Mercedes ML 500 (5.5i) 388 hp — Stage 1 file (+20 hp)
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Stage 1 file for Mercedes ML 500 (5.5i) 388 hp
Target +0 hp. Custom development for your engine.
Chip tuning for Mercedes ML 500 (5.5i) 388 hp ECU
Mercedes ML (2009 - W164) 500 (5.5i) 388 hp — premium petrol engine of the passenger segment of the Mercedes-Benz Group AG (Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Maybach, Smart, EQ) group (Германия, 1926). Stage 1 chip tuning raises power from 388 to 408 hp (+20 hp, +5%) and torque from 530 to 570 Nm (+40 Nm). ECU — Bosch ME9.7. Flashing method: OBD or Bench depending on the unit's protection. In the CHIPOK database: 2 configurations. A petrol engine built in 2009 — the era before widespread firmware encryption, OBD flash without complications.
AMG is the performance division of Mercedes (since 1967), building engines on the 'one man, one engine' principle in Affalterbach. Mercedes is one of the most protected brands in the chip tuning industry in terms of encryption. Maybach is Mercedes's ultra-luxury sub-brand. On older-generation Mercedes petrol engines, Stage 1 is flashed over OBD without Bench. The AMG 'one engineer, one engine' principle means each engine is built by a single craftsman whose signature appears on the plaque. Maybach uses Mercedes engines for the ultra-luxury segment, with the emphasis on quietness and smoothness.
AMG engines confidently reach Stage 2 with a downpipe + intake. The AMG community is active in Germany, but the protection is the toughest in the industry, so Stage 1 on AMG usually requires Bench. Stage 1 on Mercedes often requires refreshing the adaptations after the flash. Brabus is a premium alternative to AMG for the top models. AMG Performance Studio is Mercedes's in-house tuning studio for bespoke projects. Bench reading is a mandatory procedure for modern AMG models. Top AMG engines sit at the Mercedes power ceiling, and the gain is significant.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Stage 1 effect on the Mercedes ML 500 (5.5i) 388 hp?
Stage 1 chip tuning on the Mercedes ML 500 (5.5i) 388 hp boosts engine output by 20 hp: from 388 to 408 hp. Torque rises from 530 to 570 Nm (+40 Nm).
What changes in the Mercedes ML ECU after Stage 1?
Stage 1 chip tuning of the Mercedes ML is a rework of the ECU maps: boost pressure, ignition advance, target lambda and the removal of factory torque limiters. The gain is +20 hp with no hardware changes.
What is the Stage 1 potential of the Mercedes ML 500 (5.5i) 388 hp?
On the top-spec Mercedes ML 500 (5.5i) 388 hp engine, Stage 1 is the starting point before Stage 2 with a downpipe, intake and a larger intercooler. The mass-market factory calibration leaves substantial headroom for an aggressive software tune.
How much does Stage 2 add on the Mercedes ML?
Stage 2 for the Mercedes ML 500 (5.5i) 388 hp is Stage 1 plus hardware changes: a downpipe, a larger intake and a performance intercooler. The gain is considerably higher, but it requires professional component selection.
Which ECU is fitted to the Mercedes ML 500 (5.5i) 388 hp?
The Mercedes ML 500 (5.5i) 388 hp ECU is the Bosch ME9.7. Production versions support OBD access; locked variants require Bench (BDM/JTAG).
What happens to the Mercedes ML warranty after chip tuning?
The factory warranty of the Mercedes ML does not remain valid after Stage 1 — the manufacturer withdraws its obligations once the ECU software is changed. CHIPOK provides its own warranty on its work and support.
How long does remapping the Mercedes ML take?
On the Mercedes ML 500 (5.5i) 388 hp: OBD flash 25-30 minutes, Bench (if required) about an hour. The file processing itself takes 5-30 minutes once the original bin is received.
Is the original file kept when chip tuning the Mercedes ML?
Yes, the original ECU firmware of the Mercedes ML 500 (5.5i) 388 hp is kept and can be flashed back at any time. Returning to stock via OBD takes 25-30 minutes.
What is the price of a Stage 1 remap for the Mercedes ML?
Stage 1 for the Mercedes ML 500 (5.5i) 388 hp is paid for with CHIPOK credits (1 cr = 1 €). The final amount is set in the calculator, taking the extra options (off functions) into account.