i thought we went over this a long time ago...LOL

stock vs stock...C55 > C32.

The 32's fun as hell to mod, but not as fun when it comes to it's known problems.

honestly on the visual difference, 99% of the ppl won't be able to tell you that the C55 looks any different than the C230 sport/C32s out there especially girls. On car forums we're a unique bunch, people who post on here often doesn't just treat their cars like normal transportation.

 

I think the debate is not really if the C32 is better (or worse) than the C55. If you compare the two cars, the C55 will always be better, maybe "slightly" better but still better in almost every aspect, and it should be because it is the newer model. However, most of the debate on this site asks if it's worth it to upgrade from the C32 to the C55. Is it worth it to spend $10k to $15k extra for minor upgrades especially when performance is almost the same? Historically, Mercedes upgraded the performance quite a bit with the introduction of new models, but for some reason didn't do that with the C55. The cars are maybe 95% similar and 5% different. It would make more sense for someone coming from a C43 or a C36 or a different car to jump into a C55 as opposed to C32 because it is a big step up and a newer/upgraded model, but not for someone who already owns a C32. I think C32 owners would be much better off modding their cars especially when the C32 is so much more FUN to drive modded. I loved every minute of driving mine after the mods. Modding a C32 and waiting for the C63 to drop in price should be the way to go for C32 owners rather than upgrading to the very similar C55. The two cars are much more similar than different.

Regarding C32 reliability, I've had Stage 2 upgrades on my car and had no problems after the upgrades what so ever. In fact, I tracked my car almost once a month and drove it spiritedly on the streets yet still had no problems, and I have the service history to prove it. Also, Vadim has put over 120,000 miles on his "heavily" modified C32 and the car was running fine. I saw it in person more than one time and even on the dyno was still impressive after the mods. The early models may have a few glitches here and there, but are easily fixable or upgradeable. I hit 4.27 seconds 0-60 and 12.69 1/4 mile in my modded C32 with heavy 18" chromed AMG wheels.

 

57,000 miles and I've replaced the intercooler fluid pump. Sole gremlin.

 

I guess you've been lucky. Other non-enthusiasts who were former owners and techs advised against it. No regrets here and I'm sure you would say the same regarding your choice.

 

I currently have a 2004 C32 and a 2006 C55. I am not a modder but to me, hands down, the C55 is far superior. It seems heavier, handles better, seems faster (though I guess its not). The seats are better, and the sound is fantastic.

What I really prefer over the C32 is the steering of the C55. I ahven't read up on what they did but i ahve never experienced the steering in any other car that I have owned. It is a perfectly constant resistance no matter where or how you are steering. Changing lanes at 70 or making a sharp u-turn, the steering keeps thae sme level of resistance. It is something that you ahve to experience to appreciate.

Even my wife brags to her friends how it feels to get behind the wheel of the C55. She never said that about the C32 and even states that she can absolutely tell the difference.

She currently has a C230 and we are looking for a new car for her. She told me that she wants one that handles and is as fast as the C55. That's a tall order cause I can assure you she is not getting a C55

Joe

 

give her the C55, and you get a C63

 

All facelifted 2005-2007 W203 C-class benefitted from a revised steering rack with a more direct steering ratio. However, the C55's rack is even more heavily weighted and has more feel than the non-AMG C230's, and C350's. When I drove a 2006 C230 loaner earlier this week, the steering felt not as "direct" as my C55's.

See this thread for all the differences between a C55 and C32:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...141&highlight=

 

Awesome comparison. Thanks

Joe