luckyRT

Still a newbie to MB. What's the difference between the two?

gswc32

Do a SEARCH

Belle the Benz

Mainly a V6- supercharged (c32) Vs. V8 (c55) ....plus others

PC Valkyrie

To help a newbie out, here are the major changes (other than the difference in engines: 3.2L supercharged V6 vs naturally aspirated 5.4L V8):

1) Exterior changes: C55 has the CLK front end with (about 8cm longer than the standard C-class) to fit the 5.4L V8. The C55 has a wider, shorter, and more slanted grill which does not lift up with the hood. C55 has a rear trunk lip spoiler (C32 does not). C55 has 18" AMG rims (C32 had 17").

2) Interior changes: C55 has completely redesigned steering wheel, instrument cluster, radio/COMMAND, climate control, aluminum trim and buttons on the dash. C55 comes with nappa leather seats with alcatara shoulder inserts (the C32 does not).

3) Chassis changes: C55 has a 14mm wider front track. C55 has a more direct steering ratio (2.8 turns lock to lock) making the steering feel more responsive. C55 has noticeably stiffer suspension/spring settings.

4) Transmission changes: C55 has a manual (M) mode which allows for complete control over the gear selection, along with buttons on the back of the steering wheel to allow for convenient shifting of gears. When in M mode, the transmission will not upshift even if you bounce off the rev limiter. Although this is not confirmed, I have heard that the C55 5 speed automatic transmission is actually the one taken from the current SL55 (as opposed to the unit used in the C32).

5) Performance changes: C55 handles a lot better than the C32, as demonstrated by higher slalom speeds and lap times around the track. The cost is a bumpier ride compared to the C32. Straight line acceleration is not significantly different, although the C55 is probably marginally faster.

6) ESP was also revised/reprogrammed. When ESP is turned "off", the system will still activate to mimic a mechanical LSD if one of the drive wheels starts spinning by applying some brake pressure to the spinning wheel (so that the open differential will shift power to the wheel with more traction). Note that engine power is NOT cut in this setting.

luckyRT

Thanks for showing me the differences between the two. Why doens't the MBUSA.com website show a C32. They only show the C55?

PC Valkyrie

You REALLY are new to this aren't you? The C32 was produced from 2002-2004. It was discontinued when the C55 replaced it in 2005.

luckyRT

Oh ya, a very new NEWBIE.

But I'm slowly learning. Thanks to MBWorld and all the great posts. I never knew much about MB until last week when wifey and I bought our first MB, an 06 ML350. Thats her car. What I drive right now is an 01 BMW 330CI. It still runs great and I still enjoy driving her, but ever since we bought the ML350 and while I was walking around the MB dealership, I couldn't help but admire all the other models.

Lately, after seeing all the cool images of everyones C-class cars and the AMG's, I'm starting to develop MB C-class envy. I could seriously see myself driving in a C32 or C55. But it'll have to wait...since we just bought the ML350. Money is now the issue. Thanks for all the help.

360_iti

read this if you want to develop your envy a little further..
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/148134-what-your-favorite-little-things-about-your-c.html

Fifth Ring

German cars are cheap. You just need to let someone else own them for a couple of years first, then you step in!

Of course, after seeing all the differences between a C32 and a C55, I'm feeling mighty impotent.

1985mb

Congrats on the MB purchase. The 330Ci is a very nice car, too.

vic32amg

C32 is easier to mod, less expensive and with little money can blow the doors off a C55 (both on straights and track). I just wanted to level the playing field a bit because it seemed C55 bias. I have a C32 but love the C55. however the potenial is easier to extract from the C32 engine. Also the aftermarket is more friendly to the C32 and it's easier to fix because parts are more readily available and the forum experiences can solve just about any problem you may have with the C32. However in stock trim the C55 is a much better car. just not much you can do to increase HP than add a blower for $15000 quid. But if you look up dragon AMG's car you might be convinced it's worth.

Thanks
Scotty McFly

Vomit

If money is the issue, I say C32 hands down. For $30K you can buy a sweet car. A C55 with similar mileage will cost you at least another $10K.

zoink

I also love F/I cars... just like Scotty (is your name Scotty or Vic? ) said.... power extraction is far more feasible than N/A. Yes, you could put blowers to N/A engine... but it'll cost an arm and a leg and require a lot more work...

F/I car, on the other hand, has more parts to break... so typically, it's less reliable... also, when you work the engine too much, the blower will just shut off and there you go you've got a slow a$$ car

Comparing C32 with C55... I think it's all the matter of people's preference... yes, C32 can be made faster than C55 for the same amount of money.... but, it'll miss the low-end torque from the V8 monster.... and unfortunately, I love that low-end torque....

If you wish for the best of both worlds.... get W211 ('03+) E55.... I know it's a lot more expensive... but well, it endulges your senses more

vic32amg

E55 =

PC Valkyrie

Yes, getting extra power for the C32 from the aftermarket is far easier and cheaper than the C55. And yes, I'm sure that with aftermarket suspension and springs, the C32 can probably be transformed into a very capable track weapon.

Sorry if I came across C55 biased, but I just wanted to list the differences between the C55 and C32. Most people don't realize how many differences there are between the 2 cars and just assume that the only difference is the engine. MB and AMG really did try to make the C55 a better handling car, and I think they succeeded. Too bad not many people know....

Ultimately, it's called progress. I'm sure the new W204 C-class AMG car will blow the doors off the current C55.

FrankW

agreed on a lot of advancement has been made to the C55. stock vs stock the C55 is indeed a better car.

don't think there will be a problem with low end torque on the C32 once it's modded. a chipped and pulley C32 will yield similar torque number as the C55 and the C32 do make all these torque from 2k to near redline. The 55 has more instant torque since it's doesn't have to wait for the supercharger.

people who already has the C32 may not feel like it's a big upgrade going to the C55 especially those who have already put $$ into their C32. I'm attached to my car. When getting a new car I'm aiming for W211 E55. Thank GOD for depreciation!!!

I like the new seats tho...more lateral support.

andy_cyp

Very very true, theres no way ide invest in a 55 over my 32, ive already spent in excess of $6500 on my 32 so the next step up imho is a 211/ E55.

Lagunatic

I used to own a few Bimmers ('99 325i, then an '03 M3) and never thought I'd ever own a MB. Not because of any other reason than I didn't know much about them. I just picked up a 02C32AMG and can say that I like it more than the Bimmers. My wife had some initial issues with me getting a MB because she thinks they're pretencious and too "flashy". I got it for the power and practicality of having 4 doors. Anyway, congrats on the ML350!

pointman

best thread eva!

while youre at it, can someone tell me the difference between a mercedes and a bmw? thanks.

also, this is a joke.

derrick_lui

As a ex-C55 Owner, I feel I must express some thoughts.
I think I am the first one (perhaps the only one on the planet..not sure) to sell a C55 and buy a C32....some say im stupid, but i felt it was a good move.

This all relates to the modding issue, stock to stock..the C55 is better in acceleration esp from the massive V8 torque. The looks of the C55 is better too esp having the CLK headlamp design and the quad exhaust mufflers. The V8 sounds much better than the C32. Comparing both sounds, the C32 engine sounds bad (my opinion) but the supercharger whine is very cool. From stock cars, the c32 feels noticably weaker in acceleration HOWEVER, i felt that the C32 handles a bit better than the C55 and brakes a bit better too.

After installing the EVOsport Stage I, the low end power for the C32 is not as strong as the C55 but the high end power is noticable more powerful than the C55..

hope this helps

FrankW

the one and only who went from C55 back to C32...

and I still say you are mad...LOL jk