mrobinso

Hey Fellas - I am ready to come back into the Mercedes fold. After owning a C55 and a Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 I have come to appreciate the reliability of the supercharged 3.2L platform but also love the naturally aspirated 5.4L Mercedes V8. Now that I have become more sophisticated at repairing my own vehciles (since I owned the C55 several years ago) I don't shy away from higher mileage vehicles anymore if they have been maintained appropriately.

I am looking at a pristine 2003 C32 with 65k miles for $9k or a 1999 E55 with 170k miles for $4,400. A twisted part of me wants to save the $4.5k and take a chance on the E55. The C32 and E55 both have good service records. The only detriment to the E55 is that the trans was only services at 90,000 miles I'm lieu of 60,000 as I would prefer.

I know this is the C32 \ C55 forum so I will receive biased opinions but having frequented this forum as a C55 owner I felt it only made sense to post here in lieu of the w210 forum.

Before anyone recommends a different model money is not the issue, I just don't want another C55 nor do I want to spend the coin for a w211 E55.

What would you choose?

mrobinso

By the way I know there are other threads similar to this and I have read them. I guess I just was looking for input from kindred spirits.

blacksage

I'd go with the C32. I prefer the looks and the aftermarket support. I might be wrong, but I don't remember a lot of options for the C55 when it came to bolt-ons, etc, I am guessing the same with the older E55.

mrobinso

Thanks. Yes mods for the C55/E55-W210 variant are not as prevalent. I agree the w210 is looking pretty dated by now, but I also like the classic look of it (I drive boxy Jeep Cherokee if that tells you anything about my tastes). I don't do many modifications to my vehicles, just up-keep, although for the SRT-6 I did enjoy the Eurocharged ECU and TCU tunes and Needswings CAI. With my C55 I noticed it was a bit small for my tastes, and I know the C32 will be the same. That said I know the C32 will be miles ahead of the older E55 in terms of handling and performance. Anyway - the thoughts are appreciated!

southernwake

I have driven both platforms ( my dad has a w210 E320 and I have the w203) C32. The E320 is actually what turned my attention to Mercedes for my new car. I loved how smooth it drove and handled as well as how impressively powerful it was for being a 6cyl. The W210 did feel more sluggish\ spongy in handling but that is comparing an AMG to a non-AMG...

Sometimes I do feel that my C class can be on the small side and a little tight on space for more than two people. I do love the looks of my C32 but I am biased on that, however the W210 platform still looks really good to me, still classy looking.

That being said,my choice would be the C32 due to the "newer" tech and the fact that the service records appear to be cleaner and the mileage is less ( meaning it wasnt a daily driver most likely so it was probably pampered more)

Andrew

mrobinso

Thanks for the input. I agree with you on the fact that the C32 is likely the "safer" choice.

tw2

C32 definitely. Upgrade the headlights and you have a modern looking car. The performance is awesome and the ability to modify. I still miss my old one occasionally.

mrobinso

Hey fellas - I went with the E-55 AMG 1999 after all. I'll post up another thread in the w210 AMG forum with details. It needs some TLC but it's a fun car.

sick430

Congrats on the E55. It is one of my favorite cars.