AMG-Enhanced vs. Handcrafted
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2025 CLE53 | 1969 Camaro Pace Car
AMG-Enhanced vs. Handcrafted
I'm just curious, I have a CLE53, the engine is "AMG-Enhanced", why is it that the C43, CLA45 and maybe other models, get the "Handcrafted" engine?
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The so-called one-man-one-engine philosophy (OMOE) engines used to be reserved for the top tier 63 and up models and were only V8 and V12 engines. AMG later came out with the 4-cylinder for the 45 models as those are the respective top dogs in their segment. All other AMGs used to be called AMG Sport, similar to how BMW M has their M Sport models that aren't quite M models and Audi has their S models. Under Tobias Moers, the 35, 43 and 53 models were rebadged to just AMG, but they are the entry level models and therefore had regular Mercedes engines that AMG tuned.
Having said that, it's changing. The current generation C43 got the OMOE 4-cylinder just like the current generation C63. Not sure why they are now going in this direction, but it didn't used to be like that. The 35 and 53 models continue to have AMG tuned Mercedes engines. AMG doesn't actually have a OMOE 6-cylinder in the first place. That would require a new engine development, although there have been rumors that they are working on one for the next generation E63.
Many still consider the 35, 43 and 53 as not being true/real AMGs. They do technically compete with the M Sport and the Audi S models, whereas the 45 and 63 compete with the M and RS models, so there's a level of differentiation. Basically, the 35, 43 and 53 are supposed to be slightly sportier, but still softer and more livable Mercedes models, whereas the 45 and 63 are the true high performance models.
Having said that, it's changing. The current generation C43 got the OMOE 4-cylinder just like the current generation C63. Not sure why they are now going in this direction, but it didn't used to be like that. The 35 and 53 models continue to have AMG tuned Mercedes engines. AMG doesn't actually have a OMOE 6-cylinder in the first place. That would require a new engine development, although there have been rumors that they are working on one for the next generation E63.
Many still consider the 35, 43 and 53 as not being true/real AMGs. They do technically compete with the M Sport and the Audi S models, whereas the 45 and 63 compete with the M and RS models, so there's a level of differentiation. Basically, the 35, 43 and 53 are supposed to be slightly sportier, but still softer and more livable Mercedes models, whereas the 45 and 63 are the true high performance models.
Last edited by superswiss; Feb 19, 2025 at 12:26 PM.
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2025 CLE53 | 1969 Camaro Pace Car
The so-called one-man-one-engine philosophy (OMOE) engines used to be reserved for the top tier 63 and up models and were only V8 and V12 engines. AMG later came out with the 4-cylinder for the 45 models as those are the respective top dogs in their segment. All other AMGs used to be called AMG Sport, similar to how BMW M has their M Sport models that aren't quite M models and Audi has their S models. Under Tobias Moers, the 35, 43 and 53 models were rebadged to just AMG, but they are the entry level models and therefore had regular Mercedes engines that AMG tuned.
Having said that, it's changing. The current generation C43 got the OMOE 4-cylinder just like the current generation C63. Not sure why they are now going in this direction, but it didn't used to be like that. The 35 and 53 models continue to have AMG tuned Mercedes engines.
Many still consider the 35, 43 and 53 as not being true/real AMGs. They do technically compete with the M Sport and the Audi S models, whereas the 45 and 63 compete with the M and RS models, so there's a level of differentiation.
Having said that, it's changing. The current generation C43 got the OMOE 4-cylinder just like the current generation C63. Not sure why they are now going in this direction, but it didn't used to be like that. The 35 and 53 models continue to have AMG tuned Mercedes engines.
Many still consider the 35, 43 and 53 as not being true/real AMGs. They do technically compete with the M Sport and the Audi S models, whereas the 45 and 63 compete with the M and RS models, so there's a level of differentiation.
So was my 53 engine at the same place that the handmade engines are made, just not built by one person, or was it built where all the other MB engines are built and tuned by "AMG"?
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2019 C63CS
No, the 53 engine is built on an assembly line at the Mercedes engine plant in Stuttgart. The OMOE AMG engines are built at the AMG factory in Affalterbach. As an AMG owner, you can tour the Affalterbach factory if you are ever in Germany and meet the engine builders. Those who have a OMOE engine may even meet the person who built their engine. Unfortunately, mine works the nightshift, so when I was there I didn't meet him. But you can walk right up to the engine builders and chat with them. The general public cannot tour the Affalterbach facilities. Only AMG owners and/or AMG Private Lounge members.
