Has anyone else heard about the tuning nightmares with some software that has been sold for AMG cars?

I would like to hear what is recommended for a good benz ecu tuner and where can one go on the east coast so the tune can be fine tuned on a dyno?

 

Ive never had problems tuning Benz's. Ive worked with software from Evotech and Kleemann, and both are good. The biggest thing is getting a tune specific to your car. If you bring your car somewhere and have a standard tune, like sending your ECU to Kleemann, EVO, or something like that, then you dont really get the full potential from the car.

In your area, I would recommend RPM or Auto Addiction. If you want a baseline tune, they both have you covered. I think RPM also does custom tuning.

 

Evotech is probably going out of business due to numerous problems with their software. This thread is an absolutely must-read:
http://www.mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=229113

Powerchip is probably your best option since they don't mess with TCU and some of the best tuners in the business use them (evosport and VRP use them), I have not heard of any problems with the powerchip tune. Renntech, Kleemann, and Brabus are the 3 biggest names in Mercedes tuning and have been in this industry for many years (so has Powerchip).

 

seems like evotech was respected, but after the recent exposure I don't think many would choose their tuning software. What I find strange is there no response from the Evotech owner on that thread.

I hear great things about Vadim/VRP, however he prefers to tune the car when its on a dyno. I'm not shipping my car to Cali......

I know a ton of places that sell Renn, Kleem, and Brab. Would like a reputable shop to fine tune on the east coast(perferably 200mi radius), like VRP does while the car is on a dyno, since every car is different, he tweeks as he sees fit.

 

the problem is almost NO ONE is truly "tuning" your cay on a dyno, becauase of the complexity of the ECU on a benz specifically its damn near impossible to get a "one off tune"

 

You can get the Brabus K8, ecu, pulley and air filters for 540-560hp at CEC. You benefit from a one year warranty from Brabus too.

 

I just did a full kleemann setup on my SL55. Pulley, cams, ecu, headers and exhaust. Car is an absolute monster now. Also did a kleemann ecu on the S600 and that car pulls like a freight train on the highway now.

 

RENNTech and Kleemann are the more respected tuners amongst the MBs. I don't think there's anything wrong with the powerchip, but reviews favor the guy that created the AMG Hammer (Hartmut)

 

as far back as my 92 500e. Everyone else sid they could do this, that, blah blah. They were the only ones, on several cars, who really made a drivable difference. They are human and not perfect. But they are reputable and good to do business with. Best plan--get your car shipped down there, let em touch it, fly to WPB airport, pick it up, and go cruise WPB/Lauderdale/Miami for 3-4 days, then drive home. Good times!

 

What exactly did RENNtech do to your 500E? Today, RENNtech tends to ignore the model - it's a shame because there are quite a few of these around (relatively speaking - ~ 1500 units in the USA).

I have RT Monolites wheels on my 500E - EXTREMELY light and strong. About 21 pounds per wheel.

 

a computer chip mod. It was the only one that made any difference, and the driveablity was great. Everyone else had one that was supposed to be great and cost $300. They did nothing. Renntech's was $650 and worth it. They also had a front larger swaybar that really firmed up the front, and a beautiful carbon engine cover that I bought from a friend (crazy, like $1800 bucks new). Pretty though!
Do miss my 500 E's every once in a while.

 

Says the guy with the "one off tune"!

 

There is only one tuner I know of who has access to the AMG Factory codes and has direct access to AMG. With some ECU's having 3 levels of codes and 7,000 pages of data you don't want anyone messing around with your Mercedes ECU. Hartmut Feyhl owner of Renntech is Mr. AMG and the one you can trust for accurate tuning. New cars are so very complicated today relative to ECU functions. Mr. Hammer is your man. He is flashing my CLK-63 Black with the latest program next week. So far they have been tweaking it for over 6 weeks. Best regards, Steve

 

Steve,
The HRE's look great on the car. Can you tell me where you landed the AMG windshield banner? Thx
Jimmy

 

There is a fair share of controversy with Renntech as well and more than one blown engine/transmission has been attributed to their tune. No "tuner" has a clean slate in this regard.