C32 vs C55

[TimmD]

Hello,
I am thinking hard about getting an AMG estate and have found two near me that I think I will have a look at. The first is an 2003 c32 but for £2k more I could have a 2004 c55...I guess they drink a similar amount but other than that is the £2k better spent on something else?

Thanks

Tim

[rassi]

C55: rarity and that NOISE! Well worth 2K!

[vescaegg]

Where on earth have you managed to find a c55 for only 2k more than a c32?!

I must be looking in all the wrong places!

[TimmD]

The C32 is a top money estate, a one owner car and looks tidy in the advert. There are a couple of cheaper c55 appearing now...

[mickyveloce]

All AMG cars are expensive to run properly , in comparison to their second hand purchase value . Many have fallen into the hands of those who are prepared to skimp on servicing and quality replacement parts , so buy very much on condition after a detailed inspection .
I've driven the 55 , which sounds fantastic but it's no quicker in the real world than a 32 and uses more super unleaded in the process .
What about a 211 series E55 estate ? Much bigger and much quicker than the c class ....

[TimmD]

I would quite like an E55, but they are that bit more again. So pushing the budget twice. Plus I would be a bit worried about them being even more complicated.

I also like a smaller car for the roads I drive regularly.

But.. but.. but 476 bhp and 516 ls/ft can bend a lot of resolve...

Tim

[vinnie83]

TimmD said:

I would quite like an E55, but they are that bit more again. So pushing the budget twice. Plus I would be a bit worried about them being even more complicated.

I also like a smaller car for the roads I drive regularly.

But.. but.. but 476 bhp and 516 ls/ft can bend a lot of resolve...

Tim

Drive the E55 - I drove a CL55 (same power as the C55 you're looking at) and it felt quick at best... The E55, all I can say is WOW.

[NavSat]

I've driven a C32 an it is ballistically fast. I also remember reading Chris Harris review and his mother had an estate version, he believes Mercedes themselves made the C32 figures on paper slower as to not embarass all the 55 models in the range times!

[vinnie83]

NavSat said:

I've driven a C32 an it is ballistically fast. I also remember reading Chris Harris review and his mother had an estate version, he believes Mercedes themselves made the C32 figures on paper slower as to not embarass all the 55 models in the range times!

Believe me when I say that the 55K models wouldn't have been included in that statement!

I still feel, from memory, that my E55K AMG would have given my 997 turbo a run for it's money in a straight line!

[amokwa]

With the C55 you are probably looking at a face-lift W203 with is advisable, it also has the N/A 5.5 V8. You can't go wrong with that power plant in a C class.

Edited by amokwa on Tuesday 6th December 11:15

[TimmD]

Hi, thanks for your replies. I bought the c55 as it was so so tidy. Also having the face lift interior it really does not feel that old.

I've only just picked it up and am now laid low on my sick bed so when I can stand and move then I will upload some pictures.

Thanks for you comments,

Tim

[Aquanaut]

Glad you bought the C55, great car! You also benefit from galvanised panels unlike the C32. In the 3 years i have had mine, the only failings have been electrical which were repaired under warranty. Mechanically its been perfect. Enjoy!

[High flier]

Good man! I too have just got myself a C55 and I love it Enjoy!

[Four Litre]

Congrats on the C55 - Ive had one for over a year now, came from a V8 S4. The merc certainly feels faster, but come winter time I do miss the 4x4. All you need is 1 flake of snow to fall and just forget driving it anywhere.

Best thing to do it to take it down your local exhaust specialist and get them to cut out the middle resinator - just leave in the backs. Sound Amazing on the gas (Think SL55 sound) but still standard on idle and no resonance.

I dont find the MPG to bad either, better that the s4 which is a miniscule 4.2!!

[TimmD]

Thanks for that, I am very tempted to get something done to the pipes as it sounds like there is a lot of potential ! But I am not a modder and would be scared of resonance. I like the long distance comfort to much to ruin it....

I have just ordered a full set of winter tyres for it so I'll report in the new years what they are like... Could be fun

Tim

[Four Litre]

I was a bit concerned about resonance but can gladly report there is none - no drone ever. It really should be how the car left the factory as it sounds that good. Certainly not too loud, sound stock until around 3k then you get the ze german V8 soundtrack!

If you get it done by an exhaust specialist they can always put it back to how it was - will be the best £100 you ever spent!

[amokwa]

TimmD said:

Hi, thanks for your replies. I bought the c55 as it was so so tidy. Also having the face lift interior it really does not feel that old.

I've only just picked it up and am now laid low on my sick bed so when I can stand and move then I will upload some pictures.

Thanks for you comments,

Tim

Nice Tim, hope you are well. Yes the face lift dash is much better, great engine, enjoy !