Mercedes E-Class W211: AMG Dreams Come True
The Last True AMG Generation
The Mercedes W211 (2002-2009) marks a turning point in E-Class history. The AMG variants E55 and E63 in particular are considered the last “true” AMG powerhouses before the downsizing era.
W211 AMG Model Overview
E55 AMG (2002-2006)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | M113 K, V8 Supercharged |
| Displacement | 5,439 cc |
| Power | 476 HP at 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 700 Nm at 2,650 rpm |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.7 seconds |
| Top speed | 250 km/h (limited) |
E63 AMG (2006-2009)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | M156, V8 Naturally Aspirated |
| Displacement | 6,208 cc |
| Power | 514 HP at 6,800 rpm |
| Torque | 630 Nm at 5,200 rpm |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 250 km/h (limited) |
Current Market Prices
Price Overview by Variant
| Model | Year | Mileage | Average Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| E55 AMG | 2002-2004 | >150,000 km | €18,000-25,000 |
| E55 AMG | 2004-2006 | 100-150,000 km | €25,000-35,000 |
| E55 AMG | 2004-2006 | <100,000 km | €35,000-50,000 |
| E63 AMG | 2006-2008 | >150,000 km | €22,000-30,000 |
| E63 AMG | 2006-2009 | 100-150,000 km | €30,000-45,000 |
| E63 AMG | 2006-2009 | <100,000 km | €45,000-65,000 |
Price Factors
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Complete Mercedes history | +15-25% |
| Designo specification | +10-20% |
| Ceramic brakes | +€5,000-10,000 |
| AMG Performance Package | +5-15% |
| Estate (wagon) | +10-15% |
Why These AMGs Are Special
E55 AMG: The Last Supercharged
The M113 K engine is considered one of the most reliable AMG units:
Strengths:
- Mechanical supercharger for instant power
- Revised M113 base engine (very robust)
- Adaptive suspension (Airmatic)
- E-Class comfort with sports car performance
Special features:
- Last V8 supercharged in an E-Class
- Hand-built engine (“One Man, One Engine”)
- Limited production numbers
E63 AMG: Naturally Aspirated Finale
The M156 is AMG’s last large naturally aspirated V8:
Strengths:
- High-revving naturally aspirated (up to 7,200 rpm)
- Emotional sound without artificial enhancement
- 514 HP from 6.2 liters displacement
- AMG SPEEDSHIFT transmission
Special features:
- First independently developed AMG engine
- No turbochargers or superchargers
- Pure, unadulterated V8 character
Buying Guide
Known Weak Points
E55 AMG:
| Problem | Frequency | Repair Costs |
|---|---|---|
| SBC brakes (pre-facelift) | Medium | €2,000-4,000 |
| Airmatic air suspension | High | €1,500-4,000 |
| Supercharger belt | Medium | €300-600 |
| Intercooler | Low | €500-1,000 |
E63 AMG:
| Problem | Frequency | Repair Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Headbolts (cylinder head bolts) | High (pre-2007) | €3,000-8,000 |
| Airmatic air suspension | High | €1,500-4,000 |
| Differential oil leak | Medium | €500-1,200 |
| Camshaft adjusters | Medium | €1,500-3,000 |
Important Inspection Points
Engine:
- Observe cold start (rattling = timing chain E63)
- Ask about oil consumption (E63: max 1L/3,000km)
- Check supercharger noises (E55)
- Cooling system for leaks
Suspension:
- Test Airmatic function all levels
- Observe ride height after parking
- Note ABC warning (if equipped)
- Shock absorbers for leaks
Brakes:
- SBC pump for noises
- Brake disc wear
- Ceramic brakes: check for delamination
Comparison: E55 vs. E63
Character Differences
| Aspect | E55 AMG | E63 AMG |
|---|---|---|
| Power delivery | Instant, supercharger push | Linear, high-revving |
| Sound | Bassy, subtle | Loud, emotional |
| Consumption | 14-18 L/100km | 15-20 L/100km |
| Maintenance intensity | Lower | Higher |
| Collector relevance | High | Very high |
Which Is Right?
E55 AMG for:
- Those who value instant torque
- Lower running costs
- The daily sports car
E63 AMG for:
- Naturally aspirated purists
- Emotional sound priority
- Investment/collector focus
Value Appreciation Potential
Price Development
| Period | E55 AMG | E63 AMG |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | €15,000 | €25,000 |
| 2022 | €22,000 | €35,000 |
| 2024 | €30,000 | €45,000 |
| Forecast 2026 | €38,000 | €55,000 |
Prices are rising continuously. Low mileage and full specification are particularly sought after.
Investment Tips
Best investment:
- E63 AMG facelift (2007+) with resolved headbolt issue
- Low mileage, full history, Designo
- Rare color combinations
Good value:
- E55 AMG with manageable mileage
- SBC already replaced
- Airmatic in good condition
Alternatives
Within Mercedes
| Model | Price | Character |
|---|---|---|
| W210 E55 AMG | €20,000-35,000 | Predecessor, more classic |
| C63 W204 | €25,000-40,000 | More compact, sportier |
| CLS 55/63 AMG | €25,000-50,000 | More elegant, rarer |
Cross-Brand
| Model | Price | Alternative to |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E60 M5 | €20,000-40,000 | E63 (V10!) |
| Audi RS6 C6 | €35,000-55,000 | E63 (V10 Biturbo) |
Conclusion
The W211 AMG – whether E55 or E63 – offers unique characteristics no longer found in modern AMG models. The supercharged V8 and high-revving naturally aspirated engine represent the end of an era.
Interesting for enthusiasts and collectors alike, these vehicles are developing into sought-after youngtimers. Those who enter today can still find relatively affordable examples – but time is running out.
Price data from our current market analysis. Details on the W211 E-Class model page.