SKN Chip tuning? What do they have to do...?

SuzaFan · 01-29-2008

I am getting my SLK 350 chip tuned by SKN on Thursday.
I am about to install K/N filter by myself, alone, I have already taken out the plastic air intake system, I will buy tomorrow the filters and install them...
I did that because I don't want the mechanic to touch the engine too much...
But, I wonder if they have to take my ECU unit out of the car when they are installing new software to ECU(I guess it is located in the middle of plastic air intake system (that silver thing with many wires)), or they just connect the car to the computer (the connector is under driver's knees I think, when I unscrew few screws,right?) If they have to take my ECU unit out of the car, then they have to take whole air intake system out first, so my work was for nothing...
Help with the answer please...

MarkR171 · 01-29-2008

I wouldn't do the ECU flash, after reading various threads with our resident guru (Dan) giving multiple reasons as to why it's not a good idea, I'll let others comment in more detail.

As for the filters, I just installed my green filters this morning in about 10-15 minutes. Very straight forward.

DansSlk · 01-29-2008

They will probably just flash it but you have to be aware of the damage this can and probably will cause and the fact that Merc will void your warranty and return it to the original software at ANY service.

SuzaFan · 01-29-2008

Hmmm, I've read those threads about ecu tuning, but still, those tuners have TŰV, it is German certifiacte that certifiactes that everything is ok and so on...
Carlsson and Brabus also do ECU updates...
SKN guarantees 18 HP, 20 Nm and V max limiter removing.
I don't have the warranty anymore, as I bought the car in November 2004...
They ale also telling me that they cannot see that ECU is remapped beacus it is modifcation of original software, not new software...I can tell them in the service not to erase my software, as I don't haev warranty anymore...
I will see, but I think i will do remapping and let you know my opinions...
Where is the ECU connector, is it beneath driver's legs? Little bit on the left, between the doors and the clutch?

DansSlk · 01-29-2008

Yeah but getting the cert is not very difficult and requires no long term testing at all and most big tuners Brabus and such perform ECU mods along with hardware modifications.

I work for Merc and i can tell you that any changes they make we can see without difficulty, if you tell the service guys not to flash the ECU then they probably will not stamp your service book.

The OBD connector is on the under dash yes but you don't need to unscrew it.

**Bernd js** · 01-29-2008

Interesting Dan,

so the ECU is flashed every service? I told the guys the last two services not to flash the ECU, because there were discussions ongoing about a bad idle running or something else that might cause a software update. But my engine was running fine. The technician looked in the computer and told me that there were no update necessary. ...
Since October of last year the Carlsson CK35 is installed (295 PS, 385 Nm, 270 km/h). The ECU was sent to their headquarter in Merzig. Other air filters were necessary, too, but I had already the Green filters.

SuzaFan, where are you located? As Dan told, TÜV is not wrong. But at least here in Germany the legality for those modifications is very important in terms of insurance.

SKN promises reasonable values, but I was more convinced by Carlsson, as they are a Mercedes tuner and this item in terms of long term testing:
http://www.carlsson.de/en/race/race/race.php
It is costlier than others, but they have taken the warranty.

SuzaFan · 01-29-2008

I am located in Croatia (Kroatien wűrdest du sagen

)
I was thinking about Carlsson too, but it is a lot more expensive.
I will get new air filters (K&N), and ECU with SKN. Carlsson guarantees little bit higher performance (295 HP compared to 290 HP by SKN), but that can be due too exhaust, cause I will leave my original exhaust and you probably got Carlsson.
Are you satisfied with that what you got from Carlsson? Can you feel those 23 HP more? Is your SLK manual or 7G? Mine is 6 speed manual. Did you get Vmax limiter removed? Was it worth that money?
And one more question...did they have to take out the ECU (the chip, computer) phisically or did they just flashed new software?

**Bernd js** · 01-29-2008

I see, Croatia, therefore those nice Üs.
Satisfied? Yes, very much!

The engine reacts more aggressive on throttle moves and reaches much more easily high revs. My 350 has the 7G automatic. The limiter is removed and the car has reached the new top speed of 270 km/h with 5,500 U/min.

I have left the car for three days in Hamburg (Carlsson-Nord). They removed the ECU and sent it to the headquarters in Merzig.