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BTW, of course there's a lot of history, too. I'm skipping a few steps. The C43 for example goes back a while. It once actually had a 4.3 liter V8, that's where the name comes from. Just like the 63 models once had a 6.3 liter V8. The engine that made AMG famous essentially going all the way back to the Red Pig (Die Rote Sau). Although Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher (the A and M in AMG) bored the Mercedes 6.3 liter V8 out to 6.8 liter for the Red Pig.
https://www.rotesau.co.za/the-amg-300sel-6-8-rote-sau
https://www.rotesau.co.za/the-amg-300sel-6-8-rote-sau
Last edited by superswiss; Feb 19, 2025 at 01:01 PM.
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Basically all that and I guess to sum up is if you want a daily performance vehicle than your typical pedestrian Mercedes-Benz models, you get the 35, 53 models. If you want the bread and butter, the full experience and interesting in tracking them, you get the 63 models.
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BTW, of course there's a lot of history, too. I'm skipping a few steps. The C43 for example goes back a while. It once actually had a 4.3 liter V8, that's where the name comes from. Just like the 63 models once had a 6.3 liter V8. The engine that made AMG famous essentially going all the way back to the Red Pig (Die Rote Sau). Although Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher (the A and M in AMG) bored the Mercedes 6.3 liter V8 out to 6.8 liter for the Red Pig.
https://www.rotesau.co.za/the-amg-300sel-6-8-rote-sau
https://www.rotesau.co.za/the-amg-300sel-6-8-rote-sau
I also find it strange if MB decided to reuse the C 43 name why did they come up with a 35 model when they can call it the 36, of which back then there was also a AMG C 36. I understand the 35 models are used in the A-Class vehicles so maybe that was why?
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That also got me curious, what was the reason MB put a 6.2L V8 in the W204 C 63 AMG again? Regulations? if so why is it missing 0.1L displacement? I understand the "Red Pig" had 6.3L but why can't the W204 also have 6.3?
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2019 C63CS
The "6.3 L" V8 was always 6,208 cc, but they paid homage to the earlier 6.3 liter M100. Displacement is ultimately a function of achieving the desired efficiency and power of an engine. Ever wondered why all of today's engines have 0.5L displacement per cylinder or there about? This is because there was a study at a university in Germany and they found that's the best displacement. So engine designers learned over the years and reduced the per cylinder displacement. They play with the bore and stroke, so those 0.5L are created with different bores and strokes, but there are also optimal bore and stroke and it depends on how high you want the engine to rev. F1 engines for example have an extremly short stroke, so they can rev to the insane rpms they do.
Last edited by superswiss; Feb 19, 2025 at 09:02 PM.
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The "6.3 L" V8 was always 6,208 cc, but they paid homage to the earlier 6.3 liter M100. Displacement is ultimately a function of achieving the desired efficiency and power of an engine. Ever wondered why all of today's engines have 0.5L displacement per cylinder or there about? This is because there was a study at a university in Germany and they found that's the best displacement. So engine designers learned over the years and reduced the per cylinder displacement. They play with the bore and stroke, so those 0.5L are created with different bores and strokes, but there are also optimal bore and stroke and it depends on how high you want the engine to rev. F1 engines for example have an extremly short stroke, so they can rev to the insane rpms they do.
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2025 CLE 53 Cabriolet
No, the 53 engine is built on an assembly line at the Mercedes engine plant in Stuttgart. The OMOE AMG engines are built at the AMG factory in Affalterbach. As an AMG owner, you can tour the Affalterbach factory if you are ever in Germany and meet the engine builders. Those who have a OMOE engine may even meet the person who built their engine. Unfortunately, mine works the nightshift, so when I was there I didn't meet him. But you can walk right up to the engine builders and chat with them. The general public cannot tour the Affalterbach facilities. Only AMG owners and/or AMG Private Lounge members.
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How come the CLE53 comes with the Affalterbach badge on the hood instead of the Mercedes star ? I assumed , based on that , at least the final assembly would have been in Affalterbach ? Either way it seems to be a nice compromise between comfort ,performance and price . Maybe the last new model of its kind before the electric SUV 's take over completely !
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2025 CLE 53 Cabriolet
That's the AMG Logo and all AMGs now have the AMG Logo on the hood. Kinda like they all say AMG on the back. This was changed starting with the W206. AMGs like my 2019 C63 have the star on the hood. None of the cars themselves are actually built in Affalterbach. All the AMG models are built on the same production lines as their non-AMG siblings. The only cars built in Affalterbach are the customer racing cars such as the GT3 and GT4 and the AMG One. The CLE for example is built in Bremen. That's where the C63 Coupe and Cabs were built as well. The C63 Sedan for the US market was built in the MBUSA factory in Alabama and towards the end the production was moved to South Africa.
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For those that are curious. The left side of the AMG logo with the apple tree, that's the coat of arms of Affalterbach. It's depicting an apple tree next to a stream. It's a reference to the town's name. Affalter is the Old German word for apple tree (not used anymore these days), and Bach means stream.
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2024 CLE AMG53, 2019 VW Tiguan SEL
Superswiss,
Do you have any information on how the 6 cyl. on my CLE 53AMG was enhanced, what did they add or rework vs. the std. 6 cyl.on the CLE 450.
