Test drove a C55 last night
#51
So I test drove both...C32 seems faster but I liked the C55 exhaust note and interior. Here are my choices and I dont really care either way
Black C32 68k $18.3k no navi
Silver C55 87k $17k with navi
I am actually leaning towards the C55 cause of the navi, interior, reliability and exhaust note. Since this will be a weekend car the mileage will become normal eventually.
Black C32 68k $18.3k no navi
Silver C55 87k $17k with navi
I am actually leaning towards the C55 cause of the navi, interior, reliability and exhaust note. Since this will be a weekend car the mileage will become normal eventually.
#52
] +1 Better off with a Magellan or Garmin (USB Updateable) and a good one can be had for about $200 or less. The Command is awful and the update discs are expensive and not all that good.
#53
Member
Thread Starter
After carefule consideration...I got the C32
Hours ago actually. I want to thank everyone for their help. I was hesitant especially after driving a few C55, but this thing hauls ***. I wonder if it is stock...I will miss the V8 exhaust note though, but that is my only complaint. I am already on here looking for parts.
Hours ago actually. I want to thank everyone for their help. I was hesitant especially after driving a few C55, but this thing hauls ***. I wonder if it is stock...I will miss the V8 exhaust note though, but that is my only complaint. I am already on here looking for parts.
#54
After carefule consideration...I got the C32
Hours ago actually. I want to thank everyone for their help. I was hesitant especially after driving a few C55, but this thing hauls ***. I wonder if it is stock...I will miss the V8 exhaust note though, but that is my only complaint. I am already on here looking for parts.
Hours ago actually. I want to thank everyone for their help. I was hesitant especially after driving a few C55, but this thing hauls ***. I wonder if it is stock...I will miss the V8 exhaust note though, but that is my only complaint. I am already on here looking for parts.
Congrats bro! Even more nasty instant torque. Look into a Pulley and tune for packing some extra thrust. Eurocharged.com/LETMotorsports.com is the place to go for C32 tuning. Whats great about the C32 is you can debadge out the AMG badge or all badges and look like a regular C-Class until people hear that loud Cobra sounding SC whine (once you have intake you'll get that sound) and go WTF is that, that's a Merc?
![naughty](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
One thing you must know is that some Mags had the C32 running quicker than C55. That SC is nasty. Some mods and you'll easily be in the 12s with some drag radials. Intake, Pulley, Tune, and I believe Eurocharged got some new long tube headers out for the car.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkJkohqkOo8
I also found a parts site that prices cheaper than OEM MSRP, www.genuinemercedesparts.com, I did a quick spec of C32 brake parts (Rotors and Pads front and back) and it came up to $435.20, they charge $8.99 for shipping which is a great deal. There is also parts.com which had the pricing cheaper but I've read in another thread their shipping charge is much higher vs. genuinemercedesparts.com The MSRP retail for the Rotors and Pads front and back is $544. It looks like other members used genuinemercedesparts.com and had no issues.
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Marina Del Rey,Ca.
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
06' BMW M3
After carefule consideration...I got the C32
Hours ago actually. I want to thank everyone for their help. I was hesitant especially after driving a few C55, but this thing hauls ***. I wonder if it is stock...I will miss the V8 exhaust note though, but that is my only complaint. I am already on here looking for parts.
Hours ago actually. I want to thank everyone for their help. I was hesitant especially after driving a few C55, but this thing hauls ***. I wonder if it is stock...I will miss the V8 exhaust note though, but that is my only complaint. I am already on here looking for parts.
Congrats on the C32...what year is it?...also I'd be very curious to know how you would compare the C32 to the e46 M3,so let us know what you think after driving the C32 a few days/weeks...
..on a side note...I realize you got rid of your ///M,but did you ever consider installing 4.10 gears in it?....this would improve the low end "pulling" power without messing with the engine...
