Fits 2012–2020 · Stage 1 and Stage 2 · Mail-in
$2,499
Stage 1
580hp
650lb-ft
From 449 hp / 516 lb-ft stock
The car
With the R231 generation, sold in the US from 2013, the SL became the first large-series Mercedes-Benz with an all-aluminum body shell. Mercedes-Benz puts the shell about 220 pounds lighter than a steel equivalent; high-strength steel tubes reinforce the A-pillars, and the panel behind the fuel tank is magnesium. The SL550 is the V8 version of this two-seat roadster with a power-retractable hardtop, below the AMG SL63 and SL65.
Its 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 drives the rear wheels, through a seven-speed automatic until 2016. The update for 2017 brought the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed, more power and an optional Active Body Control with a curve-tilting function, and the roof could now be operated at up to 25 mph. Mercedes-Benz quotes 0–60 mph in 4.3 seconds for the 2017–2020 SL550, limited to 155 mph.
On a 2020 car, Stage 1 is calibrated for the car as it left the factory and takes it from 449 hp and 516 lb-ft to 580 hp and 650 lb-ft on pump-grade fuel. Stage 2 is calibrated for supporting bolt-on modifications and high-octane fuel, for 600 hp and 675 lb-ft. The gearbox has its own controller and torque limits, so the optional TCU tune raises them to match, with sharper shifts and stronger clutch clamping.
Figures & prices
Factory and tuned horsepower and torque from our catalog, with prices for each stage and add-on.
| Model year | Factory | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Add-ons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–2020 | 449 hp / 516 lb-ft | 580 hp / 650 lb-ft $2,499 | 600 hp / 675 lb-ft $2,499 | TCU tune $2,399 |
| 2012–2015 | 429 hp / 516 lb-ft | 580 hp / 650 lb-ft $2,499 | 600 hp / 675 lb-ft $2,499 | TCU tune $2,399 |
Tuned figures are estimates, not guarantees. Actual results vary with the car’s condition and modifications, fuel quality and octane, temperature, altitude and the dyno used. See our Terms of Service.
How it works
Choose your year, stage and add-ons and check out securely.
Pack it with your printed order confirmation email and send it to our Phoenix shop.
Within two business days of it arriving.
Return shipping is on us. Reinstall and drive.
FAQ
More answers in our FAQ
Our online catalog lists Stage 1 and Stage 2 tunes for 2012–2020 Mercedes-Benz SL550 (R231) models. Choose your year at the top of the page; figures and prices for each year are shown in the table above.
No. The R231 went on sale in the US as a 2013 model. The 2012 SL550 is the previous generation, with a 5.5-liter V8 in place of the 4.7-liter twin-turbo engine and without the all-aluminum body shell.
The updated car has a new hood with two power domes, a diamond grille that extends further down, LED headlamps whose housings reach further outward, and larger air outlets in the front fenders with wing-like chrome inserts. It also has the nine-speed automatic and DYNAMIC SELECT with five modes.
Stage 1 is calibrated for the car as it left the factory and runs on pump-grade fuel. Stage 2 pairs the calibration with supporting bolt-on modifications such as downpipes and runs on high-octane fuel. On a 2020 car, Stage 1 takes it from 449 hp to 580 hp. Stage 2 takes it to 600 hp.
A TCU tune is available as an add-on ($2,399). It raises the transmission’s torque limits and sharpens the shifts so the gearbox can handle the extra power. Ship your TCU in the same box as your ECU.
More Mercedes-Benz tunes
Contact
Customers across the US order online and mail us their ECU. Our shop is at 952 W Melinda Ln, Suite D in north Phoenix (Deer Valley, 85027), and local owners are welcome to bring their car in. Call, visit or send us an inquiry.