I know this post is over a decade old, but I wanted to clarify some incorrect information posted above. Also, eBay has removed all "performance" items that modify engine computer programming: chips, "tunes", or anything similar - all gone from eBay. That said:
- All LH-SFI EPROM chips are socketed, not soldered. It was the ME ECU's, and possibly some late HFM, that are soldered.
- If the car has poor performance as the OP described, a chip WILL NOT HELP. Not even a little. Total waste of money. You must diagnose and fix the problem.
- Higher octane is not required, not necessary, and offers zero benefit. Just use the minimum 91 octane (R+M/2 method) in USA, as required on most all Mercedes gas engines. You can choose to pay more for 93+ octane but there is no power gained. The EPROM only controls fuel delivery, not ignition/timing advance. It's not possible to increase timing advance (which would require higher octane fuel). Want the best fuel? Only use TopTier gas (click here).
Anyone who wants to buy a performance chip for the 5.0L M119 V8 engine with LH-SFI,
click here.
