For those interested, our fellow AMG enthusiasts over at CarAdvice.com.au have some nice photos of the 2010 AMG E63 taken during a performance testing run on the Nurburgring. The non-AMG E-Class is scheduled to make an official debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor show; expect the AMG version later next year. Visit CarAdvice.com.au here to view the AMG E63 photographs.

Rarely does Mercedes-Benz AMG get mentioned when you're talking about having the most fun with a car priced at $25,000 or less. But in this Car & Driver video, the 1999 E55 makes the cut. Here's an excerpt of what they say on the video, which can be viewed below:

One hundred and eighty-three thousand. That’s how many miles have been rolled up on the odometer of the 1999 E55 AMG currently owned by Bryan English. English has driven the hell out of the big Benz, accruing all but 16,000 of those miles since purchasing the car in 2003. His E55 feels extremely tight and is in exceptional condition despite the high mileage, a testament to how well English takes care of his ride as well as to the Germans who built it. Squeaks and rattles are nonexistent, and the Mercedes dealers and independent specialists we’ve spoken with characterize the W210 E55 as bulletproof.

The AMG Mercedes-Benz E55 is the fifth car in the video:

You can read about the E55 AMG Mercedes-Benz from the video at Car & Driver here.

Limited in quantity, the 1988 300CE AMG Hammer is a rare find. Built by Mercedes-Benz and modified by AMG prior to the merger. The 3.0-liter 177-hp 6-cylinder 300E originally sold for $39,000 (W124 body style). For $17,000, AMG would replace that 3-liter unit with the 5.5-liter V8 from the 560 SEC after adding 32-valve cylinder heads and twin camshafts. During 1988, additional options included:

• $39,950 – AMG bored out the 5.6-litre to 6.0-liters
• $33,302 – upgraded rear differential, Gleason-Torsion LSD, stronger rear sub-frame, plus more chassis modifications
• $14,170 – upgraded AMG suspension, 17 inch chrome wheels/tires, AMG interior package, etc.
• $18,000 labor charge
• Total package cost in 1988: around $162,000.

The following pictures and information were provided by the AMG’s owner (2007):

History
Original owner was professional baseball player Robert Deer:

• Rob Deer is famous for hitting the game-tying home run on Easter Sunday in 1987 to give the Milwaukee Brewers their 12th straight win to start the season. The home run was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
• June 6, 1978: Drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 4th round of the 1978 amateur draft.
• San Francisco Giants (1984-1985), Milwaukee Brewers (1986-1990), Detroit Tigers (1991-1992), Boston Red Sox (1993), San Diego Padres (1996)

THIS CAR IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE/SALE – THE INFO IS FOR HISTORICAL REFERENCE FOR THOSE INTERESTED.

A special AMG performance package will be available in March 2007 ex factory for the E63 AMG Saloon. The package, priced at 7,140 euros, includes various technical components that enhance the handling dynamics and the vehicles motorsport potential. It was developed for those interested in driving on closed-circuit racetracks.

The AMG Performance Studio in Affalterbach developed the package, the vehicles are built at the DaimlerChrysler production plant in Sindelfingen.

• 18-inch 5-spoke multi-piece AMG alloy wheels, painted titanium silver, front wheels size 8.5 x 18 with 245/40 R 18 tires, rear wheels size 9.5 x 18 with 265/35 R 18 tires
• AMG performance suspension with firmer tuning, based on AIRMATIC DC
• Multi-disc rear locking differential with 40% locking effect, providing more traction when accelerating out of corners
• AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara with silver-colored aluminum shift paddles

AMG Optional Extras Available Ex Factory

For the SLK 55 AMG, SL 55 AMG, E 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG and CLK 63 AMG models, exclusive individual optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio are now for the first time also available ex factory.

SLK 55 AMG

• 18-inch twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multi-piece
• AMG performance suspension
• AMG carbon trim parts
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

SL 55 AMG

• 19-inch twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multi-piece
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

E 63 AMG Saloon and Estate

• 18-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multi-piece
• AMG performance suspension, based on AIRMATIC DC (only for saloon)
• AMG rear locking differential
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

CLS 63 AMG

• 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multi-piece
• AMG performance suspension, based on AIRMATIC DC
• AMG rear locking differential
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

CLK 63 AMG

• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering