W211 AMG Discuss the W211 AMG's such as the E55 and the E63

Help me choose, E55 or modded C32?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 12:46 AM
  #1  
precisionmike's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
2003 C32
Help me choose, E55 or modded C32?

Hello All,

I am new to this forum, and looking to pick up an AMG (past Bimmer guy). I am trying to keep the price down, and looking at the following 2 options:

A.) 2004 E55, stock. Salvage title, rebuilt theft recovery, light front end. The car is 1500 miles away, and I have seen tons of pics, looks immaculate so far. I would have the car checked thoroughly before committing. Nav, no pano, dealer maintained, 93,000 miles, asking $14k.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...Index=12&Log=0

B.) 2003 C32, Eurocharged tune and SC pulley, SL55 intakes with K&Ns. 19" rims, springs, Local, had a VERY light fender bender, a small bit of well done paint work. 52,000, asking $13k
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/3450988583.html

Please give your input and advice. Thanks! Mike
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 12:57 AM
  #2  
Jakez's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: To your right or left, flying past you
'03 E55 AMG - '06 300C SRT8 - '93 240SX Coupe w/1JZ-GTE
I managed to get my hands on an '03 E55 with 96k for $15k, dealer maintained and clean title etc. Was on autotrader private seller for $17.6 or so and talked down. Just saying.

I would still go with the E55 for a number of reasons, but not that one.

Last edited by Jakez; Dec 5, 2012 at 03:23 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 01:08 AM
  #3  
kustom2k1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 17
From: Florida
03SL55
Stay away from the salvage title car. Taking a few months and saving up while you keep looking would be smarter. GL.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 01:43 AM
  #4  
desired_speeds's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,396
Likes: 38
From: Bay Area, CA
2007 SL55 AMG
Better to buy a well taken care of higher mileage non salvage car, regardless if its a BMW or MB! Mine is a high mileage, but everything on it feels tight. The suspension is quiet and stiff and the interior is squeak and rattle free. The key is well maintained. My friend had a 156k mi E60 M5 that drove nicer than a 50k mi. one he had before.

Are you on a tight budget? I'd choose the E55 over the C32 regardless.

Last edited by desired_speeds; Dec 5, 2012 at 01:49 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 02:17 AM
  #5  
MIKESV8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,510
Likes: 2
From: bay area, california
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
i'd save up a few more pennies for a better E55, but if it were just between those two, C32 all day long because of mods+mileage. that's very low!
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 03:29 AM
  #6  
Jakez's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: To your right or left, flying past you
'03 E55 AMG - '06 300C SRT8 - '93 240SX Coupe w/1JZ-GTE
Obviously on a tight budget.. honestly you will be kicking yourself for squeezing yourself into a car that is so expensive to maintain. Getting yourself into one is one thing, maintaining it is another, it's not as easy or cheap. Unless you're ok with the car being down for a bit every now and then or driving it around dangerously for a while (bald tires, worn parts, etc). Not to mention gas, and if it's going to be your daily then prepare to empty your wallet for gas, this thing is the definition of guzzler. My 2cents..

Last edited by Jakez; Dec 5, 2012 at 03:32 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 09:08 AM
  #7  
moosejaw's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 5
none
Two completely different cars. i would assume most of brand loyalists came from a C32 and
here are my thoughts.
C32<E55....
Easier/Cheaper to fix. Used parts are available all day long.
Better on Gas
Better Handling/Response...C55 is even better still in this department
Coils instead of Airmatic.
Most issues are related to CPS, Battery Modules, Radiator, Coolant in Tranny fluid wicking up to the module.

E55<C32
Faster even stock vs mod C32.
More luxurious
Head turner
Better interior
More options
More modern features and interior.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 09:16 AM
  #8  
precisionmike's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
2003 C32
Wow, thanks for the quick responses. Allow me to clarify- the budget aspect pertains to me being cheap, not a financial constraint. I can easily pay for a more expensive car, and the associated maintenance. Really a tough choice.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 10:02 AM
  #9  
Manuyc's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 13
From: tampa florida
19 f-150 limited (w/raptor engine) 06 e55,81SC Targa,08 CLK63 BLK,91 E34 M5
Originally Posted by desired_speeds
Better to buy a well taken care of higher mileage non salvage car, regardless if its a BMW or MB! Mine is a high mileage, but everything on it feels tight. The suspension is quiet and stiff and the interior is squeak and rattle free. The key is well maintained. My friend had a 156k mi E60 M5 that drove nicer than a 50k mi. one he had before.

Are you on a tight budget? I'd choose the E55 over the C32 regardless.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 10:09 AM
  #10  
Blown_V8s's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
C5 LS6 and CLS55
Originally Posted by moosejaw
Two completely different cars. i would assume most of brand loyalists came from a C32 and
here are my thoughts.
C32>E55....
Easier/Cheaper to fix. Used parts are available all day long.
Better on Gas
Better Handling/Response...C55 is even better still in this department
Coils instead of Airmatic.
Most issues are related to CPS, Battery Modules, Radiator, Coolant in Tranny fluid wicking up to the module.