#58
[QUOTE=blacksage;3702480]After carefule consideration...I got the C32
Hours ago actually. I want to thank everyone for their help. I was hesitant especially after driving a few C55, but this thing hauls ***. I wonder if it is stock...I will miss the V8 exhaust note though, but that is my only complaint. I am already on here looking for parts.[/QUOpulley withTE]
I had the same dilemma almost two years ago when I picked up the C32. The reason I went with the 32 was the easy mods it takes. The C55 is probably a "nicer" car all around, BUT the 5.4 engine is a real PITA to mod and expensive too, just ask Hooley. I was the first to install and report on the Code III pulley. Without a LET Tune, its not that much different from stock and I believe (and Jerry did too!!) that my car was running lean with the pulley and no tune. All I run is the Code III pulley, the Code III intake and a LET tune and I am at a 12.7 qtr mile at almost 110 MPH (and this was with a great reaction time and bad 60 foot because my car was spinnin on the stock Michelin Pilot II street tires. Do the same mods and your almost certain to be in the 12s. Other than those mods, my car is totally stock down to the spark plugs etc etc. Thus, those mods gave me about a 3/4 sec drop in qtr mile times from stock.
Hours ago actually. I want to thank everyone for their help. I was hesitant especially after driving a few C55, but this thing hauls ***. I wonder if it is stock...I will miss the V8 exhaust note though, but that is my only complaint. I am already on here looking for parts.[/QUOpulley withTE]
I had the same dilemma almost two years ago when I picked up the C32. The reason I went with the 32 was the easy mods it takes. The C55 is probably a "nicer" car all around, BUT the 5.4 engine is a real PITA to mod and expensive too, just ask Hooley. I was the first to install and report on the Code III pulley. Without a LET Tune, its not that much different from stock and I believe (and Jerry did too!!) that my car was running lean with the pulley and no tune. All I run is the Code III pulley, the Code III intake and a LET tune and I am at a 12.7 qtr mile at almost 110 MPH (and this was with a great reaction time and bad 60 foot because my car was spinnin on the stock Michelin Pilot II street tires. Do the same mods and your almost certain to be in the 12s. Other than those mods, my car is totally stock down to the spark plugs etc etc. Thus, those mods gave me about a 3/4 sec drop in qtr mile times from stock.
#59
Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C55 AMG
Congratulations on the new purchase.
I just picked up a 2005 C55 for $26,400 with under 12,000 miles--fully loaded. I picked it up in Spokane, WA and then drove it back home to Sacramento. I just did an "A" service for $130. I do work for Mercedes and the guys at the dealer couldn't believe how "clean" and "unbroken" in it truly was. I do believe I got a once in a lifetime deal...it was parked from fall to spring in Montana and the guy never drove it because of all his other toys. It has the extended warranty 'til 2012.
Here was the listing: http://edmunds.autotrader.com/fyc/vd...e&rdpage=thumb
I'm used to BMW's (like many of you) and the Mercedes just feels more luxurious and quicker all around. It also also a more "luxurious/sport" look in the interior than my E46 had just a more sport feel. I also do fully agree with how more mature the Mercedes crowd is compared to the BMW community. I was a member of E46Fantaics and it's full of kids these days. You are constantly reminded how my AMG cars you see verses M cars and you quickly remember why...their resale values and production numbers.
I just picked up a 2005 C55 for $26,400 with under 12,000 miles--fully loaded. I picked it up in Spokane, WA and then drove it back home to Sacramento. I just did an "A" service for $130. I do work for Mercedes and the guys at the dealer couldn't believe how "clean" and "unbroken" in it truly was. I do believe I got a once in a lifetime deal...it was parked from fall to spring in Montana and the guy never drove it because of all his other toys. It has the extended warranty 'til 2012.
Here was the listing: http://edmunds.autotrader.com/fyc/vd...e&rdpage=thumb
I'm used to BMW's (like many of you) and the Mercedes just feels more luxurious and quicker all around. It also also a more "luxurious/sport" look in the interior than my E46 had just a more sport feel. I also do fully agree with how more mature the Mercedes crowd is compared to the BMW community. I was a member of E46Fantaics and it's full of kids these days. You are constantly reminded how my AMG cars you see verses M cars and you quickly remember why...their resale values and production numbers.
#60
Member
Thread Starter
How does the C32 compare to the M3? Well it is definitely not as raw as the M3, but the acceleration is insane. I honestly do not think it is stock! There is no way this car has 350HP! It pulls like a freight train. I am extremely happy with the straight line performance. On the way home from the dealership I took a couple of turns in the C32 I used to take in the M3 without any hesitation...not good, but it was expected. I love the cd change and the stock systems BLOWS away the HK package even with my upgraded speakers.
