ECU Question
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: West Tennessee
E63,,,not any more,,,BMW X5 50i
ECU Question
As I understand it, the ECU in my car (63) has 2 settings,,,one for 87 octane and one for 93 octane. Would there be a difference in performance if it was set at 87 vs 93 assuming that 93 octane fuel is used all of the time....????
The reason for this question is that I took my car to the stealer to have the oil changed,,,and asked if the would look at the ECU and see if it was set/programed at the best setting. (If you look at my posts, I have been fighting an off idle hesitation from day one,,,changed dealers, had the AMG factory techs to my house, replaced engine gaskets to some good but not completely, and still have this hesitation.) Anyway, the stealer told me that he couldn't put my car on the star unless I was to pay an hourly charge,,,I told him ok,,,lets do it. Well he said that he talked with the service manager and he said that all AMG's are set to the max in regards to the ECU and they didn't put it on the star. Just want to confirm what the service manager said...!!
Guys on this board are the only ones I can trust for the answer!
The reason for this question is that I took my car to the stealer to have the oil changed,,,and asked if the would look at the ECU and see if it was set/programed at the best setting. (If you look at my posts, I have been fighting an off idle hesitation from day one,,,changed dealers, had the AMG factory techs to my house, replaced engine gaskets to some good but not completely, and still have this hesitation.) Anyway, the stealer told me that he couldn't put my car on the star unless I was to pay an hourly charge,,,I told him ok,,,lets do it. Well he said that he talked with the service manager and he said that all AMG's are set to the max in regards to the ECU and they didn't put it on the star. Just want to confirm what the service manager said...!!
Guys on this board are the only ones I can trust for the answer!
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 796
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh NC
2007 E63, 2006 C55
RE: ECU
Walt, if your dealer replaced your intake gaskets and you still have a hesitation, you might want to consider getting an ECU tune for your car. Several vendors now offer tunes for the 63 motor, and a tune would probably cure your hesitation issue once and for all.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: West Tennessee
E63,,,not any more,,,BMW X5 50i
You know,,,I totally agree with you, BUT I am kind of undecided if I want to keep the car past its extended warranty (exp. 10/11). This is not a lease vehicle,,,I have owned it since new,,,but the ^%*#@$ hesitation is making me like the car even less. Was on the SLS board (looking),,,and there was an owner with a new SLS who has the hesitation issue. So I don't know if it a '63 engine issue or what. Other than that,,the car has been ok,,,no other issues to speak of really.... I do know that a tune would probably fix my issue,,,just trying to weigh the pro/cons...
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Texas
e55 w/LET TUNE Drinks: vodka STRAIGHT Wheels: 19" HRE 547r Mods:FF headers ASP Pulley
As I understand it, the ECU in my car (63) has 2 settings,,,one for 87 octane and one for 93 octane. Would there be a difference in performance if it was set at 87 vs 93 assuming that 93 octane fuel is used all of the time....????
The reason for this question is that I took my car to the stealer to have the oil changed,,,and asked if the would look at the ECU and see if it was set/programed at the best setting. (If you look at my posts, I have been fighting an off idle hesitation from day one,,,changed dealers, had the AMG factory techs to my house, replaced engine gaskets to some good but not completely, and still have this hesitation.) Anyway, the stealer told me that he couldn't put my car on the star unless I was to pay an hourly charge,,,I told him ok,,,lets do it. Well he said that he talked with the service manager and he said that all AMG's are set to the max in regards to the ECU and they didn't put it on the star. Just want to confirm what the service manager said...!!
Guys on this board are the only ones I can trust for the answer!
The reason for this question is that I took my car to the stealer to have the oil changed,,,and asked if the would look at the ECU and see if it was set/programed at the best setting. (If you look at my posts, I have been fighting an off idle hesitation from day one,,,changed dealers, had the AMG factory techs to my house, replaced engine gaskets to some good but not completely, and still have this hesitation.) Anyway, the stealer told me that he couldn't put my car on the star unless I was to pay an hourly charge,,,I told him ok,,,lets do it. Well he said that he talked with the service manager and he said that all AMG's are set to the max in regards to the ECU and they didn't put it on the star. Just want to confirm what the service manager said...!!
Guys on this board are the only ones I can trust for the answer!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: West Tennessee
E63,,,not any more,,,BMW X5 50i
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 746
Likes: 48
From: Queens,NYC
2014 E63s 1993 mazda rx7 on Boost
LIE and LIE again
The tune might fix it but what if you are the little old lady and only drive to church and don't want a tune, MB should fix the car first and then get a tune if you like. Make sure it is 100% solid with OE performance then upgrade.
