Mercedes-AMG tuning
in Melbourne: C63,
E63, GLA45 & A45.
The M139 and M177 engines both leave significant headroom in the factory calibration. Here is what each AMG platform is capable of, and why the 9G-Tronic gearbox needs tuning alongside the ECU.
Tuned by Apex Workshop
Mainline AWD dyno · 1,500+ tunes · Epping, VIC
TL;DR · the short version
The M139, M177, and M157 engines all share significant factory headroom. A Stage 1 ECU and 9G-Tronic TCU tune transforms every AMG model from impressive to genuinely fast, without touching any hardware.
The M177 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 (C63 S, E63 S, GT 63 S, GLE 63 S) gains 60–80kW RWKW at Stage 1 on 98 RON, and 600–650kW RWKW on E85.
Every AMG runs the 9G-Tronic automatic. Its factory torque limits cause flat spots at high RPM once the engine is tuned unless the TCU is recalibrated alongside it.
Stage 1 ECU and TCU calibration for M177-powered AMG models starts from $1,800 at Tuned by Apex. M139 models start from $1,400.
01 · Platform overview
Every AMG,
one dyno.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles are some of the most rewarding tuning platforms available in Melbourne. Here is what each model is capable of at Stage 1 on our Mainline AWD dyno in Epping.
Figures are rear-wheel kilowatts (RWKW) and indicative only. Every AMG figure here is verified on our Mainline AWD dyno, not a generic file flashed blindly.
02 · The M177 V8
Why the C63
and E63 respond.
The M177 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is one of the most tuneable engines in the current AMG range.
It is fitted to the C63 S, E63 S, GT 63 S, and GLE 63 S. The factory calibration leaves substantial boost and timing on the table, and the engine hardware is robust well beyond Stage 1 power levels.
On a Stage 1 tune, the M177 gains 60–80kW RWKW through boost pressure, ignition timing, and torque limiter calibration alone, with no hardware modifications required. On E85, the same engine reaches 600–650kW RWKW at Stage 1, a genuine supercar performance level in a practical, all-wheel- drive saloon or SUV.
03 · 9G-Tronic TCU tuning
Essential on
every AMG.
The 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox fitted across the AMG range has factory torque limits that become immediately apparent after an ECU tune. The gearbox will limit engine torque during gear changes, causing flat spots at high RPM on the tuned engine. See our dyno tune pricing guide for TCU calibration costs.
Torque input limits raised
Torque input limits are raised to match the new engine output, so the gearbox stops capping power during gear changes.
Shift speed improved
AMG Mode shift times are significantly improved, removing the flat spots that appear at high RPM after an ECU tune.
Line pressure firmed up
Line pressure maps are increased for firmer clutch engagement at full throttle, protecting the gearbox at tuned power levels.
Downshift logic sharpened
Downshift logic is remapped for sharper, more aggressive kickdown response under load.
Launch control integrated
Launch control integration is recalibrated for the tuned engine, particularly on C63 and E63 models.
We always tune the TCU alongside the ECU on AMG vehicles. The improvement in shift quality alone is worth the additional cost.
04 · The M139
A45 and
GLA45 tuning.
The M139 2.0-litre four-cylinder is the most powerful production four-cylinder engine in the world in factory form. That power figure is achieved through extremely high boost pressure, which also means the factory calibration is close to the safe limit for the standard turbo.
Stage 1 gains on the M139 are more moderate than the V8 platforms at 50–60kW RWKW, and Stage 2 work centres on turbo and fuelling upgrades to extract further headroom.
05 · ECU access on AMG
Every safety
system stays intact.
Mercedes-AMG ECUs are accessed through brand-specific tools. We use established AMG tuning platforms that provide OBD-based flash access without ECU removal.
All factory safety systems — ESP, ASR, 4MATIC AWD management — remain intact after calibration.
06 · Frequently asked
The questions
we hear every week.
Ready to tune your AMG?
One-day ECU
and TCU calibration.
AMG owners — call the workshop or submit a quote and we'll confirm the stage that suits your build and the gains your platform can expect on the rollers.
9/21 View Rd, Epping VIC 3076 · Mon-Fri 8am–5pm