Hand-held tune for E63s w213: Renntech or MWMods/MWM
I've almost convinced myself to go with Renntech. They are world-renowned and their reputation speaks for itself. The only doubt I have is about the price. Is the cost of almost 3k justified?
I've also decided to order a lowering module from Most Wanted Mods. Their lowering module is three times cheaper than Renntech's, and the reviews say it works perfectly. It turns out that MWM also produces an ECU tune Stage 1, which works similarly to Renntech's, promises similar power gain, and costs three times less – about $1,000 for tuning an E63s. Moreover, they offer a package deal for both Stage 1 tune and the lowering module, which is quite attractive. Now I'm confused and wondering what to do.
My question to you guys is this: has anyone tried the ECU tune Stage 1 from Most Wanted Mods, and what can you say about it? What are the pros and cons, and what should I pay attention to?
Thanks in advance.
Depending on which model you have (maybe?), to get the most out of it, you would get three Stage I tunes (although not mandatory): ECU, TCU, and CPC. An ECU-only tune can only do so much, as the CPC will limit what the ECU can do even if the ECU has been programmed beyond what the CPC would restrict it at. Then the TCU needs to be programmed for things like proper shift timing to accompany what the ECU is telling the engine to do and what the CPC is allowing everything to do. Again, not mandatory, but I hope that helps explain it a bit.
A really good tune costs $1500-2500 for each of these. (I am thinking in CAD though so I don't know exact ranges for USD.)
I'm sure someone with more experience can correct me or elaborate further than I can.
Depending on which model you have (maybe?), to get the most out of it, you would get three Stage I tunes (although not mandatory): ECU, TCU, and CPC. An ECU-only tune can only do so much, as the CPC will limit what the ECU can do even if the ECU has been programmed beyond what the CPC would restrict it at. Then the TCU needs to be programmed for things like proper shift timing to accompany what the ECU is telling the engine to do and what the CPC is allowing everything to do. Again, not mandatory, but I hope that helps explain it a bit.
A really good tune costs $1500-2500 for each of these. (I am thinking in CAD though so I don't know exact ranges for USD.)
I'm sure someone with more experience can correct me or elaborate further than I can.
Anecdotally, I ran around with the PTG ECU tune for a week before my CPC arrived and ran multiple scenarios with it, the difference before CPC and after CPC is massive for Stage 1 cars. Bare minimum with these cars you should be tuning the ECU and CPC.
A word on RennTech, they're overpriced and do the exact same thing as other tuners with zero additional benefit. Eurocharged and PTG both do just as good of a job and all in they cost as much for ECU and CPC as Renntech costs just for the tune.
I am incredibly happy with my PTG tune, the car has lost zero reliability. ECU/TCU/CPC is the way.
Edit, PTG tune is done via OBD with a laptop and I love how their system works as well. Super easy.
Last edited by Cylinder Head; May 31, 2023 at 02:42 PM.
Anecdotally, I ran around with the PTG ECU tune for a week before my CPC arrived and ran multiple scenarios with it, the difference before CPC and after CPC is massive for Stage 1 cars. Bare minimum with these cars you should be tuning the ECU and CPC.
A word on RennTech, they're overpriced and do the exact same thing as other tuners with zero additional benefit. Eurocharged and PTG both do just as good of a job and all in they cost as much for ECU and CPC as Renntech costs just for the tune.
I am incredibly happy with my PTG tune, the car has lost zero reliability. ECU/TCU/CPC is the way.
Edit, PTG tune is done via OBD with a laptop and I love how their system works as well. Super easy.
stay away for renntech , they used to be good but not anymore.
my guess is OP and I aren’t looking for glossy numbers or every last tenth. Speaking for myself I want a noticeable bump with little worry I’m stressing a mega expensive engine. So if your PTG ECU tune BEFORE CPC gave you a noticeable difference that would mean the article above makes sense and there’s some gains with ECU only. I have no doubt CPC opens things up even more but I like the ease of a handheld tuner from AMR or MWMODS or whomever. Which gets back to the initial question - who’s running an MWMODSstage 1 and how is it holding up? The thread after this one (if you scroll down) suggests someone in the S class forum is happy with the MWMOD stage 1
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my guess is OP and I aren’t looking for glossy numbers or every last tenth. Speaking for myself I want a noticeable bump with little worry I’m stressing a mega expensive engine. So if your PTG ECU tune BEFORE CPC gave you a noticeable difference that would mean the article above makes sense and there’s some gains with ECU only. I have no doubt CPC opens things up even more but I like the ease of a handheld tuner from AMR or MWMODS or whomever. Which gets back to the initial question - who’s running an MWMODSstage 1 and how is it holding up? The thread after this one (if you scroll down) suggests someone in the S class forum is happy with the MWMOD stage 1
I think it's perfectly valid to discuss these things in a thread about tunes. The OP (you are not the OP) said they're new to the platform, so we're trying to tell them how tunes work for it.
EDIT: That being said, I also think the OP should understand what Renntech is really like, which several have mentioned. And also how reputable is the MWM tune? Is it tuned too aggressively and will damage the engine/powertrain over time? Or is it not tuned for every last # to stay confidently within the safety envelope?
Last edited by LMinn; Jun 1, 2023 at 06:25 AM. Reason: Added one point at end




my guess is OP and I aren’t looking for glossy numbers or every last tenth. Speaking for myself I want a noticeable bump with little worry I’m stressing a mega expensive engine. So if your PTG ECU tune BEFORE CPC gave you a noticeable difference that would mean the article above makes sense and there’s some gains with ECU only. I have no doubt CPC opens things up even more but I like the ease of a handheld tuner from AMR or MWMODS or whomever. Which gets back to the initial question - who’s running an MWMODSstage 1 and how is it holding up? The thread after this one (if you scroll down) suggests someone in the S class forum is happy with the MWMOD stage 1
Strongly recommend checking the forum for actual user experiences and discussions about different companies.
Sure other's have different needs, and ARE trying to break records. That's awesome too! There's a tune for that as well.
IMHO pay a *little* more, talk to a real tuner about your mods and needs, buy a canned tune with support.
my guess is OP and I aren’t looking for glossy numbers or every last tenth. Speaking for myself I want a noticeable bump with little worry I’m stressing a mega expensive engine. So if your PTG ECU tune BEFORE CPC gave you a noticeable difference that would mean the article above makes sense and there’s some gains with ECU only. I have no doubt CPC opens things up even more but I like the ease of a handheld tuner from AMR or MWMODS or whomever. Which gets back to the initial question - who’s running an MWMODSstage 1 and how is it holding up? The thread after this one (if you scroll down) suggests someone in the S class forum is happy with the MWMOD stage 1
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...-ecu-tune.html
I've almost convinced myself to go with Renntech. They are world-renowned and their reputation speaks for itself. The only doubt I have is about the price. Is the cost of almost 3k justified?
I've also decided to order a lowering module from Most Wanted Mods. Their lowering module is three times cheaper than Renntech's, and the reviews say it works perfectly. It turns out that MWM also produces an ECU tune Stage 1, which works similarly to Renntech's, promises similar power gain, and costs three times less – about $1,000 for tuning an E63s. Moreover, they offer a package deal for both Stage 1 tune and the lowering module, which is quite attractive. Now I'm confused and wondering what to do.
My question to you guys is this: has anyone tried the ECU tune Stage 1 from Most Wanted Mods, and what can you say about it? What are the pros and cons, and what should I pay attention to?
Thanks in advance.
Our module does not disable any of the existing engine control unit protection systems, the priority of the module is engine life.
It all depends on what you want to get from the tuning. If your goal is to get better throttle response and more horsepower for everyday use without risking the engine our product is what you're looking for.
