C32 vs. C55 - My Opinions
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 418
Likes: 1
08 MB
C32 vs. C55 - My Opinions
I'm pretty sure I have read all the comparison posts but like me there may still be people on the fence or not knowing what to do when new to these model cars.
This is in no way disrepecting C32 owners and are just my opinions based on what I like so I hope no one gets too bent out of shape.
The C32 foremost is a "very" appealing buy for someone looking for a 4 door hotrod that has both Mercedes and AMG tags on it and that's what "initially" got me hooked. But that's where the appeal ends when comparing to the C55.
I have read numerous posts where people ask about upgarding to a C55 from a C32 and people say "not worth it". I strongly disagree. After studying these cars more and more, seeing them side by side, listening to the exhaust tones, etc. the C55 is a big step up IMO.
Again the C32 is a great car for the money but the interior is dated compared to the C55 and dated in general(quality doesn't equal modern look so I'm not bashing the quality of the C32 but much cheaper newer cars are nicer looking so hard to justify IMO the cost of a dated looking car), the C55 front seats have much nicer side bolsters, the front end on the C55 borrowed from the CLK series is a "huge" cosmetic advantage compared to the snub nose of the C32, the 18" wheels of the C55 compared to 17" of the C32 really fit the car much better, the slightly lower suspension makes the C55 nicer looking, and then theres the dual exhaust with that V-8 sound!
If you are or were on the fence like me the C55 is such a nicer car that has several years of styling left in it. If your budget can swing the extra cost I doubt you will regert the decison. I know I'll be much more satisfied.
This is in no way disrepecting C32 owners and are just my opinions based on what I like so I hope no one gets too bent out of shape.
The C32 foremost is a "very" appealing buy for someone looking for a 4 door hotrod that has both Mercedes and AMG tags on it and that's what "initially" got me hooked. But that's where the appeal ends when comparing to the C55.
I have read numerous posts where people ask about upgarding to a C55 from a C32 and people say "not worth it". I strongly disagree. After studying these cars more and more, seeing them side by side, listening to the exhaust tones, etc. the C55 is a big step up IMO.
Again the C32 is a great car for the money but the interior is dated compared to the C55 and dated in general(quality doesn't equal modern look so I'm not bashing the quality of the C32 but much cheaper newer cars are nicer looking so hard to justify IMO the cost of a dated looking car), the C55 front seats have much nicer side bolsters, the front end on the C55 borrowed from the CLK series is a "huge" cosmetic advantage compared to the snub nose of the C32, the 18" wheels of the C55 compared to 17" of the C32 really fit the car much better, the slightly lower suspension makes the C55 nicer looking, and then theres the dual exhaust with that V-8 sound!
If you are or were on the fence like me the C55 is such a nicer car that has several years of styling left in it. If your budget can swing the extra cost I doubt you will regert the decison. I know I'll be much more satisfied.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 3
From: Glendale Arizona
C55,SL55,C63
I'm pretty sure I have read all the comparison posts but like me there may still be people on the fence or not knowing what to do when new to these model cars.
This is in no way disrepecting C32 owners and are just my opinions based on what I like so I hope no one gets too bent out of shape.
The C32 foremost is a "very" appealing buy for someone looking for a 4 door hotrod that has both Mercedes and AMG tags on it and that's what "initially" got me hooked. But that's where the appeal ends when comparing to the C55.
I have read numerous posts where people ask about upgarding to a C55 from a C32 and people say "not worth it". I strongly disagree. After studying these cars more and more, seeing them side by side, listening to the exhaust tones, etc. the C55 is a big step up IMO.
Again the C32 is a great car for the money but the interior is dated compared to the C55 and dated in general(quality doesn't equal modern look so I'm not bashing the quality of the C32 but much cheaper newer cars are nicer looking so hard to justify IMO the cost of a dated looking car), the C55 front seats have much nicer side bolsters, the front end on the C55 borrowed from the CLK series is a "huge" cosmetic advantage compared to the snub nose of the C32, the 18" wheels of the C55 compared to 17" of the C32 really fit the car much better, the slightly lower suspension makes the C55 nicer looking, and then theres the dual exhaust with that V-8 sound!
