cabo35

This is at least the third thread seeking to reasonably establish AMG production numbers and in one case specifically the S55. It seems to be as closely guarded a secret as the formula for Coca-Cola. With all the horsepower on this board its hard to imagine such knowledgeable posters as JamE55, MusFather, mbech208, Fuzzo, E55KEV and others I respect, and whose posts I enjoy, cannot come up with the true numbers. Anybody with European contacts that can give us some clues? Has anyone visited the AMG facility? Is there a conspiracy to cloak these elusive numbers in secrecy? Is this a job jor "black bag ops". Just having some fun....but I am really curious about the numbers. Harry in Soprano country.

cabo35

By the way, regarding all those S55 sightings in the US mentioned in a previous post, I spoke to an MB rep who told me I would be surprised to know how many 430 and 500's have rebadged with AMG S55. It is not as uncommon as you think. On the other side of the coin, he knows of at least one S55 owner who rebadged to 430. I can think of two reasons why someone would do that...go figure. Are all those S55's sightings S55's? The production numbers along with units shipped to the states would be helpful in making that determination. Sorry for the long of wind posts....slow day at the office.

E55 KEV

cabo35:

Here is an article from Motor Trend August 2000. At the end of the article on page 2 it states:

Go here for article:
Motor Trend AMG Article

Mr. Xristo

Why would someone do such a thing?

JamE55

cabo35

Thanks for the kindly remarks. Like what E55 KEV said about 500-700 units per year. Again this is AMG not your regular Benz!

E55 KEV

SL55AMG, rebadging the S55 to S430 - maybe just for grins or legal reasons! Personally, I am thinking of debadgeing and have thought of rebadgeing to E320 - just for grins and legal reasons. I have to keep such luxuries hidden from those I end up in court with and my attorney. You think the IRS is notorious - the new Gestopo - Child Support Agency (CSA). The CSA maybe more cut-throat and ruthless than the IRS. The IRS does not revoke your driving priveleges nor your passport like many state CSA can do now. They are legalized "PIMPS".

I debadged my 98 E430 and when I went to Child Support court the "ex-witch bloodsucker" informed the Pimp, I mean judge I was driving a new C-Class! You see Rebadging & Debadging has it's attributes.

Still Looking

this way, you car can be what the call on the street a "sleeper". basically it means that a car is totally modded under the hood while to the untrained eye it just looks like the normal car, not being able to produce as much power. so only after you are humiliated after the race youll start thinking twice before racing the same type of car again. The BMW's M series always has the option of "debadging" (which helps in the effort to make your car a sleeper) and deletion of the rear spoiler, which mesides the spoilers, makes your car just another 5-series... Although i dont exactly see why anyone would try to make their S55 a sleeper do to the fact that the car isnt really meant for its street racing against some rice rocket on the street... (or an S8 like noted in a different thread) or just any car at all

vinmanc32

but not necessarily the vehicle. In my case, the standard C class is built and then sent off to AMG for modifications then sent back to MB for final tuning. So the chassis is built and numbered before it goes to AMG. If you get some other info please let us know because I too am interested in the number of my car. Since only 3500 were built I would think there is a way to determine where mine fits in the process.

Fuzzo

i'm thinking of rebadging my car with just a letter C

j/k

if i had a M or a AMG car, i think i would take off the badges etc to make it it a sleeper....but then again i really don't have the luxury of debadging and pretending to be a step lower coz i'm already on the bottom rung....

cabo35 - i will surf around on monday to see if I can find out how many 55's are made... now i'm looking forward to my work day.. i have something to do ..woo hoo

Mr. Xristo

How unfortunate you had to end doing things that way. BTW... Legally, they could always ask for the VIN, and find out the "real" model if they wanted, or ask for the finance paperwork.

IRS? I have had no issues with them

E55 KEV

SL55AMG, these are not criminal or murder trials, and proving and providing real evidence is usually - trivial. But driving an S55 can give undue influence. They are not going to postpone a hearing for you to prove any car facts and you don't have VIN's and car financial papers in your pocket. However, if you are standind before a 'pimp' saying you can not afford the child support and driving an S55 you will get no mercy nor consideration. Just like you don't walk into court wearing your Rolex, diamond rings or Armani suits.

Mr. Xristo

It is none of my business, but if you can in-fact afford a > $1200 car payment..........

I agree that the formulas the child support lawyers use to determine the amount of money one receives is a bit over the hill..

Mr. Xristo

Passport too? Wow.. I guess they do not want the dead-beat dad's leaving the country, and forgetting about their responsibilities. Pretty harsh.

E55 KEV

SL55AMG, you proved my point! The pimp will think...."if you can in-fact afford a > $1200 car payment"...... Then you can afford more child support! If the ex-shark believes that it is just an E320, C-Class or whatever (because you debaged it) then you can get away with a $500 car payment. Try convincing a Judge that your car is more important than your child support payment or an S55 is needed for transportation. Not going to happen! That judge is driving a Volvo and will be envious. Very few women (and men) know what an E55 or S55 is. When you debadge it the masses have know idea what the car is or it's position on the status scale.

Quite frankly, I don't want anyone knowing the value of what I drive or the price of my suits - especially the ex's and the neighbors. I am not the type to boast about material things.

So debadging is viable to some.

E55 KEV

Back to the original post.

Here is some information about 2001 production for AMG. Note that these figures are for the entire world:

"Stuttgart/Affalterbach, Feb 18, 2002
DaimlerChrysler subsidiary Mercedes-AMG GmbH posted record results in business year 2001. AMG sold over 18,500 vehicles last year, up more than 60 percent on the figure for 2000. Revenues meanwhile climbed by around 40 percent to nearly € 430 million. To handle the unprecedented rise in new orders, the company invested around € 27 million in real estate, buildings, production facilities and, above all, in the development of new products. As a result of this positive business development, Mercedes-AMG GmbH was able to create 60 new jobs, thereby increasing its workforce to around 540 employees.

AMG’s main markets are the U.S., Canada and Germany. All in all, the company sold about 3,800 C-Class vehicles (C 32), over 2,500 E-Class passenger cars (E 55), more than 2,000 CLK 55s, around 2,200 SLK 32s, more than 3,500 M-Class vehicles (ML 55) and nearly 4,000 S-Class vehicles and CL coupes (S/CL 55) last year."

sungulent

sorry man

Im glad i dont deal with leagalized pimps lol