Archive for AMG
SUV Theme Week Closes
The SUV theme week added a bit of interesting flavor to the blog. I think we’ll continue to keep an eye out for the occasional German born beast to compliment the svelte roadsters we post. As always if there is a theme you would like to see us try shoot us an e-mail, dan@motoringblogs.com.
While we didn’t find any of the following for sale, I thought we just couldn’t leave an ultimate German SUV discussion without posting these.
If you are a Benz fan and want the highest form of expression of the G55 you actually have a pair of options.
You could go with the killer 600 horsepower Hamann Typhoon with 6 sidepipe exhaust:
or the even more crazy 700 horsepower, 800+ lb ft torque Brabus G V12 S Biturbo. Can you imagine a heavy truck with shape and weight of a small house that can hit 60 MPH in 4.3 seconds? The price tag is near $400,000.
Not to leave you BMW folks out, here is one of my favorite clips of Hans Joachim Stuck motoring an X5 LeMans arround a track. The car features the same V12 engine from the BMW LMR racer. Just listen to the engine howl on that thing. 700+ horsepower and it was faster around Nurburgring, 7:49, then a Gallardo a Ferrari 360 and even the M3 CSL. Not exactly what the typical American SUV buyer has in mind.
~Evan
2003 Mercedes-Benz Gelaendewagen G55 AMG
Gelaendewagen, my favorite German word, translates to “cross-country vehicle” and is Mercedes-Benz’s flagship SUV. The “G-wagen” history traces all the way back to 1926 where its 6-wheeled forefather the G1 began conquering less-than-ideal terrain. Mercedes-Benz continued with its off-road success and began making these rock crawlers into light military vehicles for the German Army. It wasn’t long until there was enough civilian demand for a road going model which led to the production of the G-Class.
The G had always been geared towards mountain scaling, rock hopping and mud slinging but before it could make it in the States it needed more leather, more creature comforts and more flash. This brings us to the G500 and G55 which became instantly successful amongst the SUV elites who had gotten tired of Range Rovers and the like.
The G55 is one of my favorite Mercedes, here’s a nice one on eBay.
The owner claims to have replaced any part that was covered under his aftermarket warranty. This includes:
Replace Steering Dampener
Instrument cluster/display replaced
Seat switches/ connector pins replaced
ESP control module replaced
Yaw sensor replaced
Transmission flushed
Differentials flushed
Locker system flushed
Electrical AT sensor replaced
New OE Bosch Mass Air Flow Meter
New spark plugs
BF Goodrich All Terrain KO’s 265/65/18 10 ply E load rating
The “Jeep with the Star” even saw some racing action in 1983 where Jackie Icyx piloted one to win the famous Paris-Dakar Rally.
Did I mention they can drift?
Rain, snow, sand, rocks, drifting – what can’t the G-wagen do?
-Ben
Theme Week: Winter Olympics of SUVs
Since our first theme week was such a success and fun. We are doing another round. This week we are thinking about the Winter Olympics. Heavy snow, cold temperatures, rugged terrain, all things you would associate with the Winter Olympics. Lastly, of course, you have your highly tuned, trained, athletes at the top of their game, ready to tackle tough conditions.
We think that this can be a pretty easy comparison to the top dogs (St. Bernards perhaps?) of the luxury, performance SUV, category.
So be on the lookout this week for Teutonic trucks.
To start things off here is a silly video of a pair of Mercedes G55s pulling a C63 through some snow. Something is slightly off with this video, be it lack of snow tires, lack of driving skill, lack of something.
~Evan
Cheap 2006 Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG Hot Rod
The idea of stuffing a big V8 into a small sedan has always sat well with me. Here’s a great example of what I’m talking about.
In 2005 Mercedes decided to ditch the blown 3.2 L V6 living in the C32 AMG in exchange for the 5.4 L V8 out of the W210 E55. 362hp and 378 lb-ft of torque will generally produce clouds of white smoke in any size automobile. In a small sedan like the C-Class it also equates to 0-60 in less than 5 seconds.
