mrobinso

How many C55 owners out there knew about this vehicle?

C-class AMG production numbers as listed in Post #35 by PC Valkyrie in this thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...t-c55-c32.html

Only 59 w/s202 C55 AMGs ever produced? Let's dig further.

Read this thread from the w202 forums that contains a hodgepodge of information on the w202 C55: https://mbworld.org/forums/c36-amg-c...5-amg-c43.html

And lastly, PICTURES: http://c280.pmneo.de/index.php?content=gallery&gid=614

The interior is actually very slick IMO for a 1999 vehicle. Mercedes was ahead of its time, as usual.

Just thought this might be interesting to fellow C55 owners.

ProjectC55

More so on an owner converted W202 C43 to C55 . The factory converted C43 to 55 would have only had a rear end just like the W208 CLK55 vs the C43's shared C280 diff.
That would be the biggest difference between the two and nothing much else.

xxaarraa

I never understood the appeal/following for the 202s. I may be wholly misled, but I thought the 202s were the poster children for Mercedes' quality problems? I would like to know what's special about them? Lighter?

mrobinso

xxaarraa, in all likelihood you are going to now be flamed by several 202 owners for that post. That being said, perhaps ProjectC55 could attest to how problematic the 202 c-class line was. It is my understanding that the fit and finish of the vehicle was top notch, and in some regards, the interior finish was superior to that of the 203. Obviously the 203 c-class used more modern materials than that of the 202 in its interior, however, I feel like Mercedes skimped on 203 interior to keep prices competitive. I have so many plastic pieces and interior rattles I can't believe it.

Comparing the 202 to the 203 is like comparing apples to oranges. The 202 is supposed to come in second place to the 203 in all categories because it is a previous generation model. At the time the 202 C36 and C43 was released, it was competitive with other models of the time in terms of weight, power, and looks. It's all relative.

ProjectC55

Excellent response! After this explanation I really don't nd to respond to the above.
He obviously nds to do some serious research on the W202 built from 1994 till 2000 a good healthy run for 6yrs. Body of the first Mercedes AMG mass produced AMG's in the world.

This car did not have the problems of the E190 if that is also what the above meant. Gd to know that some car enthusiasts especially MB enthusiasts know the history of some of the distinct cars built by MB.

Newzchspy

** Just so we're clear, this is a W202 conversion to a C55 engine?? Nothing more, nothing less. This was NOT a MB AMG produced car!! ***

mrobinso

Actually Newzchspy, you are incorrect on this point. A very limited run of the C55 AMG were built at Affalterbach.

There isn't a whole lot of information out there on the AMG produced C55, however, see this excerpt from the below linked thread:

https://mbworld.org/forums/general-m...s-new-c55.html

C43AMG

I saw one at the factory when I was over there.I did a double-take and I thought it was a re-badge...then I was told that it was a factory supplied 5.5 that came with the car.

austinholloman

Its so funny how few many people know about the w202 C55... And build issues? haha You don't get it because you have never owned one. I chose the C43 over the C32 hands down for my own personal tastes. Totally different cars IMHO.

mrobinso

I would take the C43 interior (with C55 electronics) in my C55 any day.

austinholloman

Like what electronics?

Newzchspy

** So you're saying that this car was actually SOLD here (that's what I was getting to??) Find me one sold in the US and call me a liar!! ***

Just so you know, there's been many a test-mule etc with the AMG name on it, BUT I do NOT believe that the W202 C55 was ever sold here as a production vehicle. Every one I have seen or heard of was an engine conversion.............

Newzchspy

Austin, I don't have a horse in this race since I don't own a 43, BUT wanna race??? Show me a time-slip with YOU IN YOUR CAR beating my C32 in my sig and I owe you a nice dinner.

ProjectC55

Maybe I missed it but I don't see where he said one was sold here. The C55 also was not a test mule.I'm sure you know however you were able to send your c43 to AMG to get it converted to what would be then called by AMG and MB a W202 C55 blah blah blah.It's printed and I do have books on the car. It was very expensive the price for the conversion. No it was nvr sold here as a prod vehicle. This was also done to the E50 converted to an E60.

LawRens

Relax. We all know your car is pretty darn quick.

I'd race you, just give me a two second head start and it might be even. LOL

ProjectC55

I'd race ya in the mile! But not if it was still a 4.3 no wayyyyyy.
But I do like your car,just when I was looking for one back in 2k4 they were out of my price range at that time. But I would give your car a shot in the mile definitely!

xxaarraa

Don't see a reason why I should get flamed. I asked a legitimate question out of curiosity and wasn't bashing any model. If the 202 club is offended by even the question, well, I won't lose sleep over it.

austinholloman

I didn't choose the C43 because its faster than a C32. That is just plain stupid. The point is these cars are different playing fields. C43 is an old school muscle car and C32 is a tuner car. I got the C43 because I like the old school style and how EZ it will be to drop in a 5.4 Once I do that. Id love to give it a go but I am not going to race a car I know was built to be faster than mine from the get go. It would still be a fun race though.

austinholloman

It was produced.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_C-Class

silverjimm

a de-tuned 5.4L with 340Hp. I read that in a magazine years ago, I dont think any of the W202 C55's made it to the states. Would be a sweet car to get your hands on

austinholloman

Just buy a high mile C43 and drop the 5.4 in and turn key. Your hands are on it.

mrobinso

xxaarraa, I meant to say that in jest. Your comment didn't bother me at all, but I have been around the forum long enough to know that the 202 guys will jump on you if you put down their cars (or if they interpret a post as putting down the 202, regardless of what the poster intended). Heck, the 203 and 204 guys do the same thing all the time! Its just a car forum thing! I just meant to give you a heads up

austinholloman

We all love our own... Doesn't matter what year or color. We just love them. Besides we all know the w202, 203, and 204's are the best anyway right????


I keeed, I keeeed!!!

Mark.D

The 202 C55 was a cool car. I remember back in 2004, everyone was all up in arms about an Orange one that surfaced the internet. Can't remember if it was in the US, or Japan. But the w214 and 210 E60's were way cooler. And there are a few of those in the US, along with a few R129 SL60's. Edit: Actually I think there was also an SL70 and SL73 with V-12s too. The SL73 engine went on with life in the Pagani Zonda.

MercedesFTW

I'm pretty sure the w220 and the w203 are the poster-children for MB's declining quality in the early 2000's.