1998-2000 Mercedes-Benz ML55/E55/C43 (AMG Specials)

Mercedes' relationship with German-based aftermarket tuner AMG has produced some interesting vehicles over the years. Three of them, the Mercedes-Benz ML55, E55, and C43, also known as the AMG Specials, appeared within the span of the 1998-2000 model years.

The ML55 was AMG's variant on Mercedes-Benz's successful M-Class sport utility, distinguished by exclusive, shapely fender flares and spoilers (designed in California); special wheels; and 342 horsepower from a 5.4-liter V-8. Chassis, brakes, and suspension were beefed up from stock. This car was pure luxury inside, and could do 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.

The AMG E-Class variant, the E55, though boasting the similar engine and horsepower rating as the ML55, was a more subtle creation, marked mainly by black-on-white gauges, enormous tires, twin chrome exhaust pipes, and an "E55 AMG" trunklid badge. Top speed exceeded 170 mph.

And then there was AMG's version of Mercedes-Benz's entry-level C-Class, which ran with a 4.3-liter V-8 tuned to 302 bhp. Sixty mph came up from a stop in 5.9 seconds.

Five-speed automatic was mandatory on this trio of AMG/Mercedes specials.

Pluses of the 1998-2000 Mercedes-Benz ML55/E55/C43 (AMG Specials):

Blazing acceleration
Good mid-range response
Handling and roadholding (E55, C43)
Exclusivity

Minuses of the 1998-2000 Mercedes-Benz ML55/E55/C43 (AMG Specials):

Thirst
Mandatory automatic transmissions
High prices, new and used

Production of the 1998-2000 Mercedes-Benz ML55/E55/C43 (AMG Specials):

E55: 80 (1998)
C43: 788 (1998)
ML55: 16 (1999)
E55: 1,024 (1999)
C43: 546 (1999)

Specifications of the 1998-2000 Mercedes-Benz ML55/E55/C43 (AMG Specials):

	ML55	E55	C43
Wheelbase, inches	111.0	111.5	105.9
Length, inches	182.5	189.4	177.4
Weight, pounds:	4,861	3,680	3,448
Price, new	$64,900 (U.S.)	$69,100-$69,800 (U.S.)	$52,750-$53,000 (U.S.)