C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

C55 AMG vs. BMW M3

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Old 03-29-2005 | 03:21 PM
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C55 AMG vs. BMW M3

Hello... im new here, just signed up. Anyways, right now i am in the market for a new car. I have been looking at the new C55 and a new M3. I have not been able to drive the C55 yet, but what are the differences? What car is better for a daily driver? What car is just plain and simply better?

Also if you know of any MB tuner website, please list.
Old 03-29-2005 | 03:31 PM
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G
use the search, been discussed plenty of times
Old 03-29-2005 | 04:13 PM
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thanks.. havent seen any threads that are one on one, just ones like which will win in a race. looking for more information then who will win in a race
Old 03-29-2005 | 04:22 PM
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https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...0&page=2&pp=10
Old 03-29-2005 | 04:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Bentley1027
Also if you know of any MB tuner website, please list.

www.evosport.com
www.kleemannusa.com
www.renntechmercedes.com
www.brabus.com
www.carlsson.de

Old 03-29-2005 | 04:47 PM
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For Daily driver... C55 is the best choice

I would say they are different obviously, Two door coupe and 4 door sedan.


For comfortable ride don't expect too much on the M3 but the handling is great. And I still think the M3 looks better. it just my view.
Old 03-29-2005 | 04:51 PM
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well ... you did ask!

I don't think (?) i've ever responded to one of these threads over the +/- 3 years since i've owned my c32.

Notwithstanding, here are "my" thoughts:
-- if you are looking for:

a) Great Luxury with More than enough SPORT for the street, then = c32/c55 is your car

b) Great Luxury with Greater Handling than you will typically use on the street, then = EASY toss up between M3 and c32/c55 WITH PSS-9 Coilovers!

c) More SPORT/TRACK CAR = get WRX or 911 or Elise, etc, depending on finances
Old 03-29-2005 | 05:45 PM
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It would be more appropriate to compare the C55 to the outgoing M5. The C55 and M5 are a very close match in terms of size, performance, number of doors, auto tranny, etc.

The M3 is more comparable to the G35 than it is to the C55.
Old 03-29-2005 | 06:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Bentley1027
thanks.. havent seen any threads that are one on one, just ones like which will win in a race. looking for more information then who will win in a race
As in the majority of races, the outcome will most likely rest in who's driving...

~ Ian
Old 03-29-2005 | 06:09 PM
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thanks guys.. just got back from the MB dealer.. i think its an easy choice.... C55... just in a different class then the M3 in many ways.

Jumped on the freeway and before i knew it i was over 100 mph. drove so smooth, i didnt even realize it.
Old 03-29-2005 | 08:35 PM
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I do not suggest you invest on a new C55/M3 , they are fading out models ; unless you get a good deal on a used one. If you have bucks , spend them on a C63/M4 in 2006/7.
Old 03-29-2005 | 08:44 PM
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Originally Posted by cntlaw
I do not suggest you invest on a new C55/M3 , they are fading out models ; unless you get a good deal on a used one. If you have bucks , spend them on a C63/M4 in 2006/7.
I disagree. We dont know anything solid about those models at this time. For all we know they may only have 300HP, and be ugly as sin.
Old 03-29-2005 | 10:06 PM
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I agree with AaronC no announcements have been made yet about a C63. On top of which if it does come out it likely won't be available until Sep 2006 at the earliest. That's 18 months away. And what if by then there are rumors of a even better C class AMG coming out in 2008 or 2009. Should one keep waiting for the next best thing and not buy something that's great and available right now?
Old 03-29-2005 | 10:38 PM
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My ex-cars: 03 E55,04 C32, 05 C55 ,03 E320
I was having a hard time deciding wether or not to buy the C55.
But the Manager told me new c class is coming out 2007.
you still got 2 years....or..1.5..watever
Old 03-29-2005 | 10:44 PM
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This subject really has been beaten to death. But having owned both the E46 M3 Cab and now a C55 here are my thoughts:

If you have kids or need the use of a back seat, it's a no brainer. Get the C55. If you are going to track the car, get the M3. They are both great looking, great performing cars. However, you have to work hard to get the most out of the M3. Meaning that you have be in the high end of the rev band. Believe me, it gets tiring. Not so with the C55. Power comes on strong and smooth just off idle all the way to redline. The C55 is just a better all around daily driver that is a ton of fun to drive.

