TemeculaC32

Thinking about trading the 2003 C32 (40K miles) in on a 2005 C55 (20K miles). Would get some warranty, newer navigation. I am reading though, the C32 is a faster car. Any thoughts/opinions? By the way, my C32 is out of warranty.

Ralf (Temecula, CA)

TA-9FF

Dude, this is a no brainer. And a C32 being a faster car? Are you kidding me?!!!

C55 all the way!

cbrcab

C32 > C55 ??? Anyway, if you got C32 I don't see a reason to
go get a C55, they almost the same car. But C32 is not faster
than the C55. You might want to wait for the C63 for your trade in.

zoink

If properly modded and with the same $$$ spent, C32 could be faster than C55. But still, from people here, it seems modded C32 still doesn't have the ooommmppphhh in low RPM that C55 has but it's due to smaller and 6-cyl engine. The tone is also different... I like the tone of C55 better than even W211 E55.

So to answer OP's question, I think it depends on what you want to do w/ the car. If you want to put some mods, C32 would give you much better bang for the bucks. But if you want to keep it stock, C55 is the way to go IMO.

CLKBSVegas

how much difference in price? A few grand, maybe worth it for a "newer" car + waranty.

But $10k+ does not seem to make sence to me. From my quick review of auto trader, ebay etc....it seems you will need maybe $15k plus taxes and reg. No way..spend $2500 and get an aftermarket w.... then sleep tight till you have the cash for an E55 or S65

Harry Madan

+1

sdsilverm3

The C32 can be a faster car. I don't think it is stock vs stock.

You all might disagree but I think the 55 drivetrain is more reliable as well.

rlee02135

take the money and mod the hell out of your C32

jgsx

If you didn't already have the C32, I'd say get the C55 if you plan on remaining stock. The C55 is slightly superior to the C32 in just about every way. It has an updated interior, fresh cluster, better seats, bigger rims, better suspension, better sounding exhaust tone, and has more factory warranty remaining. The C55 is better, but the C32 isn't far behind. The C55 is BARELY quicker than the C32 during a highway pull or from a dead stop. The C55 is quicker on a track run because of the suspension and motor characteristics combined.

But you already have the C32 . . . if you can get an extended warranty on it, I'd keep it. If you can't, I'd upgrade. I wouldn't want a Benz w/o a warranty, especially an AMG since everything is so expensive.

The one area where the C32 really shines is in modification potential. Throw on an $850 ASP pulley and the car will be significantly quicker than a C55. Add an ECU retune or the full stage 2, and the car will have some *****. The mods are pretty stealthy, so I really doubt you'll have warranty issues with the dealer. I've taken my car to two dealers and neither knew my car was modded. If you throw a supercharger on the C55, I wouldn't be suprised if you had warranty problems.

It is also easy to freshen up the C32. I upgraded my cluster, and I like it much better than the one that the C55 has. I also like my entire interior better than C55, minus the seats.

gkstar

Can you please post pics of the new cluster...

FrankW

you can search on numerous topics of discussion comparing the C32 vs C55. good luck with the decision.

ling, drivetrain is the same as far as gearbox goes.

PC Valkyrie

From a performance point of view, the C55 is superior overall because it handles a lot better than the C32. The C55 has laptimes almost identical to the E46 M3, while the C32's laptimes around Nurburgring and Hockenheim were significantly slower. The C55 also has a newer 5 speed gearbox that has a true M (manual) mode which won't upshift even if you hit the rev limiter (or won't downshift even if you floor the throttle to the kickdown position).

In my opinion, there are 2 advantages to the C32 over the C55: 1) if you want to modify your car's engine, you can get more HP gain per dollar with the supercharged V6 than the naturally aspirated V8 of the C55, and 2) the C32 has a more comfortable ride because of softer suspension.

Having said all this, I personally wouldn't trade up from a C32 to a C55. Even though the C55 is better in almost everyway, it wouldn't be enough of a change for me. If I were you, I'd rather wait for the next C63 or even the next M3 (which will probably come as a 4 door sedan too).

Here is a pic of the C55 instrument cluster (which is just a slightly modified version of the facelifted cluster from all 2005-2007 C-class cars):

TemeculaC32

The biggest motivator to trade up for me is the lack of warranty. Ran out in December, since then about 4500 in the car. As far as the mods go, I agree this is one path but who in SoCal works on these cars? Brabus is way too expensive, the dealerships due not seem to do performance work.

jgsx

socal is the best place to live for modding cars. www.evosport.com pretty much wrote the book on c32 modding.

amgmark

I almost traded in my C32 on an 06 C55.. I was going to have to fork out 25k for a car 3 years newer.. Even if the worst thing went wrong it still didn't equal the yearly output for the C55. (I paid cash so I don't have payments) Besides I am planning on leasing the C63 when it comes out.. So 25k for less than two years was not practical, especially with depreciation.

I like the V8, but if you already own a C32 there isn't much point in changing. IMO..

sdsilverm3

I was just referring to certain issues that keep popping up over and over with C32's. I never see any for the C55 though.

MB_Forever

It is not worth it to trade-in your C32 for C55 since both cars are very similar (maybe 95% similar). I know they are same speed 0-60 and 0-100 mph. So, waiting for the C63 or upgrading to an E55 is probably the better decision.
If you decide to keep it for a couple of more years, you should consider modding the car. A stage 2 C32 will KILL a C55 (even one modified with chip, air boxes, headers, and everything else except s/c or turbo). I got 4.2 seconds in 0-60 time more than once in my modded C32, and I've hanged with E55 until about 70 mph then E55 slowly pulled away.

yeuchau

yah
don't see any reaons to upgrade from c32 to c55
just wait for the new model

--phill--

how was this timed

shanetoast

Does anyone have pictures of an upgraded cluster in there C32?? If so please share. That was the only reason why i backed out of gettng one because it hurt my eyes. My sister has a c230 i think its an 03 and i just didnt feel the set up inside. So please share.. if i like maybe ill trade my car in and get a c32.

jgsx

I'll take some pictures this week. It won't be today though, it is way too nice out. Gonna slip out of the office a little early for a BBQ

Fifth Ring

Even with lower miles, the C55 is an "unknown" to you. Even with a warranty, you may have a lot of hassle. You know the C32, and it is so similar to the C55, you might as well keep it.

In the end, it comes down to money. Would I trade up for $1? Yes. Would I trade up for $1,000? Yes. Would I trade up for $10,000? Probably not. It's all in the money, and what that money is worth to you.

zcct04

Phil - MB Forever's C32 is a pretty unique vehicle. It looks quite capable of that speed.

shanetoast

Haha thats funny because i took the day off because it was nice out to go to the beach and have a little BBQ with my friends. Have a nice BBQ.

Harry Madan

+2