The Rare and Revolutionary W210 E 50 AMG
When it comes to high-performance Mercedes-Benz models, the W210 E 55 AMG often comes to mind. But what about the E 50 AMG? This lesser-known model holds a unique place in the history of Mercedes-AMG and is now making waves once again.
The W210 E 50 AMG was the first official V8-powered E-Class AMG sedan. It predates the more famous E 55 model by one year and represents an important milestone in the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and AMG. While the E 55 became a household name, the E 50 remains a rare gem among collectors.
Today, Mercedes-AMG is often compared to BMW’s M division, but its roots go back to the 1990s when the partnership between Mercedes and AMG began to take shape. Before the merger, these two entities operated independently, with AMG customizing vehicles that were then sent to their facility in Affalterbach for tuning.
The W210 E 50 AMG was the precursor to the E 55 AMG. It was the first AMG model to be sold through Mercedes’ dealer network and came with factory-backed warranties. This marked a significant shift in how AMG vehicles were distributed and supported.
Prior to this, AMG had worked on the W124 platform in the 1980s, producing iconic models like the “AMG Hammer.” However, those cars were not sold through Mercedes dealerships and lacked factory warranties. The E 50 AMG changed that dynamic, setting the stage for future collaborations.
The E 50 AMG features a sport-tuned suspension, an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 engine, a more aggressive exterior body kit, larger wheels, and improved braking systems. These enhancements gave the car a performance edge over its standard counterparts.
The E 50 AMG used the “M119” V8 engine, which was also found in earlier models like the W140 S 500 and R129 SL 500. This engine produced around 342 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just six seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph.
In comparison, the later E 55 models featured the newer “M113” 5.5-liter V8 engine, which provided slightly more power at 349 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Despite this, the E 50 remains a highly sought-after model due to its rarity.
With fewer than 3,000 units produced, the E 50 AMG is significantly rarer than the E 55. This scarcity has made it a prized possession among Benz enthusiasts and collectors.
Mercedes-Benz and AMG also produced a limited-run six-cylinder model called the E 36 in 1996 and 1997. This model used the same powertrain as the W202 C 36 AMG, but it is even rarer than the E 50 and considered one of the most elusive AMG models ever made.
Before the 1990s, Mercedes-Benz and AMG were separate entities. However, after AMG’s success in the 1980s, the two companies began working more closely together. This led to a joint venture in the mid-1990s, where they collaborated on high-performance models to compete with BMW M.
This partnership eventually resulted in AMG becoming a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz. The E 50 AMG was one of the first models to benefit from this collaboration, marking a turning point in the brand’s history.
One particular example of the E 50 AMG is currently up for auction on BringATrailer. This 1997 model, finished in Polar White, was originally a left-hand drive vehicle intended for a Japanese customer. It has only covered 116,000 kilometers (approximately 72,000 miles) and appears to be in excellent condition.
While it has some modifications, such as aftermarket lowering springs and an aftermarket radio, it remains a rare and desirable piece of automotive history. Its availability in New Hampshire makes it a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of AMG’s legacy.
