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Aftermarket Heat Exchanger Solutions for W212/M157
In the quest to lower IATs, I've been looking into options and haven't see much other than the AMS and Renntech offerings, and very little in the way of info from real-world usage by someone other than the manufacturer. Have any of you moved to an aftermarket heat exchanger or other cooling solution? I would love to hear some feedback, especially from those who data log. Thanks!
I've had the luxury of reviewing the performance of a few different W212 E63S cars now from fellow enthusiasts who send me their logs...
When reviewing one of the guys logs I found that his IAT's recovered much better than mine during a similar dyno session in similar ambient temps using the same dyno and fan setup.
Once off boost his car's intake temps reverted back to normal much faster than mine, not retaining latent heat.
His start of run was 96°F and increased by 11°F during the run to end at 111°F
Mine started at 101°F and increased to 126°F over the same run, or 25°F increase.
My cooling system is stock.
His was augmented with the AMS Performance Aux Heat Exchanger.
This isn't a plug for AMS, but the logs I saw showed a definite improvement and its a piece of hardware I am seriously considering.
This isn't a power adder, but it definitely helps mitigate heat soak effects.
The stuff showed a tangible improvement in performance...
Any of you guys looked into having the IC pump activated throughout or earlier than it is originally(I believe 111° or 113°) suppose to go on? I recently did a quick log w 5ok0 and my starting IAT was at 75° and after a pull it touched 113°, all this on a 57° ambient in NY.
I am also looking into upgrading the heat exchangers, PLM also offers a very similar setup as AMS for a bit less
You end up replacing both sides, but one of the upgraded units is installed upside down?
The other (right side) is the standard upgraded unit with the logo that is correct?
Is the $700 for one unit? or both sides?
Nice having data supporting the upgrade
If you have the S model you will need two, with one inverted in relation to the other.
I'm excited to see that an alternate supplier has been identified by Adnan in the thread above.
Originally Posted by Adnan Siddiqui
Any of you guys looked into having the IC pump activated throughout or earlier than it is originally(I believe 111° or 113°) suppose to go on? I recently did a quick log w 5ok0 and my starting IAT was at 75° and after a pull it touched 113°, all this on a 57° ambient in NY.
I am also looking into upgrading the heat exchangers, PLM also offers a very similar setup as AMS for a bit less
These look to be similar quality and the price is a lot more attractive, given we need to buy two. I like the fact its not emblazoned with an upside down logo either...
Hopefully these are around when i decide to purchase... they are next in line following a TCU tune for me.
A friend and I decided to pull the trigger on a much larger and much less known main heat exchanger for our cars. Since the main heat exchanger is hidden between the AC condenser and radiator I really didn’t care for the “looks” of the unit. the core itself seems decent, however the side welds look like they were done by a 7 year old. Both tested for leaks and they passed, so really I’m not too concerned about visual here. Considering the nearest option is about 3 times the price, if this doesn’t work I won’t cry over throwing it in the garbage, however I don’t see why it shouldn’t.
I’m replacing my bumper over the next few weeks, so hoping to tackle the install while it’s all apart.
Stock exchanger holds 0.7L of coolant I believe, this one fits just over 4.6L, more than 6 times than stock. I believe it should have a major effect on IAT.
I also saw the intercoolers below on frozen boost, they look very similar to the ones GAD runs on their setups, I’m considering trying that option if I’m not happy with the IAT after the heat exchanger is installed.
I've had the luxury of reviewing the performance of a few different W212 E63S cars now from fellow enthusiasts who send me their logs...
When reviewing one of the guys logs I found that his IAT's recovered much better than mine during a similar dyno session in similar ambient temps using the same dyno and fan setup.
Once off boost his car's intake temps reverted back to normal much faster than mine, not retaining latent heat.
His start of run was 96°F and increased by 11°F during the run to end at 111°F
Mine started at 101°F and increased to 126°F over the same run, or 25°F increase.