If you are or were on the fence like me the C55 is such a nicer car that has several years of styling left in it. If your budget can swing the extra cost I doubt you will regert the decison. I know I'll be much more satisfied.
This is in no way disrepecting C32 owners and are just my opinions based on what I like so I hope no one gets too bent out of shape.
The C32 foremost is a "very" appealing buy for someone looking for a 4 door hotrod that has both Mercedes and AMG tags on it and that's what "initially" got me hooked. But that's where the appeal ends when comparing to the C55.
I have read numerous posts where people ask about upgarding to a C55 from a C32 and people say "not worth it". I strongly disagree. After studying these cars more and more, seeing them side by side, listening to the exhaust tones, etc. the C55 is a big step up IMO.
Again the C32 is a great car for the money but the interior is dated compared to the C55 and dated in general(quality doesn't equal modern look so I'm not bashing the quality of the C32 but much cheaper newer cars are nicer looking so hard to justify IMO the cost of a dated looking car), the C55 front seats have much nicer side bolsters, the front end on the C55 borrowed from the CLK series is a "huge" cosmetic advantage compared to the snub nose of the C32, the 18" wheels of the C55 compared to 17" of the C32 really fit the car much better, the slightly lower suspension makes the C55 nicer looking, and then theres the dual exhaust with that V-8 sound!
If you are or were on the fence like me the C55 is such a nicer car that has several years of styling left in it. If your budget can swing the extra cost I doubt you will regert the decison. I know I'll be much more satisfied.
I have a C55 and from an tuning stand point there are many more things you can do to a C32. C32's and some C55 are in the 20,000+ dollar range. To get any big gains in power from a C55 you got to shell out big money. Example: to get about 50hp from a C55 it would cost you $3500 for headers, $1000 for ECU and your still under 50hp gain. With the C32 You can get headers for $900, ECU for $1000 and a pulley kit for $1000 and have one hell of a monster. I'm sure my numbers are off but the C32 has a lot more realistic bolt on options that the $25,000 car buyer can afford. on the
On the C55 the duel exhaust with the resonator delete sounds killer. the interior is very nice and with the clk front end is a subtle change.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18,677
Likes: 9
From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
but they are more different than on the non-sports model.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
The C55 is a great car, and to me, is one of the best looking compact sedans ever. But I just think that it is more similar to the C32 than different. I would say the C32 and C55 are about 90% similar (share same chasis, overall design, drive-train, etc....). Even in performance, both cars are very similar: both are rated at 4.9 second 0-60 and mid 13 seconds in 1/4 mile. For some strange reason, Mercedes did not give the C55 the performance it deserves. Historically, Mercedes/AMG have been known to make big performance improvements when introducing a new model: for example..... C36 to C43, and then of course from C43 to C32 (big performance jumps). But this time around, they kept the performance very close between the two models (C32 and C55).
I personally think if you don't own a C32 or coming from an older C-Class AMG, then it makes sense to jump directly to the C55 because you would get a very big performance increase. But if you've spent the money for a C32, then paying that much more money for such "subtle" changes and getting the same performance is just not worth it. All C32 owners would be better off waiting a few years, then jumping directly into a C63, which as everybody now knows, is a big performance upgrade.
I personally think if you don't own a C32 or coming from an older C-Class AMG, then it makes sense to jump directly to the C55 because you would get a very big performance increase. But if you've spent the money for a C32, then paying that much more money for such "subtle" changes and getting the same performance is just not worth it. All C32 owners would be better off waiting a few years, then jumping directly into a C63, which as everybody now knows, is a big performance upgrade.
