shtatc

Have a quick question - maybe not so quick for C32 owners. I assume everyone who owns a C32 is very happy with their decision to buy one. However, if you had to do it over again and had a choice of the C32 or the new E-Class(excluding the new E55) - which way would you go? I know they are two very different vehicles. And, I know most of us on this forum are performance oriented. However, if you had a choice, spending the same amount of money, which direction would you take? I am just contemplating the future when my lease expires. Thanks.

Harris

There is no definite answer to your question. "Performance-wise", it HAS to be C32. This car's performance/engine is superb. No question about it. Only it has a C-class quality, which is in the bottom of the entire MB's lineup. I dont think anyone has owned/driven a new E-class yet. Its not fair to comment on something that we have no experience on. On the book, it looks very luxurious. "Luxury-wise or Technology-wise", it HAS to be the new E.

It comes down to whether you're a performance oriented guy or a luxury oriented guy. And also, you age is a factor too. IMO, it looks weird for anyone below 30 yr old driving a E500. People will only say you're taking your daddy's car for a ride. But on the other hand, its perfectly okay for a 40 yr old to drive a C32. Afterall, its a pretty expensive car!

DL_AMG

I had the same delima in choicing the either C32 or 2003 New E last weekend. I end up purchased the C32 instead of waiting for New E. Here is my thought...
1. I'm only 32 and I just don't see myself in the E class but C class will look just right for me.
2. I don't buy 1st year new car. You just don't know what problems you going get. It happens too all my friends when they bought the 1st year MB or Bimmer. I got the 2003 C32 which they have done some improvement over the 2002 model.
3. Price: For price of C32, you will only going to get the E320 not E500 which I don't think you will like it at all. With all option added and Air-suspension in the E320, you looking at $52K-$54K and for E500 (std Air-susp) it will go almost $58K.
4. Special: You will not see C32 all over the place but you will see a lot more new E on the street in NO TIME.
5. Fun/Performance: you know what C32 will give you.

Just like Harris said, it's totally different car and just pick what you like.

shtatc

I have several more years left on the lease. My salesman told me he would call me when they get the new E-Class on the lot for sale - when the pre-orders are filled. He said that if I wanted, they could re-work the lease for the E-Class. But, I really like the C32. I dont think I would be unhappy with either. Although, performance is hard to beat - and exclusivity - having an AMG.

Boo2

I'd pick the E55. Better designed interior plus a 470hp V8. You'll get a much better feel off of the V8. Besides, it is N/A so there is alot more room for mods. Not a very good comparison. The only thing that is similar is that they both have 4 doors. You should have said CLK55 versus E55. That is a better match. Since the E55, or even the E-class, isn't out yet (that i've seen) you have to ask yourself if you want it now. No reason to plan a few years out since you will have much more selections by then. At that time, there will probably be a new AMG version of the C-Class. If you want something now get the C32. If you are planning to re-work your lease, then get the E55. If you will wait out the remaining term of your lease, start looking for a replacement a few months from then.

baron

I think he is asking for a comparison for something in the similar price range, so probably E500 and C32. The new E55 will probably go for about $80K or higher. The 470hp V8 you mentioned is a supercharged not N/A V8. But I would think that you can easily get 500hp from the new E55 with a few mods.

Baron

shtatc

Yeah....given you had $55K to work with....I wanted to know if one would choose a C32 or new E-Class (probably E320 for that cost range)? I agree they are 2 entirely different animals. I comes down to: do you want performance or luxury? And again, in a few years, there may be something different to choose from. I want to stay away from the coupes for now. Not that I have a family or anything - it is more a convenience thing. So, I am looking for a sedan. If the number of doors was not an issue, then I would consider the new CLK.

Accord

I had to choose between a C32 or an E500 Sport... an E500 with the Sport package is pretty sporty, but not enough. I am not 19 and been driving a 2001 S500 for roughly a year and half... I cannot see myself in another large luxury sedan until i'm atleast 50 years old.

The new E-Class will definetly get you a LOT of looks... everyone will know what it is. "Hey look, that guy is driving the car from Men in Black!".

AmgBoy

Accord I have a quick question is your S500 have sport package or no? What kind of options are on that car? Have you done anything custom to it besides the Valentine 1?

AmGbOy

Shine

If coupe count, CLK500 share a lot of DNA from C32.
(1) Fast learning curve though
not difficult to start up with E500, either, once you're familiar
with these new lineup of MB.
(2) E-class is surely the best seller, if "unique" or "rare" that
matches C32AMG, CLK500 could be nice.
(3) C32 runs fast, CLK500 is just a second behind (as well as
E500)
V8 provides quieter & smooth accel. while C32 is pushing
S/C louder, but faster.
(4) Performance upgrade is always the DESIRE when change
cars, kleemanize a 5.0V8 is definitely & signifantly upgrade.
much cheaper in comparision with AMG 55 models.
One thing I missed, speedshift is great and only available in
AMG.

FrankW

so Shine, you are from taiwan eh?...i just got back from taiwan two weeks ago. when i was in taiwan, i already saw some E240s, which are pretty nice, but if it is me i would pick C32 again because firstly i'm only gonna be 20 in a couple month. second is that after driving around in my brother's 528 and my dad's XJ-12, i don't think i'm ready yet to drive a median/large car around town (i'm a idiot when it comes to parking a big car). maybe when i'm older i'll consider the E but i don't think i'll ever get into a S-class or 7er, but currently i'm very happy with the interior space and the performance of the C32.

Accord

The W211 has Parktronic available as an option .

FrankW

that won't help out an idiot like me i need something like those on the new Q45.