Subject: 2006 E350 Sport Sway Bar Replacement
I am looking to upgrade the sway bar in my E350 sport 2006,  the car has a tendency to roll to much going into corners.  I was wondering if switching to a 2006 E55 AMG sway bar would improve this roll.  Or if you have any other suggestions to make the car handle better but not bounce down the road.  Thanks in advance. – Jerry

There are several issues here to consider before making this type of modification to your suspension system. So, we asked our colleague John Olson, which has been custom building springs for SL’s for a decade or so. Here’s John’s response:

1. Confirm that the E 55 AMG’s front and rear anti-sway bars are thicker (anything 2+ mm thicker would be noticeable). The change would reduce body roll. The stiffness increases logarithmically with minor changes.  Most “tuning” for cars occurs in 2 mm increments between 19 mm and 25 mm. Too big a change can unduly stress the brackets holding the bars. If the E 55 diameter is thicker, check for a difference in bracket part numbers too.
2. The thickness of anti-sway bars is not always identified and differences in parts numbers could be other reasons. Consequently, have the thickness of your bars and a local E 55 measured with a micrometer before ordering.
3. If the E 55 is 2+ mm greater front and rear… replace both, or you will concurrently alter the over-steer/under-steer behavior without motive.

Anti-sway bars and shock absorbers do not reduce coil spring travel, nose dive, or other behavior that is the job of the springs. 75 to 80% of the shock absorbers’ “job” is muting rebound, not compression. After changing anti-sway bars, if you decide there is still too much travel in your suspension system, progressive or sport springs would be the next step. The springs we make are not harsh but would definitely control the car’s weight better.  – John Olson (www.slmarket.com).

It is a quick check to assess whether the modification is appropriate for the vehicle. Keep in mind that the original parts were designed by engineers based on several factors; rarely just one. Often you can obtain feedback for common modifications but, if uncommon, the mods can have unanticipated consequences.

AMG Market News/MBUSA PR – MONTVALE, N.J., Aug. 11, 2009: In conjunction with its inaugural year as an Official Patron of The PGA of America, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) will debut its PGA Performance Center, a state-of-the-art facility displaying the defining moments in the evolution of golf in comparison with the innovations that have led up to the most technologically advanced vehicle in its segment — the all-new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The debut will take place at the 91st PGA Championship contested at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, August 10-16.

The PGA Performance Center is designed to engage guests in the history and tradition of the game of golf and the lineage of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class within an open and modern space. Through a striking series of displays, graphics and videos, visitors to the PGA Performance Center will experience a visual timeline spanning more than half a century, highlighting eight generations of the E-Class and memorable moments within the game of golf. The all-new 2010 E-Class coupe, sedan and AMG E63 will be on exhibit, as well as the classic 1979 240 D.

“Skill, precision and drive — all reasons why Mercedes-Benz and the game of golf are a natural fit,” stated Lisa Holladay, manager of brand experience marketing, MBUSA. “Both Mercedes-Benz and The PGA of America have a rich heritage and are at the forefront of innovation to deliver a unique experience at the PGA Championship.”

Guests entering the display will find a 50-foot graphic illustrating the history of the iconic E-Class body design — from the Ponton and Fintail from the 1950s — juxtaposed to a series of 32″ monitors highlighting Mercedes-Benz fuel and safety innovations such as its Blue Efficiency technology (fuel consumption and emissions reduction), Attention Assist (advanced drowsiness detection system) and Adaptive High-Beam Assist (advanced oncoming traffic recognition system). State-of-the-art materials, which are used in 72 percent of all manufactured body parts, are also on display to highlight Mercedes-Benz history and leadership in developing safety design for the greater good of drivers, ranging from the “safety cage” passenger cell and front-and-rear crumple zones to antilock brakes and automotive air bags.

In parallel, enthusiasts can inspect a series of golf balls dating from the 1600’s to current, including the first golf ball, a featherie from 1618. Latest advancements in ball and club technology will be presented by Nike Golf to show the future and vision of advanced materials.

Mercedes-Benz is a proud Official Patron of the 2009 PGA Championship, one of the premiere sporting events in the world. The tournament will be played at the acclaimed course designed by Robert Trent Jones where more than 200,000 spectators are expected to line the fairways to view the strongest, all-professional field in major championship golf. As an Official Patron, Mercedes-Benz serves as the Official Vehicle of The PGA of America, The PGA Championship and Senior PGA Championship, as well as a Proud Supporter of the 2010 and 2012 Ryder Cup.

The Center will be located just inside the main spectator entrance, and will be open to the public throughout the Championship.

