Mercedes
E320 and E55 AMG
© 2006
KenRockwell.com
The
Mercedes E430 in Olivenhain, California, June, 2006
2002
E430 (click to enlarge)
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E320
The
common E320 is a discount version of the E430 for commuters. The
E320s only have six cylinders.
The
first E320 had a wonderful inline six.
The
later E320 downgraded to a V6. To save money in the first years of
Daimler Chrysler, the E320's V6 engine was created simply by castrating
two cylinders from the V8 instead of designing a separate V6. Because
this left a 90 degree angle between cylinder banks, instead of 60
degrees as a in a proper V6, balance shafts had to be used to lessen
vibration.
E55
AMG
The
E55 AMG had a bored and stroked 5.5 litre AMG version of the E430
V8. The AMG really hauls with 391 ft-lbs of torque and 349 HP. The
AMG versions came in far fewer color choices, so I didn't get one.
Unlike the 2003 - 2006 E55 AMGs, these versions through 2002 have
no blowers (kompressors).
The
E55 AMG has different sized wheels and stiffer suspension and more
sport plastic body parts. It also used fog lights which have to replaced
in their entirety if you break a lens.