91RS

I'm looking at trading my C230 in for a C55. I was hoping to find a C350 Sport, but there just aren't any out there so I'm considering the C55. I'm trying to find out if there are any differences between the 05 and 06 (I haven't found that there is) and if there's anything to watch out for on the AMG cars. The C55 isn't supercharged or anything, so I don't think there's anything crazy to go wrong on these compared to the non AMG Cs. There are only 3 for sale locally, but I'm leaning towards an 05 black on black CPO with 33k miles. They're asking $29,900 for it. I'm hoping I can get it down around $25k. Does that sound like a reasonable price? I have not gone and looked at or made any negoations yet. So far I've only started checking about a loan. I still owe $13k on my C230 but I'm hoping to get $15k-16k on trade for it since I have no other money for a DP. What does everyone think?

Viper98912

I don't think there was, except for a bluetooth accessory option or something like that. I also haven't seen many problems with these cars either, and nothing that's C-AMG specific.

I recently bought my car in GA also - less than $24k, 46k miles, no CPO (private seller), wood interior, bi-xenon, chrome AMG wheels, and no nav. When I was looking, I saw prices going from $20k-29k (and up), with the higher ones coming from dealers ($$$), CPO's, and low miles. I'd say if you score in the $25k range, you're good.

And I don't think the C350 was offered in the W203, which is probably why you can't find any. You need to search for a C320. But honestly, there's no contest between a C320 and C55, in every way, shape, and form. If you're looking to upgrade from a C230, definitely don't make the jump to the C320.

e1000

they absolutely put the 3.5L M272 in the W203. I should know. Yes they're rare.

Newzchspy

Mike (Alumar) is selling a 2005 Kleemann C55 S7 that is very very quick. PM him and maybe you can talk. Are you looking for modded or totally stock? What price range?? There's a lot of variables here. You missed out on a great deal two weeks ago for a Mars Red C55 Kleemann S7 with only 16 K miles (on the forum).

Viper98912

Woops my bad. Yes they did make it in 350. Regardless, I'd still take a C55 over a C350

91RS

I can stand to spend about $25k. I'm thinking about going and looking at it tomorrow. I know I don't mention the trade at all until a price on the new car is agreed upon, but is it better to tell them up front I won't be buying today or tell them I don't know if I am or not? There's little chance I will be because I probably won't be able to get a loan from MB Financial. I'll need a co-signer again because I still don't have any credit history (I've never had any sort of loan before I bought my C230). I'll be returning my car to stock before I go to look at the new car so if we do get to the point about talking trading, they won't know the car's been modified.

91RS

I do have one more question, I noticed that MSN Autos states the C55 has the 5 speed tranny instead of the 7G. Is that true? The 5 speed isn't a POS like the 7G is, right?

Viper98912

I didn't know the 7G was a pos? Some reviews say it is, some say it isn't, and I haven't personally driven one or owned one, so all I can say is that yes, the C55 comes w/ the 5. Some believe it's because they were unsure if it could handle the engine torque - you'll notice the kompressor motors of those years were using the 5. But at the same time, MB did put the 7G in the SLK55, which seemed to do fine. So maybe the SLK55 was the gamble?

As for the dealer, if you don't think you're seriously going to consider the car, then tell him up front that you're only looking at it but you're not going to buy it. They work on commission and can't waste their time on someone who's not buying. If you are interested in it though, then tell him you've only started and would like a brief overview, but you're not walking out today with it.

JonMBZ

The bluetooth options are the same as well on an 05 and 06 ;p

e1000

Correct the C55 was only available with the 5-speed automatic.

Viper98912

I thought there was some dumb little option somewhere that was "new", I just can't put my finger on it...

91RS

The 5 speed keeps RPMs low enough where if I were to put in exhaust on the car one day it wouldn't drone or be too loud at crusing speed, right? Does the 5 speed have any issues with jerking and/or harsh shifts? What about throttle response? Does it do what you want when you want it to?

Viper98912

Drone can happen at any RPM. It depends on the whole NVH of the vehicle - no two vehicles, engines, exhausts will act the same.

I feel the 5 speed can be a little jerky at times; I guess it depends what speed, gear, throttle position, etc you're at. Being that it has a 5.5L V8 engine, I think that amplifies it too just a little bit

Regardless, I think it works just fine. The AMG speedshift upgraded programming works well too IMO. Start cruising a little faster than normal around town and it'll start shifting better and holding it longer. Also coming out of a corner it won't release that gear (which took me forever to figure out because there's a small right sweep I do coming out of work, and I couldn't figure out why the darn thing wouldn't shift like normal). I'd say 90% of the time it downshifts when you want it to, but just like any automatic, there's some dead spots that could be either way and it doesn't downshift. For those instances, there's always the fingers on your left hand (to hit the downshift button the back of the wheel).

E55AMGFan

A C55 aftermarket exhaust won't be cheap, you're better off taking out the resonators and 2nd cat delete to free up 10rwhp or so while keeping the AMG quad system. Check out youtube and other members posts on this mods as the car sounds awesome with that it done. It's much cheaper to do as well vs. buying another exhaust system.

91RS

I didn't know how it sounded. I went and looked at the car today, and I like it. I got them down to $26k out the door. The only thing I'm a little dissappointed about is the car doesn't have BiX like I thought. I'm sure finding CLK Bix will be harder and more expensive.

hooleyboy

+1 you got the only one I've seen in person.

hooleyboy

Motor mounts seem to go out on all AMG and the C55 is no exception. I've also heard of some people melting idler pulleys. Other than that its rock solid. One feel of the stiff steering will show that its a well built car.

I have a custom exhaust, and I liked my other custom exhaust with the stock mufflers better (other than my amazing headers, shameless self promotion). The stock mufflers with a 2nd cat and res-delete sounds B*tchn'

Here is what my old exhaust sounded like and also another reason to post one of my old drag vids. I'm the Mercedes in closest view

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpOjEbBBzGU

RLx02

After driving the 7speed auto in the SLK55, I can assure you it is MUCH better than our 5speed in terms of usability and performance.

As for holding up to modded power, who knows, but I would so much rather have the 7speed, which always keeps the motor in its sweet spot, than our 5speeds.

91RS

Y'all are making me nervous. The transmission is the second reason I'm getting out of my 230! What kind of RPM does this thing hold in 5th going 70mph? I'm supposed to be going to pick up my car today!

Viper98912

Nervous for what? In the end, no one here really has any complaints about the 5 speed auto.

I think I do 2600 rpm or so @ 75 mph. 25 miles one way to work all highway at this cruise speed nets me 21 mpg avg.

Tump43

That little difference is, the 06 C55 comes with a CD changer that can play MP3's the 05 did not. I think that is the only difference.

91RS

I just got back with my car and I love it! I think the transmission is perfect and the power is freakin awesome! I have a few questions though.

This car doesn't beep at all when locking or unlocking, is that a feature that can be turned on or off somewhere? Or maybe did 05s not have it? Also, when I open the driver door to get out my old car would unlock all the doors and the trunk, this one does not. Is that a feature somewhere as well? I looked through the setting menus and didn't see anything relating to those. I've looked through the owner's manual but I don't see anything in there about those "features" either. Plus, I think this manual is for an 06 not an 05.

Viper98912

No beeping here either. Kinda dumb don't you think? There is a setting in the diagnostic thats called "netherlands" that turns that feature on. Dealer should be able to do it for you (although I don't know what other settings the netherlands feature changes, so I haven't done it yet even though I want to).

Sometimes when I open the driver door, it unlocks all the doors, and some times it doesn't. Seems to do it when I pull into my garage (maybe it only does it when you've pressed the garage door button?). I haven't figured it out yet so if you do lmk.

The car is pretty awesome isnt it? Btw, where in GA are you?

91RS

I wonder if I can drop by ACC on a Saturday and go in with the tech and look at one the Netherlands setting does. I really would like the beep when I lock and unlock it. Then I can go ahead and get them to set Xenon as present on this car too. I guess I'll put my plug 'n play kit in this car until I can find some BiX (and sell the ones from my 230).

Hell yeah, this car is bad ***. I'm going to be really happy with this car, especially since it hasn't been smacked.

I'm curious about a few other things, too. Do these cars have a different smell to them than the regular C cars? I'm not sure the smell is from the PO, but it is kinda strong the the trunk smells the same way. The cabin filter looks to have been changed out (but it has a hint of the smell in it). I also noticed this car doesn't have an engine oil dipstick, has anyone heard about these engines using oil at all? I would be worried about that sensor going bad or something. I am happy to see that this one has the transmission dipstick tube so I can a transmission service myself! And is there an adjustment for the lumbar hidden somewhere on the AMG seats that I can't find? The middle of the seat back feels like it's pumped up and it slightly uncomfortable for me.