Affalterbach AMG visit

in2dwww · 04-14-2007

When I picked up my SLK at the factory in Sindelfingen, I paid a little visit to AMG. They were nice enough to arrange a private tour for me as well. AMG used to offer tours to anyone, now they only show their facility to AMG owners. Cameras are not allowed in their production facility, but they are allowed in their showroom.

Here's what I learned on the tour:

They have 50 mechanics who assemble 2 engines each day (except for the V-12 and SLR engines)

Each mechanic is responsible for the engine they build, hence the signature plate.

When I was there, they were assembling the new 6.3 engines. They still assemble the 5.5 supercharged and the 5.5 normally aspirated engines (so no SLK63).

Each 6.3 and 5.5 normal and supercharged engine takes one mechanic 3 hours to assemble. All of these engines are made on the same production line and are sent to the "cold" test bench... and once they pass the test, DCX issues a warranty on the engine. Only 2% are pulled and thrown on the "hot" test bench.

The V-12 and SLR engines are made on a separate floor, and the V-12 and SLR are built on separate production lines.

Each V-12 takes 5 hours to build and is then sent to the "hot" test bench.

Each SLR engine takes 8 hours to build and is then sent to the "hot" test bench.

There's only one shift, so engines are only produced and tested in limited quantities. Also, as each engine is assembled, the mechanic has a cart to which the engine is moved througout the facility. On this cart is a computer which is used to scan and monitor the production progress. As the mechanic arrives at the next "station," he scans the tool he is about to use. There are hundreds of tools hanging from the ceiling. Each tool is fitted with the correct socket and/or extention for whatever engine they happen to be working on. The tools are also set to the correct torque for the engine.

If you own an AMG and find yourself in Germany, you should really check this place out.

I would attach some photos, but my IP address has been blocked by the website administrator.

**alroumi** · 04-14-2007

Thank you for sharing with us, Ive been to Germany many times and I really enjoyed my time there at the Summer.

I travelled to Munich to see the BMW Museum and also visited the Audi museum that hosts many cars such as the Silver Arrow's and the Lemans Nouvoulvari.

I wanted to go to Stuttgart to see the Mercedes Musuem and the AMG factory but time constrains let me back due to Stuttgart being 4 hours away from my hotel.

Hopefully next time I got to Germany, I will try to visit the Mercedes/AMG plants and while I am at it I can visit Porsche because from what Ive heared they are not far apart.

Again, thank you for sharing us and looks like you had enjoyed your trip while collecting your SLK.

**Cold Shot** · 04-14-2007

Great info. I hope to get to the AMG facility one day. I was a little surprised to see the short build times on the motors. Especially the SLR. For a $425K car, I didn't expect an engine in a day. Interesting.

**Ynot** · 04-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cold Shot

Great info. I hope to get to the AMG facility one day. I was a little surprised to see the short build times on the motors. Especially the SLR. For a $425K car, I didn't expect an engine in a day. Interesting.

Same here, I thought at least a couple of days, that was an very informative and interesting post, thanks for sharing.

Try to used imageshack and link it here, your ip may not be blocked, I had the same problem this morning attaching files.

in2dwww · 04-14-2007

Some components, like the supercharger, are assembled in the same building. So the mechanic is assembeling the engine with components that are already built. Think of it like a sous chef doing all the prep work and the chef taking all the credit!

Cooks are masters at "time management" so it's no surprise that some assembly lines mimic the production process found in great kitchens.

Before the engines hit the cold test bench, they go though a machine that uses air pressure to test for oil/water leaks. When I was there, a mechanic building a 6.3 and the machin found a leak. He had to find the leak and fix the problem before moving it over to the electronics station. He could take as much time as needed, but he still had to produce two engines that day. There are special liquids that they use to find the leak, and they keep the air pressure in the engine while he looks for the problem... similar to finding a leak in a bicycle tire. If he was unable to find the leak, he would disassemble the engine and correct the problem. He found the leak and went back to the correct station to make the correction.

One thing I can't explain was the scent of that engine assembly plant. I could certainly smell the horsepower. The entire AMG facility was spotless.

The scent of the AMG workshop, where they finish off the SLK Black series with the fixed roof and brakes, for instance, smells like a brand-new car. There were other cars there for some custom telematic installs and funky leather dash or stiching mods.

Overall, they don't consider themselves a "tuning" company. AMG is owned by DCX but is pretty much working hand-in-hand with DCX to create their own cars. So upgrading your standard MB with AMG brakes is tuning your car, but owning an AMG means you have a car designed by AMG but built like a MB. It was hard to grasp that concept but after visitng the MB factory and then going through the AMG facility and then driving 900 miles in Germany, things really started to make more sense.