Last edited by MB_Forever; Apr 7, 2008 at 05:29 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,948
Likes: 3
From: Houston, TX
C32/C55 AMG
I can't speak on the performance or the sound of the engine between the c55 and c32, because I have yet to see one up close.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18,677
Likes: 9
From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
I've been lucky enough to get loaners every time I get regular service so I've driven quite a few of them. Each and every time though, even if it's the exact same model car, loaners just feel cheap. They usually come with only the bare essential options and people beat them all to hell. The insides get abused and are often just dirty.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 418
Likes: 1
08 MB
My whole purpose of considering an AMG is the car is plenty fast for a daily driver and upgraded perfectly including an automatic as manual transmissions are a pain in the congested Chicagoland traffic where I live.
As far as needing anymore power that won't be an issue. I specialize in nitrous oxide systems and me putting a OEM looking application specific kit together with a stand alone fuel system won't be very expensive and much cheaper than C32 power mods. Honestly though how often is a DD in traffic going to need more than what the C55 puts out stock as it can beat probably 80-90% of the cars on the road and that last 10-20% we barely or ever come across that we can have some fun with.
As far as the C63 AMG, well when and if I get a C55 and it is a great car I'll be more than happy to upgrade when they depreciate a little bit in a few years. Saying that the E63 AMG I saw in a showroom was pretty damn nice as well.
As far as needing anymore power that won't be an issue. I specialize in nitrous oxide systems and me putting a OEM looking application specific kit together with a stand alone fuel system won't be very expensive and much cheaper than C32 power mods. Honestly though how often is a DD in traffic going to need more than what the C55 puts out stock as it can beat probably 80-90% of the cars on the road and that last 10-20% we barely or ever come across that we can have some fun with.
As far as the C63 AMG, well when and if I get a C55 and it is a great car I'll be more than happy to upgrade when they depreciate a little bit in a few years. Saying that the E63 AMG I saw in a showroom was pretty damn nice as well.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 418
Likes: 1
08 MB
From my experience of spending a boatload over the years modifying vehicles don't waste the time and money to compete. Put your modding money towards the new and improved model.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,948
Likes: 3
From: Houston, TX
C32/C55 AMG
I've been lucky enough to get loaners every time I get regular service so I've driven quite a few of them. Each and every time though, even if it's the exact same model car, loaners just feel cheap. They usually come with only the bare essential options and people beat them all to hell. The insides get abused and are often just dirty.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 1
From: Canada
C55 AMG, 135i, 911 GT3, GLE43 AMG
You want to keep up with a E46 M3 on a track?......the C55 can, but the C32 can't, (assuming drivers with equal/similar skill and experience). In my opinion, the suspension/steering/ESP revisions that the C55 received make it a much better OVERALL performance car because of the much improved handling, even though the C55 and C32 are very similar in terms of straight line acceleration.
But I know, most people don't track their cars. On everyday roads, the C32 has more comfortable, softly sprung suspension than the C55.
But the fact that MB/AMB could make such a big difference in handling by simply changing the suspension/dampers means the C32 could similiarly be improved by changing the stock suspension/dampers, if C32 owners wanted to improve the handling of their cars. In my opinion, the suspension setup in the C55 is what the C32 should have come out with to begin with.
But I know, most people don't track their cars. On everyday roads, the C32 has more comfortable, softly sprung suspension than the C55.
But the fact that MB/AMB could make such a big difference in handling by simply changing the suspension/dampers means the C32 could similiarly be improved by changing the stock suspension/dampers, if C32 owners wanted to improve the handling of their cars. In my opinion, the suspension setup in the C55 is what the C32 should have come out with to begin with.
Last edited by PC Valkyrie; Apr 7, 2008 at 09:05 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
I had a 2005+ c230 sport loaner car for two weeks and the interior just felt cheaper than the one in my c32. I did not like the gauges at all. I prefered the set up on my c32. I did like the color of the gauges, but the layout just seemed bad and I didn't like the fact that is had a smaller lcd than the c32. The sound system was slightly better, but besides that nothing was really impressive. The quality and the appearance of the c32 interior was much better, but then again I'm biased. I forgot to add, I liked the design of the c32 steering wheel more.
