So my E350 CDI didn't start off life too slow in the first place (265bhp) but with a mere 27k on the clock I thought I should look at my remap options in the uk. I picked 3 companies who specialises in merc re-maps 1. Celtic tunning (didn't even return my call and website gave very little info about my car. 2. MLS in Birmingham had seen some good videos about there work on YouTube and thought let's see what they are saying. (They did quote the work and returned my calls) last but not least number 3 DMS based in Southampton
So let me tell you about MLS and DMS. MLS roughly wanted £650 and another £150 to remove the DPF. (I didn't want the DPF removed as i don't want my car kicking out loads of black smoke thank you very much. I asked about there aftercare and I was told iltjey would only re map the car once for free if it got deleted and from there on charge £350 each time. Plus I live nearly 3hr away from there workshop. They could fit me in the same week which was good but I was been told my car wouldn't make much more than 40bhp and another 20bhp if I did the DPF work. Got me thinking!!!!!!!
So I called DMS and this is where my story gets good! The guy who answered says straight away great car for a re-map we have done a few and always see great results (I know that's what he should say but he's the only one who has said it so far) it's roughly the same sort of price as MLS and they are quoting figures over 310bhp and 500 pound ft. Without touching the DPF!
He then goes on to say they can come to me or if I want to use the rolling road I can book a slot at there base in Southampton. I then go on to ask about there aftercare? They will remap the car as many times as it might get deleted UNLIMITED. He also says the limiter on the car will be removed too as part of the re-map (MLS DIDNT SAY THIS)
Something felt right about DMS so I went with them. I booked myself in for rolling road and re-map on a Saturday morning. I arrive at 8am to a lovely unit on a very nice ind estate in Southampton (next door is a Ferrari main dealer service centre) outside are parked 2 new f10 BMW 3 series with DMS number plates (I'm feeling happy it's not a Fred in the shed type of place)
Inside the workshop is a gang of cars ranging from a 700bhp M5 to a 900bhp 911. And some more avg stuff like RS4 and GTR LOL
They show us the waiting room (tv PS4 DVD coffee machine fridge of cold drinks leather sofas etc) I have to say I'm very happy with my choice so far.
As you may or may not know the ECU is tucked up under the drivers wheel arch on a 212 E350 CDI. So job one after a quick dyno run was to remove the ECU and do there magic. 45 mins later it's back in the car and we are back on the rolling road.
Run one confuses the tech and he calls over the guy working to check a few bits out! Then run 2 he looks as confused and I'm think oh **** is there a problem with my car what have I done oh no!!!
Run 3 and he calls us over to discuses what's going on! With a very big smile he says I didn't believe it the first run but you are making over 332.7bhp and 520 pound ft. He says by far my car has responded very well to the remap!
The car comes off the rolling road and I settle the bill and leave for a drive straight to oxford. I decide not to smash the loud peddle as soon as we leave the unit but save it for the motorway!
The first thing you notice is the throttle response and my God you only need to now feather it. You ride the 520 pound ft like Adlin on his carpet! Which gets me thinking what about the MPG?? I didn't even ask about it!!!! On the drive from Southampton to oxford my avg was 57mpg at a little over 70MPH in that distance I had some good blasts and I can report it pulls like a freight train in all gears and feels like if you kept your foot burried you would be off the clock in no time! I'm not going to talk about speeds and gears but I can tell you the car has really changed and I think will be upsetting a lot of cars it shouldn't.
Would I recommend a re-map YES 100% and would I recommend DMS the answer is 100% yes! And feel free to say I said!!!!