Hi,

I have a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 190E AMG with an 2.0L 8v 4 cylinder engine and I'm thinking of changing the engine to a 2.3L 16V 4 Cylinder engine. I would just like to know if there was anything installed by AMG back in the mid 80's when my car was modified that would make the engine swap very difficult to do. I have been told that there was lots of sensors put on the car by AMG. Where can I find info on what modifications AMG did to my car? Thanks

Editor's Note: If you have an answer, please leave it in the comment section below. 

It is hard to say what AMG mods were included during the 1980s. There is little documentation and Daimler obtained few records from AMG at the time of the acquisition (1990s). One place to check might be the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. The techs at the center may have been involved with a restoration project for that model.

I looked at a 1984 500SE – AMG (allegedly) today – a bit rough, in particular the interior. The owner's son is selling it. Claims his Dad bought it in Germany and it had AMG modifications. I'm THINKING it was just cosmetic on the exterior.

The car looks like a stock 500SE, except for the front air dam, it's lowered, MAYBE AMG wheels, and maybe the skirts. I ran the VIN on the Russian site, and it comes up delivered in Germany. Anyway, any thoughts as to how to tell if AMG modified the engine?

From what I understand, there should be some indication on the block that AMG modified the engine or some documentation included with the history. Otherwise, it is hard to tell if the car just has a lowered suspension and the body kit.

If the car has Recaro seats, a smaller steering wheel than the standard model and a custom exhaust then it is possibly an AMG.

M 117 AMG engine mods included enlarged inlet and exhaust ducts, polished inlet and exhaust valves, optimized camshaft and precision-balanced crankshaft.

From 1979 to 1985, there were several AMG cosmetic and performance enhancements – custom ordered by the buyer and they typically included:

• 15" or 16" ATS 5 spoke Penta wheels (designed by Aufrecht in 1979 and made by ATS)
• Recaro seats
• External chrome parts could be painted to the car's body color (or black)
• AMG steering wheel with a smaller diameter than the standard
• Lowered and stiffened suspension
• Aerodynamic AMG front air dam and spoiler kit
• Modified cams
• Custom exhaust to increase horsepower, and in some rare cases a 5 speed manual transmission.

If you have any additional advice, please leave your thoughts below. Thanks.

Note: The photograph is a circa 1984 AMG 16×8 5-spoke Penta type 1 aluminum alloy wheel manufactured by ATS. Designed by H.W. Aufrecht in 1979, it is the first aluminum alloy wheel marketed by AMG when it was still an independent tuning company.

Apparently, no-one sent that "war over" memo to RENNTECH.

RENNTECH announced a new "stage 3" tune for the 2008 65 series AMG models, which makes use of what the company calls "next-generation ECU software" to get 695 hp and 890 lb-ft of torque from the AMG's twin-turbo V12.

"Power will always be important to many customers, especially torque." explains Hartmut Feyhl, RENNTECH's president and ex technical director of AMG North America. "Our cars have always been able to make considerable torque, and have been praised in magazines for their drivability. Still, we are constantly trying to improve our product."Commitment to constant improvement is one reason RENNTECH has become known as one of the world's premier tuning firms…

RENNTECH believes their new software will further cement that knowledge in the public mind. they have two full-time in-house software engineers and others that work with the software on a part-time or contract basis.

The latest software takes advantage of the increased power of the new engine computers, and offers a number of small improvements that add up to a big 'overall' improvement," Feyhl explains.

"It really is that 'next-generation' sort of product that is much more advanced than what we were capable of offering before. Compared to earlier versions, our new software gives customers more power and better drivability in a way that is more reliable, smoother power curve, and even improves emissions and gas mileage."

In addition to the software upgrades, the package includes a larger intercooler pump and secondary heat exchanger, as well as a pair of carbon fiber airboxes to improve the flow of cool air into the big AMG's V12. The intercooler system upgrades reduce air intake temperatures by more than 20 degrees, delivering more consistent power compared to stock – more safely increase boost throughout the rpm range.

Stainless steel sport mufflers (also part of the new package) produce a deep, distinctive growl that is suitably aggressive for a high-end luxury car; the way this car should sound.

With almost 900 lb-ft of torque available from the engine, the upgrades deliver a real, noticeable improvement in terms of power and acceleration compared to the already impressive performance of the stock 65 series AMG cars.

MSRP for RENNTECH's new performance "PKG3" for 65 series AMG is $18,990 (plus installation). PKG365 is available for S65, CL65, and SL65 AMG. For more info contact RENNTECH.