While never a regular production option, law enforcement agencies as well as LA County residents could spend up to just $5,500 to order the Pursuit Special package for the 2001 and 2002 E430 models, which included a cammed-up version of the E55 AMG's 5.4-liter V8 (conservatively rated at 349 hp, but actually making 380 hp and up to 450 on race gas) and even five-by-five-spoke 18" or 19" wheels.
The E430 5.5 Pursuit Special not only could beat the E55 AMG in a drag race, but it even gave the Chevy Corvette C5 Z06, Dodge Viper SR II GTS, Ferrari 360 Modena, and Porsche 911 996.1 Turbo a run for their money.
The program was canceled due to lack of interest and development money into competing in the police game made trendy by the Detroit Big Three (and BMW with their motorcycles).
My maternal grandfather had a pinkish silver '01 E430 5.5 Pursuit Special. It was an ultrafast car for its time. The value of a Pursuit Special E430 today is around $20,000-$25,000 in fair condition and up to $100,000 in mint condition, versus around $6,000 for an E55 AMG in fair condition and $30,000 in mint condition.
My mom traded her dad's E430 Pursuit Special for a brand new compact crossover SUV.