Good luck.
Old 03-29-2005 | 11:35 PM
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Originally Posted by anucci
This subject really has been beaten to death.
And your conclusion is the one we always come up with, as well as every professional review. The M3 is great, but if you're looking for a daily driver, the C32/C55 or Audi S4 is a better choice. Personally, BMW lost me when they made the M3 a 2-door only on that last run. If I'm looking for a 2-door sports/track car, I go Porsche shopping.

Emanuel
Old 03-30-2005 | 02:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Vomit
It would be more appropriate to compare the C55 to the outgoing M5. The C55 and M5 are a very close match in terms of size, performance, number of doors, auto tranny, etc.

The M3 is more comparable to the G35 than it is to the C55.

Well the M5 is bigger then a C55, also only a manual. But hell, i still think they compare good.


If i told some people i know with an M3 that i am comparing it to a G35, oh man, haha i think there would be a fight right there, lol.
Old 03-30-2005 | 03:35 AM
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Originally Posted by derrick_lui
I was having a hard time deciding wether or not to buy the C55.
But the Manager told me new c class is coming out 2007.
you still got 2 years....or..1.5..watever
Your information is very close.
My vote is still NO (well, say 80% NO) if you invest now on a brand new deluxe sports car such as C55/M3 E46.
(I did it but it was last August when it was real hot on every car magazine in HK )

The new S will launch in Oct 2005.
Based on past record, the new C will launch 9-12 months later ie June-Oct 2006. The C AMG verison will be available by Q1 2007.

New C-class will base on S technology. a good guess is it will be 20% stronger/safer, 5% lighter, at least 10% faster. Even the story of C63 is untrue, at least the V8 5.5. will be tuned up to 400hp to match with M3/4; plus 7G-Tronic. We might even get a 4-Valve brand new V8 egine !
(The M3/4 will be 400hp if you like the numbers)

Above are not considering the 'personal temptation factor'. C55 is very very tempting; it is the king now. We here have less concern because there are not many AMGs flying around; and guess what , my friend just went to the Bangkok Moto show and saw C55 price tag in Thailand ; 15 million Thai Baht !!
That is equal to 3 million HKD or 385K USD. I dont' think someone who can afford a C55 in that country would care whether someone will get a newer model than him in a year or two
Old 03-30-2005 | 03:41 AM
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Originally Posted by epbrown01
BMW lost me when they made the M3 a 2-door only on that last run.
Emanuel
Good news to you.
The E90 M version will be a 4-door (again) called M3.
The E90 M version 2-Door and Cab will be called M4 and M4 Cab respectively.
Old 03-30-2005 | 04:41 AM
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Originally Posted by cntlaw
Good news to you.
The E90 M version will be a 4-door (again) called M3.
The E90 M version 2-Door and Cab will be called M4 and M4 Cab respectively.
I have to disagree to your info, even you might not 100% wrong. But as DIE-HARD BMW fans ( ended with Beagle design ). NOTHING confirm or any spy-photo about the new M3/M4. I mean NOTHING.I would like some proof ( but don't show me that fake M2/M4 on that fake Automobile Mag cover )

And about the C55 fading out?? I'm the second owner in San Francisco area of C55 since Aug 28, 2004. The MBUSA don't even have any info at that time,
are you honestly believe MB will fading out a HALF-YEAR old AMG model ????
What's the point to wait until 2006/7 for the new model, I don't understand your logic. Should I wait until 2010 or 2012 when 2007 model came??

I know in HK car-buying is different, I don't think I can afford my both car (plus a spare CR-V ) if I live in HK. But again I'm not in HK or Thailand. We lucky we don't have to pay a million-bucks to get a entry-level AMG. But just for your informations..your point is not making any sences.

I'm sorry if my coment is offended you
, but I just have to say it.
Both car is just a toys,..a big boy toys. Both are very good car ...but not
legendery. Someday you'll get tired of it and wanting a new one, buy it when you like it. There is always a new model coming out....never end.
Old 03-30-2005 | 05:47 AM
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I've mentioned before that everything I've read says BMW dropped the idea of even-numbered models - there won't be a 2-series or 4-series. It was just an idea they played with when they revived the 6-series, but they've got too much brand identity tied up in the current model designations. I have read that the next 3-series M car will be a 400hp V8. Autocar has been saying that for over a year, and they're usually right about these things.

