I read a profile on this shop called ES Technical Roadsport (located in So. Cal.) in a recent issue of European Car. This issue featured an Opera Design CLK320 with re-programmed ECU by ES Technical. I called ES today to get more info about the ECU for my E320, since it shared the same engine as the CLK320. They claimed that it boosts 20-25hp with the re-program and they have done many CLK320 and E320 without any problems. As I am not very technical, I wonder if one of you more technically inclined people can call ES and ask them some serious technical questions about re-programing ECU's to check if they in fact know what they are talking about. I would hate to take my car to someone that don't know what they are doing. ES Technical's # is (310) 891-1985

Thanks,

Kai

The mild engine tune that all M112 V6 engines have certainly could be improved by 5-6 percent, but 10-12 percent seems unlikely w/o creating emissions that wouldn't make it in California. Your computer will have to be reprogramed instead of replacing the chip.

MB DOC is right...to get that much more power out of (most) street motors you have to really shave close to the emission standards. If you live in California or somewhere with similarly strict smog laws you could have problems. When you talked to them did you ask about emission legality? Are they offering a warranty to that effect? Shipping the "brain box" to their shop might be a logistical problem come emission test time. The price of having a second "race" (hence all power tune, damn the emissions) brainbox would be costly but perhaps the best alternative.

Did they offer any other upgrade to go with the re-program as part of the 20-25HP gain? Another pertinent question is what kind of torque/torque band increases are you getting? A chip combined with some breathing mods might get you to 10-12% emissions legal.

Hope this helps...Lee

ES basically told me that with their ECU reprogram, I cann see an increase of 20-25hp WITHOUT any other upgrades - they also told me that it is CA emission legal. From what you are telling me, I guess this guy is just trying to make a sale...

Lee,

BTW, you mentioned that it would be expensive to have a second box...how expensive is "expensive?"

I'm not sure offhand. I do know that a Bosch (or whomever) brainbox could easily run $1,200-$1,500 for the box alone. Then you add the cost of reprogramming it. Fill out a parts request form on PartsShop and we will be able to tell you exactly. I would not say for certain he is exaggerating, but ask about satisfaction warranties. Then find a dyno near your house. Figure a 20% loss of HP's in the drivetrain and calculate if his software is "as advertised". If they do a non emission legal brainbox it may trip some engine codes. Talk to them about that ahead of time and see if they have a way around all the emission police. (for track use only of course...)

Hope this helps...Lee

what is the price for reprograming ?

They wouldn't quote a price for the reprogramming over the phone, I'll have to go into the shop to get a price.