saw discussion of PAD performance chips for 500E's on "Hot Rod" forum--anyone used PAD chip (or any other chip) for E420?? By themselves? In combination with air filters/exhaust?? Good/bad??? Thanks. --Mitch

Unfortunately, PAD chip is no longer available for E420

Precision Auto Designs took my order for the chip yesterday. 94 E420- 250.00. We'll see if they come through with it. I'll let you know how it works out.

------------------
Bob Johnston
94 E420

I hope it'll work out for you, so I can place my order as well, thanks in advance!

Hi..
Will it work for 1997 E420?
thanks and enjoy the new chip

I'd think that the chip would work on your '97...give them a call and let us all know.

If anyone does do a chip, I'd advise you install K&Ns, too. I initially installed just the chip and felt little difference, but in conjunction with the filters the car really perked up.

If you do this in stages, remember to re-set your LH injection by removing the board from the CAN for a few seconds. This sets the system to a fully rich air:fuel ratio, after which the system leans itself until the optimum mixture is reached.



------------------
All the best, Michael
500E
300TE

I Called PAD about a chip for a '94 E420. They really didn't have a lot of info (specs, plug-in type, etc.) and said they had to "order" it. When I asked who they ordered them from, I was told "Superchips". I swear I called Superchips a couple of months ago and was told they DON'T make one for that model. I have an e-mail in to them now to confirm one way or the other. I'll let you guys know. --Mitch

e-mailed Renntech about chip. They said they stopped making them because of "driveability" problems--he said they had about 8 out of every 10 returned. He suggested the best thing is to get a 2.82:1 rear diff instead of stock. (I think I've seen discussions re same on this forum using the search feature.)

Here's the e-mail back from SuperChips:

"After doing some checking I have located a file for the 1994 Mercedes 420
4.2 liter automatic. The cost for a chip for your vehicle is $395.00 plus
shipping. We will need the computer code that is located on the computer
box. This code should start out 0280-002-***. Once we have this code we will
be able to tell you if we can do a chip or not

Thank you for your interest in Superchips http://www.superchips.com/
Nearest Dealer 1-800-898-2447

Another e-mail from SuperChips sent 2 minutes later:

"Sorry for the confusion. We have chips for the 420 Mercedes but not that year. The dealer you called looked at the listing and did not confirm the year. The computer is different between years and there are some we do and some we don’t. Bottom line is that we have chips for some earlier 420’s but not your year.
Ken @ Extension 3030
Thanks for your interest in Superchips."

How's your French?

You might check out this outfit in Geneva
Switzerland.
I haven't contacted them so I can't give you
any more info, probably speak good English
since they advertise in Autosport magazine.
http://www.digital-motors.com/frame.cfm

------------------
2000 CLK 430 Silver/Charcoal
2001 CLK 55 On order

I received and installed the chip. It came with NO instructions whatsoever. I have an email in to PAD requesting them, but when I called one of their salespeople, they said none were available, that the chip was to be installed by my mechanic (that's me, though!). Anyway, one has to take the cover off the computer box at the right rear of the engine compartment, remove the LH computer box (slips out in upward direction), the disassemble that box, several component boards deep, to find the chip, carefully pry it out and replace with the new chip, in a static free manner- whew!

Anyway, the car runs fine with it. The upshift delay when the car is cold is now gone. My gut feeling is that the throttle response is a little better (with the old chip, there was a barely perceptible hesitation upon acceleration, not always, though.) The engine feels exceptionally strong, especially from 3000 rpm and up. Gas mileage is the same to slightly better. I have no objective comparison to give you, just my "seat of the pants" feel. Maybe someday soon, I'll see if the rpm limiter and top speed limiter have been modified.



------------------
Bob Johnston
94 E420

bobjohnston,

Did the chip box or manufacturer of the chip give you any hard figures as to hp and torque increase you should expect w/ the chip? I'm assuming this chip killed the top speed limiter too? Thanx.

------------------
<- WaVe & DaNCe the DiScO DuCk if you spot a '95 black pearl/black Mercedes-Benz E420!!!

Just to keep everyone abreast of what is happening in the world of mergers and takeovers, Precision Auto Design is now a division of Performance Products in Van Nuys, Ca. So, call them with your questions of chips, etc.

Tobias MB
C280Sport, 300CE, 400E, 190/5.0

somebody posted something about jetchip.com on another thread. Here is their response re 400E/E420:

"We do have an ecu upgrade available. The upgrade does require that the factory ecu be sent to us for programing. Average hp gains are 14-17hp at the wheels. The part number is 65002 and sugested retail is $399.00. For further assistance, contact customer support at 800-535-1161. In California, 714-848-5515. Thank You.
Ross @ JET