C350 or C55? Opinions wanted please.
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From: Portland, OR
2014 CLS550 4Matic
C350 or C55? Opinions wanted please.
Hey people, I selling the '05 C320 Sport Sedan we have had for a year and trading up to either a C350 or C55 (I LOVE our car, just want more HP) and I wanted to hear your opinions on weather the C55 is worth the $12-14k more than the C350.
Here is the other thing... the wife and I LOVE our 6sp manual and have had manuals all our life. So, the C350 with 53 more HP and the same 6spd manual for about the same price as we paid for our C320 is really tempting. BUT, we LOVE V8s (our truck and boat) and of course would really like the 372 HP of the C55, just are not too thrilled about the auto trans, even though it has the paddle shift.
I test drove a C55 the other day and LOVED the power but thought the paddle shift was just OK - it worked great, but we like manuals better.
Plus, there is the new 6.3L AMG motor coming out, but that may not hit the C-Class for about 2 years...
OK, I am rambling now sorry. Your thoughts please.
-Jeff
Here is the other thing... the wife and I LOVE our 6sp manual and have had manuals all our life. So, the C350 with 53 more HP and the same 6spd manual for about the same price as we paid for our C320 is really tempting. BUT, we LOVE V8s (our truck and boat) and of course would really like the 372 HP of the C55, just are not too thrilled about the auto trans, even though it has the paddle shift.
I test drove a C55 the other day and LOVED the power but thought the paddle shift was just OK - it worked great, but we like manuals better.
Plus, there is the new 6.3L AMG motor coming out, but that may not hit the C-Class for about 2 years...
OK, I am rambling now sorry. Your thoughts please.
-Jeff
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i would get the c55 over the 350 if i had the option to do so anyday.. IMO the 2 cars arent even in the same league... you get way more horsepower plus all the amg extras like interior suspension breaks etc..another thing is the rarity of amgs as opposed to how many c350s there are gonna be on the road...its all on you tho..if manual is that important to you then.... but around me manual is a pain in the *** because there are so many cars.. so thats why i decided my next car is gonna be a c32.... i think going from a c230 to a c350 when u can have the c55 beast is kinda pointless.. but again this is just my .02 cents..good luck
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From: Montclair,N.J.
06 CLS55
Manual
I went from 6spd in every car I had to a C55. I almost didnt do it for that reason to. I do not miss it at all!!! This is no regular auto matic,I am not talking about the paddles either(they suck).But with that trans in S and punch it your done!! It dosnt kick down automatically like a common auto,it almost stays at redline like it knows your racing??? Its amazing!! There is no choice youi might as well be comparing a Kia?? 
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From: Sterling VA
'05 C55 Black/Black Lighting, Premium, NAV
C55 all the way. I am a little biased though. C55 is a beast in all aspects when compared to the C350. The C350 will be quick but the C55 is just f**cking fast. The C350 is nice to drive but the C55 begs to be driven.
I will say this. If you are not prepared to be fully consumed by your car and the desire to drive it every minute you are awake, do not get the C55. If you are not prepared to dream about driving it when asleep, do not get the C55.
The C350 is a great car. The C55 will change your life!!
Ok. Too much posting. Must go drive!!!
Mez
I will say this. If you are not prepared to be fully consumed by your car and the desire to drive it every minute you are awake, do not get the C55. If you are not prepared to dream about driving it when asleep, do not get the C55.
The C350 is a great car. The C55 will change your life!!
Ok. Too much posting. Must go drive!!!
Mez
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From: San Diego
2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
I would buy a C32 (if you can live with used) or C350 (if you demand new) or lease a C55. I personally would not buy a new C55 at this point, because the depriciation over the next couple of years is going to be brutal. Most of the depriciation is already built into the C32, and the plebian C350 will probably not be that affected by the intro of the AMG63.
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From: Canada
C55 AMG, 135i, 911 GT3, GLE43 AMG
I was in a similar situation earlier this year. I had a C240, and I wanted to "upgrade" the performance. I'm in Canada, so the prices may not be entirely comparable, but I think the overall message is the same.
I had considered a 2006 C350 sport sedan and the 2005/2006 C55. The price difference between the C55 and comparably equipped C350 was only about $10000 (CDN dollar) before tax. And that's not truly "comparably equipped", as there are things like the AMG suspension/chassis, AMG brakes, AMG leather seats, AMG enhanced transmission with manual shifting buttons, AMG rims, and of course, the AMG engine which you can't get at all on the C350.
It was a no brainer for me because by the time you're into that $60000+ price range, another $10000 CDN dollars is not a big difference. Plus, it just FEELS different and nice to drive a REAL AMG machine. Although I didn't test drive the C350, I don't think the performance comes anywhere close to the C55 (acceleration and handling). Remember, the C55 has a completely revised chassis, and reprogrammed ESP which was optimized for better handling, even when compared to the C32.
I had considered a 2006 C350 sport sedan and the 2005/2006 C55. The price difference between the C55 and comparably equipped C350 was only about $10000 (CDN dollar) before tax. And that's not truly "comparably equipped", as there are things like the AMG suspension/chassis, AMG brakes, AMG leather seats, AMG enhanced transmission with manual shifting buttons, AMG rims, and of course, the AMG engine which you can't get at all on the C350.
It was a no brainer for me because by the time you're into that $60000+ price range, another $10000 CDN dollars is not a big difference. Plus, it just FEELS different and nice to drive a REAL AMG machine. Although I didn't test drive the C350, I don't think the performance comes anywhere close to the C55 (acceleration and handling). Remember, the C55 has a completely revised chassis, and reprogrammed ESP which was optimized for better handling, even when compared to the C32.
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From: MD
C55 SILVER / ASH
Originally Posted by Vomit
I would buy a C32 (if you can live with used) or C350 (if you demand new) or lease a C55. I personally would not buy a new C55 at this point, because the depriciation over the next couple of years is going to be brutal. Most of the depriciation is already built into the C32, and the plebian C350 will probably not be that affected by the intro of the AMG63.
Jesus, will people start to buy cars to DRIVE and not to sell? Every car depreciates so yes if you do not plan on keeping it, buy a used one or the C350. If you can truly afford it and want to enjoy the car rather looking at the classified every day to see what they are selling for, buy the C55.
It comes down to two things neither can have put in the other.(manual vs. V8) Obviously what ever you can live without will be in your driveway. Good luck.
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From: Hong Kong
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
W203 is a fading out model and is due to be replaced in 2006/7
Unless money is handy or you think you will use the C55 for life, otherwise
should not invest on a top version of a fading out car model.
At least, this is from the view point that we pay more car tax.
( C350 ~$70K , C55 ~$110K ) which implies on average, we lose more money whenever we want to change to a new car.
From a view point, life is short and don't care, then, get the C55.
If you must get a C-class and still not sure, get the C230 V6.
Unless money is handy or you think you will use the C55 for life, otherwise
should not invest on a top version of a fading out car model.
At least, this is from the view point that we pay more car tax.
( C350 ~$70K , C55 ~$110K ) which implies on average, we lose more money whenever we want to change to a new car.
From a view point, life is short and don't care, then, get the C55.
If you must get a C-class and still not sure, get the C230 V6.
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Originally Posted by MCOUPIN
Jesus, will people start to buy cars to DRIVE and not to sell? Every car depreciates so yes if you do not plan on keeping it, buy a used one or the C350. If you can truly afford it and want to enjoy the car rather looking at the classified every day to see what they are selling for, buy the C55.
It comes down to two things neither can have put in the other.(manual vs. V8) Obviously what ever you can live without will be in your driveway. Good luck.
It comes down to two things neither can have put in the other.(manual vs. V8) Obviously what ever you can live without will be in your driveway. Good luck.
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05 c55
1st off, go for the c55. after driving my c55 every day, then taking it in for service and getting a c230K for a loaner car, i decided that it is 100% necessary to have the AMG.
2nd, i personally wouldn't purchase the car. i'd like to have a new car in 3 years. i'll spend a few thousand dollars putting some mods into it and have fun with it, then give it back when my lease is up. it's my daily driver, not a collector car. i'll eat the cost when i trade it in, then do it again with another car. that's just me though.
2nd, i personally wouldn't purchase the car. i'd like to have a new car in 3 years. i'll spend a few thousand dollars putting some mods into it and have fun with it, then give it back when my lease is up. it's my daily driver, not a collector car. i'll eat the cost when i trade it in, then do it again with another car. that's just me though.
