Mercedes E55 AMG In 1995, a working group under the European Commission concluded that the measurement method used to measure the noise level of cars was not up to date. A directive was therefore adopted in the EU on a new standardized measurement method that should give a more realistic picture. At the same time, the limit levels for noise were lowered. How the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG managed to get type-approved is the big unanswered question here on this icy winter day on the country road between Karup and Viborg in Central Jutland. Truly old-school Mercer Bil Magasinet has throughout the years praised AMG's engines for emitting some of the most life-affirming and authoritative engine sound on this earth, and the experience of standing on the side of the road when almost two tons of old-school Mercedes-Benz goes from second to third gear with the gas pedal all the way down as it cruises by is something that takes several days to recover from. You feel the vibrations from the huge engine in your chest, and you feel the asphalt shaking, but it is the sound pressure that penetrates the most. If you've ever seen a panicked cow, you know what I mean. Add to that a low frequency, menacing V8 bass and you get a monumental result. The good news is that you don't have to be a millionaire to get behind the wheel. Bil Magasinet reader Jens Ole from Aarhus only had the car in the pictures for sale for a short time before it found a new buyer. The prize was DKK 170,000 
Gets a beating if the AMG is the first choice Photographer Soren Juul stands by our little top fashion in Central Jutland in Jens Ole's car and announces that I will get a beating if I write that I would prefer an AMG 'one. Soren thinks it's a wreck of an old taxi with a very, very big engine, and that's what the AMG looks like too. In fact, you have to be a connoisseur to spot it. Only the large AMG monoblock 18" rims and small AMG logos reveal that it is a car that, with CO2 emissions of 310 g/km, will get any right-thinking environmental hippie up in the dirt. And there's good reason for that, because when the pointer on the huge tachometer rages up into the red field towards the engine's maximum 6,000 rpm, the car squeals, roars and shakes, so you have to hold on tight to the splendid two-tone 1980s- inspired steering wheel. An AMG after 230,000 kilometers The test car has a short 230,000 km, which is noticeable in the slightly heavy and very Mercedes-like movements, but it was renovated and freshly painted a year ago, and I have to promise that all 354 horsepower is at home – at least that's how it feels. Planted heavily in the huge leather chair and with my arm in the frame, I completely fall for the brash and charming car, built at AMG in Affalterbach in 1998. 
The Mercedes-Benz model W210 is notorious for being the most fault-plagued model in the brand's recent history, and the rust protection from new was horrible. Everything can rust, but the test car is completely rust-free, and all electronics from electric chairs to mirrors to the 2-zone air conditioning system work. The current owner has just over 30,000 km in the car without a single problem, and the last time it was seen, it was shamed by the inspector for being in absolutely perfect condition. Apart from a slather of good quality oil now and then, the engine is largely maintenance-free. The block and cylinder head are made of aluminium, the displacement is 5.4 litres, and the output is 354 hp at 5,550 rpm. The torque of 530 Nm is present from 3,150 rpm, and you live with the fact that the 5-speed automatic gearbox just has to consider whether it really bothers to change every time it's time for a new gear. "Then you have to get some" Under no circumstances can you talk about a "her" in connection with this car, so I take "him" on a short stint up to 230 km/h and down again. It is completely undramatic in a new E63 AMG, but that is not the case here. 
Up to 100 km/h, the big rear tires just have to grip, so it doesn't go terribly fast, but then it's as if the shot wakes up and reacts with a "well, then you have to get ,” after which the V8 thunders away as the big wheels sit heavily on the tarmac and the rear almost settles in excitement. A few ducks take off in fright and flap away in confusion from the approaching thunder. On the other side of 200 km/h, it almost feels as if the acceleration is picking up. Only a foolhardy driver would dare to remove the top speed limiter to see how fast it can really go, because the old one is running fine. The good 98 octane is disappearing in a mad rush, but what the heck, it's going to a good cause. Annual fee? We're not talking about the E55 AMG cost two million strong when new, and today it's yours for a tenth. If you can find a rust-free car, a high mileage shouldn't deter you, because these are solid cases that are designed for the engine's massive powers. 
The loss in value is not bad either, because the first owners have taken care of it, so the biggest concern is quite banal: Fuel consumption. The AMG takes care of itself, and a short trip Aarhus-Karup t/r with a few quick accelerations requires at least 35-40 liters of petrol. Should you find yourself driving from Aarhus to Le Mans and back again, you must expect a fuel budget of at least DKK 7,000. The annual taxes add up to DKK 7,860, and insurance should not be a problem for an adult buyer. 
E55 AMG today If we are talking older AMG, we would go to a specialist like Gorlose Autoimport , who has many years of experience with the W210 model and knows where and how to find a perfect copy for the right one price. A specialist has to suffer a bit for the inconvenience, but the money is earned home faster than it takes to fill the tank. If you're into this type of car, there are very good bargains to be found in Germany right now due to environmental hysteria and falling demand for cars that do 4km/l when you're in a bit of a hurry. Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, 1998 Engine V8, 5,436 cm3, 24V Output 354 hp/530 Nm 0-100 km/h 5.7 sec. Top speed 250 km/h Weight 1,625 kg New price DKK 2,000,000 Price today from DKK 150,000 * The car in the pictures was sold on Bilbasen at the beginning of 2013 for DKK 170,000. For DKK 250,000 you get a perfect copy of the E55 AMG. 
