Mercedes W211 E55AMG The most powerful E-Class yet

The new E 55 AMG:

Supercharged AMG V8 engine develops 350 kW/476 hp
AIRMATIC DC air suspension tuned to AMG specifications
AMG SPEEDSHIFT with Formula 1-style steering wheel operation
18-inch AMG twin-spoke wheels, dynamic AMG bodystyling
AMG sports seats with exclusive nappa/nubuk leather trim
New voice-controlled COMAND system celebrates world premiere

The new E 55 AMG represents the latest chapter in the illustrious history of supercharged Mercedes-Benz cars.

An era that began in the late 1920s with the legendary supercharged Mercedes-Benz S to SSKL models enjoys its most exalted moment yet in the shape of the new sports Saloon.

With the latest E 55 AMG, Mercedes-AMG has created a worthy successor to the popular outgoing model, of which some 12,000 units rolled off the production line between 1997 and 2001.

This makes the outgoing E 55 AMG the most successful AMG model in the company’s 35-year history.

The might of the AMG supercharged V8 engine with 5.5-l displacement, the Formula 1-style steering-wheel-mounted gearshift buttons, the AIRMATIC DC air suspension tuned to AMG specifications and a full complement of equipment – including AMG 18-inch twin-spoke wheels, AMG bodystyling and nappa/nubuk leather upholstery – together enable the new E 55 AMG to present an unrivalled package and take a leading position ahead of the other standard sports saloons in its segment.

Supercharged AMG V8 engine with majestic torque characteristics

The high-performance 5.5-litre powerpack from the SL 55 AMG develops 350 kW/476 hp at 6100 rpm and maximum torque of 700 Nm in the new E 55 AMG.

These imposing figures are rooted in the majestic torque of the supercharged eight-cylinder engine.

The AMG engine delivers 560 Newtonmetres of torque to the crankshaft as low down as 1500 revs per minute, and this grows to 650 Nm only 500 rpm later.

The peak torque of 700 Nm is available anywhere between 2650 and 4500 rpm. The supercharged V8 thus develops 34 percent more power and 32 percent more torque than the outgoing model with its naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine.

This withering power leaves its rivals trailing in its wake, whilst also propelling the four-door Saloon to some extraordinary performance figures. 4.7 seconds is all it takes for the Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG to reach the 100 km/h mark, whilst 200 km/h is clocked up in just 16.1 seconds – on the way to a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). NEDC combined fuel consumption stands at 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

Motor racing expertise is channelled into engine construction

One of the technical highlights of this highly sophisticated supercharged AMG engine is the mechanical charger positioned between the cylinder banks, which exerts a maximum 0.9 bar pressure on the 5.5-l eight-cylinder engine.

Inside the compact supercharger, two Teflon-coated aluminium shafts rotate at a maximum of 23,000 revs per minute, pushing 1850 kilograms of air per hour into the eight combustion chambers.

The scroll compressor is not permanently running and is only activated at a certain engine speed and load condition.

The engine electronics send the command to an electromagnetic coupling, which immediately switches on the compressor by means of a separate poly-V-belt.

The system has two advantages: on the one hand, it means that the compressor can be activated in a split-second and the driver’s acceleration command implemented directly and without delay, and on the other, the engine consumes less fuel in part-throttle operation when the compressor is not in use.

Efficient intercooling with a low-temperature circuit

Integrated into the compact charger module is the engine-mounted intercooler, which works according to the extremely effective principle of an air/water heat exchanger.

The air compacted by the compressor is channelled along to a water source, which flows in a separate circuit from the engine coolant.

In this way, the air can be cooled before it enters the eight combustion chambers – the supercharged eight-cylinder powerpack makes maximum power and torque available at all times, regardless of the air temperature outside.

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The low-temperature circuit is integrated into the cooling module along with the engine radiator and the air conditioning condenser, whilst the large air inlet in the AMG front apron ensures optimum air flow through the vehicle.

The power of the engine radiator’s 850-watt intake suction fan has been boosted to take into account the increased cooling requirement of the AMG supercharged V8 engine.

The engine’s oil cooling is also more efficient. In the E 55 AMG’s right-hand wheel arch is a separate oil cooler, which is supplied with cooling fresh air by the front apron, whilst a fan is also activated if necessary.

Motor racing expertise is channelled into engine construction

The wealth of experience built up by Mercedes-AMG engineers in motorsport and the construction and development of high-performance engines came in useful with the supercharged V8 engine which powers the E 55 AMG.

