Is a C55 really worth $10k more than a C32???
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally Posted by KRob3
Tough choice. I love my C32, but have never driven a C55. I think the best advice on the board is drive both cars, figure out how long you are going to own the car, make the best decision for YOU, not based on what others post.
FrankW - you said you could tune the C32 to 450hp for $5k, where can you do this?
FrankW - you said you could tune the C32 to 450hp for $5k, where can you do this?
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: mymbonline
mymbonline
Originally Posted by PC Valkyrie
What no one has mentioned so far is the fact that the C55 is a much better HANDLING car than the C32. Yes, the 5.4L V8 has a nice more linear powerband with a higher rev limit than the supercharged 3.2L V6, but the straightline performance is only marginally (if any) faster than the C32.
i did say i gets around the nurburgring much faster, obviously its not the only the engine that enables it to do that.
btw,
straightline the c55 is faster
(i raced a couple c32's in my clk55 which is heavier than a c55 and still beat them by a comfortable margin)
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Vegas-Baby
a Black
Originally Posted by FrankW
a little more than $5k actually. EVOsport does this with their own pulley kit, powerchip, header, and intercooler reservoir upgrade.
$5k would be sweet deal. :p
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Southern Cali (Ontario)
I paid $900 for a used pulley and $300 bucks to install..
$1000 for the CLK 55 wheels
$1200 for Bi xenons.
$500 for Renn Tech springs..
I paid $33k 10 months ago and $3600 laters, my car is a good performer.
$36600 and you have a super clean, warranty covered C32 and I'm pretty much even with a C55. With an ECU flash $990, i'm ahead of the C55.
You can find C32 for 30's now with warranty and high 20's without..
The price is not worth it, unless you plan to keep the C55 for atleast 5+ years.
I'm already planning to move up the E55.
$1000 for the CLK 55 wheels
$1200 for Bi xenons.
$500 for Renn Tech springs..
I paid $33k 10 months ago and $3600 laters, my car is a good performer.
$36600 and you have a super clean, warranty covered C32 and I'm pretty much even with a C55. With an ECU flash $990, i'm ahead of the C55.
You can find C32 for 30's now with warranty and high 20's without..
The price is not worth it, unless you plan to keep the C55 for atleast 5+ years.
I'm already planning to move up the E55.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 981
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From: Switzerland
Mercedes Evo II
What no one has mentioned so far is the fact that the C55 is a much better HANDLING car than the C32. Yes, the 5.4L V8 has a nice more linear powerband with a higher rev limit than the supercharged 3.2L V6, but the straightline performance is only marginally (if any) faster than the C32.
The REAL difference is the change in driving dynamics because of the extensive work MB and AMG did on the chassis, suspension/shocks, and steering. Stiffer suspension, wider front track, and more direct steering ratio makes the C55 a much more of a competitor to the benchmark M3 than the C32 ever was. Just check out any of the skidpad and slalom and Nurburgring lap times and you will see.
The C55's AMG speed shift transmission also has the extra "M" (manual) mode which allows full control of the gear selection, even if you bounce off the rev limiter.
Other things are just cosmetic: CLK front end, redesigned interior, quad exhuast, rear trunk spoiler, 18" stock AMG rims, etc.
The only downside to the C55 is a harsher ride than the C32 (because of the more aggressive suspension tuning).
The REAL difference is the change in driving dynamics because of the extensive work MB and AMG did on the chassis, suspension/shocks, and steering. Stiffer suspension, wider front track, and more direct steering ratio makes the C55 a much more of a competitor to the benchmark M3 than the C32 ever was. Just check out any of the skidpad and slalom and Nurburgring lap times and you will see.
The C55's AMG speed shift transmission also has the extra "M" (manual) mode which allows full control of the gear selection, even if you bounce off the rev limiter.
Other things are just cosmetic: CLK front end, redesigned interior, quad exhuast, rear trunk spoiler, 18" stock AMG rims, etc.
The only downside to the C55 is a harsher ride than the C32 (because of the more aggressive suspension tuning).
I own both cars but I like the C55 better for all the reasons mentioned above.
The C32 was better in terms of Comfort (ride and sound) & more discreet and also the kompressor was just sick. IMO, the C55 is just more hardcore.