Concerning the new air filters: Did you consider the Green filters?

http://www.slkworld.com/store/Green-...p-1-c-260.html

DansSlk · 01-29-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bernd js

Interesting Dan,

so the ECU is flashed every service? I told the guys the last two services not to flash the ECU, because there were discussions ongoing about a bad idle running or something else that might cause a software update. But my engine was running fine. The technician looked in the computer and told me that there were no update necessary. ...
Since October of last year the Carlsson CK35 is installed (295 PS, 385 Nm, 270 km/h). The ECU was sent to their headquarter in Merzig. Other air filters were necessary, too, but I had already the Green filters.

SuzaFan, where are you located? As Dan told, TÜV is not wrong. But at least here in Germany the legality for those modifications is very important in terms of insurance.

SKN promises reasonable values, but I was more convinced by Carlsson, as they are a Mercedes tuner and this item in terms of long term testing:
http://www.carlsson.de/en/race/race/race.php
It is costlier than others, but they have taken the warranty.

If the DAS says the ECU needs an update then yep its part of the service and if you say don't update it they can technically refuse to stamp your book.

Your mod sounds like hardware to me mate so i doubt the software changes would have any effect to it

cyberdrakon · 01-29-2008

which plastic part of the intake did you remove?

**alroumi** · 01-29-2008

SuzaFan do get the MB sports package airbox with the ecu update and two drop in filters you will sure to enjoy the results and the added torque.

SuzaFan · 01-30-2008

Hmmm, now you guys complicated my life

I have decided to buy K&N filters, don't know if I can get those green filters here...
I will see what I will do...cannot believe actally that all those tuning companies and ecu moddings are actually - cheating.
They told me in SKN that they will just need to flash my ECU, without removing it from the car...(actually thay said that they probably won't have to remove it from the car)
I am getting nervous

SuzaFan · 01-30-2008

Installed the K&N filters today...
I tried the car and I think I could hear some more "woooosh" sound while accelerating. I coudn't have tried it well enough to see if there was some real performance difference.
Tomorrow I am getting my car to SKN, so I hope the ECU will be modded till afternoon...if there will be no complications...
Will inform you...

**Bernd js** · 01-30-2008

Yes, report your impressions!

I think you won't regret it.

Of course you should hear a difference after changing the air filters.
The flashing ought to be finished in an hour. My ECU has got additional 1,400 kms on the clock without the car around it during those three days.

cyberdrakon · 01-30-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzaFan

I have already taken out the plastic air intake system

what are you talking about here? what have you removed? or you just removed it and put it back in?

DansSlk · 01-30-2008

I think he took the intake out to replace the filters, on the 280 and 350 the ECU's are mounted to the intake to keep the cable throws short.

**alroumi** · 01-30-2008

SuzaFan, the whoosh noise is great its an indication that it gets in more air for the engine which makes it breathe better and easier than the oem filters.

You should also hear the exhaust noise to be slightly different, a bit throatier to be exact.
To hear the whoosh noise better, you should keep it in neutral and rev to 1-2rpm and release the gas pedal quickly; make sure you have the top down and windows as well so you can hear it much better.

SuzaFan · 01-31-2008

Thank you guys for advices, I left my car in tuning company today morning...
I have to say that they called me from SKN few hours after and told me that my ECU needs to be sent to Germany, to SKN central service, they cannot flash it here... I am now thinking what to do cause I have to leave my car by those guys here and so on...it will last cca 7 days...
Why to be an easy way if it could be difficult...
I think I will let them send my ECU to Germany though...have to decide

**alroumi** · 01-31-2008

I sent my ecu to Heron which formerly is Digi-Tec, which took exactly 3 days to flash and to ship back to Kuwait.

Do not worry, I am sure your ecu is with safe hands. The result and impressions of the cars performance will cover the wait.

SuzaFan · 01-31-2008

My ECU will be sent to Germany tomorrow...
Hopefully, I will have it back till the end of next week...
I really hope there will be some increase of performance, cause otherwise I will get mad...
Now I only have to wait...
Will inform you what will happen...

