How to tell if it's and AMG?
 

I was wondering just how do you tell a car is an AMG? I know you can get spoiler AMG kits, but is there some "official" way to know for sure? It's for an '82 500SL.

Any help or guidance is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!
~Katina

look for amg markings on the engine and look for stamps, or plates on the door jams, and see if the numbers match

Would any of these stamps or plate actually have something indicating it was AMG and if so would all of these numbers match? or would they matrch something else, like from the VIN?

I know the car has at least an AMG spoiler kit, because it says AMG on the car, but I was wondering if there are other ways to indicate that it was an AMG.

Thank you for replying so promptly.
~Katina

listen to omega--check you enginebay

Hi Katina: In '82 AMG was an independent tuner and manufacturer/retailer of performance parts. You could send your MB directly to them in Germany for mods or buy the parts and DYI. The mods could have been full engine, suspension and aerodynamics or just a few cosmetic body parts.

AMG did limited series production (if a few dozen vehicles can be considered "series") and offered full meal deal upgrades to individual customers, in Europe often with the participation of MB dealers.

If you want to know to what degree your vehicle was modified, check for AMG manufacturer's plate on the engine block and elsewhere and AMG part numbers on the suspension parts.

So, what is an AMG? Anything you want as long as the pieces are genuine.

Cheers,

You will know if its amg if you drive it and when you buy it, every time you floor it, money will fly out of your pockets.

This from a guy who's going for half a million miles on a deisel :p

Most of the early '80's AMG modifications were only cosmetics and suspension. The rear spoiler was standard on 500SL's. They put on 16" wheels, stiffer shocks (no longer available), stiffer springs, skirts all around and an AMG steering wheel. If you had the AMG motor there would be a 5.4 AMG air cleaner or something. I have seen it and its very noticable. Most were cosmetic and most of that sutff is unavailable now.

Steve
'85 500 SL With AMG Appearance Package.

I'm not totally familiar with early AMG history, only the stuff mentioned as background to their recent history. If anyone knows a good English language book on the origins of AMG, I'd appreciate a note.

What I do recall is that AMG began with a couple of Mercedes technicians who went weekend racing and were successful enough to risk going out on their own. They continued to campaign during the 70's with "unofficial" Mercedes support. Their earliest products were strictly mechanical performance pieces, e.g., engine and suspension mods. These were used by them and sold to other interested Mercedes drivers.

The aero and cosmetic pieces came next and gave the AMG cars their own look on the street and track. During the 80's in North America the AMG "look" was all that was available (except through grey market) due to pollution standards as, like other tuners, AMG did not comply with EPA.

While fully absorbed by Mercedes-Benz in the 90's, I think its clear that AMG will maintain their distinctive flavor for those who dare.