Less than three years ago I got new black series engine mounts since I needed new ones and heard the black series were more robust. Imagine my disappointment when I learned those mounts are now kaput less than 3 years later. $2k gone and my mechanic has recommended I switch to semi-solid mounts. Additionally, a whine has appeared in the rear which I suspect to be wheel bearing related. I wish someone had told me earlier that despite their "high performance" status, these cars at the end of the day are still just sporty luxury cars meant for spirited driving but not real track machines to be hammered to their limits reliably out of the factory without any modifications.

Any other parts likely to fail with this driving and can be switched for more robust after-market ones? Also, any way to tighten up the steering feel or speed up steering speed (less degrees lock-to-lock)?
The current steering has this spongy vague dead-zone in the center that lets the car wander about. I heard about the CLS steering rack being faster and more precise, does my E63 have the same CLS steering rack? I'm currently starting with just tie-rod/steering rack-bushings and seeing if my mechanic can find any options.

Drifting vid:

 

Does someone need to tell you that hammering a Benz wagon like you stole it is going to eat up parts? Seriously ?

It's heavy and not meant for that. There are far better choices for a drift machine if that is your aim.

I have my fun in the snow...doesn't hurt anything....

 

As some have said and define AMG = All Money Gone

 

Lol that's a good one, how about BMW = Bring My Wallet.

 

I guess so yes. Thought just because it's an AMG, it was built to hold up to track stresses. Now, I'm learning it's not.

 

You want something lighter in the rear so the tires have less grip. The wagon has more weight back there so more Traction and therefore stress on the drivetrain. You could try using less grippy tires as a possible work around?

I'd think a c63 is a better call as a drift machine if we are trying to stay with amg here.

 

The car you are looking for is a 718 or 911, not an old MB.

 

It's a performance street car, it's not made for the race track. The car you are driving on a race track is a STATION WAGON for crying out loud. Look at weight distribution and chassis layout, it's obvious it was never made to be a race car none the less a drift car.

 

haha I'm realizing so exactly, that it's not a track car but a performance street car. So I am trying to turn it into a more robust car that can be tracked/drifted dependably. Not a track car, just can be tracked since I'm firm on the one-car garage for now, although you might be surprised at what wagons can do, like the Volvo 850 estate race car and Russian drift favorite, Lada wagons.

 

You're taking me back here ...we had a 95 850 turbo sedan and 2001 v70 T5 wagon here at one point. They are very stout and capable cars and once the boost hits ...wow.

 

oh man, if only those were RWD, I might be on the volvo forums instead.... or not since they're not bankruptcy machines and stout

 

The old AMGs were never track cars. They were Autobahn rockets with big engines. Happier in a straight line than around corners. This has only changed more recently with cars such as the C205 C63/S. Today's AMGs have locking rear differentials and the dynamics and robustness to handle a track. Did you fit an LSD on that wagon at least, or are you seriously drifting around with an open diff?

 

I was going to reply under the notion it was excellently-delivered sarcasm when you said "I wish someone had told me earlier that despite their "high performance" status, these cars at the end of the day are still just sporty luxury cars meant for spirited driving but not real track machines to be hammered to their limits reliably out of the factory without any modifications."

But your responses afterward make me realize I was wrong.

At no point did anyone ever state they were real track machines to be hammered to their limits reliably out of the factory without any modifications.

I do enjoy seeing you thrash that one on the track, though. Looks hilarious!

 

There was a guy on here a few years ago that was drifting his E55 sedan. I can’t remember his user name. BUT he did a lot of improvements to the car to be able to drift it and not destroy the car. Although I believe he had issues and overcame a lot of the issues.
Search around you should find his threads.

As far as engine and trans mounts. Check out these guys.

https://creative-steel.com/product-c...55-03-06-w211/

 

Have to admit, It's kind of funny to see that, although... rather you than me, knowing my luck I'd drift the SL and then the ABC system would die.

 

We have multiple products that you are looking for. Including: engine mounts, transmission mount, subframe bushings, and differential bushings. Please reach out if you have any questions, we are happy to help! Link below:

E63 07-09 (W211)

 

Yup! think the mechanic's getting some parts from y'all

 

do whatever you want with it, AMG's are hard on parts due to their weight, that looks like a lot of fun. They are meant to be freeway bullying machines though

 

have you had to address the power steering pump? i know it doesn’t like donuts but how does it hold up with drifting?

 

It holds up surprisingly well. I remember seeing some article deep in the forums somewhere that gets into the engineering technicals of it, but essentially, it only becomes a problem if you do full lock at redline (which doesn't really need to happen during drifting)