billtc55

Have had strange Error Msg on display 1 to 2 time a week The dealer has not been able to fix it . The car has been in the shop for over 30 days , 2 or 3 days at a time. MB has had the rep looking at it the last 5 times it was in the shop. they have replaced all of the computers twice and it still has this problem only when first started. sometimes I get a error other times all I see is dashes for all screens

I have to decide if I want a replacement C55 or a full refund, on monday
it was a real shock to me when the service manager of coggin MB called me. I thought they were calling to say my car was ready. it was in the shop for a valve cover leak and the error msg that has been on every service tickit since the 3rd day I owned the car. they informed me that MB corp had decided to buy my car back because they had no idea what was wrong with it. it has software versions that are not even out yet. and still no good

I was thinking maybe a SLK55, scared to get a C55 again

Vomit

Consider yourself fortunate in this respect: My neighbor had a lemon CL500, and went through absolute hell to get MBZ to acknowledge it (had to sue and almost go to trial before they took the car back).

If you don't absolutely need four seats, the SLK55 is one sweet ride. IMO, why would anyone buy a Vette convertible when, for about the same price, you can have the styling, prestige, and hard-top flexibility of the SLK?

2QUIK4U

That's very unusual. I'm sorry to hear that you've had such an unfortunate experience with the C55. This is obviously a rare anomaly and I would let this affect your decision whether to get another C55. Many of us have had our C55s for >10,000 miles without any issues at all. The chances of you having another similar experience with a C55 is really slim to none. Good luck with the new car.

amgmark

The c class is getting a face lift, I would either go SLK55, or if you have the money and want a 4 door.. CLS55.. That is going to my my next car if all goes well.. unfortunately that won't be for a couple of years..

vettdvr

I know there are different opinions on cars.. Have you driven a vet.? I have driven both and own a vet and won't trade. My wife drives the MB E500. The tech info on the vet is highly supported by the factory. I have called the factory for help on an electrical issue and had a tech conference call. Just try to get detail manuals or tech help from MB on any new MB.

Not to mention the power and performance. Ok others will say you can't drive them on trips. I have driven over 1000 miles in 1 day with avg of 27 MPG. So check out the vet for real details. Now consider the 06 vet and just look at the specs and test drive each. Now are we having fun.

Thericker

Exactly the New 2005-present Vettes are AWESOME!!

2QUIK4U

Now that we're talkin vettes, you should strongly consider the new Z06. Now that is one basa$$ machine. If I were to consider any reasonably priced two sports cars, the Z06 would be on the top of my list.

jtc55

i agree. if u don't need back seats, get the SLK 55.

more151please

approaching 30k in my 05' no major problems, my vote would be to get another c55. Im a sucker for 4 doors, whether i use the seats or not.

Vomit

Yes I have driven the C6 (although, in fairness, I drove the coupe, not the convertible). The C6 is a very nice car but, for about the same money as a Vette convertible, you can have a SLK55 with the convertible hardtop. For me, this is a major advantage for the SLK, as I have owned many ragtops, and cloth is simply not the same as steel. Others may not place so much importance on the hardtop, in which case the Vette might be an equal or better choice. Did not mean to offend anyone. . . either car qualifies as an "excellent" vehicle, just seems to me that the SLK offers more for the $.

I agree, the Z06 is a beast. However, the Supra coming down the pipeline looks like it is going to be very close to the equal of the Z06 for less money and with Toyota quality. For now, however, the Z06 is performance king of the price range.

Any way you look at it, the next couple of years are going to be a really fine time to be shopping for a performance coupe.

cntlaw

I am sorry to hear . whatever that computer problem is, it has nothing to do with which car model. We did not hear any of these problems on a C55.
Good luck.

zoink

Yours only seems like a software error and to me it's not even a safety issue (not sure whether it's just a display or it affects other things - i.e. timing, gear shift, etc.) and MBUSA offered to buy back? Man... consider yourself very lucky. I went through hell to convince my dealership and MBUSA to buy back my car w/ numerous safety issues - brakes, steering wheels, etc.

Like you... I too was too scared to get another W211 E55....

