Mercedes still wasn't sure whether a six- or eight-cylinder powerplant best suited its AMG C-Class models, so the first W203 AMG C-Class returned to a six-cylinder motor - a supercharged 3,199cc V6 to produce 360hp. Launched in the UK in 2001, the C32 AMG could hit 62mph in five seconds and conservative application of the loud pedal could see you better 25mpg. A total of 384 UK cars still survive from the original 326 saloons and 128 estates sold.
Supercharged C32s rare and desirable now
Hedging its bets Mercedes switched back to V8 power for the facelifted 2004 W203 AMG model, squeezing a normally aspirated 5,439cc V8 under the extended bonnet of the C55 AMG. Launched in both saloon and estate bodies, the aluminium-blocked engine - which came with silicon/aluminium-lined bores, stratified fuel injection, forged steel conrods, a one-piece cast camshaft, and a magnesium intake manifold - produced 367hp at 5,750rpm and 376lb ft of torque at 4,000rpm.
60mph took just in just 5.4 seconds to arrive whilst Mercedes five-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission suited the car's drag-strip leanings. The C55 was the first AMG C-Class to feature quad exhaust pipes and an external rear diff cooler. CO2 emissions of 286g/km however put pre-March 2006 C55 AMGs into current road tax band K and later models into band M. Production ended in 2006 with 108 saloons and just 55 estates sold in the UK.
C55 an affordable way into V8 AMG thrills
Both W203s offer excellent value for money, with the later C55 AMG more in demand at present. "This is in part due to the cost of replacement supercharger parts on the C32 AMG," explains John Williams from the Prestige Motor Company. "The C55 is definitely the best of the bunch with a bullet-proof engine, very gentle depreciation and in general more affordable parts prices." Finding a decent example may take you a while though, and when a good 'un does appear you'll need to be prepared to do the deal quickly.
Buy if: You want the most AMG bangs for your buck (C55 especially)
Don't buy if: You're after the ultimate in performance or suspension trickery
We found:2004 C55 AMG saloon, silver, full service history, 35K miles, £14,995
Price Guide
Poor: Under £4,495 (C32), under £10,000 (C55)
Good: £5,000 to £7,000 (C32), £10,000 to £13,000 (C55)
A1: £7,000+ (C32), £13,000+ (C55)
Special Editions: No official UK specials but C32 AMG is becoming rarer by the day