Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG | Spotted
Small Mercedes, large V8, big appeal - and reasonably little money
That the next Mercedes-AMG C63 will downsize its mighty 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 to a four-cylinder replacement is probably one of the industry's worst kept secrets. Nothing has been directly confirmed, of course - but the rumours haven't been vigorously denied either. We all suspected the day would come that a V8 in a C-Class became untenable; we just all hoped it was further off than 2022.
How different things used to be. Having upgraded the C36 AMG - the first AMG C-Class - from half a dozen cylinders to V8 power with the C43 of 1998, Mercedes then switched back to six with the supercharged C32 early in the 21st century. That wasn't deemed quite suitable, however, and so the AMG C-Class was upsized - and upsized quite drastically. For the 2004 revision of the W203 C-Class, the CLK 55's engine was dropped into the AMG flagship. That was a giant M113 5.4-litre V8, essentially the naturally-aspirated version of the legendary unit detonated by all who had access to SL55, E55 and CL55 accelerator pedals.
Of course, it did the typical AMG numbers: 367hp and 376lb ft was sufficient for 5.2 seconds to 62mph (with just a five-speed auto) and a thunderous charge all the way to 155mph. Cruically, though, the C55 marked a change in direction for AMG after the C32, a more dynamic C-Class range topper that paved the way for its stellar W204, C63 replacement.
Tracks were widened, springs and dampers were stiffened, kinematics reworked and steering quickened. There was proper manual control introduced to the automatic, too, giving the C55 a level of driver focus unheard of in a hot C-Class to this point. It wasn't an E46 M3 to drive (what is?) but the C55 was regarded the dynamic superior of the rather stoic B7 Audi S4. Despite that, the C55 was and remains a rare car. Its £48,000 price back in 2004 is the equivalent of almost £75k today; the BMW had the manual gearbox in its favour, the Audi quattro all-weather usability. Today it's believed there are only 100 left registered in the UK.
This black wagon is one of them, appearing like a great value way into the world of big-engine, small car AMG mischief at £11,995. It's an imported Japanese example, so might require a little more research than a UK domestic market car (it's only had one MOT over here, for example), but on these pictures - and the fact that it passed that MOT without an advisory - the C55 looks a decent one. Indeed given this cars hails from when Mercedes wasn't building vehicles to quite its usual standards, a lifetime in an environment famously kind to the rust-prone might make this C55 an especially good one. The mileage is low at 70,000, the leather looks in really good condition and the dash is unmarked. Of course caution is still to be advised, but it would seem there are encouraging signs. Plus it means you get a cool square numberplate.
Are there any C55 alternatives at £12k? A few. A Volvo will provide plentiful performance and space (if not quite the dynamic grace) for less money in the case of this V70 R, and you could even mimic the Mercedes' JDM status with this imported 850. Sadly there aren't any comparable V8 S4s, though this supercharged V6 model appeals with its later interior, improved dynamics and manual gearbox.
But you want the V8 though, don't you? That's often what it comes back to with an AMG; even though the cars have made huge advances over the years everywhere else, the emotional appeal of having eight cylinders has often proved convincing. There's no doubt at all that we'll miss the inspired combination of hulking V8 and unassuming C-Class body when it eventually goes - so what better time to take the plunge?
SPECIFICATION | MERCEDES-BENZ C55 AMG
Engine: 5,439cc, V8
Transmission: 5-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 367@5,750rpm
Torque (lb ft): 376@4,000rpm)
MPG: 24
CO2: 286g/km
Year registered: 2005 (UK 2019)
Recorded mileage: 70,628
Price new: c. £48,000
Yours for: £11,995
I’ve been trying to work something out for a while now and need some advice- why shouldn’t I buy a Japanese import? I hear they’re pretty strict with MOTs and things like that, and they love their cars over there..seems like a no brainer to get a car from over there?
This is a time when MB was very conservative about its performance figures. You'll find this out-drags the E55 (and probably every other AMG of the day) but you dont want to advertise that fact when you're also trying to sell hundred grand cars.
I believe the SLK32 AMG was once the fastest car MB made but you weren't told that. The AMG models were also way faster than the equivalent 600 V12 models (SL, S) but you can't have the smaller engine trumping the flagship!
Another thing about this C55 - they actually have longer front ends (A pillar forward) than the regular W203 to accommodate the V8. It's really a CLK front. I mean how much would that have cost to engineer, considering the numbers actually sold?
Love to know how many were estates too. I know the engine can really get a move on in my ML, so I’d love to try it in a 90s C-Class
As for the W203, I remember Chris Harris had one as a long-termer with Autocar, and seemed to like it. From memory, it replaced a B6 S4 Avant
Love to know how many were estates too. I know the engine can really get a move on in my ML, so I’d love to try it in a 90s C-Class
As for the W203, I remember Chris Harris had one as a long-termer with Autocar, and seemed to like it. From memory, it replaced a B6 S4 Avant
As for the W203 C55, I like them too, I PDI'd and serviced quite a few back when they were current so spent quite a lot of time behind the wheel. I know they get panned as not being as competent or engaging as the equivalent M3 on a B-road blast, but that's not really what they're about for me. Similarly to the W202 C43, the C55 is a relatively relaxed and refined way to eat up miles, whilst still being able to put a V8 induced smile on your face in a way the C32 never quite seemed to manage. Great value now, and underrated in my opinion.
The car kept getting niggly issues (air con broke every year), rust on the rear arches and the front end is different from other C Classes. Which was annoying when the other half knocked the front end in a car park (front dropped into pot hole with a big puddle). However, the extra running costs are negated by no/limited depreciation. On running costs, consumables were also pretty cheap - discs and pads both about £250, tyres less than £500 for all 4. Seems to be the generation before all the AMG parts increased in price.
I wouldn't hesitate buying another.
Love to know how many were estates too. I know the engine can really get a move on in my ML, so I’d love to try it in a 90s C-Class
As for the W203, I remember Chris Harris had one as a long-termer with Autocar, and seemed to like it. From memory, it replaced a B6 S4 Avant
One just before lockdown ( https://youtu.be/tV8dZ4EVnlc ) and another one on carandclassic that was a re-import from Japan
I’m impressed if the later one is notably faster than the C32 AMG though - the earlier one wasn’t
I’ve been trying to work something out for a while now and need some advice- why shouldn’t I buy a Japanese import? I hear they’re pretty strict with MOTs and things like that, and they love their cars over there..seems like a no brainer to get a car from over there?
In general they seem to have good spec, be in good colours, and not unreasonable prices bearing in mind the mileage and condition.
I dont really care if the sat nav is in Japanese as I very rarely use one, or if the mileage reads in km.
I guess that the only disadvantage may be Japansese specific parts that are hard to get in the UK and would have to be improted in the event of a problem. But I would have thought that most parts would be the same.
Is there anyone on here can could enlighten me on this?
One just before lockdown ( https://youtu.be/tV8dZ4EVnlc ) and another one on carandclassic that was a re-import from Japan
I’m impressed if the later one is notably faster than the C32 AMG though - the earlier one wasn’t
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