Mercedes has a motto. It goes “The Best, Or Nothing.” As such, AMG performance has long been a mainstay within the Mercedes brand. Things began in the mid-’90s when AMG developed the C36 AMG. It was a slightly faster C Class sedan, but it set the groundwork for what AMG was to do for years to come. Mercedes would then go on to partner with AMG and create some of the world’s most powerful cars.
AMG has a “one builder-one engine” philosophy, which means just one individual saw the assembly of an AMG engine from bare short-block, to final assembly. This build philosophy is applicable from the monster V12 turbo motors all the way to the 4-cylinder engines.
But for us, the best AMG is the one that started it all. The C-class.
W202
Mercedes nomenclature for their car models received an overhaul in the early ’90s. The 190 E is now the C-class, and affectionately known as the “baby Benz.” And now, AMG was a fully owned subsidiary of Mercedes Benz. A hard-fought battle with the Bavarians meant that when the M3 emerged with a new 6-cylinder engine, AMG had to make a similar play.
AMG began with a fully assembled C280, and then proceeded to add their own parts to it. This included a body kit, brakes, suspension, and importantly, the engine work. The original M104 grew from 2.8 to 3.6 liters, and power grew from 190 to 276 horsepower. And as noted by Benz Insider, the C36 even became the brand’s first Formula 1 safety car. For 25 years, that role has been given to an AMG. For Mercedes and AMG, the C36 is arguably the most important AMG of all.
But it wasn’t long till the mad scientists at AMG had better plans for the C-class. A new V8, coded “M113” had just been made by M-B. It was intended to be used by the biggest cars in the lineup, but AMG gave it a home in the W202. Thus, the C43 AMG was born. Unlike the C36, the C43 would start its life as a C43.
In 1997, AMG and BMW’s M-division were in lockstep yet again. BMW (for Europe) had upped their power levels to over 315 hp. AMG counter-attacked with the 302HP M113 V8 powered C43. But the AMG produced nearly 50lb/ft more torque. Meaning it was essentially a new era muscle car. Here in the US, the M3 had an emission restricted 240 hp motor, so it was no contest which one was faster.
More importantly, AMG shifted away from outright handling, and into an era of usable, and fun horsepower. Burnouts and donuts became AMG’s show, and they were very good at each successive episode.
If you stumble across a C36 or a C43, you’ll likely see they are priced in a buyer’s market. They offer a lot of fun for the dollar, but the next generation does that a bit better. However, recently clean examples of C43 AMGs have been holding their value well. We predict these will begin to increase in price in the coming years. Future collector car? Absolutely.
W203
The W203 body style was another generation of C-class AMG cars to feature multiple engines throughout its lifecycle. Despite the success of the V8-powered C43, AMG decided to forgo V8 power. Instead, they opted for a supercharged V6. This M112 V6 is largely based on the M113 V8, but with two fewer cylinders. Despite dropping over a liter in displacement, the supercharged M112 created more power than the previous V8. 349 horsepower did a good job of making up for the lack of a V6 rumble.
After a mid-cycle refresh, the W203 AMG saw yet another increase in power. The M113 V8 from the previous C43 AMG was bored and stroked and given a few of AMG’s usual touches. This accounted for a total displacement of 5.5 liters. Now making 362 horsepower and 375 lb/ft of torque, the C55 AMG is nearly 100 horsepower stronger than its predecessor from just one generation prior.
Like the W202, this generation of C-class AMGs is an exceptionally good buy if you’re looking for a fast and luxurious car. The C32 is nearing 20 years old though, and the C55 is now about 15 years old, too. That means these cars will be more common, but still inspect them carefully. Many parts are carried over from the regular C-class sedans, so prices on most parts aren’t outrageous. Search for the right C32 or C55 and you’ll end up with a great car.
W204
Arguably the ultimate C-class AMG, The W204 C63 AMG had magic beyond measure. There’s no such thing as rear tires that last long on a C63 AMG. And the engineers made it that way. A new generation of V8 engines was made specifically for the C63, dubbed the M156. Made entirely by AMG and for AMG models, the M156 was a brute of an engine. And now, you could have it in a sedan, or for the first time, in a coupe. In 2009 and 2010, Mercedes’ M156 earned the title of “Engine of the Year” as voted by journalists around the world. It would take Ferrari’s V8 in the 458 to topple the AMG dominance.
Producing 451 horsepower, the new 6.2-liter V8 makes this generation of C-class AMG the very best. Click the options for “P30” or “P31” and you’ll get 481 horsepower according to Car and Driver. But that’s not saying this rose didn’t have thorns. FCP Euro notes that all of the M156 engines in the C63 range had an issue with the cylinder head bolts. The bolts would break, allowing coolant into the combustion chamber, causing all sorts of problems. It is an issue that could destroy an engine. There was also a class-action suit filed for pre-mature wear on the valvetrain, but that lawsuit was closed.
Thankfully, most AMG owners are aware of this issue and had the bolts preemptively replaced. Check for that documentation when in the inspection process, or, at the very least, know it will be an imminent repair.
C63 Black
While the standard C63 had a de-tuned 451 horsepower, the C63 AMG Black Series brought the power back. And then some A special hard-core version, the C63 AMG Black is another car on our list as a future collectible. This car featured an extensive list of upgrades from the C63. Car and Driver says everything that was changed was done in the name of speed. You could only get the C63 Black Series with two doors.
C63 ‘507’
At the end of AMG’s run of the C63, they gave it a bit of a swan song. Enthusiasts became fully aware that the 451 horsepower C63 was de-tuned. Yes, you could get the P30 and P31 option packages for a 30 horsepower boost, but the AMG 507 gave you 56 more horsepower. And you’ll notice that. Available in coupe or sedan, the 507 was the W204’s last hurrah for a rev-happy, brutal V8 soundtrack.
W205
With the W205, AMG started to take itself very seriously. Styling was significantly more reserved than the bulbous and raucous version that came prior. This version of the baby Benz incidentally pulls styling cues from the Mercedes S-class. Naturally, its performance is an evolution and is faster than its predecessor. The suspension was tuned to give three stages of firmness. Handling is much improved, too. SuperStreet reports that AMG wanted to make this version of the C63 forgiving and approachable. With the W205, you can tell AMG focused on more than just putting power to the ground.
Though it still retains the “63” designation, it actually has a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8. This change was made for the sake of efficiency. But it still makes 469 horsepower in the standard C63, and 503 horsepower in the C63 S. Power still goes to the rear wheels, meaning there’s no shortage of fun. But, with the turbos acting as an exhaust muffler, and the lack of a rev-happy engine, it’s not as easy to fall in love with this engine. But it never leaves you in doubt of its capabilities. The C63 S can reach 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds.
This was also the first time that the C-class AMG came in a number of flavors at the same time. Alon side the C63, you can now get the C43 AMG. It doesn’t have a 4.3-liter V8, but instead has a 3.0-liter V6. Two turbos help this engine generate 385 horsepower, which is right in line with the power numbers from just two body styles prior. Slow it is not, as it also sprints off the line with the assistance of 4Matic all-wheel drive. Its jog to 60 MPH arrives just 0.7 seconds slower than the C63 beside it in the showroom.
Photos: DepositPhotos: Nelsonart; Patryk_Kosmider
