New member, soon to be new owner with ?'s
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subaru STi
New member, soon to be new owner with ?'s
I joined recently and have been researching the different models. I am coming from a modified STi, but want something with more comfort and class.
I have been looking at the C32 and CLK55 (easily in my price range) and the E55 and S55 (more of a stretch) and am leaning more to the C32, but I am interested in any and all opinions on which is better and why.
If this is not the correct place please let me know and move it. I apologize if it is the wrong section.
Thanks in advance,
Jerry
I have been looking at the C32 and CLK55 (easily in my price range) and the E55 and S55 (more of a stretch) and am leaning more to the C32, but I am interested in any and all opinions on which is better and why.
If this is not the correct place please let me know and move it. I apologize if it is the wrong section.
Thanks in advance,
Jerry
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
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From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
C32 Vs CLK55
You're in the right section in terms of information about the C32 AMG. First off, the E55 and/or the S55 would definately be much better choice than your first two choices hands down, but like you mentioned they also come with a higher price tag.
As for the C32 vs CLK55, both cars are very close in performance. It all depends on what you need. Do you want a 4 door sedan or will 2 doors be sufficient. Let me try to put this in an outline so that people can add to it, and please feel free to do so:
C32 Pros
======
C32 Cons
======
=======
CLK55 Cons
========
As for the C32 vs CLK55, both cars are very close in performance. It all depends on what you need. Do you want a 4 door sedan or will 2 doors be sufficient. Let me try to put this in an outline so that people can add to it, and please feel free to do so:
C32 Pros
======
- 4 doors family sedan.
- Very easy (and relatively cheap) to mod for good hp gains.
- Cheaper in price than CLK.
- Cheaper to maintain (parts and service cost less).
C32 Cons
======
- Relatively old design (slightly out-dated especially with the emergence of the new C-Class).
- Harder to get warranty for it.
=======
- Newer model (more warranty, better options, updated technology, etc....).
- Better handling.
- Better looking, more exotic (holds a little higher status than the C-Class).
CLK55 Cons
========
- 2 door (almost no adult can fit in the back seats).
- More espensive.
- Difficult to mod.
Last edited by MB_Forever; Jan 3, 2008 at 02:33 AM.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
I'll just add and change to the quote on the pros and cons
Those two cars combined = C55 AMG which gives you better reliability, better interior, and better handling. BUT engine still expensive to mod.
You're in the right section in terms of information about the C32 AMG. First off, the E55 and/or the S55 would definately be much better choice than your first two choices hands down, but like you mentioned they also come with a higher price tag.
As for the C32 vs CLK55, both cars are very close in performance. It all depends on what you need. Do you want a 4 door sedan or will 2 doors be sufficient. Let me try to put this in an outline so that people can add to it, and please feel free to do so:
C32 Pros
======
C32 Cons
======
=======
CLK55 Cons
========
As for the C32 vs CLK55, both cars are very close in performance. It all depends on what you need. Do you want a 4 door sedan or will 2 doors be sufficient. Let me try to put this in an outline so that people can add to it, and please feel free to do so:
C32 Pros
======
- 4 doors family sedan.
- Very easy (and relatively cheap) to mod for good hp gains.
- Cheaper in price than CLK.
- Cheaper to maintain (parts and service cost less).
- DIY fix and mods information are readily available for common problems.
C32 Cons
======
- Relatively old design (slightly out-dated especially with the emergence of the new C-Class).
- Harder to get warranty for it.
- If MPG is your thing. This only gets 21-23 HWY according to most owners.
- If you don't have the warranty, the biggest problem will be glycol contamination (meaning coolant mixing with tranny fluid causing problems)
=======
- Newer model (more warranty, better options, updated technology, etc....). <---other than keyless start. same technology as the C of which is based.
- Better looking, more exotic (holds a little higher status than the C-Class). <---yet to be replaced to be exact, so hold value better.
- N/A is more reliable.
CLK55 Cons
========
- 2 door (almost no adult can fit in the back seats).
- More espensive.
- Difficult to mod and expensive to mod.
- pretty much the same interior as the C-class, but cost you more. (depending on the year, the 05-up has better interior. however it will cost you)
- Heavier car then the C-class.
- higher insurance
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
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LET C32 2002
I would keep an eye out for the C55 its a naturaly aspirate V8 that's a tad expensive to mod but you coming from a STI would most likely find cheaper avenues to mod it. C32 with SC are so mod friendly and getting even cheaper to own and mod everyday. I personally prefer to stretch a little and get an E55 with 469 HP it will keep you happy for a while and when you get bored with the power you can mod it easily and be happy again. Besides you get better interiors and ample space.
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From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
Overall, there has been many changes, but I think they're just the natural progression of newer models.
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MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
FrankW, The CLK55 has more available options than the C32 other than just keyless go. It also has parktronic, optional cooling/ventilated seats, electronic trunk closer, multi-contour and active dynamic seats, smart lighting system (the bi-xenon lights will turn as you turn not just up and down as in C32), optional distronic (Euro only), 2004+ models have a whole different COMMAND unit, better navigation screen, better suspension, 2005+ have upgraded steering rack, etc..... Also, I think the MPG is about the same on both cars
Overall, there has been many changes, but I think they're just the natural progression of newer models.
Overall, there has been many changes, but I think they're just the natural progression of newer models.
after reading his first post again I now realize he might have been talking about the w208 CLK55 which is in his price range if he is comparing it with the C32.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
I joined recently and have been researching the different models. I am coming from a modified STi, but want something with more comfort and class.
I have been looking at the C32 and CLK55 (easily in my price range) and the E55 and S55 (more of a stretch) and am leaning more to the C32, but I am interested in any and all opinions on which is better and why.
