AMG build quality

[Howard]

I didn't realise that all AMG engines were hand built ....

I know the CL65 that my pal had had a plate with the builders name on it ...

Not sure about the C55 i use sometimes, i'll have a look next time i'm in it ...

I thought it was just the V12's

 

[mb240]

Good question, I'm no engineer, I'm just reporting my personal experiences with a hand built (E55) vs a machine built (M5 e39) engine.

I've owned my E55 since June '07 & I previously owned a M5 e39. Both cars were/are my daily drivers for work & pleasure, The M5's oil needed fairly constant topping up, with probably 1 litre per month on average, I guess. Whereas the E55's oil level on the dipstick just doesn't move. Just as well given price of Mobil 1

Mine is 7 years old and I got it used; it was serviced at purchase which was at 100,000km, and I got a warning last week to add 1 litre, it is also due the A-service (tomorrow), and it's got 123,000km on it now. This was IMHO quite excellent! Interesting as well that the oil reservoir in the same era 5 litre was larger (8 litres) than the AMG 5.5 litre (7.5 litres).

 

[Thmsshaun]

I'm astonished the part counts are that low.

I was thinking that.

 

[C240Sport97]

the plates re:name of engine builder never made it to the 210 and 208 AMGs

I didn't realise that all AMG engines were hand built ....

I know the CL65 that my pal had had a plate with the builders name on it ...

Not sure about the C55 i use sometimes, i'll have a look next time i'm in it ...

I thought it was just the V12's

 

[C240Sport97]

the drive shaft connecting the gearbox to the rear diff on my CLK has 4 bolts .. apparently non AMG cars only have 3 bolts

 

[munichlegend]

Put our 320CDI estate alongside a 55AMG and would the AMG have more, or better options?

The AMG is a great power unit and I for one am NOT criticising it.

John[/quote]

I understand your point John, however, I did not buy the E55 AMG for its options. I bought it primarily for the engine/handling/braking & also the practical/family features (7 seats). The optional extras are welcome, but merely icing on the cake, as far as I'm concerned. It's a purist's
car. Purist in the sense that it is dedicated to the essence of driving.

 

[Howard]

the plates re:name of engine builder never made it to the 210 and 208 AMGs

Are the W210and W208's engines hand built then ?

So it should be on the W203 C55 then ?

I'll have a peek next time ...

 

[jaymanek]

i think they are ALL handbuilt to an extent, now how much is actually BUILT and how much is just a bloke putting things together like a flat pack wardbrobe is a matter of opinion....

Clarkson seemed to take the hand built badge with a pinch of salt on a recent review...

 

[glojo]

It's a purist's
car. Purist in the sense that it is dedicated to the essence of driving.

I fully understand what your saying and I for one really like the AMG but I don't think the question was solely about this excellent powertrain?

Being new to this forum and also about to purchase an 55amg, is the build quality likely to be of a higher quality than a run of the mill MB of the same model?

 

[BTB 500]

The M5's oil needed fairly constant topping up, with probably 1 litre per month on average, I guess. Whereas the E55's oil level on the dipstick just doesn't move. Just as well given price of Mobil 1

In 5 years I've never had to top up the oil on my VW (2.8 V6) either - it gets changed when serviced, and that's it. And yes, I do check the level!

 

[munichlegend]

Put our 320CDI estate alongside a 55AMG and would the AMG have more, or better options?

John

Originally Posted by Lusso
Being new to this forum and also about to purchase an 55amg, is the build quality likely to be of a higher quality than a run of the mill MB of the same model?

Likewise, I don't think the question was solely about options. Thought the question was about build quality.

 

[glojo]

Likewise, I don't think the question was solely about options. Thought the question was about build quality.

Correct and hopefully they will be the same apart from the engine.

John

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Are the W210and W208's engines hand built then ?

So it should be on the W203 C55 then ?

I'll have a peek next time ...

Yep, there should be a plaque on a C55.

On the very earliest C32s (2001/2002) there wasn't, but from H2 2002 onwards W203s had the plaque too.

There's a great video on engine room assembly on www.mercedes-amg.com - well Whilst hand made - they have all sorts of clever machinery to help them along the way!!

 

[blackscooby]

Boooooooo I wanna plaque.
<Blackscooby goes to find his etchersketch to make a plaque>

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Boooooooo I wanna plaque.
<Blackscooby goes to find his etchersketch to make a plaque>

I always assumed yours was a 2003 because you have bi-xenon lamps?

 

[blackscooby]

Yeah no idea how that happened. Maybe on the cusp on a 2002 run out and 2003 build.

Down to 12 months warrenty left... It will be going in Spring 08
C32 and no warrenty = not for me !

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Could be using stock of superchargers without plaques, or maybe a replacement supercharger unit?

Or the maybe the headlamps have been retrofitted?

 

[blackscooby]

Original fit, looking at the stack of paperwork that came with it.

 

[Dieselman]

don't forget, new model year cars start in August the preceding year.

 

[hawk20]

Yeah no idea how that happened. Maybe on the cusp on a 2002 run out and 2003 build.

Down to 12 months warrenty left... It will be going in Spring 08
C32 and no warrenty = not for me !

Have you checked out Service Plus -virtually a warranty till 6 years old or 120k miles whichever is the sooner.