W124 Hammer?

[Goran124]

Never seen a photo of this reinforcement bar before. Interesting modification.

View attachment 233125

Every hammer has that! Anyone knows what it is for?

 

[gsxr]

The 6-cyl subframe was weak, so that reinforcement bar was somehow related to trying to beef it up. However, I don't know what specifically it was meant to do. The driver side of the subframe does not normally push forward or back.

The V8 subframe developed by Mercedes for the 1990 release of the 500E solved all of the problems with the weak 6-cyl subframe, and no additional reinforcements were needed. The factory V8 subframe was good for well above the original Hammer power levels as a bonus.

 

[Goran124]

Hi. I think there was a thread about hammer vij numbers, like registry…and someone(i think weide1) put pictures of the vin numbers…
What happend to that thread, i cant find it?

 

[weide1]

Hi. I think there was a thread about hammer vij numbers, like registry…and someone(i think weide1) put pictures of the vin numbers…
What happend to that thread, i cant find it?

I had it removed.
Several Hammer owners were not pleased that I showed VINs online.

 

[puchak]

I'm not really sure why you wouldn't want to share such iconic tuning, maybe in the fear of theft or fraud. Collecting and organizing history is an awesome thing. Lots of paranoid folks out there...

 

[oweigo26]

Hello 500eboard Members,
I’m currently trying to build a complete registry of W124 AMG 6.0 “Hammer” cars.

My goal is to document both:

original AMG-built cars with AMG VINs (AMG124…)

as well as cars with Mercedes VINs that were converted in the USA or elsewhere (for example Westmont or similar)

I’m looking to include all possible body styles, including sedan (W124), coupe (C124) and wagon (S124), specifically focusing on Hammer 6.0 cars.
This is purely a private project. I’m a big fan of these cars and I would like to bring all available information together and update it to a more accurate 2026 level, since a lot of the existing data is scattered or outdated.

I’ve already collected some information from different sources and wanted to share what I have so far.

Some chassis numbers / VINs I have so far:

AMG12422423048

AMG12422111008

AMG12422218035

AMG12417216011

AMG124.22416026

AMG12422325050

WDBEA90D3JF060409

WDBEA30D0HA443275

WDBEB93D7HF036603

WDBEA50D7JA624567

WDBEA30D5HA542559


I would really appreciate any additional information, missing cars, VINs, documentation or corrections. Or if someone has an up-to-date collection or registry of these cars with VINs and chassis numbers, I would really appreciate it if you could share it with me, if that is possible and welcome.any additional information, missing cars, VINs, documentation or corrections.


Thanks in advance. Greetings from Germany.
Oliver

 

[weide1]

@oweigo26 AMG12422111008 = 14008

 

[oweigo26]

Hello 500eboard Members,
I’m currently trying to build a complete registry of W124 AMG 6.0 “Hammer” cars.

My goal is to document both:

original AMG-built cars with AMG VINs (AMG124…)

as well as cars with Mercedes VINs that were converted in the USA or elsewhere (for example Westmont or similar)

I’m looking to include all possible body styles, including sedan (W124), coupe (C124) and wagon (S124), specifically focusing on Hammer 6.0 cars.
This is purely a private project. I’m a big fan of these cars and I would like to bring all available information together and update it to a more accurate 2026 level, since a lot of the existing data is scattered or outdated.

I’ve already collected some information from different sources and wanted to share what I have so far.

Some chassis numbers / VINs I have so far:

AMG12422423048

AMG12422111008

AMG12422218035

AMG12417216011

AMG124.22416026

AMG12422325050

WDBEA90D3JF060409

WDBEA30D0HA443275

WDBEB93D7HF036603

WDBEA50D7JA624567

WDBEA30D5HA542559


I would really appreciate any additional information, missing cars, VINs, documentation or corrections. Or if someone has an up-to-date collection or registry of these cars with VINs and chassis numbers, I would really appreciate it if you could share it with me, if that is possible and welcome.any additional information, missing cars, VINs, documentation or corrections.


Thanks in advance. Greetings from Germany.
Oliver

Does anybody have some more informations for me?

 

[gerryvz]

Hello 500eboard Members,
I’m currently trying to build a complete registry of W124 AMG 6.0 “Hammer” cars.