The following components had to be newly constructed:

the crankcase has been reinforced with special stiffening ribs and side bolts.
the crankshaft is precision balanced. Modified bearings and a more resistant material have been used to take into account the high torque of the supercharged engine. The stroke has been extended from 84 to 92 millimetres.
the pistons are made of a special, extremely temperature and pressure resistant material and enjoy the benefit of oil injection cooling.
the connecting rods are forged and their bearings made of extremely durable materials.
the oil supply, with sump, catch tray and more efficient pump, was subjected to thorough modifications.
the cylinder heads, of which the inlet and outlet ducts have been optimised to take into account the increased air mass flow.
the camshafts have extended valve opening times, which improves the fuel supply to the combustion chambers.
the valve train has a twin spring assembly, which allows the rated engine speed to be increased from 5600 to 6100 rpm.
the engine electronics take on additional tasks in the AMG engine, such as the logic-controlled activation of the compressor.

The most important engine and performance data at a glance:

E 55 AMG

Cylinders/valves per cylinder V8/3

Displacement cc 5439

Stroke/bore mm 92/97

Output kW/hp 350/476

at rpm 6100

Torque Nm 700

at rpm 2650 – 4500

0 – 100 km/h s 4.7

Maximum speed km/h 250*

NEDC comb. fuel consumption l/100 km 12.9

*electronically limited

New fuel supply and advanced AMG sports exhaust

The fuel system and exhaust of the E 55 AMG have been re-designed, as well as the engine and cooling systems.

Two highly efficient fuel pumps integrated into the fuel tank ensure reliable fuel supply in any driving situation.

The twin-pipe AMG sports exhaust with switchover valve is a feast for the eyes with its twin chromed tailpipes sporting the AMG logo – and music to the ears with its sonorous purr.

The generous 70-millimetre tailpipe diameter leads to reduced exhaust gas backpressure, whilst two underhood thin-walled firewall catalytic converters, four metal catalytic converters on the vehicle floor, plus a total of four oxygen sensors ensure effective emission control.

This cutting-edge technology allows the E 55 AMG to meet the strict EU4 standards well ahead of their implementation deadline of 2005.

One man, one engine – an AMG badge sets the seal on the manufacturing process

The AMG supercharged V8 engine at the heart of the Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG is painstakingly handcrafted at the new engine factory.

A ”one man, one engine” philosophy dictates that a single engineer at the Affalterbach engine factory is responsible for the complete assembly of an AMG high-performance engine.

A special badge on the supercharger module of the AMG supercharged V8 engine bears the engineer’s signature, setting the seal on a piece of quality workmanship.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT and Formula 1-style steering wheel gearshift

The E 55 AMG is equipped with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission, which adapts itself to the driving style – be it dynamic or more laid-back. In the manual mode ”M” the driver can change gear using the buttons on the steering wheel, rather like in a Formula 1 racing car.

The right-hand button behind the steering wheel spoke is pressed to shift up a gear, the left-hand button to change down.

When the rated engine speed is reached the transmission automatically shifts into the next gear up, and when the car comes to a halt first gear is selected.

The gear engaged is always shown clearly for the driver on the display in the AMG instrument cluster.

The transmission also has a number of other special technical features. For example, if the driver nudges the selector lever to the left, AMG SPEEDSHIFT immediately selects the best gear – according to the speed of the car and the engine map – to deliver powerful acceleration.

In the same way, the transmission automatically changes down to the right gear for the situation in hand when a certain deceleration point is reached.

When cornering at speed, however, the transmission remains reliably in the gear already engaged, avoiding the possibility of any load alteration effect.

In addition, torque converter lock-up from first gear and significantly smoother – and as much as 35 percent faster – gear-change ensure outstanding driving dynamics.

”M”, ”S” and ”C” modes for an individual driving style

AMG SPEEDSHIFT features the familiar Touchshift system, which allows manual gearshift, if desired.

The driver uses the selector level to change gear in the ”M” driving mode, whilst in ”S” (Standard) the automatic transmission takes full charge.

The ”C” (Comfort) mode, where the transmission shifts up through the gears earlier and back down later, enhances a more relaxed driving style.

AIRMATIC DC semi-active suspension: tuned to AMG specifications

In order to ensure that the engine power at their disposal is transferred to the road with maximum effectiveness, the Mercedes-AMG engineers have redesigned the chassis and braking system.

