Thinking about getting back to AMG. Help me please?
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Thinking about getting back to AMG. Help me please?
Folks,
Many years ago in a city far away, a young boy got a hold of a used W210 E55. He loved it so much. He adored it more. But then he sold it a year later and lost half his money. But that's another story. The ex-little boy then wandered around and bought an E46 M3. While he really liked the poise and precision, he missed the torque. He is now thinking about getting a C55. Can you help him with a few basic questions? Yes, he has searched!
Here is some background:
Here are some questions:
Having had the fortune (or misfortune) of owning an AMG and an M car, I am well aware of the tire chewing, might-kill-you with repair bills, electronic gizmoness nature of these puppies. This time, I am trying to outlay enough cash for each bucket of performance German car ownership (known flaws, mods, resale hit etc.) BEFORE buying. Thanks for your thoughts!
Many years ago in a city far away, a young boy got a hold of a used W210 E55. He loved it so much. He adored it more. But then he sold it a year later and lost half his money. But that's another story. The ex-little boy then wandered around and bought an E46 M3. While he really liked the poise and precision, he missed the torque. He is now thinking about getting a C55. Can you help him with a few basic questions? Yes, he has searched!
Here is some background:
- I want an 06 C55 AMG. Don't want to deal with supercharger problems of the E55, don't want to spend 40k+ on the 63s and lose it all in a year. I just love the 5.4L motor and know all about its blessings in daily driving and really want it back.
- I can do most of my own work - have done breaks, coil overs, shifter kits etc. on many vehicles and am fairly confident of doing most of the maintenance.
- Loved the poise and precision of the E46 M3, loved the solid resale value (sold it after 15k miles and 11 months for only $2k less than I paid for it). Loved the BMW extended warranty. HATED the low torque, high strung engine requiring constant shifts and delicate clutch work.
Here are some questions:
- What are the MAJOR known generational flaws for the C55? e.g., the E46s had dodgy subframes, poor SMG pumps, control arm bushings were crap etc. What do I have to budget for right off the bat, before buying?
- Are there any relatively simple suspension upgrades that one can do at home (I have most of the tools and fairly competent) to make the car handle better? I am talking coilovers, sway bars, braces etc. After the E46, I almost know I am going to be a little disappointed in the C55's handling so trying to see if it can be improved at home without spending a fortune.
- I see prices for an 05-06 (I really only want the 06) are in the high teens to low 20s. My experience buying and selling the W210 E55 left me with such a huge hole in my pocket so quickly that I am a little weary with the AMGs when it comes to resale. Say I pick up an 06 with under 50k miles for 20k and turn it around a year later with 65k, how much should I realistically expect to get back? 11? 12?
Having had the fortune (or misfortune) of owning an AMG and an M car, I am well aware of the tire chewing, might-kill-you with repair bills, electronic gizmoness nature of these puppies. This time, I am trying to outlay enough cash for each bucket of performance German car ownership (known flaws, mods, resale hit etc.) BEFORE buying. Thanks for your thoughts!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Atlanta Metro
Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
1) None that I can remember off the top of my head that are dealbreakers.
2) There are springs and coilover kits out there, don't see why you couldn't IIY
3) I think you should keep your cars longer if you're worried about taking a hit, normally MB and AMG do not hold value well at all. That said, I think the tanking has slowed down a little bit, I would expect 2-3k less every year, with every year after that being less. If conservative, I'd guess over 15k depending on condition.
2) There are springs and coilover kits out there, don't see why you couldn't IIY
3) I think you should keep your cars longer if you're worried about taking a hit, normally MB and AMG do not hold value well at all. That said, I think the tanking has slowed down a little bit, I would expect 2-3k less every year, with every year after that being less. If conservative, I'd guess over 15k depending on condition.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,510
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From: bay area, california
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...need-help.html
i hope this helps with the common issue part. the c55 will be your best purchase hands down, it has a much more....muscle car apporach of coarse compared to the e46. mods are relatively simple if you just want to get a little over 400 to the crank. great choice on coming back to the amg!
i hope this helps with the common issue part. the c55 will be your best purchase hands down, it has a much more....muscle car apporach of coarse compared to the e46. mods are relatively simple if you just want to get a little over 400 to the crank. great choice on coming back to the amg!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,687
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From: Western Canada
2013 C63 AMG P31, 2014 GMC Sierra (6.2)
I've had my C55 for about 3 years now and the only thing I've had replaced were the valve cover gaskets (very common and an easy fix..btw). As for what I've seen, after being on this forum over the years with respect to C55 maintenance items, they include - engine and transmission mounts, gasket issues, seat heater issues and sometimes alternators. Compared to my previous C32 AMG, this car is much better in terms of reliability. To my knowledge there have been no major issues like transmissions needing to be replaced, glycol contamination etc. So far, the car seems to be rock solid. If you like this engine you should also consider the W209 CLK55 AMG, unless, of course you need 4 doors....
Last edited by wawy; Dec 24, 2010 at 03:20 PM.
