RENNtech ECU Tune: 9 Month Review (M278 V8 Bi-Turbo 4.7 Liter CLS 550 W218 C218)

RENNtech ECU Hand Held Tuner M278 V8 4.7 Liter Bi-Turbo
www.renntechmercedes.com/inde...
GrandPrix Originals USA - Use Code “AEROMOTIVE” at checkout.
www.grandprixoriginalsusa.com...
NHRA 0-60 mph rules explained by Road & Track Magazine
www.roadandtrack.com/car-cult...
C218 2012-2017 CLS 550 Theoretical Top Speed ACTUALLY 184!
www.automobile-catalog.com/ca...
40-80 mph pull times (other makes and models) NOTE: As the O.P. says, these times are based off zero - 100 mph times, so the cars in this list have already built inertia going in to their 40 - 80 mph times. I did mine from a static 40 mph, thus my time will be a little slower.
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[@clevelandaeromotive]

See Automobile-Catalogue’s factory tuned CLS 550 theoretical top speed actually being 184 mph in link included in the description.

[@chris08876]

I've had the ECU (Wiestec) for more than 4 years, 32,000 miles driven and no issues. Will turn the car into a Rocket Ship. Max speed tire rating needed. Torque is no joke.

[@richardlicerio7767]

How many miles did u have when u got it installed?

[@ptrckwlsh]

I added Weistec (24-hr mail-in at the time) ECU tune at 49,000 miles - amazing results, and then topped it off with the Rentech TCU tune (via OBD) at 55,000 miles - agree it's a rocket ship - puts this at above AMG 63 and near S63 levels - 550HP, 707 ft-lbs torque - acceleration is ridiculous... sleeper muscle car... open the throttle at 80-90mph and it just doesn't stop - upshifts at 120mph and turbos just do all the work - accelerates directly to 160-185+ range - appears to be sub 4-sec 0-60 time (est. 3.7 sec) down from roughly 4.6-sec stock. Also added 6-piston Brembo front and 4-piston rear GTR brake-kit and upgraded (Mercedes AMG) wheels - amazing upgrade as the OP notes that the top speed is not matched with the stock brakes (first time you brake from 140+ you'll replace the stock brakes or not go there often). Wheels upgraded to Mercedes show wheels at 19" to clear the larger Brembo rotors, Tires to Z-rated Michelin's 255 fronts, 285 rears - MICHELIN Pilot Sport All Season 4 Performance Tire 255/35ZR19/XL 96Y - Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 Performance Tire 285/30ZR19 (94Y) ZP. Dash Display upgraded with Android from DMP Car Design - - this is a drop-in larger screen for the W218 - dmpcardesign.com/product/facelift-android-widescreen-touch-screen-w218-facelift/, this basically adds the "face lift" display. Only upgrade I'd do to this car is... buy a 2018 same car with the 9-speed;) and do ALL the same upgrades to it. Likely get to a little faster 0-60, and a 4-year newer version. These are beasts. The engine is the key - detuned to 402HP stock, it's proven in every 550 model by Mercedes - bi-turbo, 4.7L - Weistec said "oh, that CLS 550 is the most tunable Mercedes ever made"... probably due to the de-tune on the stock ECU. OK, I gotta go drive. BTW - the "steerable" bolsters" are amazing at high speeds, as are the steerable headlights - this vehicle is years ahead of it's time - in 2014 it had full LED lighting and driver assistance that was not matched until 2021 model years by others. Thanks for a great ride Mercedes, and a nice video Cleveland:)

[@supadave41]

I have a 2014 E550 resonator delete, and a DME tune is all you need. Love the way it feels. Pulls hard.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Do you happen to know the knock retard timing after the tune? Too much is damaging. The dyno RENNtech did on my CLS shows almost no difference between stock and tune.

[@supadave41]

@clevelandaeromotive I don't know the difference. DME is big in the tuning community, so I trust them. Also, I only drive it once a week and don't really beat on it when I do. Small pulls every so often at best. Feels very strong when I do, though.

[@Letsdothis21]

Excellent Video!! My son just purchased a used 2014 CLS 550. He’s excited to see your video as well as myself.

[@jmjsharwarko]

Awesome video and detailed review buddy!! I can tell you from hands-on driving experience the car is a SUPER SLEEPER!!! 🏁💤

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Couldn't agree more!

[@berraco5067]

No way! Just found your channel a few months ago with your 2014 cls 550 review and told you the quality of your videos is insane! And now that I'm about to start my pilot training, stumbled upon your channel again and found out you're a 747 pilot, absolute inspiration to me!

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Wow! Well thank you! Yes, now is a much better time to become a pilot than when I first started. I hope it stays that way. Finally newer pilots are getting paid what they're worth.

