Worth it to change my ’03 C32 for ’04 E55?
Well, the question arise again, base in preliminary reports the new E55 will be base on 74-76k and with everything you may pay 83-85k so far.
Do you think that is really valuable to change my ’03 C32 now for a new ’04 E55 (so far 40k after trade)?
I am really confuse, perhaps 40k after trade is too much.
Thanks!
You guys here at the forum are really cool, and I do remember that you help me a lot when I change my divine C43 for my new C32.
Well, the question arise again, base in preliminary reports the new E55 will be base on 74-76k and with everything you may pay 83-85k so far.
Do you think that is really valuable to change my ?3 C32 now for a new ?4 E55 (so far 40k after trade)?
I am really confuse, perhaps 40k after trade is too much.
Thanks!
1) I think I am still a bit too young to have a E55, I think E55 is for some successful businessman in his 40's. I am not there yet.
2) E55 is a bit too big for my daily driving. I dont see myself in need of a bigger car.
3) I dont think the E55's interior looks that much better than a C32.
4) A guy walked up to me the other day and asked me if my "bi-xenon" C32 is the Man In Black II car. I said no.... There are people in this world who cannot distinguish between a C and a E!!
From some angle, a bi-xenon C32 does look pretty much like a E.5) Most important of all...if we take only HALF of the 40K that we have to make up and invest it on a C32, I am sure our C32 can outperform the E55 in ANY catagory.

I think the E class is MUCH nicer both inside and out than the C32. The C32 doesn't even have lumbar support on the seats. Also, with the Airmatic DC suspension in the sportiest setting, the E class has a stiffer and less boaty ride than the C32.
Both are great cars, but like i said, if you have the money, trade up.
with a 40k hit, i would wait. it'll also give you time for them to work out the bugs on the new e55.

I have an '02 C32 and will be selling it on and getting an '03 E55. For me there was no question... I love the C32 but I've always been a V8 man and the idea of a factory S/C V8 rocks my world. I am sure I'll give up the tossability of the C32 but after driving my wife's E500 I'm very much ready to get into a larger car. I'm only 30 so IMO it's NOTHING to do with age... the E55 definitely doesn't have an 'old' image. IMO it's just a bit more sophisticated than the C32 and a bit more 'grown up'. The C32 is still a wonderful car, but gimme the V8!
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Pierre: I have the EXACT same question as you! I've lined up for a E55 but I've been struggling to let go of my lovely C32. My thoughts until this moment are most likely I wont buy a E55 due to several reasons:
1) I think I am still a bit too young to have a E55, I think E55 is for some successful businessman in his 40's. I am not there yet.
2) E55 is a bit too big for my daily driving. I dont see myself in need of a bigger car.
3) I dont think the E55's interior looks that much better than a C32.
4) A guy walked up to me the other day and asked me if my "bi-xenon" C32 is the Man In Black II car. I said no.... There are people in this world who cannot distinguish between a C and a E!!
From some angle, a bi-xenon C32 does look pretty much like a E.5) Most important of all...if we take only HALF of the 40K that we have to make up and invest it on a C32, I am sure our C32 can outperform the E55 in ANY catagory.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
4) A guy walked up to me the other day and asked me if my "bi-xenon" C32 is the Man In Black II car. I said no.... There are people in this world who cannot distinguish between a C and a E!!
From some angle, a bi-xenon C32 does look pretty much like a E.
On the issue of the new E55 having problems, I do not think it will have anymore problems than a E500. I have a 2002 C32 which was the first year run and my car is as reliable as a C320. The same thing is true for the SL55 vs. SL500. You won't get any major supercharger problems.
Back to the original question: I think it depends if this car will be your only car to drive (no weekend car). If you drive to work, you probably won't appreciate the extra power that much and for the weekend, you already have another car. However on the weekend, if the E55 is your ride, you can explore it a little more. I don't think it is worth $40k merely for the power. You would have to justify the increased interior amenities, which again, are not worth $40k. But maybe the combination is worth it.
Personally, I'd wait a couple years and buy a real sports car for the weekend with that $40k. My priorities are changing though...I am willing to give some power in return for handling. Far less powerful cars are just as exciting, if not more, to drive than the E55.
However, that V8 sounds very wicked! I would probably wanna wait a year or so and try and get an E55 for low-to-mid sixties. That should be pretty doable. If you take into account the normal first year depreciation for the C32's.
The car I bought used six weeks ago went into service in May 2002 and stickered for probably $54k. I got it for $42k with 11k miles. That seems to be where the market is for '02's right now unless you're in the aforementioned So-Cal...the AMG's probably bring more out there.
Collin

If you have $40K just laying around AND need a back seat that is comfortably usable AND are familiar (and like) the "drive by wire" aspects that are part of the new E-class experience then go for it.
Or, are you referring to "brake by wire"
1) I think I am still a bit too young to have a E55, I think E55 is for some successful businessman in his 40's. I am not there yet.
If you can afford an E55 and wish to have one then purchase it.
F**k everyone else and their "perceptions" of how old someone "has to be" to drive a vehicle.
The point is that I can afford to pay 40K but I am not sure.
Here there are some other extra variables:
-I am single and just 30, on May I will get my 3rd Master and I am done with spend time at the Libraries

-I have my business running, but I have been that busy that now I am looking these future weekends with more more time
-The point is, for 40k I can go and tune more my C32 and buy a red Ducati 999 + a really needed vacations some where.
-or get a cool use sport car as BMW Z3 M, Boxter, etc....
Last edited by amgme; Feb 20, 2003 at 03:54 PM.

Thank you very much guys, you are awesome!!
The point is that I can afford to pay 40K but I am not sure.
Here there are some other extra variables:
-I am single and just 30, on May I will get my 3rd Master and I am done with spend time at the Libraries

-I have my business running, but I have been that busy that now I am looking these future weekends with more more time
-The point is, for 40k I can go and tune more my C32 and buy a red Ducati 999 + a really needed vacations some where.
-or get a cool use sport car as BMW Z3 M, Boxter, etc....
As far as engine mods for the C32, there's really nothing besides pulleys that you can do somewhat affordably. And, you'll be losing reliability at the same time.
But, you're right, for the additional $40k you can have another car. If you don't mind the size of the C, and you're happy with the performance, get a second toy. The sure way to know is to drive an E500 and use your imagination. If you don't fall in love with it, don't make the jump.
NO, it is not.
I think it's worth it if I don't have the C32 already because the new E55 is simply amazing in performance and technology. And it also looks great.
Not that much more "amazing" than the C32, and without a DOUBT not enough to justify an ADDITIONAL $40k.
A complete no brainer.





