a matter of dragging and dropping the two files you want onto the RAT. If you have more than 2 files (including stock) You can store the other one on your PC for use later.
Its a cool tool. I remember having to go to the shop and upload my 100oct file on Friday when I wasnt racing until Sunday morning. It made for an expensive weekend at the pump. When I was only wanting to run 5 or so passed.
At $795 for the RENNtech RAT tuner, Its a cool, convenient investment.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
You could get a RENNtech R.A.T. remote tuner. With a RAT, you can have a stock, performance, and race fuel files at your finger tips. Load up the file and hit the road.
The days of mailing your ECU in for tuning are kind of over. The way it works is. You oder a tune and a RAT from any RENNtech dealer. A file is made for your car then uploaded onto the RAT. The RAT is mailed off to you. Oce you get the RAT tuner, you marry it to your car via OBDII. Durring the marring process your vin ID is logged and the RAT becomes usable only by that car.
The RAT is can hold 2 files at one time on it. Allowing you to switch between any combo of the two files you have uploaded to the car.
The RAT plugs in to your home PC via USB port. Then Its a matter of dragging and dropping the two files you want onto the RAT. If you have more than 2 files (including stock) You can store the other one on your PC for use later.
Its a cool tool. I remember having to go to the shop and upload my 100oct file on Friday when I wasnt racing until Sunday morning. It made for an expensive weekend at the pump. When I was only wanting to run 5 or so passed.
At $795 for the RENNtech RAT tuner, Its a cool, convenient investment.
The days of mailing your ECU in for tuning are kind of over. The way it works is. You oder a tune and a RAT from any RENNtech dealer. A file is made for your car then uploaded onto the RAT. The RAT is mailed off to you. Oce you get the RAT tuner, you marry it to your car via OBDII. Durring the marring process your vin ID is logged and the RAT becomes usable only by that car.
The RAT is can hold 2 files at one time on it. Allowing you to switch between any combo of the two files you have uploaded to the car.
The RAT plugs in to your home PC via USB port. Then Its a matter of dragging and dropping the two files you want onto the RAT. If you have more than 2 files (including stock) You can store the other one on your PC for use later.
Its a cool tool. I remember having to go to the shop and upload my 100oct file on Friday when I wasnt racing until Sunday morning. It made for an expensive weekend at the pump. When I was only wanting to run 5 or so passed.
At $795 for the RENNtech RAT tuner, Its a cool, convenient investment.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,735
Likes: 1
CLK 63 Black Series, 2009 S550, 2011 Range Rover Supercharged, BMW F800 GS Anniv Edition
Great talk catching up with my buddy who works at the local Stealer.
He said for the first time he noticed a bulletin come through on Star about "how to uncover aftermarket tuning" on cars coming through the shop.
He didn't say it was required for techs to snoop, but obviously Benz is jumping in early with this as we approach nirvana of a Twin Turbd V8 E55.
Wouldn't doubt if they eventually will alter Star Das to check the ECU and alert the tech about aftermarket.
Also bet they are gonna be highly guarded over my old idea of just "buying a spare ecu" and swapping out for service.
Can't wait. I just LOVE this cat and mouse stuff.
He said for the first time he noticed a bulletin come through on Star about "how to uncover aftermarket tuning" on cars coming through the shop.
He didn't say it was required for techs to snoop, but obviously Benz is jumping in early with this as we approach nirvana of a Twin Turbd V8 E55.
Wouldn't doubt if they eventually will alter Star Das to check the ECU and alert the tech about aftermarket.
Also bet they are gonna be highly guarded over my old idea of just "buying a spare ecu" and swapping out for service.
Can't wait. I just LOVE this cat and mouse stuff.
https://mbworld.org/forums/4052648-post3.html
I have a feeling we are going to be seeing alot of Status 8's in the near future...
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 3
From: Glendale Arizona
C55,SL55,C63
In all honesty I dont think the RAT in its currant form will work on the new ECU that are coming out. I would think Renntech will be coming out with something though. I might be a good idea to come out with one for the new ECUs. It could potentially avoid customer backlash fro voided warranties.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,697
Likes: 381
2005 E55
guys dont worry bout it,you can raise the boost a few psi with a altered tmap sensor.they have been doing it on the 335s for a while now and you can clear ever tuner code the car throws with a bt scan tool.
the ecu leaves room for different altitude and temp conditions and you will be able to get maybe 3 psi more out of it without any problems.
the ecu leaves room for different altitude and temp conditions and you will be able to get maybe 3 psi more out of it without any problems.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
From: Tustin, CA
2003 E55 AMG
Can't recall at the moment where I saw this on an E55, but perhaps it will come to me. The way it works is the ecu has alternate maps and you simply tune one map for one fuel and another map for another fuel and utilize a toggle switch to switch from one to another. This is the way I have it on my Evo as well; one map is for 22psi and the second is for 40psi. I can easily switch on the fly between the maps with the flip of a switch.
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 192
Likes: 1
From: IL.
ML320cdi, F250dsl.
Great talk catching up with my buddy who works at the local Stealer.
He said for the first time he noticed a bulletin come through on Star about "how to uncover aftermarket tuning" on cars coming through the shop.
He didn't say it was required for techs to snoop, but obviously Benz is jumping in early with this as we approach nirvana of a Twin Turbd V8 E55.
Wouldn't doubt if they eventually will alter Star Das to check the ECU and alert the tech about aftermarket.
Also bet they are gonna be highly guarded over my old idea of just "buying a spare ecu" and swapping out for service.
Can't wait. I just LOVE this cat and mouse stuff.
He said for the first time he noticed a bulletin come through on Star about "how to uncover aftermarket tuning" on cars coming through the shop.
He didn't say it was required for techs to snoop, but obviously Benz is jumping in early with this as we approach nirvana of a Twin Turbd V8 E55.
Wouldn't doubt if they eventually will alter Star Das to check the ECU and alert the tech about aftermarket.
Also bet they are gonna be highly guarded over my old idea of just "buying a spare ecu" and swapping out for service.
Can't wait. I just LOVE this cat and mouse stuff.
Do you have a bulletin number or a release date for this? I just looked through the last 30 days of bulletins that MB released and didn't see anything like it. The new tt motors will be using the same ECU as the 63 cars so the flashing part will not be that different. We have obd flashers for the 63s v12 and v8k cars, but if benz starts checking for tunes bench flashing might be the way to go like it used to be done till recently.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 992
Likes: 11
From: Illinois
GL550, C55, 335i Coupe, vintage Mustang
I have a feeling he was referring to an old bulletin that came out back in 05 regarding tuning kits for the CDI engines. It was re-released again about 18 months ago when we started getting the V-6 diesels. I have seen it and it refers to ways to detect a piggy-back tuner and even shows pictures of a Kleemann KD-box. I check just about daily and haven't seen anything lately. I will definitely pass it on if I see something new though.
Nick
Nick