Could be because the MB quality has gone down hill and in order to have a good public face, MB has improved the customer service Who knows...

billtc55

Very Lucky, to be having the car replaced. it is a software or electrical problem that affects the nav, seat memory, and the tilt wheel and the reason they are replacing the car is that the steering wheel will adjust itself while driving

I have looked all over the web for info about this, the tech said he found info about the CLK55 having similar problems, that is one reason for the software versions they installed. they were written to fix the CLK problems

white_w203

E55 Amg!

MCOUPIN

It does seem strange that it was declaired a lemon for an error message.

Sorry to hear that but good luck on your next purchase.

cntlaw

I am sorry to hear . whatever that computer problem is, it has nothing to do with which car model. We did not hear any of these problems on a C55.
I owned 8 cars in the past 10 years and C55 has been the best of all in terms of problem severity level. Good luck.

setUout

I just also went through a buy back on my C55. If i were you i would get your money back and buy another car (whatever that may be c55, 997 etc.).
Because with your money back you have more buy power again. With a replaced car just a newer car same payment same principle owed to bank.

billtc55

If I may ask what was the problem with your C55? what was the procedure? and how long was the process?

silk32

go with the slk55 you wont be sorry.

the problem with the z06 is that dealers are asking $5-10k over msrpm or you wait for about a year till they have a spot

dragonAMG

The the full refund and buy a pre-owned E55 (high 50's). I love my E55. So much better than the C55

XPRO.US

Very Lucky indeed... May I suggest you taking the car to the track and do some amazing stuff you wouldn't do if you have to get stuck with it for another x amount of years?

kchristos

How many miles did you have on the car? Isn't it too early for having a "valve cover leak" ? Did you brake in the car properly before you drive it hard?

What do the dealerships do with the lemon cars? Are they going to fix it and sell it again with factory warranty? If it didn't have any mechanical issues assuming that they are going to fix the software problem, I am thinking of it may be a good opportunity to buy cheap C55. What do you guys think? I like my C43 a lot but I prefer the modern look of the C32's and C55's.

Tump43

Sorry to hear about your problems, but consider yourself lucky that MB stepped up to the plate and offered to buy back your car. I agree, nothing wrong with C55's in general. Get all of your money back and buy another C55 or other car you like -- shop around for a deal. Three months ago, I bought a 2005 C55 w/ 10,000 miles, full MB factory warranty, fully loaded at 25% off retail from a local dealership -- Great Deal! Perhaps you can do the same with 2003 and up E55, etc.

I owned a 99 C43 for 3 years before the C55. I do not think there is a comparision. The C55 is much better; it is faster; handles infinitely better; has a smoother ride (harsh by luxo car standards); looks great; is quieter inside; has much better sport seats; has seat memory; and best of all has a fantastic Harmon Kardon Logic 7 surrond system. I totally modded out my C43 but besides the evo-sport underdrive pulleys I put on the C55, a Quaife LSD will be the last mod I feel the C55 will ever need for me. (I debadged mine, so it surprises many unsuspecting drivers). The E55 may be too big and heavy for you, but the 2003 and later models come with such a fantastic amg suspension and amg supercharger that it may be worth it. My friend took me for a ride in his SL55, not a lot faster than the C55 but, a very different car -- much smoother and deceptively fast. The E55 seems to share most of the SL55 amg suspension tricks. However, the fastest afforadble Benz is the 2006 SLK55.

cntlaw

I completely agree with Tump.
C55 is a all-around commuter, you will never feel lack of power.
The C55 ride is soooooo much comfort than any BMWs.
You can have hundreds of mods to choose to turn your C55 to a monster!
When you don't feel like racing, the 52kg/m torque gives you and all your passengers a superb smooth ride.
There is no replacement of a V8, especially it is on the C-Class!
I guess I have got almost everything I wanted from the C55, I am giving up the Porsche, CLS...
20 mths now, 28000km, I am keeping my car for at least 2 more years before I shift to another Benz - which is either the SLK63 AMG or a S350.

RI55

billtc55, sorry to hear your situation. Provide your VIN, so we can beware LOL.

Just about 30K miles here (05) only problem, every speaker rattles