Depreciation has hit these Hot Rods pretty hard, 2006 MSRP was somewhere around $55K. 4 years and 56,000 miles later, KBB believes this 06’ AMG should fetch almost 22K. Luckily for the buyer, the owner is only looking for a measly $18,000!
More proof that big things can come in small (and affordable) packages.
2006 Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG in LA
-Ben
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series
Autotrader is listing a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series that I’m in love with. I was never a huge fan of the CLK until my friend’s father bought a 2005 CLK55 coupe. I remember hearing him rev it in front of the restaurant I worked at and loving the deep growl coming from the twin chrome pipes.
The Black Series is ultimate iteration of the CLK (besides the CLK-DTM, which never made it to the states). You know it’s something special just by looking at those sexy fender flares that give it the DTM look. Unlike other MB’s where beauty is only skin deep, this AMG also has the heart of a lion. The 6.3 naturally-aspirated AMG V8 puts out a healthy dose of 507hp and 465 ft·lb of torque. Not only will the Black do 60 in just 4 seconds but it will actually go around corners when you ask it to. It’s proud to display its racing pedigree by leading F1 cars as the Official safety car of the Formula One.
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series – 6,464 Miles!
Kelly Blue Book has the Suggested Retail Value of this MB at $107,700. At the asking price of $89,700, you are getting a whole lot of Mercedes for the cash. Call me old-fashioned but carbon fiber, fender flares and big V8 horsepower just do it for me.
Out of the 500 built only 370 came to the U.S. This Iridium Silver example has only seen 6,464 miles and needs a new owner to help break her in.
-Ben
A note from Evan:
Being the Benz guy that I am and having this car on my list of cars I hope to someday own I thought I’d chime in here on Ben’s post. The CLK Black series is awesome. I was at the world premier of the car’s unveiling at the New York Auto Show in 2007. At first glance it is much more subdued than its older brother’s, the CLK GTR or CLK DTM. It also appears to be much more drivable. For any of those folks who are still out there that think Mercedes only makes sedate highway cruisers, one listen to this car’s exhaust note and that misconception should be dispelled. You don’t have to take my word for it, Jermey Clarkson said he was “completely in love with it” and that it was his “new favorite car.” The Stig called it the most entertaining car he has driven in years. The car even comes with a warning letter from the factory cautioning new owners that the beast is “savage.” You can view the Top Gear episode where all this was said and take a listen to the might Merc here:
~Evan
Euro Mercedes 500SEC
I have a thing for big body Benzes and this is no exception. This definitely isn’t the cleanest or the most pristine 500SEC I’ve ever laid eyes on but it makes me feel all fuzzy inside. It’s just got the right look: lowered, Euro corners and headlights, tinted taillights, ect. (Not a fan of the “Gotti” wheels that are on it.)
The owner says its was “INPORTED” from Germany, where they had to replace the speedo with the white gauges it has now. The vehicle description looks to be written in broken English. Add this to the high miles and less then mint condition and many buyers may be turned off.
In my opinion, I still think this would make an awesome project car. First step – pick up a used AMG block (preferably the new 6.3). Second – a warm garage to work on the ultimate bahnburner over the winter. Last but not least I’d love to see some AMG Aero IIs or something with a subtle lip to give it that aggressive Mercedes-Benz wide body stance.
This was listed for a week and it didn’t sell. It’s a classified ad listing and the seller is asking $4,500.
-Ben
Well Cared for 2001 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG For Sale
Randy emailed me recently with details of his low mileage E55 AMG that he’s listing for sale. What a great looking car! While we usually go with more classic and rare listings to feature on the site, I was compelled by the honesty of his email and history of ownership.
On to the pictures and details!
quote from Randy’s email to me:
I have my father’s 2001 e55 for sale. He bought the car new and drove it sparingly until he died in 2004. (His other cars were a 1995 993 – which we still have with 32,000 miles on it – and a Subaru Turbo Wagon!) I got it after he died and drove it until late 2007. At that point, I got a new 2006 e55 and my Dad’s car was put in the garage. It has been driven occasionally since then.