01-29-2008	#1 (permalink)
SuzaFan Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Croatia Vehicle: SLK 350 6M + SKN chip tuning & K&N air filters Other Toys: Motorcycles Posts: 143 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	SKN Chip tuning? What do they have to do...? I am getting my SLK 350 chip tuned by SKN on Thursday. I am about to install K/N filter by myself, alone, I have already taken out the plastic air intake system, I will buy tomorrow the filters and install them... I did that because I don't want the mechanic to touch the engine too much... But, I wonder if they have to take my ECU unit out of the car when they are installing new software to ECU(I guess it is located in the middle of plastic air intake system (that silver thing with many wires)), or they just connect the car to the computer (the connector is under driver's knees I think, when I unscrew few screws,right?) If they have to take my ECU unit out of the car, then they have to take whole air intake system out first, so my work was for nothing... Help with the answer please...

01-29-2008	#3 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	They will probably just flash it but you have to be aware of the damage this can and probably will cause and the fact that Merc will void your warranty and return it to the original software at ANY service. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

01-29-2008	#5 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Yeah but getting the cert is not very difficult and requires no long term testing at all and most big tuners Brabus and such perform ECU mods along with hardware modifications. I work for Merc and i can tell you that any changes they make we can see without difficulty, if you tell the service guys not to flash the ECU then they probably will not stamp your service book. The OBD connector is on the under dash yes but you don't need to unscrew it. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

01-29-2008	#6 (permalink)
Bernd js Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bremen Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 AMG Package Other Toys: watches, C43 AMG Posts: 186 Country: Thanks: 9 Thanked 13 Times in 7 Posts	Interesting Dan, so the ECU is flashed every service? I told the guys the last two services not to flash the ECU, because there were discussions ongoing about a bad idle running or something else that might cause a software update. But my engine was running fine. The technician looked in the computer and told me that there were no update necessary. ... Since October of last year the Carlsson CK35 is installed (295 PS, 385 Nm, 270 km/h). The ECU was sent to their headquarter in Merzig. Other air filters were necessary, too, but I had already the Green filters. SuzaFan, where are you located? As Dan told, TÜV is not wrong. But at least here in Germany the legality for those modifications is very important in terms of insurance. SKN promises reasonable values, but I was more convinced by Carlsson, as they are a Mercedes tuner and this item in terms of long term testing: http://www.carlsson.de/en/race/race/race.php It is costlier than others, but they have taken the warranty. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

01-29-2008	#8 (permalink)
Bernd js Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bremen Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 AMG Package Other Toys: watches, C43 AMG Posts: 186 Country: Thanks: 9 Thanked 13 Times in 7 Posts	I see, Croatia, therefore those nice Üs. Satisfied? Yes, very much! The engine reacts more aggressive on throttle moves and reaches much more easily high revs. My 350 has the 7G automatic. The limiter is removed and the car has reached the new top speed of 270 km/h with 5,500 U/min. I have left the car for three days in Hamburg (Carlsson-Nord). They removed the ECU and sent it to the headquarters in Merzig. Concerning the new air filters: Did you consider the Green filters? http://www.slkworld.com/store/Green-...p-1-c-260.html __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

01-29-2008	#2 (permalink)
MarkR171 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Vehicle: '07 SLK280 Posts: 210 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I wouldn't do the ECU flash, after reading various threads with our resident guru (Dan) giving multiple reasons as to why it's not a good idea, I'll let others comment in more detail. As for the filters, I just installed my green filters this morning in about 10-15 minutes. Very straight forward.

01-29-2008	#4 (permalink)
SuzaFan Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Croatia Vehicle: SLK 350 6M + SKN chip tuning & K&N air filters Other Toys: Motorcycles Posts: 143 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hmmm, I've read those threads about ecu tuning, but still, those tuners have TŰV, it is German certifiacte that certifiactes that everything is ok and so on... Carlsson and Brabus also do ECU updates... SKN guarantees 18 HP, 20 Nm and V max limiter removing. I don't have the warranty anymore, as I bought the car in November 2004... They ale also telling me that they cannot see that ECU is remapped beacus it is modifcation of original software, not new software...I can tell them in the service not to erase my software, as I don't haev warranty anymore... I will see, but I think i will do remapping and let you know my opinions... Where is the ECU connector, is it beneath driver's legs? Little bit on the left, between the doors and the clutch?

