C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

new c32 or used e55??

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Old Jun 25, 2002 | 12:48 AM
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new c32 or used e55??

I think at y2k e55 can be bought for about the same $$ as a new c32 (roughly). What's a better car? Since the c32 is on a "newer" platform, does that make it a more advanced vehicle? Thoughts?...
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Old Jun 25, 2002 | 01:06 AM
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I would go for a C32, infact I did. If the choice was between a new W211 E55 (Which will not be out for MY2003) or a C32, I would go for the W211 E55.

Yes, the C32 is more advanced. The W203 platform is very recent, whilst the W210 is roughly eight or so years old.

Definetly go for the brand new C32, rather than a nearly three year old E55. The C32 will perform better than the E55 aswell, if performance is a major concern for you. I think the C32 has a more aggressive look than an E55, also.

As for which is a BETTER car, the C32 has better performance, on the other hand the E55 has more room. IMO the C32 looks better than the E-Class. If you're going to be hauling around people in the backseat a lot, the E55 would probably be a better choice for you.

It's really a matter of personal preference and needs.

A brand new C32 AMG will definetly hold it's current value better than a three year old E55 AMG.

Another reason you should go for the C32 AMG, is that the E-Class is being replaced with the W211, the next major change for the C-Class is rumored to be during MY2006 or MY2007.

Last edited by Accord; Jun 25, 2002 at 01:08 AM.
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Old Jun 25, 2002 | 01:31 AM
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if you are comparing between NEW C32 and USED E55 (say 01 or 02 model) the E55 will definitely be a much better choice since the used price is significantly low from last year because of the new W211 E-class. although the C32 is better balanced and have a little better performance but who is going to know if you bought a USED E55. thats say that like playing a deck of cards. if S55/CL55 are the kings then E55/CLK55 are the queens where C32 might only be a jack. it is all about the status. I'm not saying C32 is bad because i do drive one but if you can afford the luxury of the E55 why not go for it. Get the C32 if you want to save some dough, not need much room, and want to look a little younger. Get the E55 if you want more status and look more elegant.

either way they are both good choices.
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Old Jun 25, 2002 | 09:56 AM
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Both are really good cars. Don't think you can go wrong with either one. If you need some room definitely go with the E55!

Then after getting the E55 add 1 tablespoon of kleemann s/c and it should taste very good! lol!
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Old Jun 25, 2002 | 10:40 AM
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Both cars are fast, but there is a difference. One is a V6 and one a V8. If you really want to feel the torque and be shoved back in your seat, take the E55. The C32 is light and nimble. It just surprises you how fast you are going when you check the speedometer. Definitely more status in the E55 since it is usually compared with the M5 (besides you can hardly tell between and 2000 and a 2002). If you are younger, then go with the C32 (this way you don't look like you stole your parent's car for a joyride - that's why i picked it) Either way, can't go wrong.
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 03:20 AM
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you should also remember that since the new bodystyle E class is coming out, that the E55 will go down in value especially once the new one comes out. C32 will keep its value for awhile, But they are both beautiful, luxurious and fast.
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 09:45 AM
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Originally posted by AMGDood
you should also remember that since the new bodystyle E class is coming out, that the E55 will go down in value especially once the new one comes out. C32 will keep its value for awhile, But they are both beautiful, luxurious and fast.
The E55 should hold it's value pretty well until the new body E55 comes out since an E-Class AMG won't be available right away.
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 12:20 PM
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I had the same predicament, you can see I went for the E55, reasons:
More room
Bigger car
bigger tires
bigger engine (V8)
more torque
better quarter times (according to car magz)
better acceleration from 60+

Things I liked about the C32
Great looking wheels
crossed drilled rotors
4 piston calipers
no speed governor
spedo reads to 180 mph (and the call will almost get there)


Both cars are good looking on their own category, but E55 will stand out more than the C32 when it comes to status.
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 12:28 PM
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C32 AMG
no speed governor
That's not true - I am pretty sure the C32 has the normal Mercedes 155 mph speed governer.