I can't speak on the performance or the sound of the engine between the c55 and c32, because I have yet to see one up close.
I can't speak on the performance or the sound of the engine between the c55 and c32, because I have yet to see one up close.
With the price difference between C32 and C55, you can easily eliminate the difference in suspension, and you can get a better grill (not as nice as C55 but close), and bump HP over 400. But stock-vs-stock, assuming mileage and condition is equal, the C55 is nicer. You can't make the V6 sound like a V8.
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 90
Likes: 1
From: Clear Lake Texas
2002 Blue C32
Then there are guys like me.....I have never owned a Mercedes and never even considered it until I rode in my best buddies car (1fastc32). Ever since then I knew that I wanted a C32. I know nothing about MB/AMG but I do know that I LOVE my C32 and can't wait to start modding it with all of Ericks goodies.
BTW. I rode in a C55 this weekend.....no thanks, I'll keep my 32, it's perfect for my needs.
BTW. I rode in a C55 this weekend.....no thanks, I'll keep my 32, it's perfect for my needs.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: McLean, VA
08 M5, 06 X3, 05 C55
I test drove both back to back before making my decision.
as many have said, there is very little performance difference. But visually its a whole another animal stock vs. sotck (IMO).
CLK front clip
bigger wheels
lower stance
upgraded interior
quad exhaust
On top of that the 5.4l V8 has been out for years and has been proven reliable. and at 370ish hp, its relatively "unstressed" compared to the supercharged 6.
as many have said, there is very little performance difference. But visually its a whole another animal stock vs. sotck (IMO).
CLK front clip
bigger wheels
lower stance
upgraded interior
quad exhaust
On top of that the 5.4l V8 has been out for years and has been proven reliable. and at 370ish hp, its relatively "unstressed" compared to the supercharged 6.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: South Cal
2004 C32 - Stock
The C55 is a great car, and to me, is one of the best looking compact sedans ever. But I just think that it is more similar to the C32 than different. I would say the C32 and C55 are about 90% similar (share same chasis, overall design, drive-train, etc....). Even in performance, both cars are very similar: both are rated at 4.9 second 0-60 and mid 13 seconds in 1/4 mile. For some strange reason, Mercedes did not give the C55 the performance it deserves. Historically, Mercedes/AMG have been known to make big performance improvements when introducing a new model: for example..... C36 to C43, and then of course from C43 to C32 (big performance jumps). But this time around, they kept the performance very close between the two models (C32 and C55).
I personally think if you don't own a C32 or coming from an older C-Class AMG, then it makes sense to jump directly to the C55 because you would get a very big performance increase. But if you've spent the money for a C32, then paying that much more money for such "subtle" changes and getting the same performance is just not worth it. All C32 owners would be better off waiting a few years, then jumping directly into a C63, which as everybody now knows, is a big performance upgrade.
I personally think if you don't own a C32 or coming from an older C-Class AMG, then it makes sense to jump directly to the C55 because you would get a very big performance increase. But if you've spent the money for a C32, then paying that much more money for such "subtle" changes and getting the same performance is just not worth it. All C32 owners would be better off waiting a few years, then jumping directly into a C63, which as everybody now knows, is a big performance upgrade.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
Let's be honest with ourselves. Visually, there's not much difference between the C32, C55 and EVERY FRIGGIN' C230 Sport on the road today. MB whored out AMG buyers to sell C230s, and they'll do the same with the C63.
You want visual effects? You need flared fenders and REAL aero packages, like BMW offers on the M series.
You want visual effects? You need flared fenders and REAL aero packages, like BMW offers on the M series.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: South FLA
C32 AMG
Let's be honest with ourselves. Visually, there's not much difference between the C32, C55 and EVERY FRIGGIN' C230 Sport on the road today. MB whored out AMG buyers to sell C230s, and they'll do the same with the C63.
