C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

New C55 owner!

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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 09:05 PM
  #1  
duvee's Avatar
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From: WI
2006 C55
New C55 owner!

HI all,
I have been reading this forum for last month or so because I couldnt decide if I should trade my 07 Acura TL for a BMW 335i or C55. Well, after driving both, you guessed it, I now have a silver 2006 C55 (16K miles) w/HID lights and Navi in the garage. I absolutely love the car but have a couple questions.

1) The front tires make a significant "roar" when accelerating or decelerating between 15mph and 25mph. Other wise they are pretty quiet, I would estimate wear at about 60% life left. Is this because the fronts have probably not been rotated or is this common with the Pirelli P Zeros?

2) If I get new tires can I put 255/35/18 on stock rear rim instead of the standard 245/35/18? That would make the tire sidewall .1 of an inch taller, but im looking for slightly wider tire in back without purchasing new wheels.

3) Is there any "plug and play" upgrade speakers for the C55? I dont want any complicated install, just replacement speakers.

So far the weather here in WI has been raining last 3 days, I cannot wait for some warm dry weather to put the C55 though its paces, IM PUMPED!
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 10:16 PM
  #2  
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I dont know about the C55 enough but enjoy ur car and post some pics
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 10:49 PM
  #3  
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C55 AMG, 135i, 911 GT3, GLE43 AMG
Definite "YES" for question number 2.

Congrats on the car. I'm curious, what was it about the test drive that convinced you to get the C55 over the 335i?
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 10:54 PM
  #4  
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My P Zeros are kinda noisy too.

Congrats on the car!
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 10:58 PM
  #5  
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2019 CLS450 4matic, 2013 CLS550 4matic (totaled), 2005 C55 (traded), & a Ford F150
Originally Posted by duvee
HI all,
I have been reading this forum for last month or so because I couldnt decide if I should trade my 07 Acura TL for a BMW 335i or C55. Well, after driving both, you guessed it, I now have a silver 2006 C55 (16K miles) w/HID lights and Navi in the garage. I absolutely love the car but have a couple questions.

1) The front tires make a significant "roar" when accelerating or decelerating between 15mph and 25mph. Other wise they are pretty quiet, I would estimate wear at about 60% life left. Is this because the fronts have probably not been rotated or is this common with the Pirelli P Zeros?

2) If I get new tires can I put 255/35/18 on stock rear rim instead of the standard 245/35/18? That would make the tire sidewall .1 of an inch taller, but im looking for slightly wider tire in back without purchasing new wheels.

3) Is there any "plug and play" upgrade speakers for the C55? I dont want any complicated install, just replacement speakers.

So far the weather here in WI has been raining last 3 days, I cannot wait for some warm dry weather to put the C55 though its paces, IM PUMPED!
Welcome to the C55 club! My front tires also make road noise. I have to admit that I didn't notice it until I took my dad for a ride and he thought it was engine noise. I told him it was just road noise and dealer confirmed. Currently running Toyo tires, Front tires lots of life, rear almost to wear bars. I'm thinking of switching to Goodyear GS-D3's, had them on my last car and loved them, great grip, but not all season tires.

Can't help with the other questions but am interested to know because I definitely want more grip in the rear.

Good luck with the new toy!!
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 11:00 PM
  #6  
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2019 CLS450 4matic, 2013 CLS550 4matic (totaled), 2005 C55 (traded), & a Ford F150
Originally Posted by PC Valkyrie
I'm curious, what was it about the test drive that convinced you to get the C55 over the 335i?

Last edited by Quick Silver; Jan 7, 2008 at 11:04 PM.
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Old Jan 8, 2008 | 02:07 PM
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Welcome! Enjoy your beast!

I am not by any means a tech when it comes to these cars but can say usually if worded right the search functions provides most of your common questions the answers you seek.
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Old Jan 8, 2008 | 02:08 PM
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Originally Posted by PC Valkyrie
Definite "YES" for question number 2.
I love your sig picture!
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Old Jan 8, 2008 | 02:52 PM
  #9  
RW C55's Avatar
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'10 E63 Obsidiant Black; '06 R350 Alabaster White; 05 C55 Obsidiant Black (sold)
Do you mind me asking why u trading in the TL? i mean, its new, and TL is a good car, so whats the reason for the trade?
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Old Jan 8, 2008 | 07:08 PM
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Originally Posted by RW C55
Do you mind me asking why u trading in the TL? i mean, its new, and TL is a good car, so whats the reason for the trade?
What a question. Like it isn't obvious! Its a big upgrade in performance and style.
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Old Jan 8, 2008 | 07:19 PM
  #11  
RW C55's Avatar
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'10 E63 Obsidiant Black; '06 R350 Alabaster White; 05 C55 Obsidiant Black (sold)
Originally Posted by c32used
What a question. Like it isn't obvious! Its a big upgrade in performance and style.
Ya i know, but i mean, he just got his TL since its an 07.. and in less than 1 year he decided to change a car..
if it was me I would've wait a few years for used W204 AMGs or E92 Ms..
but still, C55 > TL any day
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Old Jan 8, 2008 | 08:32 PM
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Originally Posted by RW C55
Ya i know, but i mean, he just got his TL since its an 07.. and in less than 1 year he decided to change a car..
if it was me I would've wait a few years for used W204 AMGs or E92 Ms..
but still, C55 > TL any day
Sorry my comment was rude...please forgive me.
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Old Jan 8, 2008 | 08:49 PM
  #13  
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02 CLK 55 AMG,09 C63 loaded with P30
Acura TLs are nice but too many around. C55 is sweet.
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Old Jan 8, 2008 | 10:39 PM
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Congrats on the car, the C55 is an awsome car.....

