Tuner Tuesday Pre-Merger Madness: 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300E AMG 3.2 and 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500SL AMG 6.0

Such is the pedestal AMG products are placed upon, perhaps it’s only Ruf that is better regarded as the leading tuning firm from Germany in the 1980s. Combining revised suspension, special exhaust and warmed over motors, AMG managed to straddle the line between outrageous and tasteful in the 1980s perfectly with wild body modifications that somehow worked just perfectly. Inside, they were the most opulent German cars you could buy with power seats and all the luxury items you’d expect from a top-tier luxury manufacturers. But the bad boys from Affalterbach, like the Ruf cars, managed to be more than the sum of their parts – a total package that is still stunning today. They didn’t just bolt on a bunch of bits to make a go-faster car. AMG redefined the packages of the car, bringing them to another level. Today we have two examples to consider from the end of AMG’s independence – which is the perfect creation from the 1980s for you?

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300E AMG 3.2 on eBay

Year: 1989
Model: 300E AMG 3.2
Engine: 3.2 liter inline-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 48,166 mi
Price: $27,000 Buy It Now

This 1990 Mercedes Benz pre merge AMG 3.2 , 1 owners car is offered for the first time in USA as the other owner were Amg enthusiast from Japan. This one is the 4-door variant, and is equipped with the 3.2L single cam engine as opposed to the 6.0L found in the same bodied Hammers. It is in impressive condition, was only 78.000 km from new, and wears probably the best color combo offered.

The big monoblock wheels were the perfect match for the body kit components on this car, and the outer lips set things off nicely. The 3-piece rear spoiler is a classic Hammer cue that never looks quite as good on standard W124’s. This one shows the perfect stance.

This car offered with partial service history and all books and manuals in leather AMG pouch .

This car offers an interesting contrast to the 500E that was built on the same platform. This car is feels faster and more balanced compared to 500 E. The later merge AMG cars came later, and not offer same quality ,noise and feel as a pre merge cars. Price for this being equal to good 500E but any real Mercedes enthusiast will choose this AMG without question, unless you need to have the real Hammer, which is also available from Mendelsgarage.

This vehicles vin number is WDB1240301B115071

This vehicle was legally imported from Japan and currently has a valid PA title. The mileage is displayed in kilometers which we converted to miles for the ad.

Please keep in mind you are bidding on a pre-owned vehicle. Everyday driving can cause minor chips, dings or scratches on a vehicle. Unless otherwise noted in our photos or description these items are minimal, but may exist in some cases.If you have any questions about this or any of my other auctions please feel free to contact me at (267)471-6561. Thank you for your interest and I look forward to hearing from you.

The AMG 3.2 version of the E class is much less known and appreciated than the bigger brother Hammer 6.0 version, and in same ways this car is a bit of a poseur. It’s not that the AMG didn’t upgrade the performance; output on the M103 motor in this configuration is reported at 234 horsepower – stout by 1989 standards. But compared to the later 3.4 and E36 models – and even the internal 500E – performance is lacking. Looks, however, are not – in a stunning combination of dark grey and that beautiful interior, this is one incredible package. Pricing is on par with middle range 500 models, leaving you to decide if the performance of the car is more important than rarity and looks. It’s a hard toss-up in my mind, but boy is this an impressive package and it bears consideration that an equivalent 6.0 model would likely be quadruple or more this asking price. But if you must have that monster motor….

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500SL AMG 6.0 on eBay

Year: 1990
Model: 500SL AMG 6.0
Engine: 6.0 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Mileage: 36,100 mi
Price: $35,000 Buy It Now

This 1990 Mercedes Benz SL500 6.0 AMG is one of 350 500SL-based examples built by the then still independent tuner AMG, and was imported to USA from Japan last year. Car retains all original paint and is in very good condition, it has no dings, dents or scratches and has been professionally detailed . Using MB’s M119 five-liter V8 as a starting point, AMG added a liter of displacement and bumped power up by 54 HP for a total of 376. This one’s is fully sorted and turn-key ready following a recent service.

This car was originally build with 6.0 and not converted to AMG spec later. We bought directly from second owner in Japan . Unlike other r129 cars we seen this car retains it’s original appearance as many of those cars are converted to MkII body spec .

One piece 18” AMG Monoblocks are look great on this car however the AMG aero’s 17’s are correct wheels on pre merge cars. The factory hardtop is included as well, as they lend these cars a sleeker, coupe-like profile.

The cabin remains all factory apart from an Blaupunkt head unit, though the OEM Becker item is included separately. Just as nicely preserved as the exterior, the leather upholstery has been treated twice a year and is free of rips, cracks or serious signs of wear, while carpet, dash and veneers all show equally well. All lights, switches and accessories work as designed, and the power folding top is in excellent cosmetic and functional condition with no damage to the canvas or plastic rear windows.

Factory rated at 376 HP, AMG later admitted off the record that power was in reality closer to 410 HP, enabling five second flat 0-60 times and 185 MPH once de-restricted. The 4-speed automatic offers smooth, positive shifts even under full power. The car received a full maintenance , notable jobs of which included new OEM A/C condenser and dryer .front and rear suspension bushings and full tune up in September of this year.

This vehicles vin number is WDB1290661F017567

This vehicle was legally imported from Japan and currently has a valid PA title. The mileage is displayed in kilometers which we converted to miles for the ad.

Please keep in mind you are bidding on a pre-owned vehicle. Everyday driving can cause minor chips, dings or scratches on a vehicle. Unless otherwise noted in our photos or description these items are minimal, but may exist in some cases.If you have any questions about this or any of my other auctions please feel free to contact me at (267)471-6561. Thank you for your interest and I look forward to hearing from you.

If the 3.2 is more show than go, the 500SL AMG 6.0 is the exact opposite. Outside of the subtle signature wedge rear spoiler and larger AMG wheels, there isn’t much to tell the outside world that lurking under the hood of this roadster is the monster M119 6.0 V8. Less famous than the later AMG V12 versions of the R129, that’s a boon for the enthusiasts and I believe this is likely the least expensive platform you can get the legendary motor in. Miles are low, condition is top and rarity is assured, yet the asking price of $35,000 seems downright affordable compared to some other rarefied AMG products.

While I love the look of the W124, for me the clear winner here is the R129. Yes, it’s a bit more money – but I think it’s a bit more special, too. I do wish it had the color combination of the 3.2 because that’s so much prettier than the grey/black combo. But either way, here you’re a winner. Which do you like more?

-Carter