Why did AMG didn't build a supercharger in the ML 55?

[Clyde]

Hi all, I'm considering the ML 55 with the Kleemann supercharger upgrade, that brings this baby to 560hp/718nm. But I was thinking, AMG is all about super fast cars; and almost every model from '00 or so has got one. But why didnt AMG put one in the ML 55, considering that it IS possible (if Kleemann can do it). So is there a serious technical reason why AMG didnt do it? In other words.. can I expect some problems on the long term (or short) if I let Kleeman ''finish the job'' ??

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[Pao Pao]

Just curious, how much does the installation and modifications for the Kleeman run?

Thanks.

[Bilal]

AMG's ML wasn't a big seller in the first place so I guess that it didn't warrant the need for extra power?

[amb9800]

Originally Posted by Clyde

But I was thinking, AMG is all about super fast cars; and almost every model from '00 or so has got one. But why didnt AMG put one in the ML 55, considering that it IS possible (if Kleemann can do it).

Well actually AMG started installing superchargers in 2002, with the C32K and SL32K. The 5.5L V8 was only supercharged from 2003, in the E55K, SL55K, S55K, and CL55K. Considering the ML55 was discontinued after 2003, it's no wonder why it didn't get the Kompressor.

Hope this helps

[BoBcanada]

Because then they would have to put BIGGER brakes and stiffer suspension and sportier seats and lower the car and .... and More!

[Pao Pao]

Doing some research on the superchargers came up with this, if anyone is interested:

http://www.mbautowerks.com/performance/00013/00013.html

[Walter.fr]

Originally Posted by mbakshi

....... The 5.5L V8 was only supercharged from 2003, in the E55K, SL55K, S55K, and CL55K. ........

Sorry Sir,

to correct you; the SL55 started January 2002 here in Europe....

kind regards from France

Walter

PS.: the reason for NON-Charging the ML - was the gearbox ......

[Clyde]

Originally Posted by Walter.fr

Sorry Sir,

to correct you; the SL55 started January 2002 here in Europe....

kind regards from France

Walter

PS.: the reason for NON-Charging the ML - was the gearbox ......

tell me more, im not so technical. what was it about the gearbox?

[Walter.fr]

Clyde,

The gearbox and the 4x4 was constructed to be able to stand the power of the ML55 (+/- 10 %) therefore as well most of the European tuners are not developing over these figures....

I tried for month to find some "upgrade" for my ML55 as well, and got told by the European MB/AMG tuners that this is the reason for the "low" output - even after tuning for this engine. I am not a gearbox specialist as well - therefore I had to believe these engineers.

kind regards from France

Walter

[amb9800]

Originally Posted by Walter.fr

Sorry Sir,

to correct you; the SL55 started January 2002 here in Europe....

kind regards from France

Walter

Well I'm not sure if you have the same system as in Britain, but in the US we go by model years. So even though the SL55 came out before the physical year 2003, it was MY2003, and that's why I said 2003.

Originally Posted by Walter.fr

PS.: the reason for NON-Charging the ML - was the gearbox ......

What do you mean by "gearbox" -- the transmission? That's certainly not the case, and neither is the 4WD system AFAIK - this is evident from other uses of the same equipment.

And plus, the ML drivetrain was originally designed to handle the V12 engine from the 600's. The ML55 wasn't on the drawing boards until later - it was not a design target for the original drivetrain setup.

[Kar don]

well the 600 motor at the time had relatively the same output as the 55 engine (the 600 had slightly more torque i believe). AFAIK the ML500 and 55 share the same exact drivetrain, the 55 just has a different transmission computer. I think there were several reasons for not adding the kompressor... the 55 sales were falling and was discontinued, the transmission and transfer case were not strong enough to reliably handle the vast increase in power.

[00SVTdubs]

Originally Posted by Pao Pao

Just curious, how much does the installation and modifications for the Kleeman run?

Thanks.

what he asked???

[MadC32]

oh well.. just wait for the W164 ML63 AMG.. 503 hp and 600 Nm of torque..

[Lexino]

if you are just getting a turbo or supercharger without upgrading your brakes, rotors, suspensions, wheels & tires. than your making the biggest mistake in your life.