The AIRMATIC DC semi-active air suspension system with ADS II allows the driver to select a more relaxed or extremely dynamic setting for their journey.

The damping and springs use state-of-the-art micro-electronics to adapt instantaneously to the driving situation in hand.

To this end, data is processed relating to the steering and yaw angle of the body, longitudinal and transverse acceleration, vehicle level and driving style.

The desired suspension setting can also be selected manually through three stages, thus satisfying the most diverse customer preferences.

New AMG spring struts with lower air volume ensure faster responses, giving the car’s handling a sportier edge, whilst changes made to the settings of the AMG shock absorbers in all three stages have resulted in reduced body movement.

The automatic level control system ensures identical spring travel all-round, even when the car is fully laden.

Out on the road, the body is lowered by 15 millimetres once the driver accelerates past 140 km/h, in order to reduce the aerodynamic drag.

The car rises back to its normal level when it drops back below 70 km/h. The E 55 AMG body is already set ten millimetres lower, a modification which comes with the AMG badge.

Thanks to stronger stabilisers with 50-percent greater torsional rigidity, the roll angle of the E 55 AMG is only very slight when cornering at speed.

The settings of the electronic suspension control system, including ESP^Ò, have been modified in response to the car’s sportier driving dynamics.

New, reinforced steel rear axle with differential cooling

The valuable experience gained over 35 years at the sharp end of car racing was a key component in the development of a power transmission system which features a larger cardan shaft, new steel rear axle with reinforced wheel location elements and drive shafts, and spring links made from a highly robust welded steel structure.

The rear axle differential has cooling fins to lower the oil temperature by as much as 20 degrees Celsius.

SBC^TM high-pressure brakes are taken from the top-of-the-range SL 55 AMG Roadster

The renowned performance of the pioneering SL 55 AMG braking system with Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC^TM) is also given the opportunity to impress in the E 55 AMG.

The high-strength, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs, which measure 360 x 36 millimetres at the front axle and 330 x 26 mm at the rear, deliver notable deceleration of 10.8 m/s².

The surface area of the eight-piston callipers at the front axle is almost twice the size of those on the Mercedes-Benz E 500.

Among the key benefits of Sensotronic Brake Control are the extremely high braking pressure the system generates and its precise monitoring of the behaviour of both driver and car by means of a sophisticated sensor system.

This innovative system thus considerably improves driving safety.
For example:

SBC^TM recognises a hazardous situation and the onset of emergency braking by the speed with which the driver transfers his foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal, and reacts automatically. A high-pressure reservoir allows the system to increases the pressure in the brake lines in a split-second and apply the brake pads to the brake discs, which can then engage with full power when the driver puts his foot on the brake pedal. With Brake Assist also cutting in at an earlier stage and ABS working closer to the optimum wheel slip, the stopping distance from 120 km/h is reduced by around three percent.

If there is a danger of skidding, SBC^TM works in tandem with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP^®), which keeps the car safely on track by applying precise brake impulses on individual wheels and/or by reducing the engine torque. This is another situation where SBC can provide the benefits of greater dynamics and precision. ESP^® uses the even faster and more precisely measured brake impulses from the SBC^TM high-pressure reservoir to stabilise a swerving car both quickly and comfortably. At the same time, the driver does not have to steer as frantically or work as hard to keep the car on course, thanks to the assistance of SBC^TM and ESP^®.

In wet weather, the system injects regular, short brake impulses to ensure that the film of water on the brake discs is wiped off and SBC^TM can work as effectively as possible at all times. This automatic dry braking function is activated in intervals whenever the car’s windscreen wipers have been running for a certain time. The brake impulses are precisely calculated so that the driver is not aware of them.

SBC also offers higher levels of safety than a conventional system when braking through corners. Here the variable brake force distribution can prove particularly helpful in actively controlling the car’s self-steer effect. Whilst conventional braking systems apply the same brake pressure ratio on the outer and inner wheels when cornering, SBC allows the brake force to be divided according to the situation in hand. Consequently, the system automatically increases the brake pressure on the outer wheels when cornering, as they produce more brake force by virtue of their greater contact forces. At the same time, the brake force on the inner wheels is reduced. This increases lateral force on the car, which also plays an important role in keeping it on track. The result is more stable braking and optimum stopping distances

The new Softstop function enhances braking comfort in city traffic

Another comfort feature of the new braking system is the Softstop function, which allows the driver to come to a halt particularly smoothly – an extremely welcome antidote to the frequent stops and starts between traffic lights on city-centre roads.

