Short new E 55 AMG (W211) FAQ
1. Is it possible to remove the 250 kph speed limit?
Yes, it is possible. You can order a raised speed limit (300 kph) on a new car, cost is almost 2600 Euro incl. tax and install. This option is not available to certain countries like the USA. A retrofit is possible but only at AMG in Germany. Retrofit on US cars or on cars from countries where the raised speed limit isn't legal is not possible. Caution: a retrofit can be substantially more expensive than ordering on a new car because of tire approval (you might need a new set of tires if your tires aren't approved by AMG for the 300 kph speed limit)
2. Does the raised speed limit include a lowering of the Air Suspension?
Officially not. But it seems that cars with raised speed limit go around 10-15 mm lower than "standard" cars.
3. Does AMG approve aftermarket tuning like engine mods, speed limit removal or raising or "electronic" lowering of the air suspension?
The answer is clearly no. You surely will loose warranty, even on the whole car if you're unlucky. Dealers are asked to keep track of modified cars!
4. Is it possible to easily raise horsepower by ECU mods only (like on turbo engines)?
No. It might be possible to gain 20 HP by ECU mods only but this is not recommendable. If you want more power, a lot of things have to be modified including the supercharger and the exhaust system. Right now there are power upgrades from 560 to 620 HP available from aftermarket tuners, most of them also raise the speed limit to 320 kph.
5. When will the new DVD Navigation System be available?
Starting end of march (or even slightly earlier), the DVD Navigation System should be available on german cars. I don't have any information about other countries.
6. Can the new DVD Navigation System play DVD movies too?
Apparently the german version of the DVD Navigation System will be capable of playing DVD movies too. I don't have any information about other countries. It seems that AMG also offers a DVD changer as a special order item. TFT monitors should be available for the rear compartment too as a special order item from the AMG Manufaktur.
7. Can the DVD Navigation System be retrofitted?
Apparently, the DVD Navigation System can be easily retrofitted on all APS 50 equipped cars, at least those built in the past.
8. Does AMG offer any engine or suspension mods/upgrades for the E 55?
Right now, AMG does offer only the raised speed limiter. No other mods/upgrades are available at this time.
9. Is it true that the E 55 is lighter than the other AMG supercharged V8 models and has a better performance, even if it has slightly less power?
AMG claims practically the same performance figures for the E 55 and the SL 55. But from real life experience, it seems that the E 55 has a tiny advantage in performance.
10. Is it true that a E 55 is even faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo from 0-300 kph?
Yes, this is true.
11. Is it true that the E 55 doesn't have the same magnificent exhaust roar sound as the SL 55 AMG?
Yes, unfortunately this is true.
12. Is it true that the E 55 has less power than the SL 55 or CL 55 because of the exhaust system?
This is the official explenation from AMG.