I just joined this site after purchasing an 03 SL and wondered if anyone knew of some simple performance tips that would increase my horsepower without spending a fortune...i have read about a new computer chip...etc...
2003 SL500
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Welcome to the forum.
To start with, unless you know alot about MB it's not easy to make gains without hurting some other areas of power. Meaning low end torque. It can be done. Just not easily and it's going to cost more than it costs for a Corvette but less than a Porsche to increase power.
Secondly "reprogramming" the trans can actually be a negative. It will revert to how you drive very quickly. So if you drive it like your Gramps it'll go right back. Drive it like you stole it and it'll shift higher and downshift sooner.
The ECU can be reprogrammed for small bumps. The most you'll get is 12-15 rwhp. Tuner Companies love to spin this and make it sound bigger by quoting crankshaft #'s of 30. But what's more important is the torque; and if it stays flat or kills some of the low range torque just to post big HP #'s.
All your enhancements must work in unison. When you align intake, fuel, timing, and exhaust with respect to the whole cars performance you make
higher gains that are also more usable.
To start with, unless you know alot about MB it's not easy to make gains without hurting some other areas of power. Meaning low end torque. It can be done. Just not easily and it's going to cost more than it costs for a Corvette but less than a Porsche to increase power.
Secondly "reprogramming" the trans can actually be a negative. It will revert to how you drive very quickly. So if you drive it like your Gramps it'll go right back. Drive it like you stole it and it'll shift higher and downshift sooner.
The ECU can be reprogrammed for small bumps. The most you'll get is 12-15 rwhp. Tuner Companies love to spin this and make it sound bigger by quoting crankshaft #'s of 30. But what's more important is the torque; and if it stays flat or kills some of the low range torque just to post big HP #'s.
All your enhancements must work in unison. When you align intake, fuel, timing, and exhaust with respect to the whole cars performance you make
higher gains that are also more usable.
Thanks for all your input and advice/suggestions...this is my first Mercedes and i chose the Sl500 since i always admired them when i was younger...i always drove the American cars which were much more simple when it came to bolt on aftermarket parts to increase power etc...from what i have read and seen online, Mercedes parts etc will cost me so much more plus with me being here in Ontario Canada, i'm probably more limited to my selection whereas in the US, there are alot more specialty shops catering to performance for high end vehicles...i think my car is rated for about 300-320hp, i was thinking if there was anything simple that could push it up towards 350hp, perhaps not too noticable but it would give me something to brag about lol...i was thinking at the time to purchase the AMG model at the time for about $5000-$10000 more but found they sold quick, i was searching online and went to see several here and there but when went back to compare price etc, they were sold...i was told by the salesmen that cars like this didn't last long in the showroom, my search began in May 2013 and i bought my car in first week of July...i will figure out how to post a pic and share them with others ...thanks again..Rod
performance improvement?
About 3 months ago, I picked up a beautiful 2005 SL 500...
28,000 miles, clean in and out...
After about a month, I, too, noticed a bit of sluggishness, especially in lower gears..
I was surprised that automatic up shifting occurs at 1900-2000 rpms..
The car sang at highway speeds - and rides like on a cloud..
But around town, off the line and up to 40 mph, sort of lacks the oomph that comes with low torque.
I posted a thread here: ( see 1st page, 10 down)
"2005 SL500 28k miles...performance upgrade?"
read the thread and note the evolution...
I took someones' suggestion and got a bit more aggressive on the gas pedal.
Driving 2 lexus' last couple of years got me in the habit of going light on the gas. I've owned a Porsche Carerra, and a couple of BMWs...
all seemed to respond well w light pedal response..
I started to drive regularly in standard mode, upshifting at around 3k..
sorta gave the extra boost but advised not to make this standard driving.
For the last month, I've gotten more aggressive on the gas pedal.
not kicking it down or pedal to the metal but just pushing on it, rather than
using my big toe!
The car seems to pick up on my inputs and I do get an improved torque response and increased acceleration ..
I would love to drive another SL500 to compare but as of now I've come to accept the car as it is....
with the car at 31,000 miles..
i'm planning on a ABC fluid and filter change...$600 by indy MB mechanic..
Let me know if you find a fix , chip or part to make this sweet car sing off the line!
About 3 months ago, I picked up a beautiful 2005 SL 500...
28,000 miles, clean in and out...
After about a month, I, too, noticed a bit of sluggishness, especially in lower gears..
I was surprised that automatic up shifting occurs at 1900-2000 rpms..
The car sang at highway speeds - and rides like on a cloud..
But around town, off the line and up to 40 mph, sort of lacks the oomph that comes with low torque.
I posted a thread here: ( see 1st page, 10 down)
"2005 SL500 28k miles...performance upgrade?"
read the thread and note the evolution...
I took someones' suggestion and got a bit more aggressive on the gas pedal.
Driving 2 lexus' last couple of years got me in the habit of going light on the gas. I've owned a Porsche Carerra, and a couple of BMWs...
all seemed to respond well w light pedal response..
I started to drive regularly in standard mode, upshifting at around 3k..
sorta gave the extra boost but advised not to make this standard driving.
For the last month, I've gotten more aggressive on the gas pedal.
not kicking it down or pedal to the metal but just pushing on it, rather than
using my big toe!
The car seems to pick up on my inputs and I do get an improved torque response and increased acceleration ..
I would love to drive another SL500 to compare but as of now I've come to accept the car as it is....
with the car at 31,000 miles..
i'm planning on a ABC fluid and filter change...$600 by indy MB mechanic..
Let me know if you find a fix , chip or part to make this sweet car sing off the line!
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