07 C Class - Irratating..
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
ML63 AMG
Fifth Ring - I guess you're kind of right. But I suppose it also depends how you look at it. From Mercedes' perspective, the extra money you pay is for the engine - not for the look (as evident with a C350 and a C230, which look exactly identical) - the look is a standard C-Class sport model look and I guess the C32/C55 while exclusive and AMG breed cars, are still part of the C-Class family, therefore inherit similar components. Hence if the other C-Class models are not given AMG Body kits then the price should be lowered by about $4,000 less.
Personally I don't think they should have extremely exclusive looks, BUT I understand where you guys are coming from. I mean, one can say the interior appointments should only be reserved for the C32/C55 (which is actually what YOU see, or spend your time in -- so should be just as important). Things like the silver trim, AMG sport pedals, and so forth.
Anyway, maybe Mercedes will take that into account (AMG owners wanting a exclusive look), I mean the new S-Class makes you pay for the option, and while the CLK/E/CLS offers it free, perhaps the C-Class will charge for it in furture -- or just not have one.
Tee_Tz.
Personally I don't think they should have extremely exclusive looks, BUT I understand where you guys are coming from. I mean, one can say the interior appointments should only be reserved for the C32/C55 (which is actually what YOU see, or spend your time in -- so should be just as important). Things like the silver trim, AMG sport pedals, and so forth.
Anyway, maybe Mercedes will take that into account (AMG owners wanting a exclusive look), I mean the new S-Class makes you pay for the option, and while the CLK/E/CLS offers it free, perhaps the C-Class will charge for it in furture -- or just not have one.
Tee_Tz.
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Vancouver, B.C. Canada
05 C55
i know someone with a c32 and he debagged it completely. the side badges + the rear badges are gone. he calls it a sleeper car.
everyone has their own taste and their own reason for buying the car they have. not everyone needs a V8 and often money isnt the issue.
i had a 2005 C 230 SS for just over a year before i decided to lose an arm and a leg so i can upgrade to a C55. my only reason was the performance. sure the CLK front and quad exhaust were bonuses - i am not going to lie, they're great! and no i did not debadge, i like my AMG emblem
i've only had one car try to race me - a 05 mustang GT. i think we can all assume the result.
everyone has their own taste and their own reason for buying the car they have. not everyone needs a V8 and often money isnt the issue.
i had a 2005 C 230 SS for just over a year before i decided to lose an arm and a leg so i can upgrade to a C55. my only reason was the performance. sure the CLK front and quad exhaust were bonuses - i am not going to lie, they're great! and no i did not debadge, i like my AMG emblem
i've only had one car try to race me - a 05 mustang GT. i think we can all assume the result.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,159
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From: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
ML63 AMG
i know someone with a c32 and he debagged it completely. the side badges + the rear badges are gone. he calls it a sleeper car.
everyone has their own taste and their own reason for buying the car they have. not everyone needs a V8 and often money isnt the issue.
i had a 2005 C 230 SS for just over a year before i decided to lose an arm and a leg so i can upgrade to a C55. my only reason was the performance. sure the CLK front and quad exhaust were bonuses - i am not going to lie, they're great! and no i did not debadge, i like my AMG emblem
i've only had one car try to race me - a 05 mustang GT. i think we can all assume the result.
everyone has their own taste and their own reason for buying the car they have. not everyone needs a V8 and often money isnt the issue.
i had a 2005 C 230 SS for just over a year before i decided to lose an arm and a leg so i can upgrade to a C55. my only reason was the performance. sure the CLK front and quad exhaust were bonuses - i am not going to lie, they're great! and no i did not debadge, i like my AMG emblem
i've only had one car try to race me - a 05 mustang GT. i think we can all assume the result.
[lol], That's funny about the Mustang. He must have remembered you and thought you still had that C230 
I agree - everyone buys for a different reason. For some the exterior look is important, some the interior, some the speed/performance, some the name - but whatever it is, it's their own liking. And I'm not trying to take away from the C32/C55's exclusivity, I think it should stand out from the lower models (as all AMGs - C, E, M, R, G, S, CL, SL, etc, etc) - absolutely. I think the S600 should too! I mean it is the only V12 in the family, deserves distinction. But I just think, at the very minimal if not for free, it should be a cost option to add the AMG Body Kit.
Yes, I agree money sometimes is not the issue - hey - millionaires own S550's (just look through the W221 forum), they just don't need the extra power of a S600 or S65. I could have easily brought a C32, I saw it in the lot, adored it but I really, really wanted a Benz stick shift; later hopefully when i get to the E-Class level, I'll have no choice but to get the AUTO (unless I get the BMW M5 Manual, whenever it arrives).
