so, the extra 123hp and 167 lb-ft of torque is not enough to justify the $40k?...hmmm...interesting. What about half a second faster to 60 and full second faster to 1/4 and the 10.5 second to 100 mph. Is that not enough?

don't forget that E-class IS bigger and more luxurious to begin with...

good question but I think you should do what you want not be influenced in your decision.
I mean really how can you get bored or not want the C32 already That motor in it is fun for a lifetime.
Some people might like the new E55, but some (me) don't like it's bodystyle (cough GM car, Taurus?lol). Motor is awesome though no doubt, it's crazy to think more HP and torque than a 911 turbo STOCK!!! in a 4 door sedan hehe. Shouldn't matter what we think it's all about what YOU like or dislike about the car. Go out and test drive it at every MB dealer and make sure the salesman that wants to ride along pees his pants in the proccess

Part of the allure of the C32 is it's size, and NO, I still don't think it's worth the extra $40k for the "bigger and more luxurious" E55, ESPECIALLY if you already have a "paid off" C32.

Like I said, IMO, a complete no brainer.

One other thing to think about...I know the thread starter was talking about trading a C32 for E55 and thus the $40k difference. But, like Frank said, what if you didn't have a car yet? We're only talking about $20k difference when you compare new-to-new, right? Maybe, $25k with add'l markup and taxes and such.

I'm not sure I would personally like an E55 since all the mags are saying that it is more like a "computer interface" rather than a driving experience...much more than our C32's. That is really my only negative against my C32 is too much computer intervention. Especially, the adaptive throttle/tranny shift patterns. That really drives me nuts.

I feel like telling the computer, "don't you try to outguess me!, I'll tell you when I want harsh shifts by how far I depress the pedal"...I really wish cars had an old-style vacuum-operated shift mechanism. The same shifting time-after-time, everytime. Guess I'm a little too much old school, but I'll say when you go deep in the throttle it makes up for all the little things that bother you...these things fly!

double post

I think it's closer to a 30K difference, give or take, depending on what options you get.

As far as the tranny shift patterns changing, I can agree with you there. Before, you just had to push the pedal so far and knew when it was gonna shift.
However, the AMG paddle/button shift trannies on the CLK55, E55 etc. stay in gear and let you pretty much have full control. Whereas, with the touchshift on the C32, if you floor it, it'll still change gears.

i dont know if it has been posted, but isn't the new e55 amg insanely fast? high 12's or low 13s? ive heard it beats the m5, anyone post the actual numbers of this beast??

It's actually mid-low 12's. Faster than the SL55 due to weight.

C&D's test data: 0-60 mph in 4.5 and 12.5-7 1/4 mile.