[Pao Pao]

Talked to the local MB who does Kleeman mods. Doing a quick mental tally of things while the mech was talking came to around $20K. He said the difference between before and after was black and white, a totally different truck.

[ml320]

Originally Posted by Bilal

AMG's ML wasn't a big seller in the first place so I guess that it didn't warrant the need for extra power?

The ML55 AMG was a good seller.

Mercedes sold 12120 ML55 AMG (W163.174) through 12/2003. MBUSA sold about 4000 of them and it was their most popular AMG model.

[ml320]

Originally Posted by AlBoston

the transmission and transfer case were not strong enough to reliably handle the vast increase in power.

Doesn't the ML55 AMG use the 722.6 W5A580 which is also used in other models with kompressor? I can't see why it should not have worked in the ML.

The M-class transfer case (all models) can handle an input torque of 1580 lb-ft, and should thus have been strong enough for the kompressor several times over..

[ruey220]

Originally Posted by ml320

Doesn't the ML55 AMG use the 722.6 W5A580 which is also used in other models with kompressor? I can't see why it should not have worked in the ML.

The M-class transfer case (all models) can handle an input torque of 1580 lb-ft, and should thus have been strong enough for the kompressor several times over..

is that 1580lb ft of torque good for one blast of torque, or for constant use? there are things that have high ratings i.e. y rated tires that can go 200mph but drive it like that for 90% for the life of the car and it will last only 10% what it would at regular street driving.

[55fanatic]

Originally Posted by ml320

The ML55 AMG was a good seller.

Mercedes sold 12120 ML55 AMG (W163.174) through 12/2003. MBUSA sold about 4000 of them and it was their most popular AMG model.

The ML55 was actually an awful seller... in its first year it did well because there was no other vehicle like it. Then BMW came to market in 01 and by the time it was discontinued there was more competition then MB could handle.

While the gear box was strong for what it was, it could not handle the extra power over a prolonged period of time as well as the type of driving that is accomponied with it. The Torsion bar system was also not a great platform to start on with something with 500hp

[boldt]

Originally Posted by Bilal

AMG's ML wasn't a big seller in the first place so I guess that it didn't warrant the need for extra power?

It wasn't a big seller because less than 4000 were produced for US delivery over the 4 years they were manufactured. They were sold out everywhere.

The bulk of them were made in 00 and 01, very few ML55's in 02 and 03.

amg-mercedes.com/privatelounge has the exact breakdown year by year.

ML 55 AMG

2000 2084
2001 1105
2002 735
2003 150

[Wolfgang]

Looks like the ML55 AMG was MBUSA's AMG bestseller in 2000.

C 43 AMG
2000 91

E 55 AMG
2000 1203

ML 55 AMG
2000 2084

And also did quite well in 2001, compared with MBUSA's other AMG models.

CL 55 AMG
2001 303

CLK 55 AMG Coupe
2001 1343

E 55 AMG
2001 653

ML 55 AMG
2001 1105

S 55 AMG
2001 1042

Numbers from: http://www.topgearage.com/?p=260

[e320newbie]

so... supercharger or no? lol one day id like to do it once i dont need the truck aspect of it...
does anyone know the constant tourqe the transfer case can handle? 500hp would be nice...
lol

[Newzchspy]

Originally Posted by e320newbie

so... supercharger or no? lol one day id like to do it once i dont need the truck aspect of it...
does anyone know the constant tourqe the transfer case can handle? 500hp would be nice...
lol

I have a 2001 ML 55 and thought from day one the veh needed more power. Kleemann in CO still does the set-up and I believe it runs about $18,000 or so. Prices may be less now that there's not a lot of demand for it for the ML 55, BUT it would still have to be well north of $10,000. Call Cory at Kleemann USA and ask him.

[filterman]

I am working on putting the powerdyne supercharger on my ML. I have Kleeman headers and sports cats in the garage awaiting help from the right person on the powerdyne mounting. According to what I have been told the drivetrain can handle the power

[Newzchspy]

Originally Posted by filterman

I am working on putting the powerdyne supercharger on my ML. I have Kleeman headers and sports cats in the garage awaiting help from the right person on the powerdyne mounting. According to what I have been told the drivetrain can handle the power

Powerdyne makes one for the ML 55?? I though most of their applications were domestic??? Kleemann yes, Powerdyne???