And I've seen a C55 debagged!! And yes, he was an American.
Tee_Tz.
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,064
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From: Canada
C55 AMG, 135i, 911 GT3, GLE43 AMG
I think it is fair to say that most people who spend the extra money to buy an AMG/M/S/RS car do it because of the enhanced performance over the standard models. But part of the fun is letting OTHER people know as well that you've bought something "special". And that's where external styling cues and badges can make a difference.
When the C32 first came out, it had the AMG front bumper/fog lights, AMG sideskirts, and AMG rear skirt along with dual AMG exhaust tips and 17" AMG rims to distinguish it from the standard C-class models. But don't forget about the badging too: in addition to the C32 AMG label on the trunk, there was a "V6 Kompressor" badge on front side body panel. That "V6 Kompressor" badge tells everyone that you have a special car.
Don't underestimate that last point about the badges. That is the easiest way for other people to identify the C32 as something "special", for those of you who haven't debadged your car.
Fortunately, the C55 doesn't suffer as badly from the identity crisis as the C32. The CLK front end, circular fog lights, 18" AMG rims, and quad exhausts help. But I wish it came with some sort of side badge like the other AMG cars. As an mod, I actually added "V8" badges on the front side panels of my car.
When the C32 first came out, it had the AMG front bumper/fog lights, AMG sideskirts, and AMG rear skirt along with dual AMG exhaust tips and 17" AMG rims to distinguish it from the standard C-class models. But don't forget about the badging too: in addition to the C32 AMG label on the trunk, there was a "V6 Kompressor" badge on front side body panel. That "V6 Kompressor" badge tells everyone that you have a special car.
Don't underestimate that last point about the badges. That is the easiest way for other people to identify the C32 as something "special", for those of you who haven't debadged your car.
Fortunately, the C55 doesn't suffer as badly from the identity crisis as the C32. The CLK front end, circular fog lights, 18" AMG rims, and quad exhausts help. But I wish it came with some sort of side badge like the other AMG cars. As an mod, I actually added "V8" badges on the front side panels of my car.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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C32 AMG
Debadging is a funny thing. I debadged my last car (Black Audi A6 2.7T) because without the badges it looked incredibly "pure" and purposeful. I didn't care whether people thought I was driving a 2.8, 4.2 or 3.0. I just loved the car's basic looks and the badges meant nothing to me. When clean and waxed, the car really turned heads.
The C32 badges will stay on because the AMG heritage is a HUGE part of this car. Moreover, I can't say that I'm in love with the C class shape enough to strip off the AMG label.
The C32 badges will stay on because the AMG heritage is a HUGE part of this car. Moreover, I can't say that I'm in love with the C class shape enough to strip off the AMG label.
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 136
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From: Chicago
02C32AMG
Not even just wheels, the M3 looks different period from every other 3er (E46 at least).
There was the powerdome on the hood, the vents on the side, the fender flares of course, the rear exhausts. All of it combined to make it look different than even a 330i with the M-Accessories.
There was the powerdome on the hood, the vents on the side, the fender flares of course, the rear exhausts. All of it combined to make it look different than even a 330i with the M-Accessories.
I don't mean to sound like M owners are arrogant and exclusive. IMO, if you want your 3-series to look like an M, then buy an M. Same goes for AMG. It's a hell of a lot cheaper to just buy the car you want the first time. Then again, if you only like certain parts of an AMG (like wheels or spoilers, then go for it).
Getting back to the original topic, the fact the MB is 'modding' their cars with AMG parts is just their way of attracting buyers to an aging model. As long as they don't start slapping the AMG emblem on the deck lid and engine of non AMG cars, then I guess I'm OK with it.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,239
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From: San Jose, CA
ML63
Speaking of modding a 3 series to look like an M.. there is this doofus around the corner from me with a regular 3 series.. he changed out his fenders with the M# version.. but it is so obviously not an M3 from every other aspect. DUH.. lol
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Nor Cal
06 c230 v6 SS
for one i would have never have bought my C if it didnt have the amg body styling, its a good medium for price and looks. two dont worry, when you hear your 3 liter supercharged engine spoool up and smoke a 06/07...you'll smile again.
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 21
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From: Cheshire, UK
2002 C32 AMG Peugeot 205 Rally car. Honda VFR Vtec
I love the fact that it's a sleeper, yeah it might look bland but I didn't buy it to say "look at me", much more interesting to say "watch me go" !
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C32 AMG
I think side badges were omitted from some. My 2002 had no side badges either. Given that 1/2 of the MB's on the road have some "kompressor" label somewhere, I can't say that I need it on the side of the car. I wish there was more (much more) AMG-specific decor inside the car.
