Hi All,

I've been experimenting with some performance chips in my 500E. Since I have not played with these things before, I have some questions for those that have. Right now I've got the Precision Auto Designs chip in my car. It definitely adds power.

The first chip I got from them was a new one they were working on that altered both timing and fuel delivery. There was a noticable power increase, however the car ran a little rough at idle, and hunted a little while cruising/loafing on the highway - sort of like the a/c was cutting in and out changing the power demand, but a little more noticeable. The funny thing is that after driving about 20miles, the car didn't do any of these things anymore. Why?

I phoned up PAD and asked them about it anyhow and they said take out the chip and wait until they send me another one.

Now I've got the new chip they sent in the car and it didn't have idle problems, but I noticed that if I rev the car in neutral, it won't go over 5300rpms without stuttering. That's weird too. I may be imagining things, but the exhuast note seems to have a little more bass. But under load, it has not problems reving right up to the max.

My questions to those who have experience with these chips are 1) does the car have a learning curve with new chips? 2) have any of you experienced any wierd running issues with performance chips?

All and all I am happy with the PAD chip.

Thanks,
Eric



[This message has been edited by EricH (edited 08-05-2000).]

The 5,300 rpm studder is some sort of rev limiter. I am purchasing a burner and am going to try to play around with chips in the future.


------------------
Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1991 GMC Syclone
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I guess it makes sense there would be a lower rev limiter for neutral since it could over rev easily in that gear. It does not stutter while in gear and rips all the way up to 6400 in first and 6200 or so in second.


It would be cool to be able to program your own chips. I've seen some nifty software for programing auto chips. I think Jim conforti's group sell some. I'll try and find the link.

Eric

I have the PAD chip in my '92 500E as well as K&Ns in the standard airbox. Idle is fine, no loafing or stuttering or other problems.

A good deal more power is available as well. Maybe your idle problems are from a dirty inlet/injectors. I know Michael had this with his 500E and used some special cleaner to tkae care of it.

David Hendy
'92 500E 62k miles

Is there any warranty or guarantee on these chips? I've got a 600 SEL and, of course, would love even more power, but I've always been concerned that these things are either "snake oil" or that they might do damage to the engine. Any insight would be appreciated.

Brian

The early 500's did have Trottle body actuator problems, which hopefully you don't have. it will cause odd iconsistent rough idling or misfiring. When you install a new one it has to "program" to your car. According MBZ this is done simply by turning on th ekey and lettting sit for a few minutes. I went through that process when I had bought a PAD chip. After putting back to stock and replacing caps, rotor etc., & then the actuator (they are expensive) when I put the chip back in my 500 ran like stink. Make sure the rotors are in good shape. They are also know for hairline arcing as they wear.
I do have one PAD 500E spare chip if anyone is interested, with directions. $100. Don't ask, it's new left over from getting for a number of 500e associates that helped me out.
Mo Eckley

I had to have my TBA replaced in November and had a long discussion with the MB tech about how the car learns based on your driving style and adapts to that style. Quite fascinating, also really expensive!
I have a SuperChip w/ K&N filters in the standard airbox. I have been very pleased with the performance / reliability. I had considered the RENNTech Chip, but decided to save the $$ to put into the suspension. (Koni Sport Dampers, H&R Springs and RENNTech front anti-roll bar)

------------------
Bryan Harter
92 500E Smoke Silver

Moeck...I am interested in your "extra chip" You can contact me @ Remslydog@msn.com. Thanks.

------------------

Anyone experience hotter engine operating temps with aftermarket chips installed?

I don't understand the basics of what the chip 're-programs' HOWEVER, I am interested in the inquiry as to the impact on the engine or other engine part's longevity. Also, as Eric asked, do these chips cause additional heat issues with the 500E?

I received my first catalog from Precision yesterday so I have a heighten interest in the chip!

------------------
Mark Herzig
1992 500E (100,400 miles)

WOW is all I can say...

Moeck sold me his spare PAD chip, and I installed it a few days ago, and WOW.

I love my E500 - I loved it before, when it was beautifully and appropriately overpowered... but NOW, it's awe-inspiring.

Thanks to everyone for the knowledge-sharing...

John Epstein
Toronto, Ont, Canada
'94 E500
'88 750iL
'86 300E
'89 Kawasaki ZX-10

quote:

---

Originally posted by David Hendy:
I have the PAD chip in my '92 500E as well as K&Ns in the standard airbox. Idle is fine, no loafing or stuttering or other problems.

A good deal more power is available as well. Maybe your idle problems are from a dirty inlet/injectors. I know Michael had this with his 500E and used some special cleaner to tkae care of it.

David Hendy
'92 500E 62k miles

---

David...did u put the K&N in the same time as the chip? For those of us who are putzers, was looking at installing an K&N and wondered your impression if you did the upgrades separately and had a chance to drive ur car with just the new filter?

Thanx,


------------------
Scott

'91 300E 91k
Black Pearl/Gray
Eurolights/clear corners
AMG style wheels

'72 280 SEL 4.5 247k
Navy over Silver

I put the K&Ns in the car first, then followed with the chip. There was a very slight improvement with the filters, more just an increased willingness to rev.

When I added the chip there was a pronounced performance increase as if the extra air and fuel work well together. In addition I always run 94 octane fuel.

Since then I have added a Remus rear muffler which sounds and looks great.

David Hendy
'92 500E 64K

I need some help.

I am trying to determine if my 92' 500E has an aftermarket chip or if it is stock. What does the stock chip look like?

I think the possibility exists since the car has the 1st gear lockout modification and a installed K40 RD.

Also while on the topic of 500E's, what is the stock height to the wheel wells? I think mine has a slight lowered look compared to the pictures I have seen on the web. The rear camber looks excessively negative as well???

I have looked on there site but have found no chip offered? Did they stop production?

TIA

[Edited by roas on 03-06-2001 at 02:49 PM]

I recently replaced the stock chip with an AMG chip. I'd like to thank Michael for supplying me with written instructions on how to do this! The first picture shows me holding the stock chip. Note the serial numbers on the label...



The next picture shows the circuit board with the replacement chip installed. Note the label contains the manufacturer's logo...

__________________
Mark Herzig
1995 E300D 153K
1985 300D 142K (sold)
1979 450SL 122 miles (sold)
1992 500E 127K (sold)
1987 300SDL 132K (sold)
1986 300E 161K (sold)