AMG - Build quality? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pentoman · #1 12-28-2002, 10:03 PM

I've been wondering about the average build quality of most Mercedes' since, well, the mid-90s (around when the first official Mercedes AMG cars were introduced).

Is the general quality better on AMG cars? I think the interiors were built by AMG rather than Mercedes - are the standards much higher? I also wonder if the same materials were used in the interiors (dash plastics etc) of AMG cars or something better (I for one hope so, especially on the early C-class and W201 E-class).

Do the interiors compare to, say that of a W124 300E?

later

Russ

akry · #2 12-28-2002, 11:48 PM

As far as I can tell, besides leather fit/finish on seats, the overall fit/finish isn't much better than other non-AMG models..... but then again, those AMG models are much more "production-oriented" rather than old AMGs, which are consider work of art, and made to order....

MBenzNL · #3 12-29-2002, 06:52 AM

...double post...as answered in your other post: the current AMG models are no longer special products...the AMG cars come from the same production line as their non AMG brothers and sisters...it isn't a separate product, it is just a car with different specs coming from the same production line.

greetingz,

amg kodiak · #4 01-03-2003, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MBenzNL
...double post...as answered in your other post: the current AMG models are no longer special products...the AMG cars come from the same production line as their non AMG brothers and sisters...it isn't a separate product, it is just a car with different specs coming from the same production line.

greetingz,

Is this true of the engine as well? I was under the impression that the engines were still handbuilt, by one technician.

Also I believe the C36 is a special case, while being based on a C280, I believe AMG handled the majority of the assembly of those cars. Whether or not that means higher build quality, is argueable.

~dnm

el presidente · #5 01-03-2003, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pentoman
Is the general quality better on AMG cars? I think the interiors were built by AMG rather than Mercedes - are the standards much higher? I also wonder if the same materials were used in the interiors (dash plastics etc) of AMG cars or something better (I for one hope so, especially on the early C-class and W201 E-class).

Do the interiors compare to, say that of a W124 300E?

later

Russ

My comparison relates specifically to a (W124) 1991 300CE and a W208 2002 CLK55 AMG.

Two different animals, really (the W124 and the AMG). Interior is more modern and updated on the CLK, but IMO the interiors do not even compare. The W124 is more sturdy/durable than the W208, but I don't believe that has anything to do with AMG or their assembly. You pretty much get the standard CLK interior (except seats, different wood and steering wheel) on the AMG as on the other CLKs.....unless you get the special order Exclusive Leather interior which included a leather dash and console.

Where the AMG's differ is in the mechanicals. Engine, suspension, transmission, wheels, exhaust...etc.

Incidentally, I believe that Quality Control may be a little higher on an AMG-prepped car only because more people have had contact with the vehicle. As far as the materials go (dash, windows, door handles, etc.) it's pretty much standard W208, which is to say that it is very good.

Keep in mind that the percentage of recyclable materials used in todays cars is vastly higher than what was used on a W124 or W126....or even a W108/109. I believe that this is the single largest reason that there is a 'perception of lesser build quality' on today's MB. As time marches on and recycle technology improves even more so, these perceptions will diminish.

p.s. If you write AMG a big enough check, they will make a custom car for you any way you want.