Thanks,
LTBM
Do you have any information on how the 6 cyl. on my CLE 53AMG was enhanced, what did they add or rework vs. the std. 6 cyl.on the CLE 450.
Thanks,
LTBM
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No, I don't have detailed information, but it's the same M256 engine. The "enhanced" part is essentially in the throttle mapping and drive programs, and possibly pistons and turbo charger size.
It's the same engine, but it comes in different power levels. That's also the case with the V8 M177 and M178 AMG engines. They come at different power levels for the different models and the power levels are achieved by installing different shaped pistons and larger or smaller turbo chargers and they change engine parameters like the compression ratio, throttle maps and drive program mappings. So, basically the difference is generally in the ECU tune, pistons and turbo chargers to achieve the various power levels for the different models and desired throttle response. In the 450 the throttle response is more lazy compared to the 53, but that's simply down to the mapping.
It's the same engine, but it comes in different power levels. That's also the case with the V8 M177 and M178 AMG engines. They come at different power levels for the different models and the power levels are achieved by installing different shaped pistons and larger or smaller turbo chargers and they change engine parameters like the compression ratio, throttle maps and drive program mappings. So, basically the difference is generally in the ECU tune, pistons and turbo chargers to achieve the various power levels for the different models and desired throttle response. In the 450 the throttle response is more lazy compared to the 53, but that's simply down to the mapping.
Last edited by superswiss; Feb 20, 2025 at 06:57 PM.
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2025 CLE AMG 53
I remember seeing that they used a larger turbo to give the CLE 53 a higher top end. An electric supercharger that makes up to 6 psi was added to counter turbo lag from the larger turbo which took longer to spool up.
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Forgot what were the differences though: https://mercedesblog.com/new-mercede...linder-engine/
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Second it differentiates a proper "full fat" AMG purpose designed/built engine vs normal assembly line engines fitted in all other models which have been pulled aside and enhanced a little for the AMG lesser tier models such as 53's & 35's.
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The original highlight of the 53 platform introduced in the e53 was the incorporation of the hybrid supercharger. Using the Amg badge on everything is just continued dilution of the Amg brand as it has been fully absorbed as a company into Mercedes. The dilution was purposeful as the manufacturers knew they would be cutting engine sizes for Cafe standards and all former hand built Amg engines would become extinct in the mass market. The only way Mercedes could keep the AMG brand going under Mercedes vehicles sub 100k dollars was to make the engines smaller or hybridize them and make them smaller… which we see clearly did not work very well for them. Mercedes has done a terrible job with this branding and has really made a convoluted brand exercise with very little value to the purist. The average consumer has no idea what we are talking about and just see a shiny object and don’t realize the business model changed. My dream when I was younger was to have one of the hootin and hollering V8 AMG cars that just didn’t make sense. A little four banger is not a dream similar to a Tesla not being a dream, it doesn’t matter if it’s fast, it’s just not the same..
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The original highlight of the 53 platform introduced in the e53 was the incorporation of the hybrid supercharger. Using the Amg badge on everything is just continued dilution of the Amg brand as it has been fully absorbed as a company into Mercedes. The dilution was purposeful as the manufacturers knew they would be cutting engine sizes for Cafe standards and all former hand built Amg engines would become extinct in the mass market. The only way Mercedes could keep the AMG brand going under Mercedes vehicles sub 100k dollars was to make the engines smaller or hybridize them and make them smaller… which we see clearly did not work very well for them. Mercedes has done a terrible job with this branding and has really made a convoluted brand exercise with very little value to the purist. The average consumer has no idea what we are talking about and just see a shiny object and don’t realize the business model changed. My dream when I was younger was to have one of the hootin and hollering V8 AMG cars that just didn’t make sense. A little four banger is not a dream similar to a Tesla not being a dream, it doesn’t matter if it’s fast, it’s just not the same..
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That's exactly what it's all about milking a good thing for the $$$ but the negative effect is the dilution of the brand and taking away the uniqueness of the proper top AMG/M/RS model/s.:{
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BTW, of course there's a lot of history, too. I'm skipping a few steps. The C43 for example goes back a while. It once actually had a 4.3 liter V8, that's where the name comes from. Just like the 63 models once had a 6.3 liter V8. The engine that made AMG famous essentially going all the way back to the Red Pig (Die Rote Sau). Although Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher (the A and M in AMG) bored the Mercedes 6.3 liter V8 out to 6.8 liter for the Red Pig.
https://www.rotesau.co.za/the-amg-300sel-6-8-rote-sau
https://www.rotesau.co.za/the-amg-300sel-6-8-rote-sau
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'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
In terms of engine designations, I believe as some stated that due to euro regulations, if the engine is over the decimal, it is rounded up.