Delaying a car purchase for a model years down the road doesn't make sense to me either. There will always be a better model coming, same as there will always be a nicer-looking girl or a faster CPU; you have to live in the now and play the hand you've got, or you'll never make a move.

Emanuel
Old 03-30-2005 | 06:29 AM
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I have to disagree to your info, even you might not 100% wrong. But as DIE-HARD BMW fans ( ended with Beagle design ). NOTHING confirm or any spy-photo about the new M3/M4. I mean NOTHING.I would like some proof ( but don't show me that fake M2/M4 on that fake Automobile Mag cover )

========= This is fine with me. I not meant to mislead about a launch date of the M, but a year after the launch of 3 seems to be reasonable. I was only trying to point out the namings M3/M4 - true or not true, let's see some proof.

And about the C55 fading out?? I'm the second owner in San Francisco area of C55 since Aug 28, 2004. The MBUSA don't even have any info at that time,

===== That 's good. I received mine on 28th August as well. (We are "friends")

I had ordered it six weeks ago before 28th August from our local MB dealer. C55 was on sale in HK 3.5 months before 28th August. Anyway, I did not say about a definite date 'C55 is fading out' ; I said the C-Class will launch in Oct 2006; which logically thinking the AMG version will be launched in Q1 2007. Nobody in this forum knows a definite date but we all know there will be a date. Neither anyone can prove to me the replacement of C AMG is to be 2008/2009. If it is so, it will M's V8 400hp world


are you honestly believe MB will fading out a HALF-YEAR old AMG model ????
What's the point to wait until 2006/7 for the new model, I don't understand your logic. Should I wait until 2010 or 2012 when 2007 model came??

==== Dont be too nasty here. I did not tell ppl to wait five years :p
I shall leave to individual to believe my guesstimation, which that was based on my follow-up with MB models plus bits and pieces of information from some local mags.

If we have to trust what you said, I would have ended up to be the one paying 90K to get the C32 12 months ago. And, I would never be a C55 owner now talking here. I would like to remind ppl to be cautious about these things; when I bought my Z3; the salesman never told me a Z4 will be launched in nine months. It hits some ppl, or of course, it may not. To me, the Z3 was paid 25% cheaper than the Z4, so it was fine to me.

Anyway, I did not disagree entirely with your point - get it now , have fun , why not? If someone's life and money is that simple and handy.


Last edited by cntlaw; 03-30-2005 at 06:49 AM.
Old 03-30-2005 | 07:16 AM
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Originally Posted by cntlaw
I do not suggest you invest on a new C55/M3 , they are fading out models ; unless you get a good deal on a used one. If you have bucks , spend them on a C63/M4 in 2006/7.
This guy is trying to decide between c55 & m3 and you, as in many times, had to throw a third option that is out of the question. He was ready (assuming that he has made a decision by now) to purchase a car at any time now, and he just asked for a second opinion about whether to get a c55 or m3.

I guess if a friend asked you whether he should get a burger or burrito for lunch, you would say “I do not suggest you get a burger / burrito, they have high calories. Get a chicken salad TOMORROW”

Don't get me wrong, I value your opinions and in many threads, you're a good help.
Old 03-30-2005 | 08:41 AM
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Originally Posted by 360_iti
This guy is trying to decide between c55 & m3 and you, as in many times, had to throw a third option that is out of the question. He was ready (assuming that he has made a decision by now) to purchase a car at any time now, and he just asked for a second opinion about whether to get a c55 or m3.

I guess if a friend asked you whether he should get a burger or burrito for lunch, you would say “I do not suggest you get a burger / burrito, they have high calories. Get a chicken salad TOMORROW”

Don't get me wrong, I value your opinions and in many threads, you're a good help.
Don't get me wrong too. I did make assumptions that:
1. Many of us here will tell give him info about the features differences
2. It is not this thread will decide he gets a C55 or a M3, it is he sees the real thing and some test drives; or even his wife/girlfriend.
Yes. I was a bit nasty and cruel - sometime with a cold sense of humour , well, not everyone here is a 100% gentleman
Have a nice day.
Old 03-30-2005 | 02:02 PM
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I'd compare the C55 to an S4 and a CTS-V not a M3.


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