DansSlk · 04-14-2007

A nice write up mate, i know the feeling you get spending time there its really special.

But just because they don't think of themselves as tuners don't make them builders they are still just taking MB models and tweaking them i guess in this respect i think BMW M are ahead of the game really spending time on each and every component but still not being able to say we made that ourselves.

Brabus is a auto maker in its own right but still calls itself a tuner the only people who work with MB i feel really can say they create the cars is McLaren they create the SLR from scratch handcrafting and hand assembling each part, there is no SLR 200K or a CDI version its a balls out supercar the in-house people are ultimately just tweaking production cars.

Not that it makes them less special but i feel its still built on a line its still designed to be nice to drive around town and easy for the Mrs to park and that kinda compromises the whole thing a supercar should trick you into a false sense of security then kill you if you fall for it not flash a light and say be more careful next time.

**-1-** · 04-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cold Shot

Great info. I hope to get to the AMG facility one day. I was a little surprised to see the short build times on the motors. Especially the SLR. For a $425K car, I didn't expect an engine in a day. Interesting.

Interesting concept. Regarding engine build times. These are professional engine assemblers and that's all they do, everyday. Regardless if it's a SLK 55 engine completed in three hours, or a SLR engine completed in eight hours, I'm sure it's as perfect as humanly possible. Again, I like the concept. In2dwww, thanks for the AMG factory information. It's first hand and up-to-date.

**Cold Shot** · 04-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by -1-

Interesting concept. Regarding engine build times. These are professional engine assemblers and that's all they do, everyday. Regardless if it's a SLK 55 engine completed in three hours, or a SLR engine completed in eight hours, I'm sure it's as perfect as humanly possible. Again, I like the concept. In2dwww, thanks for the AMG factory information. It's first hand and up-to-date.

What I really wanted to mention was profit margins, but I am totally unqualified to discuss MB/German/AMG/McLaren/You Name The Co or Mod. My father has a 2006 SLR. $420K plus. That extra $350K over my 07 55 bought him exactly one second on the 0-60, no limited top end, and the appointments that we are all well familair with. I don't see the value. I could take my ride and get his "times and tops" for another $40 or $50K. Right?

I am getting off topic, and apologize. This should be about the amazing cars WE drive.

**alroumi** · 04-15-2007

another 50 would be on par with the SLR or slightly faster. But there is nothing bad about the SLR, If I had the money I would of purchased one in Designo Mocha Black and park it next to my 55.

Banned · 04-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by alroumi

Hopefully next time I got to Germany, I will try to visit ...

Hope to see you for a coffee or tea Mohammed. And Bremen is not too far away from me. (About 1 hour drive)

*easty* · 04-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cold Shot

What I really wanted to mention was profit margins, but I am totally unqualified to discuss MB/German/AMG/McLaren/You Name The Co or Mod. My father has a 2006 SLR. $420K plus. That extra $350K over my 07 55 bought him exactly one second on the 0-60, no limited top end, and the appointments that we are all well familair with. I don't see the value. I could take my ride and get his "times and tops" for another $40 or $50K. Right?

I am getting off topic, and apologize. This should be about the amazing cars WE drive.

I think your missing out on what an SLR is. 0-60 means nothing to a real auto enthusiast. It's all about character and apreciation for application of technology. all I do when working is design components for military aircraft. This is a field where the whole project is brand new pushing material application and overall desing funamentals. There are few in recent times where companies take these challanges on, cars in this class F1 Mclaren(probably the most innovative), Enzo and SLR. Most cars are just a modified slant on a previous design. When you see cars that are completely different and think of risk they took in development and then it works these guys should be awarded, yet people look at 0-60 and say so what

just my thoughts.

**-1-** · 04-15-2007

Easty, your talking WORK talk. Is the west coast USA/New York city tour over? Where are you now located? Is the fun trip over?

*easty* · 04-15-2007

yeah sorry mate, not working. Back from new york and been camping on the coast north of frisco for the last few days. I'll update in the usual threads. tanks

Banned · 04-16-2007

Two little stories OT:

When McLaren planned to produce the SLR they build up a new coating factory. After the installation of the robots they took some SLK R171 car bodies for the test drive. Next to me Ruediger Kluge is living who is responsable for the coating robots.

Some years ago I tried to visit McLaren with some of my friends. For some German Marks we should have the possiblity for it. But I got the notice that I was too late, so Mercedes said: No way. Waking up the lion I tried my very best to go there. You must know I have a good friend who lived in Woking some years ago and his brother in law is a mechanic from McLaren. One day I´ve got a call: Hello, Mark Norris from McLaren is calling (press officer). I believed it´s a joke from my english friend and I said: Okay Steve, your are Ron Dennis, Mark Norris or the good old Bruce and I´m the pope. Mark was laughing and he gave us the chance to visit the company for free. Usually they really dont like visitors because they touching everything and asking stupid things, he told me.

