varun

Hello everyone, I have been reading up on this forum as I will be a proud C55 owner soon! I have looked at the few which are on sale nationwide and I have narrowed down a bunch. Since KBB has not published values on the car as yet, what is a fair price to pay for an '05 C55 w/ 10k miles and options like XENON, SUNROOF and PREMIUM SOUND? I was thinking close to 40k perhaps as the new year is comming around and I have seen people list them for around 45k. Check out this one that sold on ebay for 44k with NAV. Finially a completed ebay auction after weeks of tracking them! I offered the seller 43 for it but someone outbid me at 44.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...QQcmdZViewItem


IMP question: what is STARMARK?


Also, I definately want NAVIGATION. Can this be retrofitted? I spoke with another C55 seller who said that he can get his hands on a factory unit (NAV) and install it for an additional $1500. Is there a catch here? Is it a simple bolt on, plug in installation? I know that doing a retrofit in my 330i was almost impossible, you had to tear the entire interior apart and run wire harnesses to the trunk etc etc, something I would never do to the C55. He also has a K&N air filter in there. Does that help any?

In addition, the seller of this other C55 I am looking at says he has a 'FLASH PROGRAM' which he can sell me for $1500, which adds 45HP? Is this possible, and if so, whats it all about?

Thank you all very much and look forward to some leads and advice!

2QUIK4U

Between 40-44K is probably a reasonable amount to assume with 10K and the options you mentioned.

Starmark is Mercedes extended warranty program (a.k.a. Starmark Warranty)

Yes, it can. According to many people on this forum, the best man for this job is Steve (www.MBenzNL.com). I believe he charges $2000 for the Command (navigation) units. Additionally, he can also install the European model which enables TV, etc. He is the man for any electronics (i.e. stereo, phone kits, etc.)


No, waste of money.

First of all, there is absolutely no way that you are going to get 45hp through electronic re-programming (i.e. chip tuning). Second, I would be very skeptical buying a car from a person who is trying to sell you such a product. If he has already done anything like this to the car, then you will longer have a factory warranty (not to mention, potential issues with the car as well). I would seriously think twice about buying a car from this person.

Have you driven the C55 yet? If you have, you will probably agree that the car really has enough power. If you truly disagree with this, then at least be sure to have the car modified by a reputable tuner (e.g. Renntech, Kleemann). After all, this is not a Mitsubishi Evolution or some other $25K car we are talking about here and you might initially save a few bucks by going with some "no-name tuner", however, in the long run it will end up costing you significantly more.

Good luck with the purchase. You will not regret buying a C55, however make sure that the car has not had anything done do it.

Also, the search function is your friend!

dragonAMG

Considering C32's are around 35k, I'd say picking up a C55 for 44k is definitely fair.

StephenK

Get the VIN number and get a Mercedes Dealer to give you a vehicle history report on repairs and see if the car has been coded with a dreaded code that affects the warranty. I don't know exactly what it is, but it has been mentioned on the forums. Better safe than sorry.

Lender1

First, find the car you like, equipped the way you want. I would not want to try to retrofit navagation. You will like the navagation, it does work well. The car is more than adequately powered. I would suggest you find and buy your car and drive it awhile before you consider any type of retuning.

Regarding resale, I wouldn't sell mine for less than $48,000. Mine is all black, in mint condition with 8,000 miles and loaded with all options. Good luck in your search, you will enjoy this car.

2QUIK4U

I take that back, 44-48K is probably more realistic to assume.

dragonAMG

Exactly --- you get what you pay for. Nobody in their right mind is going to sell a perfect / flawless C55 for under 48k.

Lender1

First, I'm not going to sell it, at least for awhile. Mine is a 2005 and I paid $2,000 under MSRP in August, 2004.

dragonAMG

I'm guessing you didn't understand my post. I was implying that you probably have a very nice C55 and anyone with a truely nice C55 is not going to let it go for pennies on the dollar.

varun

I have seen a bunch of 2005 C55's cars go for under 45k, look at that link on ebay which I posted up. It is in mint condition, has navigation, and sold for 44k. I spoke with the seller, and did some research on him, he is respectable and genuine.

Today I spoke with an MB dealer in or around NY who sold a BRAND NEW, NEVER TITLED 2005 C55 for 44k or LESS, with a few options but NO nav. Is that not a deal? I can post the link or details if needed. Spoke with the salesman today and it sold a few days back.

Now on the other hand, that black C55 with K&N, 45HP flash program etc seems real shady, and I am not doing with it anymore! I would rather pay more, and smile on the long run!

Thank you all for the very imformative advice. I am not trying to blow air up anyone's *** but the responses I get here at this forum is very friendly and accurate. Being a BMW owner, I used to follow the BMW boards and its just amazing how many immature 17 year old's have M3's and think they are king on the forums. It can get annoying with their young trash talk. Good to see some mature people around here. Cheers

varun

I have a feeling no one will believe me when I said a new one went for $44k, so here is the link:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...0&cardist=1521

CORRECTION: it sold for $43k actually! Seems too good to be true?

NY C32

It went for $43 with no nav and no bixenon. I would rather spend the money up front for those factory installed options

dragonAMG

Sounds like the deal of a life time to me... that's just simply insane.

ralleyone

The sticker on the window says $51,995. So...old pic or sudden off-the-cliff depreciation due to no interest?

varun

just curious, how can you tell what the sticker on the window says?

I think its due the fact that its nearing end of 2005 and dealers generally dont carry forward inventory to 2006 and it must have been sitting on the lot for months, as no one wants to spend $55K on an AMG and not have xenon's know what I mean? Oh well, I would have got it in a heart-beat and retro-fitted the xenons!