E55>C32
Faster even stock vs mod C32.
More luxurious
Head turner
Better interior
More options
More modern features and interior.

Fixed it for you!
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 10:18 AM
  #11  
precisionmike's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
2003 C32
From my research, I thought the performance would be pretty close. I am told that the C32 is making about 415 HP with the mods, and is a bit lighter.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 10:26 AM
  #12  
kompressede's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 9
From: NY
Sold - 05' E55
Where are you located? I heard of a 06' C55 with warrenty (for a few more weeks). I don't have a lot of details. It's in NY, if you are interested you can PM me and I'll forward you his #.

GL
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 11:10 AM
  #13  
E55Dimon's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 12
From: MA
E63S
I think its a no brainer. Just stay away from salvage titles. If you are blessed with the gift of sight just take a look at the two cars and make your wise choice.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 11:23 AM
  #14  
desired_speeds's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,396
Likes: 38
From: Bay Area, CA
2007 SL55 AMG
If you're cheap, find the cheapest (highest mileage usually) one that was daily driven with service records. Even better if you know how to work on the car yourself, you'll save a bunch there. Where are you located btw?
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 11:40 AM
  #15  
moosejaw's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 5
none
Originally Posted by Blown_V8s
Fixed it for you!
Math is not one of my strongest subjects
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 09:11 PM
  #16  
AKnight55's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,759
Likes: 96
From: NH
2012 C63 BS & 2014 E63 Estate & 2008 CLK63 BS
E55, a non salvaged vehicle however.. C32 is a small car too.. Unless of course you are on the shorter side.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 09:33 PM
  #17  
WHTEVO's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
07' SL65, 04' E55, 03' Evo8, 08' GSXR, DSM's...
I would choose an E55 over the C32 anyday. But like others have said, i would stay away from the salvage title'd car. Save or decide to spend a little more and get a clean title car that's been maintained. I honestly believe if the car has been well maintained and driven regularly, it will be mostly trouble free. And obviously, a clean title'd car is easier to resell than a branded title. Good luck.

Aaron
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2012 | 10:03 PM
  #18  
moosejaw's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 5
none
Originally Posted by precisionmike
From my research, I thought the performance would be pretty close. I am told that the C32 is making about 415 HP with the mods, and is a bit lighter.
A C32 making over 400whp is highly modded and is a 12 sec car. 400 flywheel horsepower is about 340 which is just about right with a 180 pulley and tune.

The interior is really dated esp with the speedometer for idiots
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2012 | 06:02 AM
  #19  
hpV12's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 747
Likes: 2
Audi A4
Originally Posted by moosejaw
A C32 making over 400whp is highly modded and is a 12 sec car. 400 flywheel horsepower is about 340 which is just about right with a 180 pulley and tune.

The interior is really dated esp with the speedometer for idiots
LOL!! That's just mean!
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2012 | 06:19 AM
  #20  
mdbenz4me's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
C 63
Originally Posted by moosejaw
Math is not one of my strongest subjects
Just remember the shark mouth eats the larger number... 54 ) 53. Or 53 (54 ... Sorry on an iPad and don't have the cones.

amg ) M

109 ( 112
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2012 | 06:59 AM
  #21  
urbamworm's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 5
From: Jacksonville, FL
05 White Pano E55, Cadillac CTS-V
I always remember if the "arrow" points to the LEFT < then that one is LESS, both Ls

LESS < GREATER
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2012 | 05:24 PM
  #22  
93RX7LSX's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 2
From: Glendale, CA
93' Ultrasonic Blue Mica LS6/T56 RX7 R1 weekend/ 2007 4Runner V8/ 08' prius
Originally Posted by mdbenz4me
Just remember the shark mouth eats the larger number... 54 ) 53. Or 53 (54 ... Sorry on an iPad and don't have the cones.

amg ) M

109 ( 112
That's exactly how I learned it when I was a child.
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2012 | 08:34 PM
  #23  
CharlyE500's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 69
From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
Just stay away any Salvage title. A clean title E55 03 is about $18K.
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2012 | 08:46 PM
  #24  
AKnight55's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,759
Likes: 96
From: NH
2012 C63 BS & 2014 E63 Estate & 2008 CLK63 BS
If you cant afford a clean title 55, then you surely wont be able to afford to maintain a salvaged title 55
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2012 | 09:10 PM
  #25  
BBBSS's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 5
From: Chicago
03 E55 AMG, 06 Harley Road King Custom 06 Ram 2500 Cummins, 97 Firebird Race Car, 88 Cutlass Supreme
The E55 paint looks like its multiple shades all over the car. Especially both quarters look lighter.

Last edited by BBBSS; Dec 6, 2012 at 09:14 PM.
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:13 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE