Mercedes’ turbo diesel powerplants have always garnered high praise for their refinement and economy, if not for their outright pace. But now Buckingham-based performance automotive electronics expert Superchips Ltd can rectify this relative lack of urge with the launch of an ECU remap for a range of Mercedes models using the 231bhp 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY engine.

Covering 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY variants across C / E / M / R and S-Class models, Superchips technicians have created a new ECU map for the Mercedes’ Bosch EDC17 ECU, safely removing some of the inherent performance constraints and fine tuning fuelling and turbo boost parameters. These changes have then been rigorously validated through a combination of road and chassis dyno testing.

The result of the Superchips ECU remap is a healthy increase of 34bhp at 3,008rpm, resulting in a maximum peak power figure of up to 284bhp (up from a measured standard power output of 250bhp.) Importantly, there is a decent spread of driveable power, with over 250 bhp available from 2,700 to 4,400rpm.

Impressively, given the refined nature of the Mercedes 350 CDi BlueEFFICIENCY models, the Superchips ECU remap delivers a significant boost in torque, which jumps from 433lb ft to 474lb ft at just 2,469rpm, realising a maximum gain of 59lb ft at 3,008rpm.

The end result is a sharper, more exciting, more responsive driving experience, with additional reserves of urge on tap for overtaking or towing. And thanks to the extra efficiencies delivered by the Superchips ECU remap, the 350 CDI powerplant feels smoother and is just as frugal. Indeed, if the Superchips remapped version is driven in a ‘like for like’ manner against the standard 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY car, owners will experience noticeable fuel economy improvements due to the additional low rev torque delivered by the Superchips upgrade.

Installation of the Superchips Mercedes 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY ECU remap entails customers visiting one of approximately 80 Superchips performance centres whose trained technicians can undertake the remapping procedure. Customers can be assured that the Superchips conversion is covered by a full Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30,000 mile supplementary vehicle warranty.

Covering 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY variants across C / E / M / R and S-Class models produced from June 2009 onwards, the Superchips ECU remap is available now both directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network, priced at £445.00 including installation and VAT.