any advice on the best chip for the money? do all the good chips for MBs have to cost about $1000?

please provide some experiences, chip brands and prices...

thanks!!!!

Hey Walden,
Actually we were thinking some of those same questions ourselves. The big-name chip makers (that I know of) for MB are Quickchips, Superchips, and of course tuners like Renntech or AMG. There is plenty of talk of 10-12% HP gain and 12-15% torque gain...etc. Before I would believe that fully or endorse any of these we would want to test them ourselves. The claims are somewhat huge and I would like to know if they are for real. (and if they are order a chip!) We have contacted Superchips and Quickchips trying to set up a head to head comparo. A chip from each tested on the same vehicle under the same conditions. This comparo would be tested on the street, at a track, and of course on a dyno. We would also test each chip application to make sure it kept the vehicle emissions legal and didn't cause any engine warning lights or other bad habits. Renntech claims about 15HP/20lb-ft gain off their E-prom for about $850. I know you can pick up a AMG "brain box" that is supposed to give you 4/10's of a second gain to 60 for about the same money. I've also heard that some talented MB mechanics can rig something that might up the power numbers as well...(ahem!) Prices for Quickchips and Superchips are about $400-$500 bucks apiece. Also, some individual cars are fitted with computers that do not readily take to E-prom chips and have to be sent in on a core exchange basis.(the individual code of one of your computer modules will tell) If/when we have this comparison set up or get some more solid information we will certainly let you know. Until then I can't say with certainty which is the best.

Lee

What are the (ahem) MB mechanic modifications you allude to?

Thanks

I could tell you but then I would have to kill you. j/k These tweaks are not exactly emissions legal. (it does NOT involve removing the cats or anything) Just the same, I'm not sure the DOT would appreciate me telling everyone...

If you can find a MB tech who REALLY knows these cars he should be able to figure it out and tell you.

Sorry, I am not permitted to help you on this one...Lee

Hi..
When they will do the comparison test?
I still confused, which one should I choose.
what is your recommendation?
thanks again :)

Donny,
We have certainly tried to organize something! The more you talk public comparo the further Quickchips buries their head in the sand. Jetchips will only tune if you mail them your brainbox for re-program. While not a big deal overall, it makes a side-by-side testing with another chip a bit difficult. Since conditions make such a difference on these engines I am hesitant to test performance in anything but identical conditions. Superchips is a possibility but they only do some MB and some MB of same model/year. With the possibility of Jim Conforti tuning MB in the near future I am waiting for his work. The tuners have software for most models but expect to pay double or "add a 0". The idea of a Renntech vs AMG vs Brabus head to head has a nice ring... I doubt the tuner's would want to play along though. Not to mention the cost of getting all that software at once might require a small mortgage. For my personal car I'm waiting for Conforti. If I had to get something before then I would likely bite the bullet and go tuner. When I get cooperation out of the various tuners or chip-tuners I will keep you posted.

Lee

ANyone know how to contact Jim Conforti?
Wonder if he can make a chip for the E55?

Jim Conforti's personal email is as follows : lndshrk@xmission.com

The more demand we can prove for his talents the better chance we have.
I know I would be VERY interested in anything he had for the 500E.

Lee

I myself have been looking for a 'chip' as well. However it seems like the new 96+ W210 is somewhat hard to program.

I personally don't see the value of the cost/performance ratio that some of these tuner places are charging either.

Hey Lee,

In reference to, "talented MB mechanics can rig something that might up the power numbers as well...(ahem!)," have you had any of these "talented MB mechanics" apply their magic to your previous 400E? I know you won't divulge what they did exactly, but you could at LEAST tell us a bit about the end result??? Got some #'s also? Thanx.

------------------
http://www.people.cornell.edu/pages/dl70/pictures/duck4.gif 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 (W124 - Black Pearl/Black) http://www.people.cornell.edu/pages/dl70/pictures/duck4.gif

You can add http://www.chip-tuning.com to the list. They quoted me the following on a 98 E430 (W210)

Hp: 279 hp to 300 hp
Torque: 295 ft/lbs. to 310 ft/lbs.

Cost $795.00 plus shipping and handling


Kinda steep compared to some of the other tuners, maybe except Renntech.

Turbo][,

Thanx for the link, but it seems that this "Alpha" chip they offer only achieves in killin' the speed limiter on the majority of M-B's (Still no solution to E420).

------------------
http://www.people.cornell.edu/pages/dl70/pictures/duck4.gif 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 (W124 - Black Pearl/Black) http://www.people.cornell.edu/pages/dl70/pictures/duck4.gif

Well, the listing for the E430 (W210) also stated it only take off the limiter. However I was told otherwise from an email inquiry.

Like I have posted, they claim the HP from 275 -> 300, and 295ft/lb -> 310lft/lb

you might want to inquire them on any type of performance gain.

I have a "Superchip" in a Euro 97 E300Turbodiesel. Cost equiv. US$600 all in. They claim 20% extra bhp and 30%+ extra torque. I can't argue. My car will now out drag my fathers '91 W126 500SEL M117.

------------------
'97 E300Turbodiesel "Superchip" 200+bhp
'00 A140 Avantgarde Auto
'91 500SEL W126
'66 220SEb Coupe (restoration pending)
'58 180D (restoration underway)