500 SEL AMG?

[chicagokid]

Hello all and great forums!!! here is my car and from what I can tell its a Euro, but is it a AMG? Actual miles are 35,XXX as in the picture, also what is this worth if any of you can help me out.

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[48hp]

The photos suggest a euro front bumper, AMG side skirts, AMG US spec rear apron, AMG 16" Aero wheels and 65,374 miles. More info is required to better determine it's value.

[chicagokid]

Originally Posted by 48hp

The photos suggest a euro front bumper, AMG side skirts, AMG US spec rear apron, AMG 16" Aero wheels and 65,374 miles. More info is required to better determine it's value.

The engine has no AMG markings, the interior is great with no cracks in the leather or dash, the only thing missing is the wood on the RF vent and ashtray and I am going to replace them, the car was in AZ for a long time and has no rust or body damage and dings as it was in storage but now it is in Chicago.

[C280 Sport]

Great looking 126. I say run the vin # Its a Euro for sure with side skirts AMG wheels so all that means is that it looks amazing. Also where in the engine area did you look? Did you check all your doors and records?

[DanielSL]

I don't understand why it has a euro front bumper, yet a US spec rear bumper. When it was federalized... depending on the shop, they would have left both euro, or changed both to US spec. To me that hints at something fishy accident wise in its history. Especially puzzling since it has AMG body kit parts, but they are mix and match as well.

[unomas]

Originally Posted by DanielSL

I don't understand why it has a euro front bumper, yet a US spec rear bumper. When it was federalized... depending on the shop, they would have left both euro, or changed both to US spec. To me that hints at something fishy accident wise in its history. Especially puzzling since it has AMG body kit parts, but they are mix and match as well.

You make a good point, however, I must note that the California MFG sticker says it was legalized in the early 90's ('94?). This means that the more stringent standards introduced in '98 wouldn't apply. Also, Europe has had exceptionally stringent Front Bumper standards for decades. Maybe the rear was the only one that needed legalizing, or as you rightly point out, it's a good indicator of an accident. I would ask Chicago to look around the trunk well for signs of bodywork.

Now, about whether it's an AMG... AMG documented every one of it's conversions. I would suggest checking with your local dealer, who can contact the MB Classic Center for an authentication.

Your color, wheels, body kit and height all look right, but I would say that anyone can make it look good -- how does it perform? What about the exhaust? AMG was always very thorough with their mods. You should have about 310-330 HP with an AMG engine... Remember, the real value of an AMG conversion is the powertrain.

Valuation, you ask? NADA Antique Blue Book puts a stock model up at around $10,300. Your guess is as good as mine on what premium the AMG authentication would bring. Grey Market cars are typically at the upper end of the value range, due to their added features, such as Euro lights, etc.

Just my ramblings,

UNO

[48hp]

Originally Posted by unomas

You make a good point, however, I must note that the California MFG sticker says it was legalized in the early 90's ('94?). This means that the more stringent standards introduced in '98 wouldn't apply. Also, Europe has had exceptionally stringent Front Bumper standards for decades. Maybe the rear was the only one that needed legalizing, or as you rightly point out, it's a good indicator of an accident. I would ask Chicago to look around the trunk well for signs of bodywork.

Now, about whether it's an AMG... AMG documented every one of it's conversions. I would suggest checking with your local dealer, who can contact the MB Classic Center for an authentication.

Your color, wheels, body kit and height all look right, but I would say that anyone can make it look good -- how does it perform? What about the exhaust? AMG was always very thorough with their mods. You should have about 310-330 HP with an AMG engine... Remember, the real value of an AMG conversion is the powertrain.

Valuation, you ask? NADA Antique Blue Book puts a stock model up at around $10,300. Your guess is as good as mine on what premium the AMG authentication would bring. Grey Market cars are typically at the upper end of the value range, due to their added features, such as Euro lights, etc.

Just my ramblings,

UNO

Your VIN will not tell you anything but what was delivered by Mercedes Benz. Mercedes Benz has no record of anything AMG did prior to their merging. The only way to verify the authenticity of a pre-merger AMG is through original documentation retained by the original owner.

[unomas]

Originally Posted by 48hp

Your VIN will not tell you anything but what was delivered by Mercedes Benz. Mercedes Benz has no record of anything AMG did prior to their merging. The only way to verify the authenticity of a pre-merger AMG is through original documentation retained by the original owner.

Any suggestion on what pre-merger records AMG did retain? From what I understand, every convo they did was documented.

UNO

[unomas]

Maybe chicagokid can tell us a bit more about powertrain...

[48hp]

Here are a couple of threads that cover the topic at lengths:

http://www.mbca.org/forum/pre-merger...isnt-there-any

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w126...-question.html

And finally with similar inquires made addressed directly to AMG HQ, AMG themselves issued this statement:

For a variety of reasons, much of the information and documentation specific to these vehicles is not available. The current team at AMG does not have the infrastructure or resources in place to support detailed requests regarding these vehicles. We have notified the management team of AMG regarding these requests.

We hope that by providing an authentic home to Classic AMG owners on the AMG Private Lounge that the collective knowledge of our members experiences will be able to provide some assistance for the challenges of maintaining and restoring your Classic AMG vehicles. In cases where our team feels that they can lend assistance, they will.

The AMG Private Lounge Team

posted 04-06-2010

[unomas]

Originally Posted by 48hp

Here are a couple of threads that cover the topic at lengths:

http://www.mbca.org/forum/pre-merger...isnt-there-any

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w126...-question.html

And finally with similar inquires made addressed directly to AMG HQ, AMG themselves issued this statement:

Great to know! Thanks for posting!

UNO