C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

C55, who has the most mileage?

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Old Oct 19, 2011 | 02:57 PM
  #1  
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2010 C63
C55, who has the most mileage?

I'm nearing 155,000 miles and still going strong. Things I've changed so far:
- motor mounts twice
- changed all brakes at about 40,000 miles. original AMG rotors were toast from previous owner. put on new amg rotors, and pep boys pads. they have lasted over 100,000 miles and rotors still look fairly new.
- tranny fluid 3 times
- oil every 5-10k miles
- tires, lost count. probably 3 sets on front, 5 sets on rear
- MAF sensor (due to failed green air filter) @ 50,000 miles
- alternator changed @ 40,000 miles (they said it was due to sitting on dealer lot too long)
- spark plugs changed at 100,000 miles

no problems with engine, a/c, radio, wipers, nav, shocks, seats, or any of the other little electric devices people have posted issues about. maybe I'm lucky?

I also have used NOS, been to the track a few times, and have a tune. Passes CA smog with no secondary cats or resonator.

any other "good" stories out there? I'm always reading about problems lol

-Mike
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Old Oct 19, 2011 | 05:45 PM
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From what I've read and observed over the years the C55 is one of the most reliable and trouble-free AMGs made -- one of the few I would consider keeping without a warranty. It's not like all these cars have been babied either...
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Old Oct 19, 2011 | 07:44 PM
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I have 10% of those miles.... looks like a nice road ahead.
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Old Oct 19, 2011 | 08:08 PM
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The entire time I've been on this board I am only aware of one C55 transmission failure. This was due to it being pushed far beyond what it was originally intended to put up with (Hooleys). I've not heard of any engine detonations. Oh, I don't even have 20,000 KMs on mine yet....
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Old Oct 19, 2011 | 09:03 PM
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I've only got 41k on mine, so I know I'm not the highest!
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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 01:45 AM
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a car that can't do the throttle reset.
Originally Posted by mikekuriger
I'm nearing 155,000 miles and still going strong. Things I've changed so far:
- motor mounts twice
- changed all brakes at about 40,000 miles. original AMG rotors were toast from previous owner. put on new amg rotors, and pep boys pads. they have lasted over 100,000 miles and rotors still look fairly new.
- tranny fluid 3 times
- oil every 5-10k miles
- tires, lost count. probably 3 sets on front, 5 sets on rear
- MAF sensor (due to failed green air filter) @ 50,000 miles
- alternator changed @ 40,000 miles (they said it was due to sitting on dealer lot too long)
- spark plugs changed at 100,000 miles

no problems with engine, a/c, radio, wipers, nav, shocks, seats, or any of the other little electric devices people have posted issues about. maybe I'm lucky?

I also have used NOS, been to the track a few times, and have a tune. Passes CA smog with no secondary cats or resonator.

any other "good" stories out there? I'm always reading about problems lol

-Mike
Stories like this always make me happy. Thanks for sharing!

You changed pads again right? They didn't last 100k right!?!
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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 03:32 AM
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Thank you for this post. Been lurking for about 2 weeks now and this gives me confidence in the purchase I may do.
On my way to look at a '94 C55 with 130000kms on it.
Regard from South Africa.
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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 06:31 AM
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95,000 here, but what do you do/where do you drive that you've put on so many miles?
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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 10:40 AM
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C55 AMG, E55 AMG
Originally Posted by wawy
From what I've read and observed over the years the C55 is one of the most reliable and trouble-free AMGs made -- one of the few I would consider keeping without a warranty. It's not like all these cars have been babied either...
+1

I decided to skip the extended warranty when I pulled the trigger on my C55, and instead put that money to good use by upgrading to 19" wheels My C55 is trouble free so far (*knock on wood*) and chances are, the small things that may need maintenance in the future might not be covered by extended warranty or might not justify its cost anyway.

If you've been a regular visitor of this forum (at least over a year), you'll notice that the C55 is indeed very reliable compared to other AMGs just based on the posts of other members. You don't see that much threads about complaints and serious issues on it. On the other hand (not to bash the rival brand), but I've also lurked at several BMW forums since I was also considering the E46M3 and 335i back then, and on boy, the more you learn about maintaining those cars and what the current owners are experiencing, that more it will make you want to stay away from them.
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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by 91RS
I've only got 41k on mine, so I know I'm not the highest!
Not bad, BUT certainly NOT the lowest either see below V V V V V V

Last edited by Newzchspy; Oct 20, 2011 at 11:59 AM.
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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by wawy
The entire time I've been on this board I am only aware of one C55 transmission failure. This was due to it being pushed far beyond what it was originally intended to put up with (Hooleys). I've not heard of any engine detonations. Oh, I don't even have 20,000 KMs on mine yet....
You've only got 13,000 miles on that thing?? That's pretty good!! NOW drive it!!
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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 02:41 PM
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eclectic assortment of cars
Originally Posted by Chedeng88
+1
On the other hand (not to bash the rival brand), but I've also lurked at several BMW forums since I was also considering the E46M3 and 335i back then, and on boy, the more you learn about maintaining those cars and what the current owners are experiencing, that more it will make you want to stay away from them.
I understand that general maintenance on M cars is nuts. Not only is there German 'tax', there's 'M' tax - motorsports grade oil, only available from the dealerships! Yikes. A friend owns an E46 M3 Competition - he was going on about how it cost him C$150-200 just for the oil itself. Ouch.

