In recent years, Mercedes-Benz has ditched the V8 engine in its AMG performance models like the C-Class and E-Class, opting for smaller turbocharged engines. Of course, the brand still offers the V8 in models like the SL and AMG GT, but these models come with a hefty premium, entering the six-figure range, making them unattainable for many people.Like many car enthusiasts, we miss the glorious days of raw, large AMG V8s. Luckily, most of the iconic AMG models we fondly remember from the 2000s have become extremely affordable in the past few years, making them performance bargains. Like all old luxury cars, be aware that while the initial purchase price may be low, these cars require a great deal of maintenance, some models more than others. Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (W211) Mercedes-AMGStarting off at the top of the list is the 2003 to 2006 E55 AMG. This model features the M113K supercharged V8 engine, making 469 hp and 516 lb-ft. This engine is well-known and very reliable. In fact, it makes multiple appearances on this list as Mercedes fitted this engine in almost every model in the brand’s lineup, with slight performance variations year to year.The W211 E-Class is one of the better models to get if you value reliability, as the most common issues are limited to the engine and are well-documented. The E-Class W211 platform is less complicated than some other models on this list, but being a 2000s German vehicle, don’t expect perfection. Some W211 E-Class examples can be very expensive, usually well-maintained, lower-mileage ones, with wagons fetching a higher premium. Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Mercedes-AMGUnlike the E-Class, the CLS 63 has one of the cheaper price ranges on this list, as even well-maintained examples will fetch just $20,000. This is likely due to the fact that the CLS is not the most loved model in the Mercedes lineup or the fact that it's one of the more complicated models, making it more difficult to maintain than some other models. As the name suggests, the CLS 63 comes with a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine making 507 hp and 465 lb-ft; however, be aware that these are known head bolt problems that need to be addressed at some point in the vehicle’s life. Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Mercedes-BenzFor those who want a powerful, affordable convertible cruiser, the SL 55 is the answer. These models come with the supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine, making 493hp and 516 lb-ft for models made between 2002 and 2005, and 510 hp and 531 lb-ft for models made between 2006 and 2008. These engines are known to be reliable, but the SL is known for issues with the Active Body Control suspension and the folding hardtop, known for hydraulic leaks, two issues that should be considered before purchasing. Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG MercedesThe W203 Mercedes C-Class is not the most beloved C-Class model, but the C55 AMG offers bargain levels of performance and luxury at a relatively low cost. C55 models were produced between 2003 and 2007, with power coming from a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8 producing 362 hp, 376 lb-ft. These models can be picked up for as little as $7,500, with really nice examples typically transacting for around the mid $20,000 range, meaning spending a little more on a C55 goes a long way. Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG (W210) Bring a TrailerWhen it comes to budget AMG cars, this is probably the car that comes to mind. The W210 E55 AMG is an excellent mid-size performance car equipped with a 5.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 349 hp, 391 lb-ft. It was never quite as fast as its BMW counterpart, the famous E39 M5. However, this is reflected in the W210’s price, as they can be picked up between $5,000 and $40,000 for pristine examples. Since it's an E-Class, it was also available as a station wagon, which could come with seven seats. The E55 also came with some of the best Mercedes rims of all time: the classic AMG mono blocks. Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG Mercedes-BenzThe predecessor to the C55 was the W202 C43 AMG. As the name suggests, it uses a 4.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine making 306 hp and 302 lb-ft. While these figures may not sound like much power, in a small car like the W202 C-Class, this is plenty of performance. These engines are also known to be pretty reliable. The C43 was only produced from 1998 to 2000, and rougher examples can be picked up for as little as $4,500; however, well-maintained models can fetch upwards of $50,000. Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG MercedesThe CL used to be the brand's executive grand tourer, sharing a platform with the Mercedes S-Class. This is an unfortunate downside of the CL, as early 2000s CLs and S-Class are known to be notoriously unreliable. These can face a host of electrical issues, as well as having the Active Body Control suspension commonly fail. This is why these can be picked up for so low. However, if you find a well-maintained model, you’re in for a treat. The CL55 had two engine options, depending on the year. Models from 2000 to 2002 came with the naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8, making 355 hp and 391 lb-ft, while models from 2003 to 2006 received the supercharged variant of the engine, bumping the power output to 493 hp and 516 lb-ft. Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG Mercedes-BenzThe CLK 55 AMG is probably one of the better budget V8 AMG models to buy. The CLK was a coupe that sat between the C-Class and E-Class in the lineup, using components from both models. Luckily, this is a benefit as these are far less complicated to maintain when compared to models like the CL. The powertrain is the same you'd find in most AMG models from the period: a 5.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 making 362 hp and 376 lb-ft. These can be picked up relatively cheaply, with prices ranging between $5,000 to $16,000, meaning even nice examples are a bargain. Mercedes-Benz ML 55 AMG Mercedes-BenzThis list isn’t only composed of coupes and sedans, as Mercedes put the 5.4-liter V8 into the mid-sized ML. The first-generation ML was notoriously poorly built, known for issues such as rust and electrical issues. However, if you seek a cheap, fast SUV, then the ML has a lot to offer with the naturally aspirated V8 making 362 hp and 376 lb-ft. ML 55’s can be picked up for as little as $4,000, with clean, low-mileage examples going for just around $15,000. Mercedes-Benz S 55 AMG MercedesThe cheapest AMG V8 that can be found is the brand’s flagship, the Mercedes S-Class, specifically the 2000 to 2006 S55 AMG. The W220 is widely considered the worst generation of S-Class, largely due to the platform being plagued by reliability issues such as the previously mentioned Active Body Controls, air suspension, and a host of electrical problems.These came with the 5.4-liter V8, with models from 2000 to 2002 equipped with the naturally aspirated variant, making 355 hp and 392 lb-ft. Meanwhile, models from 2003 to 2006 saw the addition of a supercharger, producing 493 hp and 516 lb-ft. These can be found for as little as $3,500, but make no mistake, examples that are cheap will definitely require work that could quickly double the price.