[@baktwista]

Best, most detailed ECU tune review I’ve seen. Now you have me considering one 🤔 . I have the same car 👌🏻

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@baktwista]

@@clevelandaeromotive How much HP is it putting out again? I used to have a W211 and I installed a Pedal Commander, it scared the crap out of me. The unit would jerk really abruptly between 2nd and 3rd gears, I took it off immediately. Has the RennTech ever done that? Do you have any other weird symptoms at all?

[@clevelandaeromotive]

@@baktwista Tune in for the Dyno episode coming up soon. And @2:33 I answer part 2 of your question.

[@robertharrisonsr955]

Got a tune on my S550 4-Matic 2 years ago? Cars a monster do push it alot? But when I do exciting ❤

[@user-xw8ck4pu2o]

I have mine tuned in Holland not a Rentech tune and had it on the dyno. It now puts out 484 HP and 600 lbf.ft. The tune was 385 euro's.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

How much knock-retard (bad) did the tune add? Can you flash the tune back to factory or, flash it back to the performance tune after service without having to go to the shop again and have the company put the tune back on? My point is that, there are a lot of shops that can offer you more WHP, but is it done safely? Conveniently? Does your MPG suffer?

[@leeramirez2827]

Great review! I have the same exact 2014 CLS in white as well. I am really liking your detailed reviews. Can you give me some more information about the carbon lip please, it looks awesome! Did you install yourself or have someone do it for you? Thanks and keep up the great content.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

www.rwcarbon.com/104/1/0/609/mercedes-w218-cls550-carbon-fiber-lip.html Tried to do it myself. Failed. Then had it professionally installed.

[@oscarsalazar437]

Great video! Do you know if you can install the 2014 headlights in a 2016 Cls 550?

[@clevelandaeromotive]

With MAAAAAjor complications, yes. You'll have to change one of your Electronic Control Modules to accommodate the programming of the facelift headlights ($$$). They are not plug and play. Cost/benefit analysis? Buy a low milage one WITHOUT the facelift headlights, like I did.

[@Nyfinast1]

Love the information in this video,how did you get your top speed governor deleted

[@clevelandaeromotive]

It was a free option of the RENNtech tune

[@Nyfinast1]

Thank you

[@TheGozzila]

What have you noticed fuel economy wise? I'm looking into getting a M278 equipped car sometime in the next year, either an E550 or CLS, however with current fuel price trends I can't see myself getting a nice tune for a bit more fun but paying 200$ more a month on fuel. Especially at my age and location, auto insurance is already egregiously priced for me.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Fuel economy has remained the same. That's interesting considering I "get on it" a wee bit more than I used to.

[@IsthatPress]

i have a 17 c43. when you switch it back to stock will the dealership still know that the car is tuned? Do you just install the tune that easy or did renntech apply an additional step?

[@f1ex999]

Hey, loved the video! It's a shame you barely have any subscribers, you deserve a lot more. Makes me really want to get a Renntech tune for my M278 S500 W221

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Yeah, I've gotta satisfy the "KZbin Algorithm" and upload more often but, I have lots more on my plate including volunteering with my pilot labor union etc. More videos soon!

[@allenmarston1015]

Cool. :)

[@chuemoua6834]

How is the reliability of the motor on such a big difference in hp

[@samial72]

Is it rwd? Does it lose traction in 2nd gear?

[@sqrew38]

My favorite part is when you badge checked that bmw

[@ronp9975]

I have a 2013 E550 Cabriolet. I went to my local speed shop and I was told they see transmission issues after the Renntech HHT and I should get Renntech's transmission upgrade for the 7 speed transmission. Have you experienced any transmission issues or have you made any engine mods (transmission upgrade, downpipes, etc.)?

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Hmmm. I don't want to be dismissive of your concerns right out-of-hand. I respect them. However, please read the Wikipedia article on the 7G-tronic. AMG used this transmission for the basis of their AMG SpeedShift TCT, and MTC variants. It's capable of handing AMG levels of torque. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_7G-Tronic_transmission

[@rvsmairspace6742]

Can you put a Renntech tune on a 747 to increase performance? Great content young man. 👏

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Thank Oliver, knucklehead. ;)

[@rvsmairspace6742]

@@clevelandaeromotive My secret identity has been exposed. You will pay for this Mr Bond. 💉🧪🧫⚗

[@300zVinh]

Hello again, got a 2013 s550 4matic and im going for the tune but its tailored to the 93 octane. I live in California and only 91 is available. Will this have any negative effects or will my car adapt to it, thanks again

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Hmmm. Honestly a question for the folks at RENNtech. Give 'em a call. They'll be happy to talk to you.

[@joshwilson332]

Anyone try this mod on a higher mileage CLS? Over 100k miles for example.

