ML55 AMG, ML63 AMG (W163, W164) 1999 - 2011 Two Generations

ML55 made in US or Germany?

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Old Mar 20, 2004 | 03:04 AM
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ML55 made in US or Germany?

Is the ML55 AMG built in Germany or the US? I have heard that the ML's had lots of quality issues and that is likely because its built in the US. Is the ML55 AMG done in Germany so the quality would be better?
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Old Mar 20, 2004 | 05:47 PM
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All ML55's were built in the same Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant that the rest of the ML's are built in.

However, the way it used to work (when the ML55 was still made) was that once the chassis was completed, the assembly line would split - some of the chassis would go towards the AMG line. Here, the production was a bit slower as a number of drivetrain components (engines, etc.) were hand-built.

I haven't heard of people having issues with ML55's, but then again, most of the issues you'll hear about on normal ML's are from earlier models ('98, '99). The ML55 was launched in model year 2000, by which time a number of improvements had already been made...

The ML55 was discontinued for 2004 - an AMG ML should be back in a few years, based on the next-generation W164 M-Class. For now, the only AMG SUV is the G55, which has just been upgraded with the supercharger from the SL55K, E55K, etc. The G55 Kompressor AMG puts out 476HP (and even with wall-like aerodynamics, it apparently can beat the Porsche Cayenne Turbo in straightaways...).
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Old Mar 23, 2004 | 01:17 AM
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Originally posted by mbakshi
All ML55's were built in the same Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant that the rest of the ML's are built in.

However, the way it used to work (when the ML55 was still made) was that once the chassis was completed, the assembly line would split - some of the chassis would go towards the AMG line. Here, the production was a bit slower as a number of drivetrain components (engines, etc.) were hand-built.

I haven't heard of people having issues with ML55's, but then again, most of the issues you'll hear about on normal ML's are from earlier models ('98, '99). The ML55 was launched in model year 2000, by which time a number of improvements had already been made...

The ML55 was discontinued for 2004 - an AMG ML should be back in a few years, based on the next-generation W164 M-Class. For now, the only AMG SUV is the G55, which has just been upgraded with the supercharger from the SL55K, E55K, etc. The G55 Kompressor AMG puts out 476HP (and even with wall-like aerodynamics, it apparently can beat the Porsche Cayenne Turbo in straightaways...).
amen brotha
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Old Mar 23, 2004 | 02:37 PM
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a car that can't do the throttle reset.
i've had issues with my 55...all the usuals and tranny issues. i dont feel like my ml amg is anything near the other amg models.
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Old Mar 26, 2004 | 10:28 PM
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No problems with mine...awesome everyday & long trips car!!!
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Old Jul 27, 2004 | 10:23 PM
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Hey Mbakshy the line did not split,all go down the same. Autogunner.
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Old Jul 27, 2004 | 10:41 PM
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Originally Posted by autogunner
Hey Mbakshy the line did not split,all go down the same. Autogunner.
So the ML55 went down the same line as the 320/350/500, and the AMG tuned parts were put into the 55? The AMG engines were built in Germany, was the 5.0 V8, 3.2 V6, and 3.7 V6 built in Germany as well? Sorry, I've heard so many different things on where the ML55 and its parts are built, I'm just trying to get it straight....
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Old Jul 28, 2004 | 05:51 AM
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Yes Akbro that is correct, ALL of the engines are built at the engine plant in Germany,the engines that are selected for the AMG vehicles are then sent to AMG for them to tune and refine to be put in ever what MB they want. Then ALL the engines and transmissions for all Mclasses are sent from Germany to U.S. and are assembled on the same line. That is how every one of the production Mclasses have been built. The only special line that the ML55 goes down is the Cladding line only ML55 and the sport packages goes down this line to get the fender flares and liftgate hat glued on. Also that line puts on the rocker panels they are different on them models. The ML55 also goes down the Option line, the only thing that is put in on that on the ML55 on that line is the internal spare tire and cover,and the shorter cargo cover. All other Mclasses with special options goes down this line to from the ML270 to the ML55. But on both of these two special lines there are NO AMG parts put on, ALL AMG parts are put on on the regualer lines with the rest of the Mclasses, All Mclasses are built at the same speed and Quality level. I hope this answers some of your questions. Autogunner.

Last edited by autogunner; Jul 28, 2004 at 05:53 AM.
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Old Jul 28, 2004 | 09:32 AM
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Originally Posted by autogunner
Hey Mbakshy the line did not split,all go down the same. Autogunner.
Ok - perhaps the source was off. I got that information from MB's head rep at the 2000 NY International Auto Show (who also happened to be the head of sales of something at my dealer - in other words, not a low-level guy).
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 08:08 PM
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thanks autogunner!! very good info...
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