RLS

OK, I need input on what you think is the better car in relation to better quality(which has a better service record) and will hold it's value more. I have a 1997 E420 AMG that we took delivery on in May 1996. It has 49,000 milage. So you can see that we keep our cars a long time. I had the C55 ordered, and decided to wait till the 2006 ones appear(hoping for better quality and more options). Now I'm undecided between the two. Please do not go into the pros & cons about manuverability or speed, I am fully aware that the C55 is superior.

Thanks in advance for any information that will help in our decision. Bob

AMG PWR

If your looking on which will hold it value the most Unbiastly I would have to say the C55 simply b/c of the AMG name. If you have a family and need the extra room I would Def say the E500. My friend has one and that thing is Massive. I mean I seriously consider this thing a limo in the back for the seats.

RawAMGpower

Well, to my knowledge and my dealer semi-confirmed this for me when he contacted MBUSA and they told him that the 2006 C55 will offer no new options that the 2005 doesn't already have other then the ipod kit will be a factory option and maybe a few more color options might be available and they might switch the 5 speed to the 7 speed transmission. The redesign for 2007 will have more options, so you might want to wait until then if you want keyless go, parktronic, ventilated seats, electronic trunk closer, drive-dynamic/multicontour seats or distronic. If not and those options are what truly what you want then get the E500 or an E55.

FrankW

not really true. with the MBz quality declining the resale has taken a lot of hits even the AMGs.

anywayz, I think the E500's still more expensive, right?

AMG PWR

You could be right on the quiality control issues but I thought we were talking the same price range i.e.- either E500 OR C55...for the same amount of mulah

MBAMGPWR

I have owned both a C32 and currently an E55. If I were to choose between a C55 or E500, I would go C55. I'm a single guy with no family and both the C-Class and E-Class backseat were roomy enough for me. I would choose the C55 because, as you said above, superior manuverability and speed. If I wanted something to really fit kids in the back with A LOT of room, I would choose an S-Class.

05C55

I've had both, an 04 E500 and currently a C55. No doubt in my mind that the C55 seems to be a better built car and has been to the shop twice for minor issues, rear decklid rattle and one of the seat backs was not properly installed and the self adjusting lights sensor or something failed.The E500 went 5 times in the same time period and for what I considered more substantive issues, the alignment issue it went in for three times before they fixed it, the transmission doing the jerky downshifting and the sensotronic brakes for which it has now been recalled for to name a few. E500 is still a very nice car but the C55 seems to be glued together a little better. We paid almost the same for the C55 and the E500, 57K for the C55 that stickered at 60,100, and 58K for the E500 that stickered at just under 63K.

RLS

Both the C55 and E500 are within about $3,000, with the E500 being higher. The E55 is way to high in price for us, and I would think that a NA motor has a longer longevity with no troubles. Room wise, we only need the back seat for the occasional going out to dinner with another couple and that is not but once or twice a month. Kids are gone, so no issue there! One of our main concerns was how many C-Class cars we see around here and thinking that there value might not be as good since there are so many. I realize that there is a major diff. between a C-55 and a regular C-Class, but that is very hard to see on the road.
It is a very hard decision. Your comments are very much appreciated and helpful, Bob

Zeppelin

RLS,

Are you going to keep the 1997 E420? If you are selling why not just keep it. It must still be like new. Plus no worries about re-sale value from here on in.

360_iti

RLS, you are comparing between an enthusiast item (C55) and a more common but more "prestigious" car. I have a feeling that when it comes to sell a C55 in the future, an enthusiast will be willing to pay a little more as long as the car is right (has the right options, color, mileage etc etc).
This might not be 100% true, but at least that’s what happened to me and a few friends.

On the other hand, E500 has a bigger market and more potential buyers, but you as a seller will have more competitors as well.
I don’t think you should worry about seeing so many C class on the road that it might devalue C55. AMG is different. Only a little group of people know, want and look for an AMG. Small group, but they’re enthusiasts.

Back to your question, if I were you I’d be thinking about what I want right now. Based on the fact that your kids have already gone to college, I’m assuming that you’re already past the street racing era. I could be wrong here tho
In that case, I’d pick the E500, but I’d make sure it has all the good features that I need to make it more fun to drive, and most importantly, a sexy color. Something that would look good on me

About service record, no comments here. I’m sure 05C55 knows better based on experience, and I haven’t had any of these two models

Good luck, and I’m sure no matter what your decision is, it’s a good one. Both cars are great.

MercedeSChink

AMG or nothing...

RLS

Zeppelin,

We had no plans on looking for another car till this one had to have over $8,000 in repairs this past yr. I learned my leason, never get the first new model year, even if it is a Mercedes! Our troubles started after the extended warranty was over (7 yrs.). The last straw was when the transmission went out! MB wanted over $6,500. Said it needed to be replaced. Had it rebuilt for $3,800, but we do not want to keep this car anymore. This car has always been garaged, well taken care of. My wife even had the rack and pinion blow one day in the front driveway one morning.

360_iti

You have put out some good food for thought with what you have stated. Both my wife and I enjoy a performance car (both of us have been in racing from motorcycles, airboats, cars, to mud races!).

05C55

I'd get the C55, you can drive it around like a luxury car and the ride is really very good for an AMG sprung car but you also have the option of mashing the go pedal and unleashing a very potent performance car. I am surprised by its docility on the one hand and its speed and agility on the other, its almost a Jekyll and Hide car.

Obviously if you can go drive both and see for yourself, but keep in mind you will not really get the full effect of the C55 until the car adapts to your driving habits and you learn how to maximize the shifting algorithms and throttle inputs.

360_iti

I was gonna say.

Trekman

I would also go for the C55. if you need room then go with the s class

Zeppelin

Really sad that these cars cost so much to fix. I have a 18 year old japanese car that has not even cost me $500 in repairs since the day it ways new. I like to keep cars for along time as well but am seriously thinking of parting with the C32 in another 3 years before the 7/100k warranty runs out.

steve s

we paid 57k for the c36 in 96. it values now around 20k...

don't remember the original pricing for the eclass back then, but..
a 96 e320 values now around 18k
a 98 e420 values now around 23k


these are suggested retail prices at around 20k miles right now...i'm sure they can be had for cheaper with more miles and differing conditions. these are just some of ur prices for thought if u r worried about resale.

cntlaw

RLS

I went thru your same thinking process. I owned a full options E320 W210 from 2001-Aug2004 , done 38000km. The beautiful W211 was really tempting. And, no doubt , here we have to be paying a fortune for MB , E500 was once my first choice for upgrade from E320.


The reason I finally took the C55 ( which is almost same price as a fully loaded E500 here ) because If I wanted to try what is AMG for a ~E500 price; C55 is the only choice while keeping most of the characterictics of a MB sedan e.g. 4-door. except space. I am sure you have thought through these already.

Since there is nothing wrong to keep your E430 for a year or two. A sensible upgrade is to wait the W211 's next facelift and get the new E500.
( Just guess W211 will likely get a facelift after 4-5 years)

And, if you have decided to go for AMG. There has been a lot of arugment
about whether a new generation C AMG will launch in 2007 or not. So this is something uncertain.

For driving pleasure that anyone would not want to miss once in a life-time, there is no doubt , C55 is THE CHOICE . If you do not want to wait no more.


my 2cents

cnt

RLS

I would like to thank everyone for your responses. This is what makes this forum so good. What you had to say has helped.

Thanks again everyone, Bob