I have a '99 E430 (not a sport) currently limited to 130mph by the electronic speed limiter. The E430 Sport limiter is set at 250kph or 155mph. How can I change mine to the higher limit... assuming support from Z rated rubber of course.

Is anyone aware of an Atlanta area shop that will make the change for me?

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GParker
'99 E430

Parameters in the "brain box" would be the logical location. To accomplish this you would need someone with dealer level tools and a willingness to kill the limiter. If your dealer will not do it (after you put on some Z-rated tires of course) you can always look for a zealous independent tech or of course the "usual suspect" tuners. If you had to go with Superchips/Quickchips or a full blown tuner you would probably have to send the brainbox off for a reprogram unless they can come to you. I believe superchips has several dealers (speed shops mostly) in ATL. One of them might be able to do the reprogram on the spot even if they don't normally "do" MB. A swap for the brainbox off of a Sport model should work, but that would likely be cost prohibitive.

Good Luck...Lee

PS Aside from some stretches of road used for MSshop featured car testing, where do you run the E430 (that fast) in ATL? j/k

I have the same car/limit which I don't like. I'll be replacing the rubber with Z-rated stuff soon. Personally I'm appauled that M-B put such garbage tires on such an expensive car. Mine are M+S tires. Down in South Florida we never see Mud or Snow and have plenty of open roads to have some fun on. Once I replace the tires, I'll inquire from the dealer about the update to the computer. Earlier conversations suggested that the newer computer modules are reprogrammed via flash memory (like BIOS on most modern home computers) so the change should be simple.

I did notice that RennTech offers the limit removal service at their usual accelerated fee of $1500.00. I will be the first to admit that they perform 1st-class workmanship and quality on everything they do, but..... for a simple reprogramming of the on-board system, I think this is more than extreme.

I don't know where you'll use the added top-end in Atlanta.... come on down to SF and we'll take a test drive though ;-) Also, invest in a great Radar detector first.

Regards, KM

....wondering if Benzmac will do it for me. Isn't his shop in the Atlanta area?

I'm also wondering if there is enough back straight at Road Atlanta to hit the limiter in this car.

I can't answer for Benzmac...his shop is in the "Featured Shops" section of this site.

On the backstretch at Road Atlanta...maybe. I'm pretty sure there is enough room to see well over 130mph in a 500E or modified E430 but whether a stock one (the M/S rated touring tires bite you here) might limit your cornering speed so much you wouldn't be able to pull it off without ending up offtrack at the end of the stretch. Bolt on some wider competition tires and it might be doable... Sounds like a helluva fun experiment though!

Hope this helps...Lee

Guys--this limiter removal thing is much more than a "simple reprogram". The system is multi -redundant, that is, killing one limiter function (eg, speedo) won't necessarily kill another (fuel pump). The reason the Renttech reprograming is so expensive is simply because it takes LOTS of time. See the Car and Driver article in testing the hot rod E class--the motor was willing, but even Renntech needed 4/5 tries to get all the limiters to co-operate. I've got the same car and I'd like to think it's a plug in or laptop deal like my 540I, but it ain't. Good luck, and you'd be amazed how fast we rednecks go down here in Georgia...allen
99E430 Spt
99 540I/6

I have a 99 E430 Sport. Are you sure the speed limiter is different on the standard E430? I couldn't find the information on the owner's manual. But if that's true, I am glad that I bought the Sport version.

Drive Safely
Jack1

allen,
Know whatcha mean...never seen anyone speed around here, nah I have NO idea how fast those crazy GA guys/gals go. Stretches of 400N, I-85N, and the occasional I-75/575 blitz...no, not meeeee. *see past posts regarding 0-160mph-65mph between exits on 400N* Heck, normal speed for traffic is 80mph+ on most highways around here. Get anyone riled up (pass them for instance) and they will just about kill themselves maxing their vehicle trying catch you/keep up/ or similar action in vain.

The reason the removal of a limiter isn't so simple is because MB have more redundant backups and complexity to keep people from trying. Terrorists would be doing quite well to design a bomb as tamper proof. Can't think it is going to get any easier the more computerized these cars get.

Jack,
To find out for sure just find a lonely stretch of road and keep it floored till you either tach out in top gear, hit the limiter at 155mph, or stop at 130mph. If you don't have the road, track, or inclination to do that then it probably doesn't matter as much.

one of those crazy GA guys Allen warned you about...Lee

Seems like an orthogonal conundrum.... let's see, do I buy the Z rated tires and gamble that somebody will do the conversion? (I need the better turn-in anyway, but 130mph in this car seems like an insult to it's true capabilities.)
Or just head for Road Atlanta looking for the limiter, and hope I don't end up in the gravel at the end of the stretch.
Or perhaps just limit myself to that pokey old 130mph when blitzing by left lane bandits on 400.... well, so ok, I admit nothing more than 115mph so far.
Mostly I'm just thinkin' I shoulda bought a "Sport". First stop is probably a drive over to Benzmac's shop.
On the other hand, I don't feel soooo bad. These options are just not open to all those driving Surburbans, Fiat 850s, Accords, Crown Vics, and Checkers.
In any case, I must, must stay calm, and remember that a bigger bonus is needed to go E55ing already. Hmmm, maybe a Lorinser treatment.........