From what I can gather it looks like there will be a steady progression of changes in the AMG E Class.
This is how the changes are supposed to roll out from what I can tell:

2002 W210 E Class--350 hp V8
2003 W211 E Class--470 hp SC V8
2004 W211 E Class--470+ hp SC V8 with 7G-Tronic transmission
2005 W211 E Class-- >500 hp V8 (normally aspirated)
2006 W211 E Class--6.3 liter NA V8

Keeping track of all the changes is going to be a challenge.
Deciding on an optimal time to buy will be even more of a challenge for those just approaching the decision point.

 

How did you come up with these predictions?

It would be great if they came true, but don't you think that MB and AMG would have their hands full with quality control if they keep changing the engine every 12 months? I think their hands are full now with just 1 V8 supercharged engine. I think some people have reported some slight engine problems in the 03 E55. So to change so quickly would definitely be a difficult thing for them to handle. Don't you think?

amgB

 

Sorry but the 7 speed gearbox is NOT slated for the E55 at all for the forseeable future. Also, MB has not made any announcements regarding the future of the 55K engine. Considering how successful the powerplant is I don't see them burying it anytime soon even if their focus is to be natural aspiration. IMO they'll have a refresh in 2006-2007 (a-la the W210 E class in 2000) and if they're going to change the engine, THAT is when it'll happen.

 

The 7G-tronic transmission is supposed to be available in the E500, S430 and S500 this fall according to MB site.
The normally aspirated 500 hp engine is in the works and will definitely arrive within 3 years. The question is whether it will be 2005 or not. The 6.3 liter engine with over 600 hp appears to be more than rumor as well. All info is taken from websites found on google search and cross checked with other sites.

I was very surprised to find reports of so many changes in rapid succession, but the key appears to be that they're across the board changes for the higher end cars. They're not being developed just for the E. It's just coincidence that they're following the recent advent of the W211.

 

Yes, you are correct with the statement that the 7G tranny will be in a few of the standard models, but will not be seen in any AMG's for the MY04!!!

 

Seems strange that they wouldn't put the new improved trans in the top model in the series...

I wonder if they ever will?

 

7G will have less of an impact to performance and economy on the cars with so much power available. Makes sense to put it here first. The current 7G is designed for the standard motors. This doesn't mean MB won't put it in AMG cars because higher capacity versions will come later.

 

What size engine will be in 2005 version you are speculating on with 500HP?

I know that we are just guessing which is cool, but 3 engines in the same chassis (W211 E55) is a bit much. I do think that the current engine will phase out of the W211 E55 after 2 years and then the next generation of normally aspirated 4 valve direct injection engines will appear.

 

Kev, I probably should have explained in more detail.
The years I listed were calendar years not model years.
And the list was compiled from several different websites, but I was able to confirm the same details on more than one website in each case. (Of course some were probably using the others as sources).

It makes no sense when you glance down the list.
Too many changes, too much risk (bugs).

But I drew up the list after questioning someone else's assertion that the new 7G transmission would be going in this fall in the E500. Found that was indeed the case, then the rest came tumbling down from the web rafters.
Go figure.