If it is under wrnty drop it off take the renter and when they are done go get it. Also let them know you are making a YouTube video of the work and documentation Inc MB USA and it will be fix or maybe a 2011 E63 for the lemon.
If it is under wrnty drop it off take the renter and when they are done go get it. Also let them know you are making a YouTube video of the work and documentation Inc MB USA and it will be fix or maybe a 2011 E63 for the lemon.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: West Tennessee
E63,,,not any more,,,BMW X5 50i
The tune might fix it but what if you are the little old lady and only drive to church and don't want a tune, MB should fix the car first and then get a tune if you like. Make sure it is 100% solid with OE performance then upgrade.
If it is under wrnty drop it off take the renter and when they are done go get it. Also let them know you are making a YouTube video of the work and documentation Inc MB USA and it will be fix or maybe a 2011 E63 for the lemon.
If it is under wrnty drop it off take the renter and when they are done go get it. Also let them know you are making a YouTube video of the work and documentation Inc MB USA and it will be fix or maybe a 2011 E63 for the lemon.
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 746
Likes: 48
From: Queens,NYC
2014 E63s 1993 mazda rx7 on Boost
Load of BS..they have to fix it
Tell tell you want the hesitation option remove from the P2 package :-)
With the money you spend on these cars they should not even question it.
If some cars have it and some don't they need to look at build date ECU burn something that will isolate yours from from the rest or the cars.
I think more pressure on MBUSA and AMG will get it fix since you are under wrnty.
Do you have a list of what was done. Could be as simple as a coil pack going bad with it is hot. I had this on my BMW with no CEL on. I then took my buddy's car and swap everything that we could do that was simple and his car then had the problem and we started to swap back one at a time 2 weeks later ...coil pack.
With the money you spend on these cars they should not even question it.
If some cars have it and some don't they need to look at build date ECU burn something that will isolate yours from from the rest or the cars.
I think more pressure on MBUSA and AMG will get it fix since you are under wrnty.
Do you have a list of what was done. Could be as simple as a coil pack going bad with it is hot. I had this on my BMW with no CEL on. I then took my buddy's car and swap everything that we could do that was simple and his car then had the problem and we started to swap back one at a time 2 weeks later ...coil pack.
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 626
Likes: 3
From: Los Angeles, CA
'03 E55 (My Daily), '01 ML 320 (Wifey), Twin Turbo '69 Camaro (In Progess)
To answer your first question, if the ECU was set to accomodate 87 octane and you were running 93 octane, then your ECU should be advancing spark timing for 91 octane. Your knock sensors would retard ignition timing if you used the lesser grade fuel. I've never heard of an ECU getting "stuck" on a spark advance setting after kock sensors triggered an adjustment, but othewrs may be aware of such an occurrence. A tune would allow you to take advantage of the couple extra octane points for 93 octane so you really pay extra money for 93 octane with no performance gain unless your car is knocking.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 388
Likes: 8
From: Chicago
2008 W463 G500, 2003 Terminator Cobra (710RWHP), 2012 S350 Bluetec, 2010 911 C4S, 2007 VRSCDX
So wait, I have a Hawaii car and the car shipped to a Cali port intially. I know in Cali they only have 91 OCT. This being said I live in Chicago, how do I know what my Octane Tune is?
Also based on what I am reading I am paying for 93 Octane and not getting the performace out of it potentially. Does anyone know the VINs and ECUs with this potential issues? Is there a way to see this with STAR?
Thanks
Also based on what I am reading I am paying for 93 Octane and not getting the performace out of it potentially. Does anyone know the VINs and ECUs with this potential issues? Is there a way to see this with STAR?
Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 388
Likes: 8
From: Chicago
2008 W463 G500, 2003 Terminator Cobra (710RWHP), 2012 S350 Bluetec, 2010 911 C4S, 2007 VRSCDX
I have had 2 dealers working on it as well as a AMG tech guy from MB. There is a hesitation,,,does not happen all of the time,,,they just kind of admitted that it's just the way it is,,,some vehicles have it some don't,,,,mine does. I don't think the lemon law would apply to this though........
Can you describe the hesitation? Are you saying when you mosh the gas it doesnt spin the tires? Does it spin the tires but only a little?
Should the car just roast the tires when you stomp on the gas in a 63?
Sorry for the silly questions but in my 63 the wheels spin but there is a hesitation/build up before it lets loose. Example: From a rollout the car is exceptionally faster than if i just smash the gas pedal. ESP lights start to go off around 30
Now I would expect with (500hp) if I smashed the gas from go the ESP to light up. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesnt. I did notice it was better after the transmission reset trick.