Both cars are good looking on their own category, but E55 will stand out more than the C32 when it comes to status.
I think you're right. An E will always trump a C!

If I could have afforded an E55 I would have bought one!

(Still working on the spouse for a W211 E55)
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 01:10 PM
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Originally posted by jswedberg
That's not true - I am pretty sure the C32 has the normal Mercedes 155 mph speed governer.
Can someone confirm top speed on C32? It was my understanding that it didn't have a governor, is this correct or incorrect?

Thanks
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 01:11 PM
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BTW, if somebody wants me to drive his C32 just to confirm this, LMK, I'm available for this task all day long.
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 01:37 PM
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Decisions! Decisions! It is had to argue becauce both are great. Since the performance stats are so close the decision will be based on if you need the extra room and which car you prefer to be seen in. The E55 does have wider rubber and the 5.4 is the largest V8 made by MBZ.
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 02:49 PM
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Originally posted by pocholin


Can someone confirm top speed on C32? It was my understanding that it didn't have a governor, is this correct or incorrect?

Thanks
It is limited to 155. I have read articles that state in Europe, the C32 has hit 176mph with the governor removed.
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 02:58 PM
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Thanks, that gives me one more reason for E55
159 MPH Limiter
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 03:18 PM
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Whatever the limiter is on both cars 155/159, I believe it is the same.
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 03:41 PM
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Originally posted by pocholin


Can someone confirm top speed on C32? It was my understanding that it didn't have a governor, is this correct or incorrect?

Thanks
all the AMG destined for US has the 155 governor
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 03:43 PM
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May be the latest models, but my 1999 model does 159 mph, I've already hit it two times.
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 03:47 PM
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Originally posted by pocholin
May be the latest models, but my 1999 model does 159 mph, I've already hit it two times.
The governer kicks in after you hit 155. So you will of course hit a few mph over 155. :o
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 05:07 PM
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You guys are lucky. We have no Governer. Washington DC only has a Mayor, no Governer or Governist.
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 06:24 PM
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For looks alone, I would definitely go for the E55...Looks meaner IMO. Both cars have the same Horsepower (349). They both are tough off the line and at hwy. speeds. Being a V-6, you'll probably get better gas mileage with the C32.
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Old Jun 27, 2002 | 07:36 PM
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I vote for the E55

For the same money ( A 2000 E55 in the low 50s or a new C32)
I would go with the E. I love the V8 torque and the way the car accelerates from (normal) highway speeds to abnormal speeds, triple digits here we come! I think the E55 is more of a sleeper, which I like. It just depends on your personal style. Do you want a bigger car that most people will think is a regular Mercedes sedan (untill it leaves them in the dust) or do you want something that is a little more stylish and contemporary? I also think the E55 is more of a highway car vs. the C32 being more of a backroad tool.

Just get one, you'll love either one.

You can't go wrong if it say's AMG on hte back!
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Old Jun 28, 2002 | 09:43 AM
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Originally posted by badfkr98SS
For looks alone, I would definitely go for the E55...Looks meaner IMO. Both cars have the same Horsepower (349). They both are tough off the line and at hwy. speeds. Being a V-6, you'll probably get better gas mileage with the C32.
True, but with the supercharger probably not much better. Besides, no one really expects to get good gas milage in a performance car.
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Old Jun 28, 2002 | 10:17 AM
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Boo2 is right, besides a V6 even with out a supercharger is not much more gas efficient than a V8, power to weight ratio makes a V6 put more power to move a pound, therefore less efficient than expected.
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Old Jun 28, 2002 | 10:19 AM
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BTW I checked again and my car clearly does 159 mph, I can hold it just shy of 159 mph, if it had a governor at 155 mph it would shut me off sharp at 155 mph.
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Old Jun 29, 2002 | 02:21 AM
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yep...my friend's CLK55 has better gas milage than my C32...
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