gcwaterski

HI, i just recently got a 2001 C320, and hit the forums here where you guys gave me some excellent mod advice! I took the ideas to my local performance shop that modded my bimmer, and started crunching some numbers. I totalled a HUGE bill just to get the car looking how I like! In regards to Performance I got minimal advice from the techs with a respectable bill boasting less than acceptable HP gains. (just estimates, I have not acted on them)

It appears to me that it is to my benefit to get newer C-Class. The DRASTIC asthetic change in the body kit from 2001 to the later 2005+ C-class' is GREAT! They dropped the ride height and did everything just as I would.

My question from youall is:

Would you buy a used C32 AMG or sell my bimmer & get a C55 AMG. (DONT say I should not have sold my 993- I know- it was a stupid mistake, made on a whim.)


I like the fact that the C32 is easy to mod since it has a supercharger (my performace shop said they can do some amazing things with a C32) But what I do not like is that I question the reliability of a Supercharger in the inevitable High Mileage we all will experience eventually!

What I like about the C55 is that it is a V8 and needs NO forced Induction to be fast! It seems like it would be more reliable. Although, I would need all the money from my 330 to afford one! (plus, I like having 2 cars because it gives my pool loafing girlfriend a vehicle to ride in so that she can spend my money)

What do you guys think?

harpz

IMO i think you should get C 55, u''ve got a 3 series right now and seem to be fine, but if u do need two cars then the choice is obvious the C 32 AMG
I think your girlfriend would be happy riding in either car..lol...

14cue

c55 hands down. you will not regret it!
c32 is an amazing machine but after being in a c55, it does not compare. like you said that V8 beast is a sexy thing.

drexappeal

Get rid of the 330i and get into a c55

gcwaterski

Great, thanks for the advice. So far the C55 is the overwhelming consensus vote.

BUT, the problem with that is- what would I do to the C55 to mod performance?

I can find a good C32 in the low $30k range. I know I can mod the heck out of it fairly reasonably because of the supercharger. For personal reasons (time to buy a house) that is the set amount i am designating for the car without selling the 330. I have virtually nothing in the C320, so whatever I liquidate it at will be profit...

Any reasons you guys have for picking the C55 over the C32? There has to be some plus for picking the C32!

Tangerine

it seems to me like the only problem you don't like abuot the c55 is trading in both your cars to get one. maybe get the c55 and spend a little extra and get an affordable second car ( i suggest an integra ). the pro to the c32 would be the price cuz to me i see the c55 better than the c32 in every aspect.

rlee02135

the c55 has the updated interior, clk front end, quad exhaust, bigger wheels, bigger engine and its a bit faster. no one with a c32 has broke 400rwhp. with the c55 and a supercharger, you can

FrankW

keep in mind that the C55 is discontinued in the US for 2007. You can only get used 2005-2006. You are also going to take more hit on depreciation than the C32 when the W204 comes out in about a year.

some king/rich guy in saudi arabia has already added turbos to the C32 when it came out and that car had at least 550 at crank which is more than 400rwhp. And yes, you can supercharge a C55, but at what cost? the cheapest HPS system is no more reliable than a Ford while other brand may cost up to $17k when completed or more. Supercharging is the only way to go if you want to mod the C55. You can do some simple stuff like the header, resonator delete, filters, and underdrive pulley (if there are one), however those mods gives you 15-20hp at most.

Let me just say this, after 4 years owning the C32 and drove the C55 that a friend recently bought (influenced by me). I can honestly tell you that the only thing that excite me is the new AMG seats with more lateral support, but yea, my car is modded currently with just the evosport odps and it's even with the C55 in a race from 5-65mph, but then I would just keep inching forward.

gcwaterski

Nice, That is what I thought- referring to the C32 inching off a C55. I suppose I do sort of have a fear about not being able to afford a competant mod that increases HP respectably in the C55. $17k for forced induction is nice but just not in my budget at this time.

I made an appointment to go look at some AMGs at the local MB Dealer and I will tell youall what I think. They said they had some of both-C32 & C55

LorinserCClass

What is your overall goal? To have a modded w203? Engine wise or exterior wise or both? I wouldn't give up that 330 so easy...it's a helluva fun car to drive.

advans

get a BRABUS 3.8 update on ur 320, then some chipping, new exhaust and pulley system. thats my advice.

FrankW

if they're both stock the C55 is a better car no doubt, but have fun with either car.

pshek

My opinion, pick up a used low milage C32 in good condition and maybe add a ODPS. Like FrankW said, a stage 2 C32 is faster than a stock C55. Check the forums, there are a few nicely modified C32s for ~$34K-35K.

yeuchau

get c55, and a civic for ur gf..hehe

yeuchau

better yet,
sell the 330 to get m3 and keep c320

gcwaterski

My local MB is getting a used C32 in off of a lease next tuesday. I will be giving it a go to see how it drives/sounds/looks. I like the M3 yeuchau, but I am on this Sedan kick! I already proposed the idea of the new civic to my significant other, but she looked at me like she smelled something foul. lol- Nothing against new civics if anyone has one! I love the C class, I want one that I can make hang with my girlfriend's sister's euro-trash boyfriend in his RS4. possible?

I know the 4.8 sec. 0-60 is tough to touch- but its limited at 155mph, I hear on here I can get the limiter removed on the C pretty easily. Anyone had their C32 155mph or over?