Finely calculated pressure control is the key, with SBC^TM reducing the braking power as the Saloon comes to a standstill and thus preventing the jolt which can often be felt when coming to a halt.

The Softstop function is permanently activated – only under emergency braking or when the driver is manoeuvring the car around does the system give rapid braking priority.

New 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design

There were few problems finding sufficient room for the large braking system behind the new-design 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, which measure eight inches in width at the front axle and nine inches at the rear.

Whilst the alluring, sterling-silver-painted wheels in twin-spoke design are certainly a stylistic highlight, they also ensure good brake cooling under heavy loads.

Wide 245/40 ZR 18 (front) and 265/35 ZR 18 (rear) tyres ensure impressive contact with the road surface.

Bi-xenon headlamps and the muscular AMG front apron with integral clear-glass foglamps and large air inlets emphasise the distinctive character of this exclusive sports Saloon.

”V8 Kompressor” lettering on the front wings confirms this Mercedes’ identity as the most powerful E-Class yet.

Striking AMG side skirts adorn the sporty silhouette, whilst the AMG rear apron – whose lines take their cue from the contours of the side skirts and front apron – brings the E 55 AMG to a fitting conclusion.

Meanwhile, the oval, chromed integral twin tailpipes in AMG design positioned on the left and right of the rear end offer both a visual and acoustic expression of the majestic power under the bonnet.

AMG sport seats in exclusive nappa/nubuk leather combination

The style of the interior continues the theme of the sporty exterior. The newly developed and strongly contoured AMG sport seats, with multicontour function, distinctively sculptured features and AMG badge in the backrests, offer unbeatable lateral support when cornering at speed.

The electric seat adjustment with memory function for driver and front passenger ensures unrivalled comfort.

The front and rear seats and interior door panels are trimmed in an exclusive nappa/nubuk leather combination upholstery, whilst topstitching in a contrasting colour enhances its high-quality character.

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The leather is available in a choice of three different colour combinations:

anthracite/anthracite
anthracite/dark blue
anthracite/merlot red

The newly designed instrument cluster is another of the special interior appointments to be found in the E 55 AMG: the new dials and red needles distinguish the circular instruments from those in the other E-Class models, as do the typical AMG typeface and a 320 km/h speedometer.

”V8 Kompressor” and ”AMG” lettering on the rev counter and an analogue clock are other prominent identifying features.

The ergonomic AMG sports steering wheel with Formula 1-style gearshift and multifunction buttons, plus the door sill panels bearing the AMG logo, are further elements of the extensive standard equipment in the E 55 AMG.

Additional items of standard equipment for the E 55 AMG include:

Adaptive airbags and belt force limiters for driver and front passenger
Aero windscreen wipers
Service system (ASSYST PLUS)
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Armrest with stowage compartment
Heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors
Outside temperature gauge
Automatic child seat recognition system
Audio 20 CC radio with telephone keypad
Front-passenger recognition for airbag with weight classification
Bi-xenon headlamps with high-pressure cleaning system and dynamic headlamp distance control
Brake Assist
LED brake lights
Chrome-ringed rotary-type switches for radio, fan and temperature controls
Rev counter
Black bird’s-eye maple fine wood trim
ESP®
Headlamp Assist
Power windows x 4
Remote boot lid release
Rear head restraints x 3
Belt tensioners and belt force limiters for the front and outer rear seats
Interior illumination with ambient lighting
THERMATIC automatic climate control system with dust and pollen filter
Radiator grille with five high-gloss black painted slats
Steering wheel adjustable for height and reach
Lumbar support
Multifunction steering wheel
Foglamps
Speed-sensitive power steering
Rain sensor with steplessly variable speed-controlled wipers
ELCODE locking system
Turn signal repeaters in the exterior mirrors
Side rub strips with chrome inlay
Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC^TM)
Front sidebags
Electrically adjustable seat height and backrest angle
Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
SPEEDTRONIC with cruise control
Automatically-dimming rear-view mirror
One-touch wiper function
TIREFIT with electric air pump
Door handles painted in body colour with chrome trim strips
Ambient lighting in the exterior mirrors
Leather selector lever and gaiter
Blue tinted glass
Windscreen without band filter
Windowbags
Central display in instrument cluster
Central locking with crash sensor

A new COMAND system celebrates its world premiere in the E 55 AMG

The latest generation of COMAND is marking its world premiere in the E 55 AMG.

The pioneering radio, navigation and communications system is available as an option and stands out with its extensive range of comfort and safety-enhancing features.

The new COMAND comes as standard with an RDS car radio with double tuner for FM, long, medium and short-wave reception, an amplifier with 4x 25-watt output, video DVD and audio CD player, and DVD navigation with dynamic route guidance based on RDS-TMC.

Faster data transfer allows the new and highly efficient MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) bus system to considerably increase the processing speed of the system.

The 22.5-megabit band width is a four-fold increase on the previous system, which used a D2B databus system.

DVD navigation increases the speed and precision of the route guidance system

The enlarged 6.5-inch colour screen in 16:9 format improves clarity in the navigation, audio and TV modes (optional).

The navigation system is based on leading-edge DVD technology, with a series of factors making the latest incarnation faster and more precise that the previous CD-ROM-based system.

The navigation computer has a more powerful processor, and the system also uses a separate asynchronous channel for the route guidance function which cannot be occupied by other channels.

The detailed data underpinning the DVD system makes it even more powerful and precise. A DVD for the whole for Europe avoids the need to change from one CD-ROM to the next, making the whole system more user-friendly.

Route guidance also possible in 3-D

The route guidance system can run with either the familiar map and arrow presentation or using a new three-dimensional bird’s-eye perspective.

The driver can also select an extremely informative split-screen option, which shows the road map on the left-hand side of the 50:50 screen and the symbols and advice on when to turn off on the right-hand side.

The enlarged 6.5-inch colour display in 16:9 format improves clarity in navigation and TV mode. The navigation system can also be extended to include a dynamic route guidance function as an option.

There is a separate slot for video DVDs and audio CDs, and a connection point for an MP3 player.

The new COMAND system has 30 audio channels, with sound quality showing a considerably improvement on the previous version with six channels.

The optionally-available surround-sound system offers the additional pleasure of a concert-hall ambiance.

A second monitor for the rear can be ordered as an option. This allows the rear passengers to watch the television whilst a different function is in use (for example, the navigation system or radio) on the COMAND module in the front of the car, or when the TV pictures are faded out in the front for safety reasons when the car reaches 6 km/h.

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The rear display offers plug-in facilities for two sets of headphones, as well as auxiliary equipment such as a video camera, digital camera with video output and games console.

”Bluetooth” telephone with state-of-the-art radio technology now available

Also available as an optional extra is a ”Bluetooth” telephone. The cordless handset works with cutting-edge radio technology and can be used in combination with the fixed-installation car telephone. A mobile phone is also available as an alternative.

Both telephones are fitted with a hands-free facility and can be operated using voice commands (LINGUATRONIC), or via buttons on the COMAND screen or multifunction steering wheel.

The mobile office with Internet access and voice control for all functions

As an option, the new COMAND system can be adapted to function as a mobile office, giving the driver and passengers the benefit of WAP Internet access, enabling them to send and receive SMS messages and e-mails, and providing a personal address book function for good measure.

Access to the MB Portal will be possible in the near future, as will voice control during a journey, allowing all COMAND functions to be controlled by the driver or front passenger’s voice.

The LINGUATRONIC system already available for the telephone and radio will be extended for use with the navigation, TV, Internet, e-mail, SMS and address-book functions in the new COMAND system.

There is even a voice recorder on board, allowing short messages to be recorded quickly in much the same way as with a dictating machine.

With this extensive range of new technology and functions, Mercedes-Benz is making an important contribution to road safety, as the driver no longer has to take his hands off the steering wheel or his eyes off the road in order to operate the COMAND system.

The new-generation COMAND system is now available for the E 55 AMG and all other Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloons.

The dynamic multicontour seat offers unbeatable lateral support

The comfort of the E 55 AMG can be further enhanced with the electrically adjustable dynamic multicontour seats with memory function available for the driver and front passenger.

With this new development, the seat’s lateral support is automatically adjusted when cornering at speed.

Air chambers in the front seat cushions, lumbar region and side bolsters of the backrest fill or empty electropneumatically in response to data on the steering angle, transverse acceleration and travelling speed processed in split-second intervals by a microcomputer.

Further items of optional equipment available for the E 55 AMG include: