Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG | Spotted
The V8 C-Class is no more. Good job you can relive AMG's glory days for under £15k
I like to think I approached the new four-cylinder C63 with an open mind when the first media drives got underway at the back end of last year. Obviously, a four-pot C63 that weighs over 2.1 tonnes doesn’t sound nearly as alluring as the twin-turbo V8 found in its predecessor, but AMG knows a thing or two about building engines accompanied by thunderous exhaust notes. If anyone can make downsizing work, it’s AMG.
However, to the disappointment of many, it still seems like there’s no replacement for displacement. A blast through Baetic mountains in southern Spain, plus a dozen or so laps around Ascari, revealed that the C63 is brimming with the sort of sophisticated technology that helps shave a few tenths off your lap time. It is, however, let down by a lack of drama from the moment you hit the start button - and that simply won’t do for AMG’s flagship C. Of course, if technology isn’t high on your list of necessities, then there’s a good 20 years’ worth of V8 C-Class delights to choose from for a fraction of what we’re expecting the new car to cost.
If it’s an engine-dominated experience you’re after, then look no further than this C55 AMG. Yes, the W203 C-Class won’t go down as a particular high point in Merc’s history, with the E46 BMW 3 Series proving more rewarding to drive and offering a better range of engines. Things were vastly different on AMG models, though. Though the original supercharged six-cylinder C32 couldn’t hold a candle to the M3 at the time, the V8-powered C55 introduced in the model’s major 2004 refresh certainly could.
In complete contrast to the C63, the old C55 is about as basic as it gets. Even the 5.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 up front can trace its roots back to the C43, though it bears a closer resemblance to the W210 E55 AMG from the late noughties. Still, it received a healthy performance boost to 367hp – a 13hp gain over the old E55 and, crucially, some 24hp more than what the M3 could muster. It’d leave the M3 in its dust in a straight line, too, with the C55 completing a 0-62mph run half a second faster than the Beemer at 4.7 seconds; V8 warming your ears in the process. To the M3’s credit, the S54 straight-six packs an almighty bark and choosing between the two on noise alone is not the work of a moment.
Needless to say, the M3 would be faster over a lap and benefits from a six-speed manual, while the C55 was only available with a five-speed auto. But, really, who’s having more fun? The person busy clipping apexes for the sake of shaving a tenth or two off their lap times, or the fellow who spends most of their time going sideways. Answers on a postcard.
Admittedly, the C63 W204 qualifies as the more desirable V8 Benz, given how it cemented the hot C as the yob of the AMG range. But for the price of a ratty W204 C63, you can comfortably find a tidy C55 that’ll give all the eight-cylinder goodness so many AMG fans crave. Take this 2005 example, for instance. It’s covered just 45,000 miles, is brimming with wood veneer and, best of all, is a Japanese import, so rust shouldn’t be a problem. The seller’s wanting £14,985 for it, which does make it a tempting alternative to the M3. And a fraction of the cost of the latest model, with three times the goosebumps.
SPECIFICATION | MERCEDES-BENZ C55 AMG
Engine: 5,433cc V8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 367@5,750rpm
Torque (lb ft): 380@4,000rpm
MPG: 23.7
CO2: 286g/km
Year registered: 2005
Recorded mileage: 45,000
Price new: £48,000
Yours for: £14,985
Hindsight would be nice to still have it, but i fear with the bodywork as it was its probably long gone now. this C55 looks a good buy.
It's just a nice car - comfortable, easygoing around town with the auto box, flows nicely down a good B-road up to around seven tenths, plenty of power on tap for overtaking, and of course the subtle noise of the V8 accompanying all of it.
It's absolute metier is the autobahn, where it's comfortable to drive all day, builds speed swiftly when the derestriction signs appear, feels reassuringly stable and safe at the 155mph limiter, and sheds the speed just as surely when traffic dictates. My wife didn't notice we were at terminal velocity until I nudged her to get the camera to grab a pic.
But even restricted to the UK it's a lovely thing to have and works well in a wide range of journeys. It isn't a sports car, and it is thirsty to fuel, but otherwise it's great.
I think a C55 makes a good two-car garage with something properly sporting - because it's good at long journeys, good around town, pretty practical when you need to carry stuff, it does everything else well.
Don't get me wrong the merc engine is an absolute peach but half a second to 60 means nothing. Auto? Give over.
Youtube the S54 with an evolve carbon intake.
Horses for course yes but I have never really understood the comparison over the years given the smoking room, auto only merc.
I recall when w203's were new and liking them. I eventually bought a c32, which I enjoyed owning - again a cruiser more than anything else.
Shouldn't really be compared with an e46 m3. The BMW being the better car by most metrics, but a very different type of car too.
These have held value well, and this one looks nice, and not unreasonably priced.
They're probably in second car territory so maybe will appeal to buyers like me who always wanted one. Anyone younger, or anyone looking for a skngle car, will probably save a few more k for the later c63.
Nice car.
Did they ever sell Mercs in any other colour than silver back then as well?!
I'm loving the engine in this for sure.
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I have a feeling the silver is more common on UK market cars, wood on Japanese and US examples, but not certain.
I've always found the interior fine, there are some Chryslerish switches but overall feels ok quality.
The thing is, you start out with some really comfortable seats, with genuine high quality soft leather. So you're already feeling in a good mood. Then the steering wheel is of sensible dimensions and feels good. And you sit high with good visibility over the surprisingly low nose. By the time you've got all of those basics right - seating position, visibility, touch points - for me at least the aesthetic impression of the rest of the interior is secondary.
I have a feeling the silver is more common on UK market cars, wood on Japanese and US examples, but not certain.
I've always found the interior fine, there are some Chryslerish switches but overall feels ok quality.
The thing is, you start out with some really comfortable seats, with genuine high quality soft leather. So you're already feeling in a good mood. Then the steering wheel is of sensible dimensions and feels good. And you sit high with good visibility over the surprisingly low nose. By the time you've got all of those basics right - seating position, visibility, touch points - for me at least the aesthetic impression of the rest of the interior is secondary.
I've sat in worse interiors as well, and the interior in my 2000 S14a 200SX was basically the black hole of calcutta filled with plastic!
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