Mod list as follows.
I will start with the intake, pulley, and a tune.
LED tails
Pioneer avic unit and other related accessories
front spoiler
shift knob (mine is starting to show wear)
new visor (more wear again)
I posted some pics for you guys, better ones tomorrow.
What the hell is this phone thing and how do I get rid of it![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Did these cars come with clear headlamps?
Is this trim stock or aftermarket?
I am scared to buy engine mods cause I dont think this car is stock!
I dont want to show up at the shop with a bucket full of parts!
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030053.jpg)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030054.jpg)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030055.jpg)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030056.jpg)
Mod list as follows.
I will start with the intake, pulley, and a tune.
LED tails
Pioneer avic unit and other related accessories
front spoiler
shift knob (mine is starting to show wear)
new visor (more wear again)
I posted some pics for you guys, better ones tomorrow.
What the hell is this phone thing and how do I get rid of it
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Did these cars come with clear headlamps?
Is this trim stock or aftermarket?
I am scared to buy engine mods cause I dont think this car is stock!
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030053.jpg)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030054.jpg)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030055.jpg)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030056.jpg)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030059.jpg)
#62
How does the C32 compare to the M3? Well it is definitely not as raw as the M3, but the acceleration is insane. I honestly do not think it is stock! There is no way this car has 350HP! It pulls like a freight train. I am extremely happy with the straight line performance. On the way home from the dealership I took a couple of turns in the C32 I used to take in the M3 without any hesitation...not good, but it was expected. I love the cd change and the stock systems BLOWS away the HK package even with my upgraded speakers.
Mod list as follows.
I will start with the intake, pulley, and a tune.
LED tails
Pioneer avic unit and other related accessories
front spoiler
shift knob (mine is starting to show wear)
new visor (more wear again)
I posted some pics for you guys, better ones tomorrow.
What the hell is this phone thing and how do I get rid of it![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Did these cars come with clear headlamps?
Is this trim stock or aftermarket?
I am scared to buy engine mods cause I dont think this car is stock!
I dont want to show up at the shop with a bucket full of parts!
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030053.jpg)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030054.jpg)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030055.jpg)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030056.jpg)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030059.jpg)
Mod list as follows.
I will start with the intake, pulley, and a tune.
LED tails
Pioneer avic unit and other related accessories
front spoiler
shift knob (mine is starting to show wear)
new visor (more wear again)
I posted some pics for you guys, better ones tomorrow.
What the hell is this phone thing and how do I get rid of it
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Did these cars come with clear headlamps?
Is this trim stock or aftermarket?
I am scared to buy engine mods cause I dont think this car is stock!
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030053.jpg)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030054.jpg)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030055.jpg)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030056.jpg)
![](http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu267/blacksage83/th_P1030059.jpg)
#63
How does the C32 compare to the M3? Well it is definitely not as raw as the M3, but the acceleration is insane. I honestly do not think it is stock! There is no way this car has 350HP! It pulls like a freight train. I am extremely happy with the straight line performance. On the way home from the dealership I took a couple of turns in the C32 I used to take in the M3 without any hesitation...not good, but it was expected. I love the cd change and the stock systems BLOWS away the HK package even with my upgraded speakers.
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
front CF spoiler? thinking about maybe a trunk lip too?
important mod to add to your list: resonator delete......you will not regret it. it is by far the most common mod for the c32. i think everyone has done it that has come to this forum. no gains in power (unless you do headers down the road), but slight weight reduction and the exhaust sound the car should have come with from the factory. as a side note, for me, it has always taken a day or two for the muffler to rebreak in after mods and for the sound to adjust. but trust me, you'll love it! and its cheap. 100 max (i paid 80 for parts and labor)
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
i'd dyno first before your mod though to....
