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Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Performance Modifications

Your car is already full of top-shelf performance parts. However, for those of you who want more power out of your Mercedes-Benz E-Class, here are some performance options that are readily available.

By Neftali Medina - May 14, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2010-present).

When most people think of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, luxury and performance come to mind. The E-Class combines the power of a 12 second car into a hotel on wheels. Even so, when a driver gets a craving for more power, there are a few things that can quench that thirst. This article highlights three performance upgrades that can make your car accelerate faster and preform better.

Performance Modifications

There are several ways to modify you car; however, these three are the most common performance upgrades that offer quick and effective results. Tuning helps improve the overall performance of an engine in its power output, powerband, and fuel economy. The exhaust helps an engine breathe better as well as the wheels and tires, not only increasing its traction, but also allowing the engine to distribute its power to the road effectively.

Engine Tune

DIY Cost – $300 - $500

Professional Cost – $500 - $4,000

Skill Level – Difficult; A tuner must completely understand the dynamics of an engine, its fuel ratio and other details, as they must change the engine's computer to respond differently as it is being driven.

Tuning is the best performance option available. It directly affects how an engine disperses its power, especially in regards to how much torque is allowed in first gear. Full range tuning should only be done with use of a dyno-meter in a professional environment. However, there are chip-sets available which plug right into the car's computer. These chips are offered by companies such as Race Chip. It should be noted that chip-sets do not create as much gains as a full-fledged dyno-tune, but do still provide notable gains in performance and economy. Race Chip offers three tiers and programs for the W212. Each level increases the maximum output potential of the engine.

Exhaust

DIY Cost – $1,000 - $3,000

Professional Cost – $2,000 - $4,000

Skill Level – Moderate; Installing an exhaust system may require a welder in some cases; if not, then can be held in place using brackets and high temperature gaskets.

The exhaust system allows an engine to free up back-pressure and release more crank power. Although most exhaust upgrades do not show immediate power gains, the engine is able to respond better with additional performance modifications. High-quality aftermarket manufacturers, such as Meisterschaft, provide mandrel bent tubing, high temperature glass packs, and titanium and stainless steel exhaust systems–which claim up to a 10 percent increase in both power and fuel economy.

(Related Article: Exhaust Modifications for the E-Class - MBWorld.org)

Wheels and Tires

DIY Cost – $500 - $2,000

Professional Cost – $800 - $4,000

Skill Level – Easy; Ordering the tires and wheels together will only require you to mount them to the vehicle.

Wheels and tires are usually one of the first modifications done on a vehicle. For those of you who want something different on the car, there are several options available. A staggered combination allows for larger tires to be used in the rear of the car, which completely changes its look by giving it a more aggressive stance. Those looking for increased performance can plus-size a wheel by one or two inches. Plus-sizing the wheel height allows for better power distribution from the engine. Higher performance tires use better designed rubber compounds and treads that help the car maintain traction. Some notable tire manufacturers are Michelin and Pirelli. High-quality forged wheels are produced by Enkei and Vossen. One of the most common wheel and tire combinations includes 20-inch wheels with staggered 235/35-20 and 275/30-20 tires.

(Related Article: How to Choose Aftermarket Wheels for Your E-Class - MBWorld.org)

Pro Tip

A lot of modifications may require professional installations, so be aware of the costs for those upgrades. Also, some modifications done to the car may void the manufacturers warranty.

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