If this is not the correct place please let me know and move it. I apologize if it is the wrong section.
Thanks in advance,
Jerry
I have been looking at the C32 and CLK55 (easily in my price range) and the E55 and S55 (more of a stretch) and am leaning more to the C32, but I am interested in any and all opinions on which is better and why.
If this is not the correct place please let me know and move it. I apologize if it is the wrong section.
Thanks in advance,
Jerry
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
I only say keyless go because I thought he was talking about the 03-04 clk55. I did forgot about the multi-contour seats/ventilated seats tho. The other stuff they can be added via Steve or Sunil if you are willing to spent other than the smart lighting for bixenon.
after reading his first post again I now realize he might have been talking about the w208 CLK55 which is in his price range if he is comparing it with the C32.
after reading his first post again I now realize he might have been talking about the w208 CLK55 which is in his price range if he is comparing it with the C32.
I realize that now as well...... I wonder which CLk55 he was talking about?
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 151
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From: Fairfax, VA
2019 CLS450 4matic, 2013 CLS550 4matic (totaled), 2005 C55 (traded), & a Ford F150
I think you need to consider how frequently you carry adults in the rear seats. If you carry adults in the back seats frequently, I would definitely go with either the E or S class. If you don't carry adults in the back seat that much, I would go with the C55.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2007
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subaru STi
Wow, thanks for all the replies! This is a very helpful forum.
I am mainly looking at 03-04 (didn't the C32 stop with 03 and the C55 took it's place?) Are there alot of advantages to going newer? What about reliability between the 2 (or 3 with the C55) and the years?
thanks,
Jerry
I am mainly looking at 03-04 (didn't the C32 stop with 03 and the C55 took it's place?) Are there alot of advantages to going newer? What about reliability between the 2 (or 3 with the C55) and the years?
thanks,
Jerry
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: Fairfax, VA
2019 CLS450 4matic, 2013 CLS550 4matic (totaled), 2005 C55 (traded), & a Ford F150
Wow, thanks for all the replies! This is a very helpful forum.
I am mainly looking at 03-04 (didn't the C32 stop with 03 and the C55 took it's place?) Are there alot of advantages to going newer? What about reliability between the 2 (or 3 with the C55) and the years?
thanks,
Jerry
I am mainly looking at 03-04 (didn't the C32 stop with 03 and the C55 took it's place?) Are there alot of advantages to going newer? What about reliability between the 2 (or 3 with the C55) and the years?
thanks,
Jerry
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,856
Likes: 4
02 C32 AMG
Wow, thanks for all the replies! This is a very helpful forum.
I am mainly looking at 03-04 (didn't the C32 stop with 03 and the C55 took it's place?) Are there alot of advantages to going newer? What about reliability between the 2 (or 3 with the C55) and the years?
thanks,
Jerry
I am mainly looking at 03-04 (didn't the C32 stop with 03 and the C55 took it's place?) Are there alot of advantages to going newer? What about reliability between the 2 (or 3 with the C55) and the years?
thanks,
Jerry
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
The C55 started as model year 2005 and ended with model year 2006.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
Wow, thanks for all the replies! This is a very helpful forum.
I am mainly looking at 03-04 (didn't the C32 stop with 03 and the C55 took it's place?) Are there alot of advantages to going newer? What about reliability between the 2 (or 3 with the C55) and the years?
thanks,
Jerry
I am mainly looking at 03-04 (didn't the C32 stop with 03 and the C55 took it's place?) Are there alot of advantages to going newer? What about reliability between the 2 (or 3 with the C55) and the years?
thanks,
Jerry
C55 ---> 2005 to 2006
CLK55 ---> Pre 2003 is the old body style and 2003+ is new body style
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2007
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subaru STi
Well I drove a C32 (2004) today. I was not all that impressed with the acceleration, but I think there was something wrong with this one. It had been sitting for a long time according to the salesman.
The interior was nice, but a little cramped.
I have a line on an 03 CLK for just under $30K (28 I think) with 38K miles. Does that sound right? I have not looked at it yet.
If anyone is in or near Dublin OH it is as Byers Dublin Dodge. If you want to take a look at it for me I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Jerry
The interior was nice, but a little cramped.
I have a line on an 03 CLK for just under $30K (28 I think) with 38K miles. Does that sound right? I have not looked at it yet.
If anyone is in or near Dublin OH it is as Byers Dublin Dodge. If you want to take a look at it for me I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Jerry
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
Well I drove a C32 (2004) today. I was not all that impressed with the acceleration, but I think there was something wrong with this one. It had been sitting for a long time according to the salesman.
The interior was nice, but a little cramped.
I have a line on an 03 CLK for just under $30K (28 I think) with 38K miles. Does that sound right? I have not looked at it yet.
If anyone is in or near Dublin OH it is as Byers Dublin Dodge. If you want to take a look at it for me I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Jerry
The interior was nice, but a little cramped.
I have a line on an 03 CLK for just under $30K (28 I think) with 38K miles. Does that sound right? I have not looked at it yet.
If anyone is in or near Dublin OH it is as Byers Dublin Dodge. If you want to take a look at it for me I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Jerry
If the CLK55 is convertible, it will be slightly slower due to increased weight, but if it is the non-convertible one, then it should be close to the C32 in performance.
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02 C32 AMG
Sometimes the bosch intercooler pump fails, as it is not really that durable or high quality. If that is the case, acceleration will suffer greatly. But that is a very minor problem. Most people here replace it with Johnson CM30 pump (much higher quality and durability). If you do end up getting the car and need to replace the pump, contact Erick at LETMotorsports, he was running a special on them last month......
