| Author |
Message |
Adam (Fasttalk)
Member
Username: Fasttalk
Post Number: 331
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 11:24 pm: | |
Brent, how much HP will I get with the upgrade on my 01?
Adam |
Byron (Bmyth)
Intermediate Member
Username: Bmyth
Post Number: 1470
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 12:23 pm: | |
Adam,
Great car... hopefully, you don't have to suffer the woes of having 4 cars in the shop at the same time again!  Btw, that hummer of yours isn't going yet until we get to roll somewhere, alright?
Btw, I love those wheels. sporty, yet classy. Good combination with the color of the car.
B. |
S. Brent Cardani (Brentc)
Junior Member
Username: Brentc
Post Number: 86
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 9:34 am: | |
Sunny,
Thanks for the clarification - that is what I was alluding to. We get this question a lot, but I don't know of anyone who has had a warranty problem. In fact, our local dealer is very supportive and promotes our parts and welcomes the increased sales and service business that goes along with them.
Adam & Sebastian - I am e-mailing you with some more details now.
Brent |
Sunny Garofalo (Jaguarxj6)
Intermediate Member
Username: Jaguarxj6
Post Number: 1063
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 10:20 pm: | |
No, it will not void the warranty.
As with all warranties, there are caveats, these I talk about below are put in by the federal government.
If part of a vehicle fails due to modifications by the owner while in the warranty period, the burden of proof is on the manufacturer to prove the modifications caused the failure so they don't have to pay up.
How much mechanical knowledge do you have? It could be as something simple as a failed O2 sensor or it could be as bad as cooking the headgasket and valves. If you can dispute those claims, they don't have a leg to stand on, since you have your evidence backed by federal regs regarding warranties.
They can't decide to not cover you for warranty work, especially if its not related to the modifications. Your wheel arch starts rusting, because you have a modified ECU.. you see where I'm going.
Its a gamble, if you run the engine hard for the next few years, when its coming out of warranty, chances are a chip is not going to suddenly break it.
Good luck!
Sunny
P.S. If the ECU software or revision reads identical, unless they compare your settings to a standard car, and based on the nature of the failure, how are they going to prove it? LOL |
Sebastian (Sjblaw)
New member
Username: Sjblaw
Post Number: 44
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 1:15 pm: | |
Thanks for the clarification, my (incorrect) understanding was that it was a physical chip, ...if it is just the programming of the ECU I understand a little better now. I was only operating under the response I got from MB when I asked what were the warranty implications if the limiter was removed and I was told simply, "Your warranty will be voided". I assumed that they could tell by locating an aftermarket computer chip where the stock was located.
I am definitely interested. Adam and I are going to race for his WCC and I need an edge. |
S. Brent Cardani (Brentc)
Junior Member
Username: Brentc
Post Number: 85
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 1:09 pm: | |
Sebastian,
You can't just switch it out because it's not a "chip", per se. It's a re-programming of the ECU. There is nothing visible, just the internal mapping is changed using a laptop and special software at RENNtech. Your MB warranty will not be affected for parts that are unrelated to the ECU. Furthermore, RENNtech has a 2 year warranty on their parts. I can fax or mail you a copy of RENNtech's exact warranty if you would like. The price for the ECU upgrade is $2995.00. A programmable upgrade is in the works that would allow you to set up different "maps" for different conditions (i.e. stock, highway, drag strip, road course, etc.) that you could set back to "stock" when it came time to take the car in for service. I'll check on lead time for this new version. |
Sebastian (Sjblaw)
New member
Username: Sjblaw
Post Number: 43
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 12:55 pm: | |
Adam, it will void the warranty, i spoke with MB that is why I wanted to know how detectable it was.
you could always switch it out when you went in for service, i just didnt know how obvious it would be |
Adam (Fasttalk)
Member
Username: Fasttalk
Post Number: 329
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 12:32 pm: | |
Will it void my warranty? You can email info/prices to me at [email protected] |
Sebastian (Sjblaw)
New member
Username: Sjblaw
Post Number: 42
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 11:12 am: | |
Definitely interested in the chip, let me know what you find out and the particulars at: [email protected].
thanks, Sebastian
p.s. car is an '03 CL55. |
S. Brent Cardani (Brentc)
Junior Member
Username: Brentc
Post Number: 84
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 10:20 am: | |
Sebastian,
Yes, the ECU upgrade removes the top speed limiter. It should not be at all detectable by an insurance adjuster - the chip in the ECU is re-mapped by RENNtech's technicians, so there is physically nothing to see that is different. As for a tech, I don't know if they have a way of scanning for that with a diagnostic tool, but I will find out. RENNtech has a great warranty of their own, plus good relations with the factory and dealers, so it shouldn't be an issue. Hartmut Feyhl, RENNtech's founder used to be the NA Technical Director for AMG before he went out on his own. He knows all the right people within MB and their suppliers. |
Sebastian (Sjblaw)
New member
Username: Sjblaw
Post Number: 41
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 9:35 am: | |
Brent, will the ecu upgrade remove the limiter on the engine. And if so, how detectable is that by MB or by an insurarance adjuster? (Plan for the worst, I say) |
S. Brent Cardani (Brentc)
Junior Member
Username: Brentc
Post Number: 82
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 8:02 am: | |
Adam,
I distribute for RENNtech in the Midwest and obviously recommend their products for your go-fast needs. They have ECU upgrades, exhausts, engine displacement kits and most importantly supercharger upgrades! There are also wheel/tire, brake and suspension bits available for more subdued tuning. If you are interested, PM me and I will get you a price list and any other information you need.
