Opinion for newbie - 02 E55 or 03/04 C32?
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Menlo Park, CA
Porsche 965
Opinion for newbie - 02 E55 or 03/04 C32?
Hi. I'm coming from a 1991 911 turbo (the wife has won the war of practicality). I'll sell the turbo (around $40k and take the proceeds to buy a car. I thought it would be an M5, but I'm hearing about too many problems that are scaring me off.
Note that I also once owned a 1992 500E that I absolutely loved, but was so damn expensive to keep up that I threw in the towel. And I still remember a C43 test drive in 1999 where I thought that was the best car I had driven to that point.
Always loved the E55 and like the idea of a C32. Anyone owned or driven both? Opinions on pro's and con's? Looks like they have similar horsepower, but the V8 vs. supercharged V6 is something I don't have experience with. I like the looks of the newer C32 vs. the older E55. Thanks.
Note that I also once owned a 1992 500E that I absolutely loved, but was so damn expensive to keep up that I threw in the towel. And I still remember a C43 test drive in 1999 where I thought that was the best car I had driven to that point.
Always loved the E55 and like the idea of a C32. Anyone owned or driven both? Opinions on pro's and con's? Looks like they have similar horsepower, but the V8 vs. supercharged V6 is something I don't have experience with. I like the looks of the newer C32 vs. the older E55. Thanks.
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From: Keesler AFB, Gulfport, MS
C32 AMG
Not just because I'm bias, but between those and the years, go for the newest 32 you can get. I believe it was 2003 or 2004 the E55 undertook some big changes, for the better. The '02 E55 wouldn't be worth it to me.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5
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From: Menlo Park, CA
Porsche 965
I expected a bit of favoritism for the C32. Here's what I see...
Why get an 03/04 C32 over an 02 E55:
- E55 is heavier, bigger, and the steering is reportedly a little ponderous
- the C32 will be newer, more attractive, maybe a little quicker and better handling, better on gas
- the C32 is more modern, E55 looks dated
- C32 might be a little cheaper
- C32 can be easily modded for higher performance
Why get an 02 E55 over a later C32:
- 02 E55 is the final year of that model, before the redesign, and is probably well sorted out (don't know if that makes it less likely to have problems than the C32)
- the extra size of the E55 makes it more practical for the long haul
- E55 has the sound and feel of the V8
- V8 might (?) be less complex and prone to problems than the supercharged 6
Neutrals
- in either case, an extended warranty is a good idea
- depreciation sucks - both will continue to drop in value
Does this sound right?
Why get an 03/04 C32 over an 02 E55:
- E55 is heavier, bigger, and the steering is reportedly a little ponderous
- the C32 will be newer, more attractive, maybe a little quicker and better handling, better on gas
- the C32 is more modern, E55 looks dated
- C32 might be a little cheaper
- C32 can be easily modded for higher performance
Why get an 02 E55 over a later C32:
- 02 E55 is the final year of that model, before the redesign, and is probably well sorted out (don't know if that makes it less likely to have problems than the C32)
- the extra size of the E55 makes it more practical for the long haul
- E55 has the sound and feel of the V8
- V8 might (?) be less complex and prone to problems than the supercharged 6
Neutrals
- in either case, an extended warranty is a good idea
- depreciation sucks - both will continue to drop in value
Does this sound right?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,146
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From: L.A., CA
'08 M5, '10 Land Cruiser
The money you're talking about must mean the E39 M5 is what you're considering. They have no real problems provided they are a well serviced one owner car. I say E39 M5 or C32- very different but can't go wrong with either
