Question for C32 owners?
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From: Oro Valley, AZ
2001 C240 6spd
Question for C32 owners?
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.
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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!
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!
Last edited by Harris; Aug 9, 2002 at 04:05 PM.
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From: SoCal - SaMo & West SFV
2011 C63, 2004 S500, 2013 E350, 2013 Ody Elite
I pick C32
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.
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.
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From: Oro Valley, AZ
2001 C240 6spd
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.
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From: Chicago
C32 AMG
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.
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From: Bay Area, CA
Mercedes C43 AMG
Originally posted by 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.
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.
Baron
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From: Oro Valley, AZ
2001 C240 6spd
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.
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From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
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!".
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!".
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From: Lean runner
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.
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
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.
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From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
Originally posted by FrankW
(i'm a idiot when it comes to parking a big car)
(i'm a idiot when it comes to parking a big car)
.
