Here you find resources on developing the aging Mercedes platforms into HPDE capable vehicles. Whether it is documenting engine swaps, available aftermarket, parts interchange or hosting specific build write-ups, we want to enable the next generation of tuners to continue developing these platforms. But why? The mainstream Mercedes offering was never known for their track performance and even the AMG variants generally weighed in significantly higher than just about any other competing sporty platform. Well, there are a few reason:
Depreciation
Even though Mercedes products can frequently be well engineered, advanced and durable, there is no escaping the fact that they will depreciate rapidly. The average vehicle owner is simply not interested in maintaining complicated designs into old age. Modern reliable offerings are not much more expensive and shop rates (as well as parts) for MB are not cheap.
This positions them well for the DIY crowd. As an example, the original Dapper Drift W211 only cost me $11,000 with 126K miles. It was maintain meticulously, ran perfectly and would've made an excellent daily driver. In 2003, this was the fastest production sedan, ran a quarter-mile in 12 seconds, had air-conditioned and heated seats, electronic rear vanity, adjustable air suspension. All just not name a few features that you'd be hard pressed to find for the price, all with incredible torque and almost 500HP.
OE Part Availability
Similarly, due to rapid depreciation and large production numbers for the mainstream models, aging Mercedes cars can be found in large numbers in wrecking yards across the nation. Whether it's road racing, drifting or rallye builds, having endless availability for body parts, control arms, differentials, axles, brakes can be quite convenient. If you're hunting for parts, take a look at Row 52, which is a Pick-n-Pull aggregator.
Layout and Packaging
Mercedes platforms are until recently almost exclusively designed as FR, which is the layout of choice for many enthusiasts. Being a luxury brand, they need to move a lot of weight, so the engine bays can typically accommodate generously sized longitudinal V8 configurations with no fabrication requirements. Additionally, when all of the creature comforts are stripped, they shed weigh dramatically. As a reference, the W210 with an iron block V8 before the crash cage was installed, weighed in just around 3000lbs. An aluminum LS would've made for a cool 2900lb, not bad!
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