i know this has been discussed before, so i am not trying to rehash old topics, but i am really struggling with this decision...i cannot decide if i want to sell my car because it is the nicest car i have ever owned and is a lot of fun to drive, even if it means that i will be getting a nicer car...

anyways, thoughts, opinions, any input?

 

Hold off until something more special comes.
As badass as the E55 is (or moreso the engine) it's still going from MercedesA --> MercedesB.

I don't think the difference is that big, but then again, that's just me.

 

well, i am considering it for more than just the motor, although that is one of the main reasons...also would like to have heated/ventilated/dynamic seats, air suspension, etc...thanks for the input though!

 

Is the E63 on the market yet? I'm guessing that when the E63 hits the market, the E55 will come down in price. I also love the E55 and would consider it for my next car provided that, by then, I've got a third car that is well suited for track-day use. (My current 3rd car is an Audi TT Roadster which is not "legal" for track use without a roll bar, which is not available.)

My only qualms with the E55:

> Styling is by far the most dated of MB cars currently sold.
> Bigger isn't always better. Harder to park, more gas.
> "Old man" look.

That said, in a dark color, the E55 looks absolutely sick. When I pull up next to one in my C32, I feel like a child.

 

To add to the above, if it matters to you:

* insurance will be higher than the C
* extended warranty, if available, will be perhaps about 1k higher than the C
* if no warranty, maintenance will likely be more expensive too

It may be worthed though after you give it a test drive...

 

the E63's are out already..

I concur with Fifth.. Larger car, dated (don't agree that its the most dated.. look at the c class.. at least the E changed in 03..)

It won't handle nearly as well.. although I hear the new E63 is better.

I also just saw the new cl63.. OMG.. that car is beautiful!! I think it blows away the styling of all the other new models.. (Except the new S )

Do you want a bigger car that hauls *** in a straight line? Then E55.. If you like a more nimble "fun" car keep the C.. my two cents..

 

I have struggled with the same issue for the past year +. I love my 02 C32 and a good friend has a 05 E55. Here is my conclusion: The 55 is faster, bigger and nicer (options)...but it is one step up. One step seems silly for double the value of my C32 (or more). So....I am waiting till the end of 07 to purchase an 06 S65. (I hate the new S body, hate it!). The S65 Clearly two steps up (faster, bigger and nicer). S65s are going for $90s now, only a year old (180k sticker!). I hope to get one with 20k miles for $80ish next year. I was just toooo worried that I would drive the E for 6 months and then wonder..."is it really worth $40k more???" I have no doubt, after driving all the above, that in the S65 I will have not such issue although my bank account is further depleated.

 

 

i do need to check into insurance, hopefully the jump is not too painful...

and as far as styling goes, i really like the e55 and don't think it looks dated at all, especially considering the E63 only has a minor face lift=basically looks the same...

great input though! keep it coming, i am listening...

 

If I had a C32 and had the cash, I would jump to a E55 without thinking twice.

That and I think the E55 > E63 anyday.

 

If I hadn't already modded the C32, I would buy an E55. I don't toss the C around, so I don't think that I'd mind the larger E.

The E55 looks great. I don't think it looks any more dated then our Cs. Throw an E63 front bumper cover on there if you want

 

I love the new s class.. Its the hottest car on the road!! I think the old s class is fugly.. Guess we all have our own opinions!!

My buddy has an 06 e55.. I love the interior and all the goodies, and I thought I would be stepping up to an E after a while.. After seeing the new S and the new CL.. I am going to wait to see what they do with the new C class.. I just like having a small 4 door..

 

i think this is the major thing holding me back, my C32 is already pretty modded...i am just wanting something a little more refined than the C32, hence the E55...this is why i am torn

 

It is a tough choice.

Once C32 power addicts, there is always a need for more and more power.

Too much power is never enough.

Having just bought my C32, after having it on lease for the last 5 years, I had the same decission to make.

Do I keep it or do I go for E55, CLS55, S55 or how about 65s.

Since I have access to any AMGs pretty much on a daily basis, it was a tough decison for me.

Since my C32 is very heavily modded and sort of became part of my identity, I decided to keep it for several more years.

So what are the MB choices for someone coming from C32?

1. Obviously the bigger brother - E55. 2003s can be had under $50K. Already with 500HP, easily modded to 600HP. Against it is more understeer and bigger gas bills. Other 55s (S, CL and CLS) are still up there is price and more luxurios, but not quicker. E55s are the lightest of the bunch.

2. 65s. Pristine, almost new CPO examples are still above $120K. Well used ones can be had for low80s, but usually due to high mileage, some previous problems or MB buy backs. Fast and furious, but no handling. Pretty much point and shoot. Lots and lots of fun though. Can be modded to 700HP fairly easily.

There are of course other makes, but that is for another post.

 

as always, thanks for the valuable input...i think i am starting to lean toward selling the C32...and i just bought a nice set of 355mm Stoptechs brakes for the front...

 

I concur.

 

Been in your shoes just recently, wanted to go for Kleeman S/C or get another car (yes, E55/E63/CL55). At the end rediscovered new love for my C55 (just like Vadim). I do still admire E55 every time I see it on the road but I think I'm over it now. As much as I am a AMG guy I realized there are different things out there at least to consider. I'd like to see what new RS6 will look like as wel as new 63TT set up.
Good Luck!

 

God do it I love the E55 that much. Going to sell mine next year for a E55, got to wait until prices come down a bit more. Nothing against the C32 it's a great car but never forget the E55 has a V8 and once a V8 and you'll never go back

Good luck and keep us updated

 

I went and test drove an E55. I even took it home for a day to see if it was for me.

The next day I returned the car and decided to keep my C32. The car has everything I want; it's 4 doors, fun to drive, good power, and it will be paid off next month. My kid is only 1, so the back seat has plenty of room for him and his things.

I will save some money over the next 2 - 3 years, and at that time I will pick up another used MB or perhaps another BMW.

My advice would be to hold on to your investment and get some good use out of it before letting it go. Save up some money, and in 2 years you will be glad you waited.

 

i am planning to go drive one in the next day or two...i appreciate the input jerry...

 

Sounds good. I'm probably going to wait another year, keep the C32, then pick up an 04 SL55 and go wild.

 

How does the power of a stock E55 compare to your RennTech C32?

 

i am interested to make this comparison as well...

 

Well, it's hard to describe. The E55 feels smoother during acceleration and it felt like the engine did less work to get the car moving to the speed I wanted. However, I have raced 2 E55’s and beat them both. Both had the same scenario, we were at a red light, the light turned green, I had a good launch and won by ½ car length at over 115 mph. I know that if we had been rolling, or if either douche bags knew how to drive, I would have lost the race. I’m 99% sure both were bone stock too.

The power feels more consistent with the E55 during normal driving, but I had a chance to open her up a few times, and the heat soak really took over after a few runs.

The C32 feels lighter and easier to steer.

I could have fallen asleep and slept for 3 hours in the E55. The space in the cabin was awesome, but more than what I needed.

Since you are going to test drive one, have a friend follow you in your C32 and do a run or two. Try to take a corner at 20 and see if you like the “tank” feeling. I feel that the car is too large for my taste, but I have never owned a car that large and I’m sure it will just take some time to get used to.

Don’t get me wrong, the E55 > C32 any day. But, for the money, the C32 is where I want to be. It’s nice to have a 430+ HP MB for less than $35K.

You could almost buy 2 C32’s and mod them for the price of one decent E55.

If money was not an issue, I would have kept the E55 and never have looked back.

 

TopGun32 - Can you add your input?