My goal is to document both:

original AMG-built cars with AMG VINs (AMG124…)

as well as cars with Mercedes VINs that were converted in the USA or elsewhere (for example Westmont or similar)

I’m looking to include all possible body styles, including sedan (W124), coupe (C124) and wagon (S124), specifically focusing on Hammer 6.0 cars.
This is purely a private project. I’m a big fan of these cars and I would like to bring all available information together and update it to a more accurate 2026 level, since a lot of the existing data is scattered or outdated.

I’ve already collected some information from different sources and wanted to share what I have so far.

Some chassis numbers / VINs I have so far:

AMG12422423048

AMG12422111008

AMG12422218035

AMG12417216011

AMG124.22416026

AMG12422325050

WDBEA90D3JF060409

WDBEA30D0HA443275

WDBEB93D7HF036603

WDBEA50D7JA624567

WDBEA30D5HA542559


I would really appreciate any additional information, missing cars, VINs, documentation or corrections. Or if someone has an up-to-date collection or registry of these cars with VINs and chassis numbers, I would really appreciate it if you could share it with me, if that is possible and welcome.any additional information, missing cars, VINs, documentation or corrections.


Thanks in advance. Greetings from Germany.
Oliver

Have you checked the AMG Hammer tab at the VIN Database?

 

[oweigo26]

Have you checked the AMG Hammer tab at the VIN Database?

Thanks, yes I already checked the VIN Database.
However, I’m trying to go a bit further than just collecting VINs. My goal is to build a more complete archive including build location (Affalterbach, Westmont etc.), specifications, ownership history, , auction results and current status of the cars.
From what I’ve seen so far, most existing registries only list VINs without much context, and a lot of information seems incomplete or outdated.
If anyone has more detailed information, documentation or has already worked on something similar on a deeper level, I would really appreciate it

 

[gerryvz]

OK...but did you see the specific "AMG HAMMER" tab in the VIn database? That lists out all of the known AMG Hammer VINs + color combinations.

It's a separate tab from the "Non-US" and "US+Canada" VIN tabs.

I broke it out specifically for US-build Hammers and German-built Hammers. Including known notes about each car.

 

[Goran124]

@Goran124 some helpful photos for you.

In my experience, AMG replaced 32V engines under warranty with M119s and M119/7 engines. We've seen that many times.
But hypothetically, it seems reasonable (NOT verified!) that if an earlier Hammer was getting a warranty replacement engine then a 6.0 SOHC could fit the bill. I don't know, just a guess. Either way you'd have to figure out what the engine actually is.
I've not seen subframe reinforcement on a car that wasn't originally built as a Hammer.

As an aside for others in this thread; all the AMGNA 'stroker' motors like 6.2 up to 6.6 were out-of-warranty as they were obviously not official AMG creations. They were extreme engines done upon request and no recompense was offered if something went wrong down the line.

@hAMGurger i don’t know whether you saw the photos I uploaded. I noticed you didn’t comment on them.
So, I compared all the photos and videos of Hammers that I managed to find with my car, and everything is completely identical, 100% identical… except that the engine does not have 4-valve heads. I even managed to find the dimensions of some bolts on the characteristic modifications and compared them with my car, and everything is exactly the same. I also got the original 1st-gen AMG body kit with the car (the seller had removed it because he wanted to sell the car in parts), and it is the real 1st gen, the very first version.

Besides being armored, the car has 3–4 cm thick glass, Kevlar underneath the car, Kevlar inside under the carpet, reinforced doors… we also found a hidden compartment for a weapon (it looks like a holster for an Uzi), a compartment for a radio station, and hidden switches for the siren.
It is a completely strange car.

I am still waiting for a reply from AMG about what kind of conversion this is, but it will probably take another 3–4 weeks before I get an answer.

 

[Goran124]

The number of true "Hammers" (i.e. W/C/S124 with 6.0L four-cam AMG-fettled M117) is pretty well known and documented. It's even well documented here on this forum, and there are a number of expert members on 500Eboard, both in Germany and the US. Not to mention people like Hartmut Feyhl, of RENNtech, who worked for AMG and AMG North America back in the day when all Hammers were built.

I don't think there are any true "undiscovered" Hammers that slipped through the cracks. @jhodg5ck? @2phast? @weide1? Any thoughts or input on this?

There was even a recent thread here containing photos of AMG Hammer data plates.

And some interesting context here.

Is there any thread about German hammers? I found only thread about US build hammers.

 

[alibo70]

No mention of a bulletproof Hammer to date. Based on the pics will need a full restoration and at the very least heads or a complete engine (tough or impossible to find). Factor in the added weight may not be the most desirable Hammer.

 

[Goran124]

No mention of a bulletproof Hammer to date. Based on the pics will need a full restoration and at the very least heads or a complete engine (tough or impossible to find). Factor in the added weight may not be the most desirable Hammer.

Yeah, Hammers are fast
But honestly, my friend, none of these old Mercs are really fast by today’s standards. I have an 4xE60 AMG, and even that feels like a slow pig compared to modern cars. Pretty much all old cars are slower than my wife’s GLA 220d

But for me, that’s not really the point. What makes this car so cool is the fact that it’s armoured — and there’s a good chance it’s the only one like it.

 

[hAMGurger]

Is there any thread about German hammers? I found only thread about US build hammers.

@Goran124 I have been busy with work and did not see this thread again until today. I'm obviously not AMG, but in my experience all signs point to your car having been modified at AMG. The real question is what engine is currently in it.....

Even considering that these cars were quite cheap only 10 years ago....I find it incredibly unlikely that someone could have gathered up all these parts and made this car up. The interior has the look to a Gemballa/AMG job. Or maybe done by another subcontractor else using the gemballa patterns.
AMG will tell you more if they can find anything in their archives. Others here on this forum are more knowledgeable than me---Hammer or not Hammer the car appears very interesting.

@oweigo26 good luck on your quest.

 

[alibo70]

Yeah, Hammers are fast
But honestly, my friend, none of these old Mercs are really fast by today’s standards. I have an 4xE60 AMG, and even that feels like a slow pig compared to modern cars. Pretty much all old cars are slower than my wife’s GLA 220d

But for me, that’s not really the point. What makes this car so cool is the fact that it’s armoured — and there’s a good chance it’s the only one like it.

Never compared it to modern cars, just other Hammers that didn't have the "bulletproof" package and the weight that comes with it, but in it's current state, it is NOT a Hammer. Like others said, interesting car. Good luck!

 

[oweigo26]

OK...but did you see the specific "AMG HAMMER" tab in the VIn database? That lists out all of the known AMG Hammer VINs + color combinations.

It's a separate tab from the "Non-US" and "US+Canada" VIN tabs.

I broke it out specifically for US-build Hammers and German-built Hammers. Including known notes about each car.

Yeah, I’ve seen that, but would like to learn even more about the missing cars. I’m really interested in the chassis numbers of AMG vehicles, like for example the one Chris Harris drove on YouTube. I want to know everything about the VIN AMG.124... cars.

 

[Goran124]

Never compared it to modern cars, just other Hammers that didn't have the "bulletproof" package and the weight that comes with it, but in it's current state, it is NOT a Hammer. Like others said, interesting car. Good luck!

I know, im just saying that nobody buys those cars for speed…

 

[Goran124]

Yeah, I’ve seen that, but would like to learn even more about the missing cars. I’m really interested in the chassis numbers of AMG vehicles, like for example the one Chris Harris drove on YouTube. I want to know everything about the VIN AMG.124... cars.

Hi, i dont se this one in your list:
AMG 124 222 17030

I was at MKB a day ago, the company that was founded by one of the AMG founders together with several former AMG mechanics. We spoke about the Hammer models and their specific VIN numbers.

What I was told there is that there is essentially no real difference between Hammers with AMG VIN numbers on the red identification plates, Hammers with black plates, and Hammers that retained normal Mercedes WDB chassis numbers. They are all the same type of Hammer conversion. The difference was mainly due to legal and regulatory requirements in Germany.

They explained to me that if more than 40% of the car was modified, German regulations at the time required a different chassis number. So this was purely a legal matter, not a sign that those cars were somehow more special or a different kind of Hammer. For example, in some countrys that wasnt requored.

This information came directly from the people at MKB, including one of the founders who still works there today. These are people who were involved in AMG engine building back in the day. Interestingly, the engineer I spoke with was engine builder number 85, and at the exact time I was there, he was rebuilding engine number with 85 stamp — the very engine he had originally assembled around 40 years ago.

So whether a car has an AMG VIN, a Mercedes WDB chassis number, or the US-style WDB chassis number, these are ultimately just identification formats. It does not mean one is a “real Hammer” and another is not. Of course, that does not mean every Hammer had identical specifications, because there were different versions and variations, but they are all the same type of AMG conversion. Also there should be any difference between cars from US and Germany.

The main point is simply that in Germany some cars had to receive a different chassis number because of legal regulations, while in some other countries this was not necessary, so they kept their original Mercedes chassis numbers. Therefore, there is nothing inherently more special about the cars that have the AMG number on the red plate.

 

[weide1]

Pano Avramidis had #85. And this is Hammer #30.

 

[Goran124]

Pano Avramidis had #85. And this is Hammer #30.

The number AMG 124 222 17030 is at MKB at the moment.
I think thats the car from youtube restoration video, right?

 

[Otrebla49]

They explained to me that if more than 40% of the car was modified, German regulations at the time required a different chassis number.

Hi Goran,
as far as I am aware, the regulation in Germany states that:
- a conversion with parts (specifically meant is the engine) coming from same manufacturer will be able to retain the original VIN/approval (or ABE - standing for 'Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis') when going through TÜV-inspection
*IF
- final resulting output isn't over 40% above the (maximum original one) that was available for that chassis type - for example, 1985-1988 300E/CE/TE (rwd/awd) had 188PS/RÜF or 179PS/KAT, then anything with more than 263PS (188x1,4) would not have been road legal (if keeping MB-VIN).
Hoping this helps a bit, because maybe the technicians at MKB were trying to express this fact with other words/terms.
Alberto

 

[Goran124]

Hi Goran,
as far as I am aware, the regulation in Germany states that:
- a conversion with parts (specifically meant is the engine) coming from same manufacturer will be able to retain the original VIN/approval (or ABE - standing for 'Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis') when going through TÜV-inspection
*IF
- final resulting output isn't over 40% above the (maximum original one) that was available for that chassis type - for example, 1985-1988 300E/CE/TE (rwd/awd) had 188PS/RÜF or 179PS/KAT, then anything with more than 263PS (188x1,4) would not have been road legal (if keeping MB-VIN).
Hoping this helps a bit, because maybe the technicians at MKB were trying to express this fact with other words/terms.
Alberto

Yes, i guess thats it. German bureaucracy even back than…

 

[Goran124]

While i was in MKB we also spoke about my armoured Hammer. They told me that they are familiar with the car and believes it could be one of the very first examples built, although they cannot say that with certainty yet. He said he will check some old archives, including records related to the armoring work and which company may have done it, and he will also try to verify whether the car originally had a 4-valve head or a 2-valve head.

He even explained how I can do an initial check myself about the engine once the valve cover is removed, by looking for markings on the camshaft. He also said that even if there are no markings on the camshaft, that would not be unusual at all. Back in that period, the priority was getting the job done, not documenting every small detail the way people would expect today. If there are no visible markings, then when they rebuild the engine, they will measure the cam profile, and from that they should be able to determine exactly what specification it is.

According to him, there is a strong probability that the engine is a 5.6 version with a 2-valve setup, primarily for reliability reasons, as an armoured car had to be dependable and always ready for use, and partly because it has a 300 km/h speedometer. But again, back then everything was bespoke, so the best thing to do is to dig through the archives and see if at least some information can still be found. If it turns out to be a 2-valve setup, then it is most likely their upgraded and tuned version with around 320 horsepower because it has no cats.

However, he also said that because this was obviously a very expensive car when new, especially considering the armoring and the V8 conversion, it is quite possible that it may originally have had the 4-valve head as well. His point was that with so much money already invested in the car, it would not have been illogical for the original owner to spend even more on the 4-valve conversion, despite how expensive that was at the time. But for now, it is impossible to say with certainty. For me, all of this is very interesting and exciting, and I really cannot wait to find out what the original configuration was in the end.

He also explained something important about the early 4-valve heads. According to him, the issue was not really “cracking” in the simple way people often describe it, but rather casting-related imperfections or internal passages that could expand over time due to the way the heads were produced — at least that is how I understood his explanation.

Also, an interesting detail is the way they modified the firewall on the Hammers. He said that a small cut and a 10 kg hammer did the job. Maybe that is where the reporter first got the Hammer name from.

So overall, his view was that the car needs to be properly checked up and inspected before any final conclusion can be made. He believes the archives may provide some answers, but the mechanical inspection will be just as important. Only once both are compared will it be possible to say with real confidence what the car originally was. For now, it seems to me that there is a high probability the car originally had a tuned 5.6L 2-valve setup.

I will definitely keep updating this thread with the progress of the restoration, as well as with any information that comes out of the archives.