I am also contemplating a B6/7 S4, but then I read about recurring timing chain tensioner and chain guide issues with their V8s. Like my old Saabs, apparently Audi mounts the engine 'backwards', with the timing chains and accessories next to the firewall. Doing the chains and tensioner apparently it an engine out job. Ouch.

I started this thread here about buying a high mileage C55:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...leage-c55.html

Thus it's nice to see this thread and the general positives about the car!
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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 07:20 PM
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2010 C63
amazingly, yes. although, I do downshift a lot when slowing down.

-Mike

Originally Posted by pointman
Stories like this always make me happy. Thanks for sharing!

You changed pads again right? They didn't last 100k right!?!
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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 07:22 PM
  #14  
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how did I get so many miles? good question. I've had the car 3.5 years and commute 30 miles to work. plus lots of weekend road trips!

I've been taking the train for the past 3 months, so my mileage won't be increasing as fast.
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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 09:12 PM
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a car that can't do the throttle reset.
Originally Posted by Saaboteur
I understand that general maintenance on M cars is nuts. Not only is there German 'tax', there's 'M' tax - motorsports grade oil, only available from the dealerships! Yikes. A friend owns an E46 M3 Competition - he was going on about how it cost him C$150-200 just for the oil itself. Ouch.

I am also contemplating a B6/7 S4, but then I read about recurring timing chain tensioner and chain guide issues with their V8s. Like my old Saabs, apparently Audi mounts the engine 'backwards', with the timing chains and accessories next to the firewall. Doing the chains and tensioner apparently it an engine out job. Ouch.

I started this thread here about buying a high mileage C55:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...leage-c55.html

Thus it's nice to see this thread and the general positives about the car!
B6 S4 owner here. Its true, and scary. My dealer told me they had to drop the trans and pull the motor for it and the cost was insane.
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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 09:13 PM
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a car that can't do the throttle reset.
Originally Posted by mikekuriger
amazingly, yes. although, I do downshift a lot when slowing down.

-Mike
wtf??? Dude, either you need to teach me how to drive or you are insanely lucky.

In the past, on other cars... what sort of miles are you getting out of brake pads?
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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Newzchspy
You've only got 13,000 miles on that thing?? That's pretty good!! NOW drive it!!
I'm trying more and more to drive it but it will still stay parked for the winter
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Old Oct 21, 2011 | 10:38 PM
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06 C55, 09 E350
I have 116k now and running great.


Things I have done.


Motor Mounts
Plugs+Wires
Cupholder Broken
Brake Fluid Flush
Power Steering Flush
I just bought a Vbelt will do that soon
Xenon Bulb

Things I havent done.

Trans Service
Fuel Filter

Im probably missing some things but the car is an absolute bargain when I compare how much I have dumped into my girls crappy Honda and my E46
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Old Nov 2, 2016 | 10:32 PM
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05 Hammer
Originally Posted by JonMBZ
I have 116k now and running great.


Things I have done.


Motor Mounts
Plugs+Wires
Cupholder Broken
Brake Fluid Flush
Power Steering Flush
I just bought a Vbelt will do that soon
Xenon Bulb

Things I havent done.

Trans Service
Fuel Filter

Im probably missing some things but the car is an absolute bargain when I compare how much I have dumped into my girls crappy Honda and my E46
170k and running stronger than ever. Can't hit 1st without breaking loose
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Old Nov 3, 2016 | 08:15 AM
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2006 E55, 2012 GLK350 & 1992 190e sportline
Can't hit 1st without breaking loose
get new back tires .lol
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Old Nov 3, 2016 | 12:03 PM
  #21  
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C55 AMG
Id suggest if your brakes have lasted 100k and you have only gone through 5 sets of rear tyres in that time, that you need to try putting your foot on the accelerator pedal once in a while. My last set of Michelin pilot super sports lasted 4500 miles.
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Old Nov 3, 2016 | 01:06 PM
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Originally Posted by insame1
get new back tires .lol
They're new! 😈
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Old Nov 3, 2016 | 06:13 PM
  #23  
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2005 c55 AMG
174k + miles on my 05 c55...

Originally Posted by MProved
170k and running stronger than ever. Can't hit 1st without breaking loose
didn't see any posts with more... I'm not sure if being the high mileage winner is very rewarding
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Old Nov 3, 2016 | 07:36 PM
  #24  
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2005 C55 AMG
169k... I'll pass him up pretty quick.
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Old Nov 3, 2016 | 08:08 PM
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tbt!

191,000 miles here.
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