Just as an example, with an ECU upgrade and an upgraded crankshaft pulley we can get you 533HP/561 Lb/Ft. of torque. Let me know if I can be of service.
Regards,
Brent |
Erik (Teenferrarifan)
Member
Username: Teenferrarifan
Post Number: 399
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 4:29 pm: | |
Congrats Adam My dad has an 02 cl500 and that thing is awesome. I haven't ridden in the 55 but I can only imagine how much quicker it is. That acitve body control suspension really does a good job. Also nothing beats driving these cars with all 4 windows down and no b pillar.
Erik |
Adam (Fasttalk)
Member
Username: Fasttalk
Post Number: 328
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 4:20 pm: | |
Chris/Whart, thank you, I am realy enjoying it
Sebastian, not related, we just have the same disease.
Brent, what do you sugest to give more power?. I do not have Sirius, but I have XM radio in a couple of cars and LOVE it.
Adam |
S. Brent Cardani (Brentc)
Junior Member
Username: Brentc
Post Number: 81
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 4:15 pm: | |
I hear MB will offer Sirius satellite radio as an option on all models next year, and it is available on the CL class now. Anyone have it? What do you think? |
wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member
Username: Whart
Post Number: 1698
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 4:13 pm: | |
Perhaps the most beautiful modern Benz (and one of the few today that still qualifies as a real one). Enjoy. |
Chris Horner (Cmhorner17)
Member
Username: Cmhorner17
Post Number: 339
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 3:49 pm: | |
Adam,
Awesome car!! I had the chance to drive a CL600 last week and was very, VERY impressed. I can only imagine how the AMG mods made it even better. Nice choice and great pics! |
S. Brent Cardani (Brentc)
Junior Member
Username: Brentc
Post Number: 79
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 3:12 pm: | |
Adam and Andrew,
If you want to make those cars go faster contact me...
|
Sebastian (Sjblaw)
New member
Username: Sjblaw
Post Number: 40
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 3:05 pm: | |
Adam, are you sure we are not related? SB |
Adam (Fasttalk)
Member
Username: Fasttalk
Post Number: 327
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 11:42 pm: | |
Ralph, what is "Special" to you?
Adam |
Ralph Koslin (Ralfabco)
Member
Username: Ralfabco
Post Number: 974
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 10:56 pm: | |
I want a "special" P-car.
Congrats Adam. Nice wheels
Enjoy it. |
Adam (Fasttalk)
Member
Username: Fasttalk
Post Number: 326
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 10:55 pm: | |
Correct, I had a '01 996 Cab. |
Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Intermediate Member
Username: Kennyh
Post Number: 1414
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 10:53 pm: | |
Ralph, I believe he had a 996 Cab. |
Ralph Koslin (Ralfabco)
Member
Username: Ralfabco
Post Number: 973
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 10:52 pm: | |
Adam which P-car did you give up ?
Some P-cars you do not unload.
Ask Martin. He will tell you. |
Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Member
Username: Drtax
Post Number: 490
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 9:46 pm: | |
Adam, I have a 2001 E55, and the only knock against the car is that it is too good. I mean it. Everything works. No drama whatsoever. When you really push it in the twisties, you'll notice that it is not a P-Car. But for 99.99% of the driving you do everyday, can't beat it.
Enjoy |
Andrew H (Stokpro)
Member
Username: Stokpro
Post Number: 259
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 9:09 pm: | |
Adam,
No need for the '03 or '04 when you have all the other "toys" in the garage. It's amazing how smooth and quiet that ride is. Enjoy! |
todd (Flat12)
Junior Member
Username: Flat12
Post Number: 58
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 9:04 pm: | |
Not the 911...nooooooooooo....<------wipes tear |
Adam (Fasttalk)
Member
Username: Fasttalk
Post Number: 323
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 8:54 pm: | |
Dan, I guess I am not old until I sell the F-car and the Lambo, and buy a Caddy |
Adam (Fasttalk)
Member
Username: Fasttalk
Post Number: 322
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 8:51 pm: | |
Andrew, very nice, the '03 has about 490HP, that beast is supercharged, nice rims too.
I would have loved an '03 or '04 but I didn't want to spend over $100K on my daily driver. |
Dan Gordon (Ferruccio)
Member
Username: Ferruccio
Post Number: 284
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 8:50 pm: | |
Stick with the smaller trunk. Be unpractical! Its the secret to staying young! |
Andrew H (Stokpro)
Member
Username: Stokpro
Post Number: 257
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 8:47 pm: | |
Adam,
Very nice! She's got great power considering her weight, eh? Here's a couple pics of the CL55 I've driven several times. Congrats!
|
Adam (Fasttalk)
Member
Username: Fasttalk
Post Number: 321
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 8:46 pm: | |
LC, you are correct, the rims were the only thing that I had to change as I did not like the AMG ones.
AA |
LC (150shot)
Junior Member
Username: 150shot
Post Number: 65
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 8:42 pm: | |
Adam- that is a GREAT ride. Those look like Lorinser rims correct? |
Adam (Fasttalk)
Member
Username: Fasttalk
Post Number: 320
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 8:33 pm: | |
V8 5.5L, and about 350HP |
Joe (Jts)
Junior Member
Username: Jts
Post Number: 179
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 8:29 pm: | |
Beautiful Adam - well done. What are the specs on the engine? |
Adam (Fasttalk)
Member
Username: Fasttalk
Post Number: 319
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 8:18 pm: | |
Porsche is gone  , I bought an '01 MBZ CL55, 20K miles, 100K warranty, every available option. This is the first car I have owned with an actual trunk in about 10 years.. Its almost a practical vehicle, I think I am getting old...
What do you think?
|