On a recent trip I let it out and the car went right to 135 MPH and wouldn't go any faster.
I went to the local dealer and the service manager said that they can not raise the speed limiter on a car with CHROME WHEELS.
Is this true?
I do have brand new ML V tires on MB wheels, but he said he is restricted by US law?????
Ideas???
B
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135? WOW ! My 99 model was only 125., while ML is 115.
This is "quiet subject". There is some kind unpublished law, that require governors on all cars sold in USA. Not too many people complain, so it goes quietly. Back in 98 I went thru all the levels in my research. Dealers learned about governors from me (!)
MBUSA when asked what shall I do if I import the car to Europe and would like to drive it faster -send me to aftermarket chipping company.
In this litigious society, personally I'm surprised that a dealer would do that in the first place...irrespective of the wheels.
Aside from that I can't think of any reason chrome wheels would make a difference. Why not ask the dealer? Tell them you'll sign a waiver.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
__________________ If the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, that would suffice. Meister Eckhart
When you learn from your own mistakes, that's experience.
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There is no "federal chrome speed law". If so, GM would have to launch a recall as the standard 2007 Chevrolet Corvette has a top speed of over 180 MPH. Chrome wheels are optional equipment. In addition, many Cadillac V-Series cars are running around with chrome wheels.
I think the dealer associate is having fun at your expense. I wonder what that dealership’s policy is regarding employees who alienate repeat customers.
I don’t believe franchised MB dealerships are allowed to reprogram the ECU to remove the speed governor.
I don’t believe franchised MB dealerships are allowed to reprogram the ECU to remove the speed governor.
That is correct. It is an MB thing. One of the explanations that was given to me during a conversation was that on many of the cars folks would end up buying cheaper, incorrect speed rated tires and the CYA was to chip the cars for the baseline tires. The reason the High Performance cars have higher limiters is that you can't get low speed rated tires that fit the bigger [wider] rims.
I know for a fact that when one of the cars that I bought came off the transport, it had tires rated for 130 yet the 500E limiter was set for much higher. That was fixed day 2.
I can bring ton of crap on the subject. When I was buying new tires for ML with 115 limiter, nobody in Las Vegas would sell me SR rated. Aren't they like 118 mph rated? I had to wait 2 days to get HR.
These are our figures, I assume the same apply elsewhere:
Q = 160 km/h
S = 180 km/h
T = 190 km/h
H = 210 km/h
V = 240 km/h
W = 270 km/h
Y = 300 km/h
We use winter tyres down to the speed level "Q", not sure if mine are T or H while summer tyres are "W" (the S does 250km/h even if it is CDI). The current rule is that you have to put a sticker to the window indicating the lower rated tyres. On the MB you can also put a "winter tyre limiter" from the speedo computer. Again, a bit of responsibility left for the driver, some flexibility to the owner too.
The other problem with chrome wheels is that after a few years, maybe 5, they cease to hold air very well. Air leaks out under the chrome on the wheel lip. The only fix is to rechrome the wheel again, which is again expensive and further weakens the wheel. Functionally chrome wheels are a really, really bad idea. One shouldn't do it unless they have a really deep emotional need for it - e.g. if your self-esteem prohibits you from functioning day to day without shiny things on your car. Then it's OK.
Speed restricted for chrome wheels ?? 
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