[@larryhand5892]

I have an S550 convertible and I’m considering the Renntech tune. I would be happy for you if you have a 200mph car but I doubt it.Really at some point these mods become unusable in the real world and bragging rights really don’t mean much to me. Looking forward to the dyno results. 👍🏻

[@clevelandaeromotive]

If I could find a closed oval and radar gun (since the speedo only goes up to 160) to do a top speed video, I would. I’m interested myself. Get the tune. You’ll feel it.

[@larryhand5892]

@@clevelandaeromotive thanks for the reply. Just so you know, many GPS apps can tell you your speed ( probably more reliably) than the in car speedo. I’ve been over 180 (along time ago) in a Porsche Carrera. These cars are not limited because they are built to handle it. The car was shockingly smooth at that speed. I’ve pretty much outgrown that behavior now, thankfully.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

@@larryhand5892 ahhhhh. There I go, showing my age. A GPS app. Of course! Okay. Now I just need the track. :)

[@larryhand5892]

@@clevelandaeromotive I’m only 66 😊

[@300zVinh]

After getting the tune installed. How does the car behave in comfort mode? Im so close to going for it but i need to do as much research as i can. $2500 is a good amount of money.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Comfort mode is a suspension setting. Same as always. You mean “Economy” transmission setting? Also, same as always, “sluggish” +15%. LoL!

[@300zVinh]

@@clevelandaeromotive thank you for the reply.

[@300zVinh]

Finally did it. Bought it last week and it's arriving today. Can't wait to install it. Hope there's a big difference even with the lower octane tune. Just wanna thank you again for responding to my other questions.

[@kevinmorris9712]

@12:15 you're about a 1/2 second late starting the clock and when you end your speedo says 53 mph

[@clevelandaeromotive]

#1 Actually I waited 1/4 of a second for “Rollout”. Read the Road & Track article and NHRA rule for when you start timing of 0-60 runs. Link in the description but, here’s the quote, “Finally-and most important-they [NHRA] allowed one foot of forward motion, a.k.a. “rollout,” before starting the timer. Eliminating rollout is a vestige of the timing system used in drag racing, where a car can move about a foot off the line before tripping the timing light. Decades ago, car magazines decided to ignore rollout in order to more closely replicate what a car’s owner might see at the local dragstrip. In hindsight, this was probably a mistake-a quarter-second rollout is now an uncomfortably large proportion of the industry’s ever-falling 0-to-60 times-but to keep test results comparable over the years, we’ve all stuck with it.” #2 I stopped both the instrument cluster and the clock video layer in my video editor at exactly the same time. That time is when the speedometer needle was squarely over the 60 mph pin.

[@kevinmorris9712]

@@clevelandaeromotive sure

[@JusKeef]

Your videos are great… you can’t make everyone happy!

[@clevelandaeromotive]

@@JusKeef awwwe! Thanks amigo!

[@legendaryx2089]

Has it been reliable? And how many miles does she have?

[@clevelandaeromotive]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3fMiGigath4bacsi=It2vR-9rvHWskcrx

[@TomGlander]

So, if your car is no longer under warranty, you have nothing to worry about. NOTHING. My 2014 CLS63 S AMG would benefit from a tune, for sure.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Correct. Correct and, right again. I know the gains on the AMG's aren't quite as monumental as the M278. But yes. Your AMG would become a terror. :D

[@primetimeexclusive1532]

Stock is 4.2 not 4.6 and the best I did was 3.9 with my stock 2012 cls550.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Which publication shows 4.2?

[@bizmyurt8582]

155 normally!

[@clevelandaeromotive]

135 mph for CLS 550. 155 mph for 63 AMG

[@bizmyurt8582]

@@clevelandaeromotive not in europe. In europe 135 is nothing for the car. That was what my Mondeo mk3 made minimum!

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Oh I know. Isn't it sad? SMH. I remember the family rented an Opel Kadett 1.8 L in Germany in the summer of 1986, it did 110 m.p.h. That same car, sold in the USA a couple years later as the Pontiac LaMans, was hard pressed to break 90 m.p.h. Back to CLS's; the CLS is marketed in Europe as the CLS 500. And yes, it is top speed governed to 155 mph. @@bizmyurt8582

[@bizmyurt8582]

@@clevelandaeromotive Would never imagined they would restrict below 155 anywhere but it is probably insurance issues..

[@CORZER0]

Hey can I borrow that dongle for a minute :)

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Ha haaa. I wish it worked that way. From what RENNtech told me they're each programmer to interact with your ECU only. B VIN

[@CORZER0]

@@clevelandaeromotive yep, vin locked. Great vids man, good info. Thanks

[@dustinlambert1255]

*Promo SM*