Now, to answer some questions:

1) Yes, the Pzero's are a little louder than the Michellins, but I wouldn't characterize the sound as "significant". I had Perelli Pzeros on my car before I switched to PS2, and the sound was there, but not too noticable. So just as a peace of mind, I would have the wheels and tires examined at a tire shop to make sure everything is in order.

2) Yes, a couple of people have done this already on the forum. Looks like you're on the right track

3) I'm not sure if upgrading the speakers alone will yield a significant improvement. You will likely need to change the head unit, speakers, amps, etc.... Here are some that I've seen used in the past with some success:
- MB Quart
- Rockford Fosgate
- Focal

Good luck, and don't forget to post some pictures.....
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 12:05 AM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by c32used
Sorry my comment was rude...please forgive me.
No problem
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 12:51 PM
  #16  
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Thanks for the responses!

To answer some of the questions......
1) I will work on my sig

2) We had a 2006 C6 Corvette convertible 6 speed manual trans(had incredible acceleration), sold and bought a 2007 TL. The TL is a very smooth, quiet, and practical car. I believe I purchased it based on the wife "loving it" on a test drive. She thought it was "snappy", and it was.

I figured I could live without the big power.....turns out Im addicted to the faster caliber cars and was not happy after 6 months with the TL. I had to get something "practical" meaning a 4dr with exilerating power. I guess im addicted to that type of power.

3) SO, I narrowed down to the 335i and C55. To me the C55 felt "lighter", more nimble and had a smaller feel. Both C55 and 335i have a lot of straight line power, however I love the instant "V8" repsponse. I dont care what anyone says about the 335i it is NOT instant snap your neck power like the C55. The 335i builds power, there is a slight delay from full throttle to push back in your seat. Also I have previously owned an Infiniti M45, I loved the instant big V8 power. Lastly, the TL is a great car, but for my taste it was underpowered and I prefer rear wheel drive.

Besides the fact that overall I preferred the C55 marginally over the 335i in driving dynamics, I got cold feet towards the 335i after I read 100s of complaints about the fuel pump problems and missing oil cooler problems of the 335i.

4) I will post pics as soon as it stops raining here in WI, been ridiculous weather the last week.
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by duvee
To answer some of the questions......
1) I will work on my sig

2) We had a 2006 C6 Corvette convertible 6 speed manual trans(had incredible acceleration), sold and bought a 2007 TL....

I figured I could live without the big power.....turns out Im addicted to the faster caliber cars and was not happy after 6 months with the TL. I had to get something "practical" meaning a 4dr with exilerating power. I guess im addicted to that type of power.
I've heard it so many times before - "I don't need that amount of hp". A person trying to justify their current/intended purchase. If u belong to any automotive forum, chances are "uh, yes u do not only need, but highly desire hp!"

Honestly, how could u go from a C6 to a TL and think u'd be happy?...Not to mention the FWD layout.

Lesson learned, and I will always say when it comes to sheer raw power, there is no way one can "settle" for anything less.

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the car!

Now if only AMG would make manual transmission cars.....
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 04:49 PM
  #18  
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oh ya couple other comments

The C55 I felt was the better looking car of the two
Exclusivity
Ive owned 3 Bimmers already (318ti, M Roadster, X3) and 0 MBs

I tried to talk myself into (258 HP is enough) plus heavy pressure from wife, O well, Im happy as a 2 peckered goat now with the C55 (Can I say that in here?)
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 05:12 PM
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Originally Posted by duvee
The C55 I felt was the better looking car of the two
Exclusivity
Ive owned 3 Bimmers already (318ti, M Roadster, X3) and 0 MBs

I tried to talk myself into (258 HP is enough) plus heavy pressure from wife, O well, Im happy as a 2 peckered goat now with the C55 (Can I say that in here?)
I nerves had a Bimmer but if it were me I'd pick the C55 too...no comparison.
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 05:38 PM
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02 C32 AMG
welcome and enjoy your new car!
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