At least we had to cancel it, because exactly on that day I had an operation. It was a shame but I couldnt cancel it.

in2dwww · 04-19-2007

Here are a few photos that I took while at AMG. They don't allow cameras past their showroom, but here's what you'll see when you arrive.

I like how the cars are reflected back in the windows at the visitor parking area.

**alroumi** · 04-19-2007

Thank you for sharing with us, I am in love with the Black CLK DTM convertible, very sportive.

Baron7700 · 04-19-2007

ya i was just about to ask if that was actually a CLK DTM vert. Ya that black one is absolutely gorgeous!

**Ynot** · 04-19-2007

The silver vert doesn't look bad either, I love the OZ superlegga wheels.

in2dwww · 04-19-2007

Here is a car on the other side of the showroom. SLK55 with some custom dash and contrast work. It's a little overkill but interesting. I bet the dash is easier to keep clean!

04-14-2007	#1 (permalink)
in2dwww Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 203 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Affalterbach AMG visit When I picked up my SLK at the factory in Sindelfingen, I paid a little visit to AMG. They were nice enough to arrange a private tour for me as well. AMG used to offer tours to anyone, now they only show their facility to AMG owners. Cameras are not allowed in their production facility, but they are allowed in their showroom. Here's what I learned on the tour: They have 50 mechanics who assemble 2 engines each day (except for the V-12 and SLR engines) Each mechanic is responsible for the engine they build, hence the signature plate. When I was there, they were assembling the new 6.3 engines. They still assemble the 5.5 supercharged and the 5.5 normally aspirated engines (so no SLK63). Each 6.3 and 5.5 normal and supercharged engine takes one mechanic 3 hours to assemble. All of these engines are made on the same production line and are sent to the "cold" test bench... and once they pass the test, DCX issues a warranty on the engine. Only 2% are pulled and thrown on the "hot" test bench. The V-12 and SLR engines are made on a separate floor, and the V-12 and SLR are built on separate production lines. Each V-12 takes 5 hours to build and is then sent to the "hot" test bench. Each SLR engine takes 8 hours to build and is then sent to the "hot" test bench. There's only one shift, so engines are only produced and tested in limited quantities. Also, as each engine is assembled, the mechanic has a cart to which the engine is moved througout the facility. On this cart is a computer which is used to scan and monitor the production progress. As the mechanic arrives at the next "station," he scans the tool he is about to use. There are hundreds of tools hanging from the ceiling. Each tool is fitted with the correct socket and/or extention for whatever engine they happen to be working on. The tools are also set to the correct torque for the engine. If you own an AMG and find yourself in Germany, you should really check this place out. I would attach some photos, but my IP address has been blocked by the website administrator.

04-14-2007	#2 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	Thank you for sharing with us, Ive been to Germany many times and I really enjoyed my time there at the Summer. I travelled to Munich to see the BMW Museum and also visited the Audi museum that hosts many cars such as the Silver Arrow's and the Lemans Nouvoulvari. I wanted to go to Stuttgart to see the Mercedes Musuem and the AMG factory but time constrains let me back due to Stuttgart being 4 hours away from my hotel. Hopefully next time I got to Germany, I will try to visit the Mercedes/AMG plants and while I am at it I can visit Porsche because from what Ive heared they are not far apart. Again, thank you for sharing us and looks like you had enjoyed your trip while collecting your SLK. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

04-14-2007	#3 (permalink)
Cold Shot Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Vehicle: 2007 SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 ML 350 Posts: 615 Country: Thanks: 83 Thanked 67 Times in 33 Posts	Great info. I hope to get to the AMG facility one day. I was a little surprised to see the short build times on the motors. Especially the SLR. For a $425K car, I didn't expect an engine in a day. Interesting. __________________ "Like a Cold Shot, baby" - Stevie Ray Vaughan To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2007 Black/Black SLK55 AMG (Green Filters, SmartTop V1, Eurolight Clear Side Markers, R170 Modded Antenna) 2007 Pewter/Black ML350 19xx White/Blonde Wife (Lmtd Edition Model)

04-14-2007	#6 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	A nice write up mate, i know the feeling you get spending time there its really special. But just because they don't think of themselves as tuners don't make them builders they are still just taking MB models and tweaking them i guess in this respect i think BMW M are ahead of the game really spending time on each and every component but still not being able to say we made that ourselves. Brabus is a auto maker in its own right but still calls itself a tuner the only people who work with MB i feel really can say they create the cars is McLaren they create the SLR from scratch handcrafting and hand assembling each part, there is no SLR 200K or a CDI version its a balls out supercar the in-house people are ultimately just tweaking production cars. Not that it makes them less special but i feel its still built on a line its still designed to be nice to drive around town and easy for the Mrs to park and that kinda compromises the whole thing a supercar should trick you into a false sense of security then kill you if you fall for it not flash a light and say be more careful next time. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

04-15-2007	#9 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	another 50 would be on par with the SLR or slightly faster. But there is nothing bad about the SLR, If I had the money I would of purchased one in Designo Mocha Black and park it next to my 55. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

04-14-2007	#5 (permalink)
in2dwww Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 203 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Some components, like the supercharger, are assembled in the same building. So the mechanic is assembeling the engine with components that are already built. Think of it like a sous chef doing all the prep work and the chef taking all the credit! Cooks are masters at "time management" so it's no surprise that some assembly lines mimic the production process found in great kitchens. Before the engines hit the cold test bench, they go though a machine that uses air pressure to test for oil/water leaks. When I was there, a mechanic building a 6.3 and the machin found a leak. He had to find the leak and fix the problem before moving it over to the electronics station. He could take as much time as needed, but he still had to produce two engines that day. There are special liquids that they use to find the leak, and they keep the air pressure in the engine while he looks for the problem... similar to finding a leak in a bicycle tire. If he was unable to find the leak, he would disassemble the engine and correct the problem. He found the leak and went back to the correct station to make the correction. One thing I can't explain was the scent of that engine assembly plant. I could certainly smell the horsepower. The entire AMG facility was spotless. The scent of the AMG workshop, where they finish off the SLK Black series with the fixed roof and brakes, for instance, smells like a brand-new car. There were other cars there for some custom telematic installs and funky leather dash or stiching mods. Overall, they don't consider themselves a "tuning" company. AMG is owned by DCX but is pretty much working hand-in-hand with DCX to create their own cars. So upgrading your standard MB with AMG brakes is tuning your car, but owning an AMG means you have a car designed by AMG but built like a MB. It was hard to grasp that concept but after visitng the MB factory and then going through the AMG facility and then driving 900 miles in Germany, things really started to make more sense.

04-15-2007	#12 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,224 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	Easty, your talking WORK talk. Is the west coast USA/New York city tour over? Where are you now located? Is the fun trip over? __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

04-15-2007	#13 (permalink)
easty Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montreal Vehicle: ///AMG Posts: 2,075 Country: Thanks: 17 Thanked 19 Times in 9 Posts	yeah sorry mate, not working. Back from new york and been camping on the coast north of frisco for the last few days. I'll update in the usual threads. tanks __________________ "I'm not a roman mum, I'm a kike, a yid, a heebie, a hook-nose, I'm kosher mum, I'm a Red Sea pedestrian, and proud of it!" Life of Brian To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

04-16-2007	#14 (permalink)
Banned Banned Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,167 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Two little stories OT: When McLaren planned to produce the SLR they build up a new coating factory. After the installation of the robots they took some SLK R171 car bodies for the test drive. Next to me Ruediger Kluge is living who is responsable for the coating robots. Some years ago I tried to visit McLaren with some of my friends. For some German Marks we should have the possiblity for it. But I got the notice that I was too late, so Mercedes said: No way. Waking up the lion I tried my very best to go there. You must know I have a good friend who lived in Woking some years ago and his brother in law is a mechanic from McLaren. One day I´ve got a call: Hello, Mark Norris from McLaren is calling (press officer). I believed it´s a joke from my english friend and I said: Okay Steve, your are Ron Dennis, Mark Norris or the good old Bruce and I´m the pope. Mark was laughing and he gave us the chance to visit the company for free. Usually they really dont like visitors because they touching everything and asking stupid things, he told me. At least we had to cancel it, because exactly on that day I had an operation. It was a shame but I couldnt cancel it.

04-19-2007	#16 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	Thank you for sharing with us, I am in love with the Black CLK DTM convertible, very sportive. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

04-19-2007	#17 (permalink)
Baron7700 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennyslvania Vehicle: 2006 Slk 350 Other Toys: Lots of ATV's Posts: 1,599 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	ya i was just about to ask if that was actually a CLK DTM vert. Ya that black one is absolutely gorgeous!

04-19-2007	#18 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,795 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	The silver vert doesn't look bad either, I love the OZ superlegga wheels. __________________ 06' SLK 350, Iridium/Ash all pkgs. 6-spd, 19" DCR. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.