You want visual effects? You need flared fenders and REAL aero packages, like BMW offers on the M series.
You want visual effects? You need flared fenders and REAL aero packages, like BMW offers on the M series.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 615
Likes: 0
From: Vegas-Baby
a Black
having owed both...and argued against the 32-55....
OK...so I argued against the bump from a 32-55 (for most the reasons stated herein), but the wife bought me a 55 as a surprise. So, here are my takes:
The C55 feels heavier and more sturdy...in everyday driving
The C55 handles flat out better
The C55 accelerates much more lineral (the control is a good feeling)
The C55 is nicer inside and out
The C55 is newer
The C55 has a Warranty
SO, the only thing the C55 is not better at is the brakes! WTF??? Same brakes. And mods.
I can tell you that there is no way I would take the 32 over the 55. I had them both in my stable. Drove them back to back. And have now had over a 1yr with each...the 55 is a better car in every aspect.
The true test is no age, $ or warrarnty at issue; right? Drive both not knowing which is which and pick. I have a year in both...the C55 is better. My guess is 90+% would agree.
Now, is that worth $5-10K? DO you want to mod? That is the question.
The C55 feels heavier and more sturdy...in everyday driving
The C55 handles flat out better
The C55 accelerates much more lineral (the control is a good feeling)
The C55 is nicer inside and out
The C55 is newer
The C55 has a Warranty
SO, the only thing the C55 is not better at is the brakes! WTF??? Same brakes. And mods.
I can tell you that there is no way I would take the 32 over the 55. I had them both in my stable. Drove them back to back. And have now had over a 1yr with each...the 55 is a better car in every aspect.
The true test is no age, $ or warrarnty at issue; right? Drive both not knowing which is which and pick. I have a year in both...the C55 is better. My guess is 90+% would agree.
Now, is that worth $5-10K? DO you want to mod? That is the question.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 418
Likes: 1
08 MB
Let's be honest with ourselves. Visually, there's not much difference between the C32, C55 and EVERY FRIGGIN' C230 Sport on the road today. MB whored out AMG buyers to sell C230s, and they'll do the same with the C63.
You want visual effects? You need flared fenders and REAL aero packages, like BMW offers on the M series.
You want visual effects? You need flared fenders and REAL aero packages, like BMW offers on the M series.
As far as dual exhaust , 18" wheels, trunk lip, lowered suspension. Yeah you can do it to the C32 but you still don't have the front clip and are spending enough money to replicate the C55. Again just my opinions and experience of modding cars that keep getting older and depreciating when the money could have gone towards the newer model.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
..
I'll have to agree there. I do post a lot of pictures of my car across various forums and I always get questions from people, both MB and non-MB owners, wondering what front grille I have or why does my front end look different from theirs. Though similar to other W203's, it is unique enough for others to notice.
Regarding the updated interior..... though the updated interior does not "wow" me or some others here, I can say the visual appeal of the C32 interior was enough to kill any chance of owning one. Sorry to say but the pre-2005 interior was hideous, not even tolerable. One second of seat time in the C32 was enough of a turnoff to not even want to bother with test driving it.
To top it all off, read through this forum and ask any former C32 owner for their honest feedback regarding the gremlins that plague it. Which car would one rather own outside of warranty? C32? No thanks.
Regarding the updated interior..... though the updated interior does not "wow" me or some others here, I can say the visual appeal of the C32 interior was enough to kill any chance of owning one. Sorry to say but the pre-2005 interior was hideous, not even tolerable. One second of seat time in the C32 was enough of a turnoff to not even want to bother with test driving it.
To top it all off, read through this forum and ask any former C32 owner for their honest feedback regarding the gremlins that plague it. Which car would one rather own outside of warranty? C32? No thanks.
