W203 AMG c32/55

[forzaminardi]

This week's chapter of my current super-saloon obsession brings me to W203 AMG C32 / C55s. Here are a couple that look quite tasty.

C55:

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

C32: Apparently had some fettling done to it.

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Anyone with any thoughts on their qualities/borkage or experiences of driving and ownership? In particular, is it as simple as the newer/more powerful C55 is better?

Thanks.

[mickyveloce]

Provided the car has been loved, neither should disappoint.

The C32 was indecently quick. Autocar timed it's 0-60 at 4.6 seconds I think; far quicker than Mercedes' own figures.

I've driven a C55, and enjoyed it. In fact, I've driven one briskly around Croft circuit in the past, and it strikes a great balance between cruiser and bruiser. It seems more discreet than the C63; less shouty and all the better for it. Mercedes went to the trouble of altering the whole front end of the car to accommodate the V8, which is bulletproof. The 55's interior is better, with more conventional instruments and a lovely three-spoke wheel.

My choice would be for the later car, probably in estate form, but I wouldn't discount a mint 32. S3 Graham on here has one for sale, and it looks super.

Enjoy your search.

[Aquanaut]

The C55 is my old car, sold it with 48k on the clock in 2012. I owned it for 4 years and mechanically its was fine. 2 sensors had to be replaced and that was it. Miss it and it was a great car. Price is good

[onedsla]

My C32 was my best all-round car ever until a C63, but I never had a 55 (Switched to BMW for a while). It was capable of terrifying a car full of car-savvy friends in a straight line, but my 90 year old grandmother would also comment on how quiet and comfortable it was. I suspect they came with a lot more power than stated - there was a period where MB and BMW seemed to limit themselves to 350bhp on paper, but the arms race had already begun. I know for sure (quite legally at the time) the 155mph limiter didn't exist - it pulled hard towards 170mph before I backed off.

Perhaps I was lucky, but there were no costs outside routine servicing and 100% reliable. I only sold as I was to be working abroad, potentially long term. I recall wondering how throwing more engine at it (without the SC) would improve it, but the 55 does look more modern these days.

Take your time finding a good one and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.