W203 coupe ECU chipping - worth it?

[cplnoonoo]

I've read in a couple of places about chipping the ECU of my coupe to increase performance/bhp and also fuel consumption.

How much would i be looking at to get this done? Is it safe to do? What sort of gains am i looking at? Can i get it reversed if i wanted to sell the car or didnt like the changes it had done?

Also it doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out that more performance equals less mpg so can it really increase performance and give you better mpg at the same time?

Sorry for 100 questions but im just eager to see what can be done.

 

[HumberMart]

£300, Yes, 10% economy, Yes, Yes (although others disagree -see lots of similar threads)

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I would say not worth it. Only on the basis that actual power output will increase by little, but the throttle map might improve slightly. The supercharged petrol engines just aren't receptive to remaps without an upgraded pullet to increase boost (easiest way to tune a supercharged engine).

 

[cplnoonoo]

Doesnt fitting a pulley come with a few risks as with regards to powering interior electronics etc?

Im not really wanting to mess with mechanics...was just hoping for something quick that could increase mpg and a wee bit of oomph that could be reversed if i needed to sell car etc.

 

[Barbanasos]

It depends what pulley you fit. If its an underdrive pulley (underdrives power steering, alternator, aircon etc) then yes but there are also pulleys identical in size just significantly lighter.

 

[cplnoonoo]

What exactly do they do? I mean if its just lighter then doesnt it just do the same thing whatever it is that it does?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

There are two different pulleys - most oversize crank pulley, and a few undersize the supercharger pulley - the result is the same though, the SC spins faster and increases boost. More boost means more power.

 

[cplnoonoo]

What's the negative effect on electrics and fuel consumption with each then. I'm assuming increasing the boost from the sc will use more fuel?

Are they in the realms of a quick saturday afternoon fitting for an amateur or is it something best fitted by a specialist? Also whats the best cost-wise?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I'd be surprised if you noticed much of a difference in fuel consumption. The affects of heavy/light traffic, warm/cold weather, day/night driving, listening to quick/slow tempo music would probably mask the difference.

The amount of power you need to maintain a constant speed would be the same before and after swapping the pulley and so cruising should yield broadly similar fuel consumption.

A confident amateur could swap a pulley I guess. I would want a trusted mechanic to do the job though if I was so inclined.

Cost varies. UK + Big name = Expensive. US + Small name = Reasonable.

 

[cplnoonoo]

Do you have any recommended makes to go with for a reasonable price?

What difference would using a big named one be against a cheap one apart from build quality? I take it it is the same rule of you get what you pay for?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I would suggest looking at the US and European forums for some suggestions on which suppliers are worth looking at. Much more common than in the UK.

The big names like Brabus/Kleemann/Carlsson have big R&D budgets, and big marketing budgets to fund and so offer good quality but at a not inconsiderable price. You also get a warranty that you can rely on.

The small names obviously don't carry the baggage, but does give a bigger risk.

Cheaper doesn't necessarily mean reduced quality.