I read on the AMG website that AMG does special one off's and does whatever the customer wants. So lets say I wanted an E55 with flared fenders, bigger rims, chassis mods to make it handle even better, engine mods to make it make over 400 HP, and a 6-speed manual transmission. Would AMG build this car for me ? I'm guessing they would, and I'm also guessing it would take them a while to develop the car and thus cost a lot of money, maybe around 110K for the mods and labor. I think that this program AMG has is great, but what do you guys think, would AMG build this car (considering I were to pay whatever the cost) ?

Hmmmmmm, I have no idea if AMG does this (especially now that they are owned by MB), but there are Tuners who do modified cars all the time. You can have all you mentioned done by RennTech in Florida, they will even put a monster v-12 in the car if you like. Have you looked at their site?
I think it's http://www.renntechmercedes.com

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Alain
independant MBZ tech since 1981
http://www.motorsportlegendsks.com/

Thanks, I have visited the RennTech website. I know other MB tuners will do custom things, but i'm really wondering about AMG. It seems they would be the ultimate tuner who knows since they have built MB race cars for a long time.

I think that you could arrange to get almost whatever you want if you are willing to pay for it. The only thing in your list that probably won't happen is the six speed in the US.

One of the reasons that MBUSA doesn't import as many manual transmissions, is that it requires a complete and separate emmissions certification as if it were a different model car. The cost makes it difficult for them to make money because of the lesser demand for manuals. At least this is what they have told me in the past.

The long dry spell that us stick shift nuts have suffered with MB is eased somewhat now, with the C240 and the SLK. But for the really good and fast cars like the big AMG's with a manual will probably never happen.

That said, you never know 'til you try. Maybe you can get a six speed AMG. If you do, bring it to Atlanta in June and give us a ride, there may be a few of us with the guts to hold on and scream.

Have a great day,

Woulden't AMG have to research and develop such a car. It would cost in excess of a estimated 110,000. Such a known company such as AMG, would never release un-tried and true products such as such a car. If it were custom made for you then thats a different story as long as the parts have been already developed.

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"Damn the torpedos, four bells full speed ahead"
-Admiral Farragut




-1987 300E Smoke Silver
-1997 S320 Black on Black
-Soon To be E55 AMG
-27 foot Grady White Offshore Sportfish.

Yes, this would be totally custom work. AMG still does this type of work even now that they're owned by Mercedes-Benz. I don't think there would be a problem for AMG to do this work AFTER PURCHASE, but any government certifications would be left up to the buyer.

Development work is going to be expensive, but not as expensive as you think. They wouldn't be developing a car to sell to the public, with a warrantee, that conforms to regulations in 20 different countries. It's just a one-off. If you read information about AMG, you'll find that they use the experiences in developing custom cars later when they develop production cars. I believe some of the AMG literature uses the SL73 as an example.

My guess is that the only way you'll get around all of the government crap is to buy a car in the U.S., ship it to Germany to have it modified, then ship it back. The whole process could easily take 6 months.

I'm sure AMG would have no problem producing the parts for a slick 6-speed manual, shouldn't be that hard, just expensive (RennTech does this for $14,000). There would probably be a lot of problems importing it to the US, but it's nice to know that AMG would do something this exclusive.

I'm sure AMG would have no problem producing the parts for a slick 6-speed manual, shoulden't be that hard, just expensive (RennTech does this for $14,000). There would probably be a lot of problems importing it to the US, but it's nice to know that AMG would do something this exclusive.