As for the price - we do offer a package deal for both Stage1 tune + lowering module . Do not be confused by the price, we produce a complete product, which fully complies with the description on the website and other sources.
I think it's perfectly valid to discuss these things in a thread about tunes. The OP (you are not the OP) said they're new to the platform, so we're trying to tell them how tunes work for it.
EDIT: That being said, I also think the OP should understand what Renntech is really like, which several have mentioned. And also how reputable is the MWM tune? Is it tuned too aggressively and will damage the engine/powertrain over time? Or is it not tuned for every last # to stay confidently within the safety envelope?
Our tuning is a reliable and easy to use product for everyday riding. We are not looking for maximum power and maximum acceleration, rather the opposite - our tuning is conservative and suitable for everyone who wants to safely and simply increase the power of a car. You can switch between stock/tuning in 2 minutes, all you need to do is plug in the OBD2 connector and choose between Stage1/Stock firmwares.
For example , w213 E63s Stage1 gains :
702 hp / 777 ft lbs
Stage1 0-60 mph: 2.8-2.9 sec
To summarize, the advantages of our product:
- reliable power increase without damaging the engine
- ease of use
- Possibility to return to the stock firmware before servicing
Our tuning is a reliable and easy to use product for everyday riding. We are not looking for maximum power and maximum acceleration, rather the opposite - our tuning is conservative and suitable for everyone who wants to safely and simply increase the power of a car. You can switch between stock/tuning in 2 minutes, all you need to do is plug in the OBD2 connector and choose between Stage1/Stock firmwares.
For example , w213 E63s Stage1 gains :
702 hp / 777 ft lbs
Stage1 0-60 mph: 2.8-2.9 sec
To summarize, the advantages of our product:
- reliable power increase without damaging the engine
- ease of use
- Possibility to return to the stock firmware before servicing
I decided to try ECU tune stage1 from mwmods. I did not find any bad reviews on their company on the internet, and the reviews on the lowering module are all one and the same great.
Update:
Placed an order for lowering module + ECU tune stage1 from MWMods, added top speed limiter removal to the order.
Chose DHL Express delivery so I'll able to try modules at the weekend. Will keep you posted once tried!
I decided to try ECU tune stage1 from mwmods. I did not find any bad reviews on their company on the internet, and the reviews on the lowering module are all one and the same great.
Update:
Placed an order for lowering module + ECU tune stage1 from MWMods, added top speed limiter removal to the order.
Chose DHL Express delivery so I'll able to try modules at the weekend. Will keep you posted once tried!
I decided to try ECU tune stage1 from mwmods. I did not find any bad reviews on their company on the internet, and the reviews on the lowering module are all one and the same great.
Update:
Placed an order for lowering module + ECU tune stage1 from MWMods, added top speed limiter removal to the order.
Chose DHL Express delivery so I'll able to try modules at the weekend. Will keep you posted once tried!
CPC is easily reversed (simple swap anytime you want between the two modules. But what I found to be even more compelling was the increased cooling and consistency from having the CPC module (30-45 mins swap in my garage whenever I wanted, I only swapped around twice since it worked so well). CPC will also leave your exhaust valves opened if you want and change your HP/TQ graph on display also optional (I didn't do that one).
It's a perfect compliment to any tune, stage 1, 2 or 3
CPC is easily reversed (simple swap anytime you want between the two modules. But what I found to be even more compelling was the increased cooling and consistency from having the CPC module (30-45 mins swap in my garage whenever I wanted, I only swapped around twice since it worked so well). CPC will also leave your exhaust valves opened if you want and change your HP/TQ graph on display also optional (I didn't do that one).
It's a perfect compliment to any tune, stage 1, 2 or 3
But mine has been stone reliable, has not missed one beat, and has excellent driveability. I also get super fuel mileage (not that it matters much), but high 20s mpg at 70 to 90 mph does make me smile a bit.
YMMV. My experience has been great.








