Is it possible to remove the top-speed limiter found on hi-performance German cars?

Question

Is it possible to remove the limiter chip that restricts the top speed of most German cars (For example, the Mercedes E63AMG) to 155mph/250kmph? If so how much faster would the car be? (again, you can use the E63AMG as an example)

Answer 1

A lot of the answer contain a piece of truth, a lot of others false information.

1. The reason for the speed limiter:
It is really a kind of agreement between the german car manufactures (BMW, Mercedes, VW and Audi - Porsche produces faster cars) to limit cars at 250 km/h. It has nothing to do with safety nor that driving faster would ruin the engine; the reason is more to not run into competition with beating each other at highest speeds. Do you really think driving at 260 or 280 would be sinificantly more dangerous than 250? And yes, the engines, suspension etc. are built for higher speeds, the only issues are the tyres.

2. Yes you can remove the slimiter and yes, it is either a software update on your car or replacement of some chips.

3. I do not think that AMG will do that by default, maybe they will, but basically they are working closely together with Mercedes and therefore will respect the Mercedes guidlines. It will depend if you order your AMG through Mercedes distribution channels or from AMG directly. The later one can do it for you costs will be around 2.500 US dollar or Euro.

4. The speed that you can expect could be more than 300 km/h, but you have to take care that your tyres will be able to handle that speed too.

Lates news is that BMW is thinking about removing the limiter for the Upcoming M-Series BMWs, at least to sell it as an option.

Answer 2

Simply chipping the car will normally remove the limiter. If you really are buying and E63 then simply ask AMG to do it for you before you get the car. They will do, or at least raise it to around the 180mph mark. By law manufacturers like AMG have to keep it within the safety range of the tyres on the car, but aftermarket tuners are not restricted by these conditions.

There is nothing to stop anyone with a high performance car taking it to Germany and hitting 200mph on the Autobahn, or heading off down their local runway to see if they can top it out.

So to all you who say, you shouldn't...Bah Humbug! We'd all be sitting round the camp fire in our cave if people didn't push the limits a little further.

Answer 3

Can be done by a good tuner. What it'd do to a warranty is another matter. The 155mph thing was agreed to by the manufactures to comply with tyre technology limitations.

Answer 4

all limiters can be removed from any car. some can be easy and more difficult. just depend where it is on the car, some can be on the acceleration pedal reducing the amount you can push down are some on the engine. removing the limiter can increase the speed by about 70 mph

Answer 5

performance chips fitted to a cars ecu usually remove the limiter.

Answer 6

Yes you can but there would be no point as you would tear the engine to pieces and to keep it in tip top condition you would have to get it serviced every 5 months without fail! there are plenty of more safer things to do to make it faster!

Answer 7

lots of high end cars have a "chip" in it to limit the speed.. alot of japanese cars also. they do it for safey reasons.. but i can't see the porpose of making a car like that and putting a chip in it. makes no sense. note: i have a lincoln LS v8 and i'vd done 125 in it, drive on kiddo.

Answer 8

yes it can be removed by a specialist, the limiter is put on to satisfy an agreement between german car manufatures to keep limits on autobahns relitively safe.... your amg merc may top 200mph

Answer 9

I'm sure it would be possible but highly unsafe, you'd run the risk of shredding the tyres or losing high speed aerodynamic stability.
The limiters are in place for a reason.

Answer 10

yes but the limiting factor is tires. how damn fast do you need to go 125 to 140 is fine for me