Thread Starter
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From: Portland, OR
2014 CLS550 4Matic
OK good feedback so far guys... Thanks a ton. Of course just comparing the C350 to the C55 is no comparison... BUT, there is a $14k US price difference and that is nothing to sneeze at. I can't just say well since I am spending $41k on a C350 I may as well spend an extra $14k and get the $55k C55. Its doable but it is a BIG decision. Good points about the big depreciation on the top model though...
-Jeff
-Jeff
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From: San Diego
2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
Originally Posted by MCOUPIN
Jesus, will people start to buy cars to DRIVE and not to sell? Every car depreciates so yes if you do not plan on keeping it, buy a used one or the C350. If you can truly afford it and want to enjoy the car rather looking at the classified every day to see what they are selling for, buy the C55.
It comes down to two things neither can have put in the other.(manual vs. V8) Obviously what ever you can live without will be in your driveway. Good luck.
It comes down to two things neither can have put in the other.(manual vs. V8) Obviously what ever you can live without will be in your driveway. Good luck.
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From: Sin City
12' C63 P31, 06' Supercharged Range, 08' BMW 550i
Originally Posted by MCOUPIN
Jesus, will people start to buy cars to DRIVE and not to sell? Every car depreciates so yes if you do not plan on keeping it, buy a used one or the C350. If you can truly afford it and want to enjoy the car rather looking at the classified every day to see what they are selling for, buy the C55.
It comes down to two things neither can have put in the other.(manual vs. V8) Obviously what ever you can live without will be in your driveway. Good luck.
It comes down to two things neither can have put in the other.(manual vs. V8) Obviously what ever you can live without will be in your driveway. Good luck.
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My C55 is for sale probably in the neighborhood of a loaded C350. I agree with most that it is night and day. The auto transmission is superb and will downshift very quickly in most situations and once you have learned how to use it you can actually blip the throttle while downshifting.
I'm selling to buy a 911 but otherwise love the car.
I'm selling to buy a 911 but otherwise love the car.
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From: bay area, CA
'06 E350 Iridium Silver with pano
Originally Posted by Jeffy
OK good feedback so far guys... Thanks a ton. Of course just comparing the C350 to the C55 is no comparison... BUT, there is a $14k US price difference and that is nothing to sneeze at. I can't just say well since I am spending $41k on a C350 I may as well spend an extra $14k and get the $55k C55. Its doable but it is a BIG decision. Good points about the big depreciation on the top model though...
-Jeff
-Jeff
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From: CA, NV, CO
Jeffy
Originally Posted by dragonAMG
C55 - no question. IMO going from a c230 to a c350 is not much of a upgrade.
Listen to the messiah of C-class god! He know's what he's talking about!
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From: Hong Kong
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
Originally Posted by Vomit
I speak from my own perspective, which is what I believe that this thread called for (i.e., "opinions please"). I tend to turn cars over every 2-3 years, so, for me to purchase a C55 right now would be fiscally very stupid. For those of you out there who keep your cars for 10 years, a C55 purchase might make more sense, as long as you realize that, in a year or so, a significantly faster AMG C-class is coming on the market, and that the last 9 years of your ownership experience will be spent looking at C63 tail lights wishing that you had waited one more year.
I agree also. I started with E320 and now C55 - a big upgrade - but once you get there (fanatic) , that's probably not the end of the story ( M3 400hp, C63 , CLS55, CLE63, E63, 997S, RS4 ...you name it ). And, who says all these buys/sells thatl money is not a problem? Even the richest man in the world won't sell you his 2 months old new Ferrari half the price :p
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C32 AMG 2002, C 63 AMG 2009
Get the "Car" that you truly desire. I almost purchased a C320 
But I realized I wanted the C32 and I am glad that I went with my true desire When I purchase a car, I do so in terms of keeping it. I still have my 95 Accord 
But I realized I wanted the C32 and I am glad that I went with my true desire
When I purchase a car, I do so in terms of keeping it. I still have my 95 Accord
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From: Montclair,N.J.
06 CLS55
Originally Posted by Vomit
I speak from my own perspective, which is what I believe that this thread called for (i.e., "opinions please"). I tend to turn cars over every 2-3 years, so, for me to purchase a C55 right now would be fiscally very stupid. For those of you out there who keep your cars for 10 years, a C55 purchase might make more sense, as long as you realize that, in a year or so, a significantly faster AMG C-class is coming on the market, and that the last 9 years of your ownership experience will be spent looking at C63 tail lights wishing that you had waited one more year.