1) get a baseline number
2) see if you're already modded
2a) you can check out your A/Fs and power numbers to see what you're putting down.....and from there you/we can help you determine whats done to it if something is done
lol. i dont know anyone who has the phone thing. unplug it?
if its an 04, then it was an option then i believe. if its an 02 or 03, bixenons were swapped in the by the previous owner. lucky you got 'em. they look much better than the frosties and are quite expensive too
stock trim. mine's the exact same. what color are the inserts on your seats?
if you take off engine cover and take pics for us to analyze your pulleys, we can see if it has aftermarket pulley(s) on it (pulleys that could be changed are water pump, idler, supercharger, and crank).....or you could measure the diameter of the crank pulley and supercharger pulley and verify it yourself.
Last edited by jturkel; 09-07-2009 at 05:32 AM.
#64
if you take off engine cover and take pics for us to analyze your pulleys, we can see if it has aftermarket pulley(s) on it (pulleys that could be changed are water pump, idler, supercharger, and crank).....or you could measure the diameter of the crank pulley and supercharger pulley and verify it yourself.[/QUOTE]
Engine bay looks stock to me??
Under the cowl, there could be a pulley, but unless the previous guy was a "modder" I doubt it. There would be either a crank pulley at bottom of engine or a Code III pulley (at top where supercharger rests).
Engine bay looks stock to me??
![Confused](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif)
#66
+1., reverse badge it and just throw some C230 badges on there and that'll really throw em off; do a reverse of what I see in Chicago all the time, AMG this and AMG that. I saw a ML 350 with badges that said ML 600 AMG on it.
#67
It is a great idea IMHO, only thing that will give you away is the SC whine if you have an intake and the exhaust note if you take out the resonators. I would do what you said or just pull off all the badges and leave the MB Star on the trunk.
#68
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Desert
Posts: 3,443
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
02 CLK 55 AMG,09 C63 loaded with P30
I test drove the e46 m3 smg before the clk55. It was night and day trq wise. The e46 m3 didnt have much at low rpms until you go past 5k rpms. The Clk55 from idle its just explosive.
#70
mannn, i am reading this post at 2 in the morning! ![smash](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smashfreak.gif)
im sitting here reading every post start to finish, thinking this guys gettin the C55. OUT OF NOWHERE you get a C32....![Smokin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smokin.gif)
obviously i have a c32, and i am about to post it for sale... but I just can't get over how much i LOVE this car...and don't want to let it go. You cannot appreciate it until you DRIVE it for a while. The temptation to stomp the gas is always there, but I never get over how safe this car is. There was this one time i moronically gassed it left from a stop sign and somewhere at the end of the turn was a bump... and as I skid towards that curb while my esp was off, the car just brought itself back.... it is ALIVE!![crazy](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/crazy.gif)
A 325i definitely "feels" the road (as all bmw's, no doubt), but the C32 is all around![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
C55 is still officially the beast, but the C32, I don't know what it is, maybe its because 32 is a lucky number, but this car is FULL of surprises. Look inside your rear passenger speaker -- first aid kit. The stereo is kick ***. The oil level sensor SUCKS, but you learn to understand it.
Congrats![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Here is an old school commercial, just for ****s and giggles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rv2-...eature=related
![smash](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smashfreak.gif)
im sitting here reading every post start to finish, thinking this guys gettin the C55. OUT OF NOWHERE you get a C32....
![Smokin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smokin.gif)
obviously i have a c32, and i am about to post it for sale... but I just can't get over how much i LOVE this car...and don't want to let it go. You cannot appreciate it until you DRIVE it for a while. The temptation to stomp the gas is always there, but I never get over how safe this car is. There was this one time i moronically gassed it left from a stop sign and somewhere at the end of the turn was a bump... and as I skid towards that curb while my esp was off, the car just brought itself back.... it is ALIVE!
![crazy](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/crazy.gif)
A 325i definitely "feels" the road (as all bmw's, no doubt), but the C32 is all around
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
C55 is still officially the beast, but the C32, I don't know what it is, maybe its because 32 is a lucky number, but this car is FULL of surprises. Look inside your rear passenger speaker -- first aid kit. The stereo is kick ***. The oil level sensor SUCKS, but you learn to understand it.
Congrats
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Here is an old school commercial, just for ****s and giggles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rv2-...eature=related
Last edited by C32_Underdog; 09-13-2009 at 05:23 AM.