Thanks
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: PHX and NYC
11 QX56, 09 E63, 00 S2000
The way I've always understood it is that the ECU retards timing to prevent knock, it senses what octane fuel you are using and after a few cycles will go to the right setting. So if you are using 87 octane instead of 91. It will compensate for the 87 therefore causing you to lose performance. Once you've loaded up on 91 it will go through a few cycles learn that you are on 91 and go back to the timing it was set for.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: West Tennessee
E63,,,not any more,,,BMW X5 50i
Can you describe the hesitation? Are you saying when you mosh the gas it doesnt spin the tires? Does it spin the tires but only a little?
Should the car just roast the tires when you stomp on the gas in a 63?
Sorry for the silly questions but in my 63 the wheels spin but there is a hesitation/build up before it lets loose. Example: From a rollout the car is exceptionally faster than if i just smash the gas pedal. ESP lights start to go off around 30
Now I would expect with (500hp) if I smashed the gas from go the ESP to light up. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesnt. I did notice it was better after the transmission reset trick.
Thanks
Should the car just roast the tires when you stomp on the gas in a 63?
Sorry for the silly questions but in my 63 the wheels spin but there is a hesitation/build up before it lets loose. Example: From a rollout the car is exceptionally faster than if i just smash the gas pedal. ESP lights start to go off around 30
Now I would expect with (500hp) if I smashed the gas from go the ESP to light up. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesnt. I did notice it was better after the transmission reset trick.
Thanks
Thats why I thought if the ECU was set-up for 87 and not 93,,that would explain it,,,,but I guess I'm wrong
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: West Tennessee
E63,,,not any more,,,BMW X5 50i
Tell tell you want the hesitation option remove from the P2 package :-)
With the money you spend on these cars they should not even question it.
If some cars have it and some don't they need to look at build date ECU burn something that will isolate yours from from the rest or the cars.
I think more pressure on MBUSA and AMG will get it fix since you are under wrnty.
Do you have a list of what was done. Could be as simple as a coil pack going bad with it is hot. I had this on my BMW with no CEL on. I then took my buddy's car and swap everything that we could do that was simple and his car then had the problem and we started to swap back one at a time 2 weeks later ...coil pack.
With the money you spend on these cars they should not even question it.
If some cars have it and some don't they need to look at build date ECU burn something that will isolate yours from from the rest or the cars.
I think more pressure on MBUSA and AMG will get it fix since you are under wrnty.
Do you have a list of what was done. Could be as simple as a coil pack going bad with it is hot. I had this on my BMW with no CEL on. I then took my buddy's car and swap everything that we could do that was simple and his car then had the problem and we started to swap back one at a time 2 weeks later ...coil pack.
I did get a tip from a fellow Tennessean about a shop that I will check out!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 746
Likes: 48
From: Queens,NYC
2014 E63s 1993 mazda rx7 on Boost
how many miles on the car?
Could it be a bad fuel filter? I am thinking it is something simple..
Make a list of everything they change and looked at.
I have 07 60k and did the fuel filter pull the plugs but they were good.
Is it an ignition or fuel mis...which would you say it seem more to be.
Make a list of everything they change and looked at.
I have 07 60k and did the fuel filter pull the plugs but they were good.
Is it an ignition or fuel mis...which would you say it seem more to be.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: West Tennessee
E63,,,not any more,,,BMW X5 50i
Thanks for the suggestions..............
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 6,952
Likes: 4
From: Hollywood CA
2011 twin turboed prius
They really didn't chamge anything but the engine gaskets and that helped somewhat,,,but this has been going on since the vehicle was new,,,,they also will not go "hunt" and pull things from the engine or ECU and try it with another piece like it,,,,I already tried to get them to do that but they won't..
Thanks for the suggestions..............
Thanks for the suggestions..............
sorry to hear you never cured your car. I would install the non amg sprint booster and forget the dealer as they will never figure it out.
I am 100% confident the non amg sprint booster cures the hesitation all for 200 bucks
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 402
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From: West Tennessee
E63,,,not any more,,,BMW X5 50i
Hey Juicee62,,,Haven't seen a post from you in a while,glad to see you still here....btw, I am (as you can tell by the posts) not a diehard poster like some,,,hey, here in Tennessee, the lack of good shops makes you not want to mod too much,,,but to answer your suggestion,,,wife drives this car mostly during the week (I have a company car),,,and I doubt that she will ever get into a sprint booster,,,looking at a tune to cure the vehicle,,or trade it in for (dare I say another brand) or another AMG, but if I can get this cured,, probably will keep it. Only 35,000 miles on a 2007....