01-29-2008	#7 (permalink)
SuzaFan Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Croatia Vehicle: SLK 350 6M + SKN chip tuning & K&N air filters Other Toys: Motorcycles Posts: 143 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I am located in Croatia (Kroatien wűrdest du sagen ) I was thinking about Carlsson too, but it is a lot more expensive. I will get new air filters (K&N), and ECU with SKN. Carlsson guarantees little bit higher performance (295 HP compared to 290 HP by SKN), but that can be due too exhaust, cause I will leave my original exhaust and you probably got Carlsson. Are you satisfied with that what you got from Carlsson? Can you feel those 23 HP more? Is your SLK manual or 7G? Mine is 6 speed manual. Did you get Vmax limiter removed? Was it worth that money? And one more question...did they have to take out the ECU (the chip, computer) phisically or did they just flashed new software?

01-29-2008	#10 (permalink)
cyberdrakon Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SoCal, USA Vehicle: SLK55 2006 Other Toys: 560SEC 1990, CLK500 2005 Posts: 1,400 Country: Thanks: 24 Thanked 63 Times in 42 Posts	which plastic part of the intake did you remove?

01-29-2008	#11 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,275 Country: Thanks: 291 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	SuzaFan do get the MB sports package airbox with the ecu update and two drop in filters you will sure to enjoy the results and the added torque. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

01-30-2008	#12 (permalink)
SuzaFan Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Croatia Vehicle: SLK 350 6M + SKN chip tuning & K&N air filters Other Toys: Motorcycles Posts: 143 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hmmm, now you guys complicated my life I have decided to buy K&N filters, don't know if I can get those green filters here... I will see what I will do...cannot believe actally that all those tuning companies and ecu moddings are actually - cheating. They told me in SKN that they will just need to flash my ECU, without removing it from the car...(actually thay said that they probably won't have to remove it from the car) I am getting nervous

01-30-2008	#13 (permalink)
SuzaFan Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Croatia Vehicle: SLK 350 6M + SKN chip tuning & K&N air filters Other Toys: Motorcycles Posts: 143 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Installed the K&N filters today... I tried the car and I think I could hear some more "woooosh" sound while accelerating. I coudn't have tried it well enough to see if there was some real performance difference. Tomorrow I am getting my car to SKN, so I hope the ECU will be modded till afternoon...if there will be no complications... Will inform you...

01-30-2008	#14 (permalink)
Bernd js Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bremen Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 AMG Package Other Toys: watches, C43 AMG Posts: 186 Country: Thanks: 9 Thanked 13 Times in 7 Posts	Yes, report your impressions! I think you won't regret it. Of course you should hear a difference after changing the air filters. The flashing ought to be finished in an hour. My ECU has got additional 1,400 kms on the clock without the car around it during those three days. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

01-30-2008	#16 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	I think he took the intake out to replace the filters, on the 280 and 350 the ECU's are mounted to the intake to keep the cable throws short. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

01-30-2008	#17 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,275 Country: Thanks: 291 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	SuzaFan, the whoosh noise is great its an indication that it gets in more air for the engine which makes it breathe better and easier than the oem filters. You should also hear the exhaust noise to be slightly different, a bit throatier to be exact. To hear the whoosh noise better, you should keep it in neutral and rev to 1-2rpm and release the gas pedal quickly; make sure you have the top down and windows as well so you can hear it much better. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

01-31-2008	#18 (permalink)
SuzaFan Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Croatia Vehicle: SLK 350 6M + SKN chip tuning & K&N air filters Other Toys: Motorcycles Posts: 143 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thank you guys for advices, I left my car in tuning company today morning... I have to say that they called me from SKN few hours after and told me that my ECU needs to be sent to Germany, to SKN central service, they cannot flash it here... I am now thinking what to do cause I have to leave my car by those guys here and so on...it will last cca 7 days... Why to be an easy way if it could be difficult... I think I will let them send my ECU to Germany though...have to decide

01-31-2008	#19 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,275 Country: Thanks: 291 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	I sent my ecu to Heron which formerly is Digi-Tec, which took exactly 3 days to flash and to ship back to Kuwait. Do not worry, I am sure your ecu is with safe hands. The result and impressions of the cars performance will cover the wait. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

01-31-2008	#20 (permalink)
SuzaFan Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Croatia Vehicle: SLK 350 6M + SKN chip tuning & K&N air filters Other Toys: Motorcycles Posts: 143 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	My ECU will be sent to Germany tomorrow... Hopefully, I will have it back till the end of next week... I really hope there will be some increase of performance, cause otherwise I will get mad... Now I only have to wait... Will inform you what will happen...