203mach1ne

Hi guys!
I'm new here, just came from owning a built 2003 Mach 1 Mustang. Now looking to get into MB, and thinking about buying one in my area.

2005 C55 AMG
42.5K miles
319 lighting package
530 DVD Nav
326 Premium Package
Asking price: $23K

I am going to check it out next week, but curious as what are some common problems with these to look out for.
Also, is this a good price?

Thanks in advance guys!!

thtguy

that is about the mileage the valve cover gaskets start to leak.

chris.bachman

I bought my C32 at 41,500 miles and the valve cover gasket has some seepage (not quite leaking). It's common at that mileage.

Sounds like the car has all the right options. How does the paint look? Is it private party or dealership? Performance modifications for the C55 are quite pricey compared to that of the C32 from what I've seen around here.

I'm sure that the last thing you'll feel is disappointment if you end up getting it.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...ownership.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...ll-loving.html

...and finally just to show it's not all sunshine and rainbows:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...lity-woes.html

203mach1ne

So how much do new gaskets run?? Haha, my dad owns an auto body shop so I can do most of the work there which is nice, and also get some discounted parts through MB

Private party, not quite sure about the black paint. I am going to look at it next week (Thursday most likely) so we shall see!

[edit] about the options...how is the stereo system in these? From what I have been reading, there have been lots of complaints!

thegreatfnr

The stereo does have some electrical gremlins from time to time. For instance my cd changer quit working and I had a couple other minor issues with it over the past couple years but nothing that makes me second guess my purchase.

Overall I have enjoyed my C55. Its a great daily with a good amount of power. It hasnt had too many issues although I did have to replace motor/tranny mounts this year as well as some other wear and tear items along the way.

Modding is more expensive than say the C32 but the basic resonator/secondaries removal is a cheap way to make it sound better and get a lil more umph out of the motor. Beyond that you would be looking at headers or a blower $$$.

23k sounds like a pretty decent price but might be a little high. I think if I were to sell my car I would most likely list it at 21k with 66k on the odometer

thtguy

I would recommend taking to MB dealer and have them do a Pre-purchase inspection. they will pull all codes check Mercedes service records and look over the specific trouble issues that the specific model has. local dealer here charges $150. before we bought my wife's SLK32 we took a different one to HBL that was less money, even though to us it didn't seem to have any issues, HBL found that the car needed about $4K in repairs, so we passed on that one, found the one she has now for $2500 more and it needed nothing. best $300 I have ever spent

RLx02

The gaskets can leak before that due to improper break in (too much babying). I saw an example with 26,000 miles and was leaking already. Its a relatively cheap fix.

Depending on how hard the cars been driven the bushings can go bad at that point too.

morganb

Sorry to revive an old thread! I am looking to buy one soon.
Does this mean the C55 stores all previous codes it has had? Does anyone know if it also stores any of the Service History with regards to timing for A & B srevices? I am looking at one from interstate with 70K KMs and only has partial service History. The dealer is trying to confirm the rest of the history. I will take to a specialist for checking and they told me they can read the codes.
You blokes in the States get a bargain, they are twice as much here!

supernautk

The C55 will keep the codes until they are manually deleted. I defer to the others for the answers to the rest of your questions.

BHeart

+1 - that has been my experience as well. Codes seem to stay until maunually deleted.

morganb

Thanks, thats a big help.