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.) |
Engines for the 1998-2000 Mercedes-Benz ML55 (AMG Special):
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| ohc V-8 | 332 | 342 | 2000 |
Engines for the 1998-2000 Mercedes-Benz E55 (AMG Special):
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| ohc V-8 | 332 | 349 | 1999-2000 |
Engines for the 1998-2000 Mercedes-Benz C43 (AMG Special):
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| ohc V-8 | 260 | 302 | 1998-2000 |
Want more information about classic cars? See:
- Classic Cars
- Mercedes-Benz Sports Cars
- Muscle Cars
- Sports Cars
- Consumer Guide Auto
- Consumer Guide Auto Used Car Search
