Mercedes Sprinter Remapping?

Brad Fehring · Newbie

Mercedes Sprinter Remapping?

msg · Guru

I have a 2008 Transit. I had a continual problem with the "Check engine light" coming on. Every 300 or so kms it was almost a ritual. Take it into a dealership, replace a bit, reset the engine. Anyway, after the dealerships replaced everything they could think of and took a lot of money off me, I finally got a result. A mechanic who dealt with a lot of Transits remapped it. So far, touch wood, I have not had the problem since.

Possum3 · Guru

Welcome to the Forum Brad. I can't help you with your re-mapping problem, but good luck.

PeterInSa · Guru

Hi Brad, Why the Remap... More Power, or Problems.. If Problems, Have you carried out a Scan and checked for Problem codes?

msg · Guru

Everytime I did a scan it said the turbo was crook. Its still working 10yrs later. No Probs

I believe theres something illegal about getting it done for more power. or is that putting a chip in?

-- Edited by msg on Thursday 20th of June 2024 01:24:39 AM

PeterInSa · Guru

Re (I believe theres something illegal about getting it done for more power. or is that putting a chip in? )

msg. my understanding is that with Mercedes Benz Sprinters some models can use the same engine, they are just detuned, I think our 313 at 129 bhp? has the same engine as the 311 at 95bhp? I have read that remapping at 313 can go up to 190bhp but to me it will shorten the life of the engine. ( jaahn may give a better technical/accurate version of the above)

www.facebook.com/bhpuk.ecu.remapping/posts/2-mercedes-sprinters-in-for-remaps-today-a-313-producing-130bhp-as-standard-and-/1672065466149892/

Jaahn · Guru

Hmm not sure why I was mentioned but here is my opinion.
It is not correct to say some models of engine are detuned. That is sales BS. It is correct to say Mercedes(and other manufactures) do choose to use a common size engine in different models and use different power outputs to match what they think is best for the various applications. They test them for durability and may modify them internally and/or external accessories as required to achieve what they consider the market wants. As evidenced by the 315 engine problems they may not always get the high power options right as they can come to a sad end at some point !

So can they be retuned or rechipped by some unknown backyard jockey who professes to know everything about the process and has "tested" it somewhere possibly or has got a lot of likes on his sites. Who knows how good it is or will it sh*t itself half way round a lap ?? I have no answer to that. Your money, your van, your gamble.

Is it likely to be legal ? That is hard to say but if there are any pollution reduction features fitted to the engine then the answer would most likely be NO. Plenty of people with diesels do ignore this and are happy to say so on forums, and recommend what they have done. Their choice. But I would have to say the chance of anyone checking for it is low !
Cheers Jaahn

PS that link above is very old. Here is a recent one; https://bhp-uk.net/ecu-remapping/mercedes/sprinter

-- Edited by Jaahn on Saturday 22nd of June 2024 03:20:38 PM

peter67 · Guru

The OP has a 2005 Sprinter so it's unlikely warranty will be an issue but, for newer vehicles with a warranty claim one of the first things they check is whether any remapping or chip modifications have been done, guess where that leaves you if the vehicle is not standard. That also means gearbox or driveline issues are not covered.

Bas + Eve · Senior Member

We had our 516 with the 651 engine (651 good engine, 646 not so good engine) mapped 12 years ago. The extra power increase (162-195hp) made the world of difference. We have had absolutely no problems. Fuel consumption remained the same at 15-16/100. The trick is to always use a reputable remapper. Obtain at least 4 references.

peter67 · Guru

I don't believe that. You must use more fuel to generate more power. If you want more power buy a bigger engine.

Bas + Eve · Senior Member

More torque, goes up hills without changing down a gear, labours less and gets to roadspeed much quicker. We purchased the MH new and we were getting 15-16/100 before mapping and the exact same after mapping. The technician advised the fuel consumption would not alter.and it didnt. 15-16/100.

BarneyBDB · Senior Member

Achieved by prioritising efficiency over trying to meet ridiculous emission standards, and actually does a better job...