It has approximately 49,900 miles on it. I have all service records; mine and my Dad’s.
There have been no modifications to the car. No air dams, spoilers, extra AMG badges, blue lights or huge wheels with ridiculously low profile tires, etc. It’s just as Mercedes intended it to be: subtle, yet extremely powerful.
The car runs strong; it accelerates powerfully, it stops straight. The air blows cold. The radio & trunk-mounted CD work as they are supposed to. In fact, everything (to the best of my knowledge) works, with the exception of the air bladders in the front passenger seat.
It is classic silver with two tone silver.
Defects:
1) There is a tiny scratch (not through the paint) on the right rear bumper skin.
2) Very slight “curb rash” on the right front wheel.
3) Two years ago, my wife was involved in a minor accident with the car. She pulled into an intersection and hit another car. The bumper skin was replaced and the right front fender was repainted. There was, to my knowledge, no mechanical or suspension involvement. In fact, the accident did not even break the headlights. The car was repaired and there have been no subsequent issues.The interior is an attractive (but not pimpy) two tone black & light gray. It looks and smells new. The seats show no wear, the carpets are in great shape, the headliner is clean, the sunshades work well, etc. Neither my Dad nor I smoked in the car.
Asking $19000
Please contact Randy at this email address for further inquiry: randy@wileinterests.com
I hope this car finds a home that will care for it as well as Randy’s family has. Good luck with the sale!
dc
1984 Mercedes 500SEL AMG
Here is something a bit unique. The pictures are nice, but the seller provides no description at all. Note to car people if you are selling a car and want to get people to offer you good money, describe your vehicle.
You occasionally see Benzs like this that have had a tough life and get moved to a new owner who a decade after the car was built tries to bolt on cheap body parts to make an AMG look car. This one appears to have been given the AMG treatment early on. Though the AMG front fender badges have the new AMG logo that would not have been contemporary with the car.
The car does have genuine AMG body parts, the trunk spoiler in particular is a fairly unique item. The car also has tailight filler spacers on each side of the rear license plate. These red parts that match the ridges of the tailights are not stock. The wheels appear to be genuine period correct AMG spec Ronal parts. Though they are missing AMG center caps.
The addition of a 5.0 badge on the right of the trunk makes me wonder if AMG did any engine work. Why advertise that it was 5.0 unless it was special? Mercedes only distinguished engine size with numbers on the right when they were different from the engine size given in the model number. (190E 2.6, 280SE 3.5, 300SEL 6.3, etc.) This is not a standard part for a U.S. 500SEL. To my knowledge it was only used on the 450SLC 5.0, standard, from the factory.
The velour interior, combined with the euro headlights, along with the VIN show this to be a Euro car.
If you are a Benz enthusiast and have never tried the online VIN decoder it is a must see.
If I can drag some more info out of the seller I’ll post it here.
Seeing this Benz in white roll by in the mid 80s truly would’ve said big pimpin’ to me. I love the sturdy look of this era S class.
~Evan
1979 450SEL 6.9 AMG on eBay
The ultimate autobahn cruiser of its time and then some. Nothing could touch the Mercedes 6.9 in terms of might and comfort. Following in the tradition of the Mercedes 6.3, this was also the fastest four door sedan in the world when new. 100 MPH on the highway could be enjoyed as long as the fuel in the tank held out. The 6.9 liter (417 cu. in.) engine made bursts into the 140s attainable if needed.
The car’s impressive hydro-pneumatic suspension, operating at over 2000 psi provided silky smooth road manners and kept the car on an even plain on hard launches and braking. The system is however expensive to service if not maintained properly. Unmaintained 6.9s can be spotted by their lowrider like appearance as the suspension settles. Vacuum operated cruise, door locks, and trunk were nice features as well. Also of note is the car’s impressive 12 (!) quart dry sump lubrication system. This allowed for better oiling during a spirited workout and made it possible to cram the monster engine under the hood. The oil reservoir is mounted near the fender instead of in a pan underneath. Taking this car in to your local quick oil change place was not considered a viable option as you would either end up with a drained transmission pan or an engine short half a case of oil.
Genuine AMG vehicles of this era are hard to document. The factory didn’t keep great records so knowing a cars history is important.
is an interesting case since it has been restored and has a new engine rebuild. The seller seems to know his stuff in terms of the 6.9, so likely there is no deal to be found here, just a chance to take ownership of mighty Merc. This car is also unique in that it is a a U.S. delivery Euro car. It has the good looking Euro headlights, but does that mean it has the Euro engine horsepower. With the new pistons it probably doesn’t matter. It also has leather which Euro cars did not have. Cali 6.9s were restricted down to 250 horsepower with emissions garbage. While full blown Euro spec cars hit nearly 300 with a meaty 420 lb ft of torque. Torque figures like that were scarcely seen anywhere outside muscle cars or dump trucks, neither of which could compete with a 6.9 in terms of all around enjoyment.
This car has some neat AMG options like the correct AMG steering wheel and 300 KPH speedometer, as well as an old style AMG trunk badge. Mercedes offered the 6.9 with debadging as an option. You could go super stealth with nothing on the trunk lid or just leave the small 6.9 tag minus the 450SEL label.
Full on AMG 6.9s with complete mono color body kit, blacked out trim, the Penta wheels and engine add ons like AMG cams are extremely rare and extremely good looking creatures. This one definitely qualifies as a stage 1 AMG, but doesn’t have the full treatment.
Having owned a full euro spec 6.9 I can attest with great vigor to the pleasure of driving these cars. The road manners and power are just amazing particularly considering the time period these cars were produced, think gas shortage and American luxo-barges.
There is plenty of information online about the 6.9 if you want to go look, but quickly here is a look at the 6.9 suspension being operated manually (the lever sits on top of the steering wheel):
and here is a link to the famous Brock Yates article about his experience thrashing a show room stock U.S. spec car around Road Atlanta for 100 miles. This is a fantastic article and reminds us that all cars are not created equal. Make sure to note the part about getting 5.9 MPG.
Below I’ve included a picture from one of my vintage AMG brochures, one of the only AMG brochures to show a 6.9, and a Flickr photo showing how the full 6.9 AMG package compares to this eBay listing in terms of looks. The sturdy lines of the 116 chassis Benz with AMG accoutrement in my mind are still some of the best and coupled with the formidable engine this is a package that 30 years later is still surprisingly sophisticated.
Lastly just for fun here are some 6.9s in the movies showing their stuff.
Ronin, scroll to about 4:50 for the good stuff:
Lost Highway, gets good about 1:00, R for language:
And of course Claude Lelouch’s C’etait un Rendez Vous, the film that started the “getaway” movie genre. Though the sound dubbed in is that of a Ferrari the car actually used was a 6.9. View the making of video to see the 6.9 with the camera mount.
~Evan
Cash for Clunkers Weekend Reading
You may remember my “spirited” post over the Cash for Clunkers program a little while back.
Well as a follow up here is the official government list of cars sent to their deaths through the program.
Of note are the 63 BMW 6 series cars, including 13 635csi models, a 850i, a M3, and a M5.
Mercedes suffered as well, can you imagine over 100 560SEC s crushed? That is literally tons of usable parts from one of the greatest Benz engines gone. Looks like 11 Merc V12 engines also have made their last trip. No wonder parts are so expensive. A pair of AMG cars, a C36 and a C43, were sent away too and gasp a 500E.
A number of high end Audi models also are on the list and a sprinkling of Porsches.
Most surprising, though not German, on the list is the 1997 Bentley (listed as a Rolls Royce) Continental R and great oogley moogley a Buick GNX, listed under ASC. If that was a true GNX it could have been rolled and burned and still probably brought more than the CFC allowance.
Post your thoughts or interesting finds after you peruse the list.
~Evan
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