Ttsakai

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone has any anecdotal data or otherwise relating to the overall reliability, durability and life span of AMG "hand assembled" engines which have a more meticulous parts selection process (better balanced connecting rod/piston sets), different choices in parts used and assembly methodology in comparison to the standard factory assembled engines?

I do not recall this topic ever being discussed and I was just curious what this board's members thought about this subject.


Thanks for your feedback.

Renn 208

Not that I have a complete survey of all C36 owners, but from what I have seen, the internals have been quite strong, esp for the stresses that you might expect from a big bore "tuned" 6. More than a few have had to have leaky head gaskets replaced, but I haven't run into any with major engine problems.

There is a member, kodiak, who had a pretty complete look at the internals of his car while having a head refresh (95 C36). Perhaps he can chime in and talk specifically about what he saw when pulling the head apart.

Those are just about the oldest AMGs that I have any experience with. Can't say much for the reliability of the M113, as I only have about 13K miles on mine. But, by design, I would guess that the newer generations of NA V8 AMG engines to be even less stressed than their older counterparts.

Regardless of the strength of the internals however, this does not eliminate them from problems typical of the entire family of engines. Just because AMG hand builds their motors, if you have a bad pulley, you won't be immune from problems.

As for the newer generation of 55K engines, it might be a while before we discover typical weaknesses...and unfortunately, that's the way it goes.

EX-BEEMER

My engine was built by "Bernhard Kries". From what I can tell so far he has done a damn fine job. Not problem one. Engine is quiet until pressed, and then ...watch out! Ya really know you've got a beast under the hood.

Any other "Bernie" engines out there?

AMG BRED

haha.. my C32 engine was built by a person with a very similar first name to mine, only 1 letter off.

teflon

Stupid question, but where is the sig, and should I be worried if I can't find it? :-)

Renn 208

You won't find it on your car, as the signed AMG plates are a recent phenomenon. They are located smack dab in the middle on top of the airbox or kompressor depending on the model.

stephens

There was a member here, can't remember who they were, but their W211 E55 motor self destructed shortly after delivery. From memory the motor was replaced under warranty.

teflon

I guess "Heinrich" musta' been hung-over that day at the plant ;-)

Stephen04E55

I think it was absent that had his E55's motor blow up.

IluvS500

you are right, it was. I would like to know the story behind that, all I know is I remember reading about it being blown.

teflon

Here is a link to the original post:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=43402

awiner

My engine was built by someone who has a small signature I can not read.

Dr Chill

Andreas Bufe builds one hell of an engine.

Stephen04E55

I had not looked at my engine plaque until the other day and Andreas Bufe built my engine as well, Dr. Chill. So far it has been stout and trouble free.

GerrieC55

Hi I am a new member on the forum. I did a search on Andreas Bufe on the net and this site came up. I was wondering about this topic but I am happy with my C55 no problems so far.

Great site BTW.

Regards
Gerrie

stevebez

This handbuilt thing needs some clarity ...

Firstly most - if not all - engines are assembled by hand. AMG's only difference is one guy assembles the engine front to back in one location. I.e. no production line process.

Does it make a difference? ... well I am not sure ... maybe it has the advantage that one guy takes ownership of making sure its done right etc etc, were as in a production line the guy just does the same 'ol boring role and has no real identity if something goes bang...

Even so assembly contributes maybe 5% of the engine realiability and the materials and tolerances make up 95% I would say. E.g. You can fit a crank 100% but if its out of balance, eventually your bearings will go pop.

Getting tight tolerances on pistons and rod weights etc all helps - but again this aint the assembly guy this is the manufacturing and parts bin ...

All in all its a tool for MB to identify some bad eggs if any and to get some buy in from their staff to getting it right - also it makes a nice marketing tool - and a nice personal touch - but I doubt its much more than that.

stevebez

Yeah thats my guy ... trying to stay anonymous - not good!!!