C32 or C55
#51
Dude, you went backwards! -- Just kidding. Hey, do what you like, not the 'popular thing' to do.
I just think the C55 is worth the investment, if anything because of the interior; I mean, the exterior of a C32 still looks great, even better than some 07 C-Classes, but the interior of a C32, maybe not now, but in 2-3 years may start to look a little outdated (esp. w/o nav). That's why I think the C55 is worth it, but if it's out of the budget, it's out of the budget.
Good luck!
Tee_Tz.
I just think the C55 is worth the investment, if anything because of the interior; I mean, the exterior of a C32 still looks great, even better than some 07 C-Classes, but the interior of a C32, maybe not now, but in 2-3 years may start to look a little outdated (esp. w/o nav). That's why I think the C55 is worth it, but if it's out of the budget, it's out of the budget.
Good luck!
Tee_Tz.
I've had newer C class loaners, and while the C32 is not "pretty" I prefer it's "business-like" interior to the newer Cs.
#52
Prediction. In 2 or 3 years, having a nav screen is going to be like having an 8 track tape player. With hand-held and portable nav units getting smaller, and phone/media/data handhelds getting more full-featured, and bluetooth integration, and the evolution of fold-up/roll-up displays, you'll see an evolution away from massive "hard" nav screens which, IMHO have ruined the layout of many cars. The BMW/Audi nav screens make the dashboards look silly..
I've had newer C class loaners, and while the C32 is not "pretty" I prefer it's "business-like" interior to the newer Cs.
I've had newer C class loaners, and while the C32 is not "pretty" I prefer it's "business-like" interior to the newer Cs.
I say in 2-3 years pretty much every nice car is going to have navigation standard.
#53
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,539
Likes: 4
From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
I strongly disagree. I have Telenav on my KRZR and iGuidance on my smartphone. Both are pretty good navigation programs. They don't come even close to the convenience of having navigation in my dash.
I say in 2-3 years pretty much every nice car is going to have navigation standard.
I say in 2-3 years pretty much every nice car is going to have navigation standard.
Nav will be like power windows. Used to be only the luxury cars had them. Now every car does.
#54
I strongly disagree. I have Telenav on my KRZR and iGuidance on my smartphone. Both are pretty good navigation programs. They don't come even close to the convenience of having navigation in my dash.
I say in 2-3 years pretty much every nice car is going to have navigation standard.
I say in 2-3 years pretty much every nice car is going to have navigation standard.
The newer face-lifted cars with navigation screens that are more centralized in the dashboard is the new 'modern car'. The fact of the matter is the C32 interior does not look more modern or better than a C55, I think 99.9% people would agree with me. The C55 is based on the same interior just face-lifted to make it look more modern, wider screen, better speedometer (I hate that you can't easily see the temp), and the fact of the matter is while the C32 looks "business like" in the year 2010 it'll just look "business like old".
Look at a 1995 Mercedes S-Class, and compare it to the new one, it just looks dated. Times change, and eventually things look old, that's all I was saying. And as you diss BMW about having the navigations center in the dashboard, the new S-Class is the same exact thing!
Tee_Tz.
Last edited by tee_tz; 02-01-2007 at 03:45 PM.
#55
If I had it to do over again, I'd have searched for a C32 WITHOUT nav. I like the nav fine, but having spent extra for it means I get to miss out on the really great aftermarket nav/sound systems. Plus, there's the extra weight, and the C32 is already porky.
#56
Yup, I insisted on buying one with COMMAND. I just ended up yanking it out to go aftermarket. Oh well
#57
I like the Comand because I like how it's flush and matches all the interior bits. The aftermarket Pioneer NAV kick ***, but I can't stand it because it looks out of place.
#58
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,539
Likes: 4
From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
Some of us don't have a choice. I had to get the Nav for my work. Would I like a better Nav? Hell yes. For now, it's the the best mix of form and function available for a 2002. Someone, riding with me this week, was surprised to see that an '02 even had Nav in the first place. I guess we think of these systems as a more recent offering.
#59
#62
#63
Plus, the way I see if, if I'm too dumb to find my way with a map like my father, great grandfather and great great grandfather before me, then I shouldn't be driving!
#65
The service I experienced at my local M-B dealer was so horrendous, that I am absolutely delighted to NOT have a warranty anymore. The thought of going back would almost scare me from even using it if I still had one
#66
#67
The only thing better than an extended warranty is a GOOD independent mechanic. One benefit of joining the local MBCA chapter is a referral network.
#68
#69
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,539
Likes: 4
From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
My vote is: Yes. If you have cash on hand.
#70
It sounds like you have pretty much ruled out the C55, but if you are still trying to decide between the two, and based on your concerns, I would go with the C55. No brainer...
#71
i no a Gs430 would get eatin alive by a C32 but the car has some neat gadgets...what do u guys think of that? just do the bolt ons and make it look nice...sacrifice performance for the reliability!?
#72
I have had the car for a few months only but from what I have read on this forum I see this. Maintaining the C32 is not that bad or even expensive if you have a good mechanic or dealership/garage. Seems that people spend a lot of money on things that did not actually cure the issue, unnecessary expenses.
For example, two of the more prominent issues are the faulty I/C pump and S/C noise (see the recent thread on it). Changing pump or bearings ended up being not that expensive at all if you do the right things. Though dealers sometimes charge much more to diagnose and are inclined to replace whole modules instead of refining the problem area.
Being able to communicate and share knowledge with fellow owners on this forum is a BIG plus to owning a C32, IMHO, even if you had the warranty (which I do).
For example, two of the more prominent issues are the faulty I/C pump and S/C noise (see the recent thread on it). Changing pump or bearings ended up being not that expensive at all if you do the right things. Though dealers sometimes charge much more to diagnose and are inclined to replace whole modules instead of refining the problem area.
Being able to communicate and share knowledge with fellow owners on this forum is a BIG plus to owning a C32, IMHO, even if you had the warranty (which I do).
#73
I have had the car for a few months only but from what I have read on this forum I see this. Maintaining the C32 is not that bad or even expensive if you have a good mechanic or dealership/garage. Seems that people spend a lot of money on things that did not actually cure the issue, unnecessary expenses.
For example, two of the more prominent issues are the faulty I/C pump and S/C noise (see the recent thread on it). Changing pump or bearings ended up being not that expensive at all if you do the right things. Though dealers sometimes charge much more to diagnose and are inclined to replace whole modules instead of refining the problem area.
Being able to communicate and share knowledge with fellow owners on this forum is a BIG plus to owning a C32, IMHO, even if you had the warranty (which I do).
For example, two of the more prominent issues are the faulty I/C pump and S/C noise (see the recent thread on it). Changing pump or bearings ended up being not that expensive at all if you do the right things. Though dealers sometimes charge much more to diagnose and are inclined to replace whole modules instead of refining the problem area.
Being able to communicate and share knowledge with fellow owners on this forum is a BIG plus to owning a C32, IMHO, even if you had the warranty (which I do).
I intend to go without a warranty, and as long as you have $5,000 available for the unlikely horrible failure, then you'll be fine.