My cooling system is stock.
His was augmented with the AMS Performance Aux Heat Exchanger.
This isn't a plug for AMS, but the logs I saw showed a definite improvement and its a piece of hardware I am seriously considering.
This isn't a power adder, but it definitely helps mitigate heat soak effects.
The stuff showed a tangible improvement in performance...
Great info, thanks! Impressive difference by replacing only the aux heat exchangers. Any thoughts on replacing the aux heat exchangers in conjunction with the main heat exchanger? I need to log some dragy runs, but on the dyno, my car picked up a solid 10hp by letting it cool off a little; IIRC, the IATs were 10 degrees lower on the second pull, and Im not sure they had sufficient airflow with two small fans in front of the car.
Happy to see there are some alternatives for heat exchangers out there too, and look forward to seeing some results; valuable input everyone!
Tim, that works for me as my coolant temps seem fine. Its only the IATs that suffer when misbehaving.
One of those PLM Aux heat exchangers at ~$500 seems good value when compared to others. I'm guessing the Mercedes Tax isn't as high with those guys.
Tim, that works for me as my coolant temps seem fine. Its only the IATs that suffer when misbehaving.
One of those PLM Aux heat exchangers at ~$500 seems good value when compared to others. I'm guessing the Mercedes Tax isn't as high with those guys.
its a nice upgrade for sure, especially if tuned. Keep us in the loop if you go through with it, it will be one of the first upgrades i make as soon as im tuned.
Ran across this one on eBay - description says it is the PLM, not sure why it costs significantly less though. https://www.ebay.com/itm/254234889976
It does not look PLM. The pressed logo says AUTOX; the end tanks are welded, not billet; hose inlet/outlet welded farther from the edge. It appears that some plastic air duct/shroud modification is needed. The shroud holds the water cooler top and bottom end tanks, which appear to be 28mm thicker across (no stepping) than stock. It means some irreversible mod is required for fitment. The eBay page says that. I wonder how firm the product is held in place. The Alpha and PLM coolers have stepping and shall fit without any mods.
It does not look PLM. The pressed logo says AUTOX; the end tanks are welded, not billet; hose inlet/outlet welded farther from the edge. It appears that some plastic air duct/shroud modification is needed. The shroud holds the water cooler top and bottom end tanks, which appear to be 28mm thicker across (no stepping) than stock. It means some irreversible mod is required for fitment. The eBay page says that. I wonder how firm the product is held in place. The Alpha and PLM coolers have stepping and shall fit without any mods.
The ad description does say PLM that’s because they copied and pasted the entire text of PLM’s website.
it’s crazy how much parts are worth after removing the AMG tax lol
i sent an email to the eBay one to get measurements and to see how much bigger than stock the unit actually is. Also asked for some info on what needs to be trimmed.
i mean at 200 bucks it’s a no brainer.
I had the full AMS on my 2012, no change in temps from stock on normal driving but extremely quick to get back to normal after multiple spirited back to back runs even in a Dyno.
What we gathered was there are ecu controls on the iats, attempting to run pumps all the time will result in less power overall. Ecu will log as some kind of a problem (no cel, just internal codes)
For these auxiliary heat exchangers, how is the install? Can it be done under the car, or does the bumper need to come off? Those PLM ones look quite nice.
Will be interesting to hear their Ebayer's response. Def a significant difference in price minus the MB tax.
What I asked:
Any pictures of which piece of plastic needs to be trimmed? Also how much larger is this comparing to the stock unit? Also your description says it’s PLM but the top of the unit is stamped with AutoX. So which one is it?
What they replied with:
Hi there, Sorry We don't have pics of which piece of plastic needs to be trimmed. this is one customer who have CLA45 AMG told me after to install.I don't think any car need to be trimmed.I copy description from PLM. this brand is Autox. same as PLM. made in Taiwan.I don't know how much larger is this comparing to the stock unit. Sorry
04-27-2020, 10:44 AM
