clhonu05

Hello - I just joined the forums researching a potential "new" car to replace my supercharged 1998 BMW M3 coupe. I'm looking for a fun to drive sport sedan with an automatic that has similar performance to my M3.

I've been reading about the C55 on here the past few days and it seems like it fits the bill, on paper at least, since I have not had a chance to drive one yet.

I found a clean silver '05 for sale on CL with HIDs and NAV. It's a two owner car with 72k miles listed for $14500. It was originally a California car but now resides in Ohio. Owner only has records from past two years and AutoCheck report is good. I assume I can call a dealer with the VIN to see if there are any service records?

Anyway, how do you guys determine the value of these cars? KBB lists it around $9-$10k, but it appears not to reflect true market value just like my M3. I plan on getting a PPI if I decide to pursue this one.

This forum has been a great resource. Thanks.

Accidental L8 apex

I guess you have to compare it with what other C55s are good ng for, or just went for. I love mine and have owned it from 63k-120k miles over 5 years now and show no signs of boredom with it. That said, I can't see these pulling a premium over KBB or Nada simply because. Unless it's a low mileage example that's been run just enough not to need an overhaul from sitting too much. That's a fine line, IMO. A PPI is a must. Rear mains like to weep around 100k, valve cover gaskets leak if not done correctly and little electronic issues like a non-working driver's seat heater due to crap wiring. I've addressed all of these and still easily consider them pretty reliable and stout.

Smokey31

I wouldn't be even considering one that has records for only last 2 years.....

Green SVT

Just know that these two cars drive very differently. I still have my 98 36M sedan and they compliment each other.

-R

RenC55AMG

That's what I paid for mine 3 years ago with 86k miles; friend bought one last year with about 75k on it for $12.5. That's overpriced by $2500-3000.