BenzBoost - M157 and M278 Twin Turbo V8

M278: Manual Shift Mode

427 — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:26:07 GMT

Pardon my ignorance... I have a question for our members with technical experience and knowledge: The only regret I have for options in my 2012 CLS550 4Matic is that I do not have a 'manual shift mode' for the transmission (available with any of the wheel packages). Is it possible to easily retrofit this option without extensive ECU/TCU modifications? I've heard that some Audi 'Driver Assist' packages can easily be retrofitted with the purchase of the proper dash switch. Is it possible that the CLS harness is all in place and I simply need the proper console switch to activate it? I know this would be far too easy, but I'm compelled to ask... is it a possibility?

M278: Resonator Delete - Update

427 — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:58:19 GMT

Last year, I reported my results/initial impressions of a resonator delete (straight pipes) on my 2012 CLS550 4Matic... that post included a short sound clip. To me, the exhaust sound 'matured' over time (becoming deeper)... perhaps there was a seasoning that took place. I'm still extremely happy with my decision and would do it over again... but all is not good. As a few people have mentioned (including myself), the idle sound after warm up is somewhat anemic... and a slight flutter can be heard if you stand behind the vehicle. To counter this drawback, I note three items:
a) Cold start still sounds fantastic.
b) I rarely stand behind the vehicle during warm idle.
c) The sound dramatically improves while driving.

Recently, I returned to a local Dyno Day (mostly Corvettes) to check out my ECU tune from RENNtech. This video from the event demonstrates how deep the tone of the exhaust is... to me, it closely resembles the sound of a 60's muscle car. Everyone has different preferences and I respect those who do not like this mod. Overall, I enjoy the resonator delete... almost as much as the sidepipes on my old Vette.

My CLS550 comes in approximately the 3:40 time mark... enjoy:

M278: RENNtech ECU Tune: The Cure For What Ails You

427 — Tue, 07 May 2013 10:36:38 GMT

I just what to relate my experiences with a recent RENNtech ECU tune for my 2012 CLS550 4Matic. I've been researching and considering a tune for a year now, but medical concerns have been a much higher priority. My goals may be different than others... I don't race at all, but simply wanted a reliable and efficient street tune. I wasn't worried if I didn't have the most horsepower... I crave usable street torque. In the end, there were many qualified tuners to choose from, but I selected RENNtech based their years of experience, excellence in engineering, and close relationship with Mercedes Benz.

Since I have some decent mechanical skills, I opted to remove the ECU myself. This operation is extremely simple to accomplish... provided you can find the battery first (they hide it well). Once the ECU was removed, I sent it to Florida on a Monday afternoon and it was back on my doorstep in Massachusetts by 9:00am on Wednesday. Reinstallation was a snap and the Benz easily roared back to life. Altogether, there was not much down time on the vehicle.

The initial shakedown cruise was next. In local city driving, there were no adverse issues... it was comfortable and docile in traffic. But when I hit the expressway on-ramp... oh yeah, I began to smile. And squeezing the throttle to merge and change lanes was impressive... it definitely was a new beast. For some strange reason, I remained somewhat skeptical, yet highly intrigued... I wondered just how much the dyno would reveal?

Fortunately, I had the foresight to do a base dyno nearly a year ago. Recently, I returned to 'Enhanced Street Performance' (ESP) for another Dyno Day. Although the main focus of the day was devoted to Corvettes, the group of guys welcomed me and ESP was first class with their professional service. The dyno used here is a Mustang 1100-SE AWD chassis dynamometer. Though I have no proof, I'm told that measurements on the Mustang Dyno are traditionally about 10% less than a Dynojet. Furthermore, the guys also indicated that this particular dyno was even lower than other Mustang dynos they have tested on. All in all, since this was the same dyno for my base numbers, the overall gains should be accurate.

Setting up my CLS550 4Matic, the traction control was turned off and the pulls would be done in 4th gear... same as last time. The first dyno run was somewhat uneventful... the tranny was difficult to hold gear and kicked down. With some slight initial feathering, the second pull sounded great and everyone was eager to see the results. I was ecstatic when the huge projection screen spit out the uncorrected readings... 426 horsepower and a whopping 515 lb/ft of torque!

I could be mistaken, but I don't believe there have been any dyno postings from a CLS550 4Matic in the past. Since this is an AWD vehicle, I estimate drivetrain loss at between 15-20% (though MB is very efficient). Therefore, I feel crankshaft figures are a good 500HP and over 600 lb/ft of torque... utterly amazing on a conservative Mustang dyno.

Overall, I'm extremely pleased with RENNtech and highly recommend dealing with technical advice from Lenny or sales aspects with Tomas. I'm not sure if medical science will note this, but my RENNtech tune also helps to cure my disability... every time I slam down the throttle. :naughty:

Regards,
427

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RENNtech ECU Tune:

Before & After Results:

Dyno Day Video (mostly Corvettes):

M278: I ran my 2013 E550 4Matic at the drag strip!

bp95gsx — Thu, 02 May 2013 03:23:15 GMT

2.0 60ft
12.80 @ 109.8

That was bone stock with 1400 miles, 55� air temp, 1/3 tank of gas and a baby seat. :)

I own a high end auto shop and am a Eurocharged tuning dealer. I have all the equipment to reprogram M157 and M278 ECU's in house. There is no need to send out/ship ECU's. I will reprogram my own car and head back to the strip for results. The gains from Eurocharged tuning is out of control for both engines. Monster gains. It will be nice to know how much the gains are exactly on the M278 with 1/4 mile before and after. If anyone has a M157 car and wants to drag before and after, I will be glad to offer a discount on the tune.

John