Looking at C55
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 612
Likes: 2
From: NY
'12 Mustang 5.0, '89 Supra Turbo, C55,
Looking at C55
Hi guys,
I'm looking into purchasing a C55, and I've learned a lot from this site. Looks like the car is pretty much bulletproof, but as I learned AFTER I bought my
E500, the car uses SBC - I would have never have thought of this.
So I'd like to ask if there are any items to look out for:
I suspect this car uses a "normal" suspension (meaning no airmatic, or ABC), basically, can one can remove the struts/springs in a normal fashion?
Brakes are standard? Meaning pad/rotor change is like on any other car? (For SBC equipped cars, there's a procedure to disconnect the SBC, and MB actually states WIS is needed for a complete brake flush). I suspect that is not the case here?
Is the tranny fluid change a DIY job? The E500 7 spd. is not. (Albeit is a one time 37K service per MB).
The C55 comes across as an all-motor no electronic gimmicks 5.5 V8 car, where I don't have to worry about "car too low - stop car" or "braking power compromised - stop car" type of errors in the COMMAND screen.
Am I right?
PS, I love the E500 (SBC is a concern for me), but am looking more into owning a C55.
Tks. for the help!
I'm looking into purchasing a C55, and I've learned a lot from this site. Looks like the car is pretty much bulletproof, but as I learned AFTER I bought my
E500, the car uses SBC - I would have never have thought of this.
So I'd like to ask if there are any items to look out for:
I suspect this car uses a "normal" suspension (meaning no airmatic, or ABC), basically, can one can remove the struts/springs in a normal fashion?
Brakes are standard? Meaning pad/rotor change is like on any other car? (For SBC equipped cars, there's a procedure to disconnect the SBC, and MB actually states WIS is needed for a complete brake flush). I suspect that is not the case here?
Is the tranny fluid change a DIY job? The E500 7 spd. is not. (Albeit is a one time 37K service per MB).
The C55 comes across as an all-motor no electronic gimmicks 5.5 V8 car, where I don't have to worry about "car too low - stop car" or "braking power compromised - stop car" type of errors in the COMMAND screen.
Am I right?
PS, I love the E500 (SBC is a concern for me), but am looking more into owning a C55.
Tks. for the help!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 288
From: New Zealand
My info is not necessarily accurate but I just purchased my C32 and was looking at C55's also. From what I have read they appear to be a very reliable car compared to many others. The engine and transmission are very strong. There are no problems with transmission jerk, radiator or supercharger stuff that causes problems with other cars. There is no air suspension (which put me off the E55) and from what I gather it is a simple spring/strut assembly like 95% of other cars out there. There are the occasional electrical gremlins which you will always get with mercedes.
I chose the C32 over the 55 only because I like to mod things (supercharger) and I got an excellent deal on the 32.
I chose the C32 over the 55 only because I like to mod things (supercharger) and I got an excellent deal on the 32.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
2005 C55 AMG
The C55 is a great car. You are correct - no ABC - old school suspension here.
I've had a few minor issues with mine, but nothing uncommon:
- 6 Disk Changer has broken 4 times - I now refuse to repair / replace
- Secondary Air Injection Pump has died 3 times - should be fixed now with fuse and relay update.
- Leaking valve gaskets - haven't replaced just yet, but isn't too costly. This is a common problem even on the E55/E63.
- Seat Heaters have broken twice now on bottom heating element - very costly repair if not under warranty - will not be replacing as such.
Otherwise routine service is fairly expensive. I paid about $350 for service B and about $250 for Service A. I also recently paid $345 for a trans flush @ 39k miles.
I have approx. 40k miles on it now. Other members have many more - there is a recent thread about high mileage examples.
I've had a few minor issues with mine, but nothing uncommon:
- 6 Disk Changer has broken 4 times - I now refuse to repair / replace
- Secondary Air Injection Pump has died 3 times - should be fixed now with fuse and relay update.
- Leaking valve gaskets - haven't replaced just yet, but isn't too costly. This is a common problem even on the E55/E63.
- Seat Heaters have broken twice now on bottom heating element - very costly repair if not under warranty - will not be replacing as such.
Otherwise routine service is fairly expensive. I paid about $350 for service B and about $250 for Service A. I also recently paid $345 for a trans flush @ 39k miles.
I have approx. 40k miles on it now. Other members have many more - there is a recent thread about high mileage examples.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,948
Likes: 3
From: Houston, TX
C32/C55 AMG
I would check out advans car since he is in nyhttps://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...nyc-local.htmlc.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 612
Likes: 2
From: NY
'12 Mustang 5.0, '89 Supra Turbo, C55,
Thank you all for your help! I ended up purchasing a 1-owner '05 C55 black on black. Can't express how amazing the motor and car is. Will post a new "proud owner" thread. Tks. again!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 333
Likes: 1
C63, C55 (Sold)
Congrats and welcome to the club! Some advices:
1- The front brake rotors are drilled so you will need to buy new ones each time you replace the pads
2- I had issues with the right foglight. I went to the dealer to replace it, however the foglight is not working properly again.
3- The driver's side window motor broke down and it needed replacement as well.
4- I'll recommend you to have an extended warranty, to save money for these kind of repairs.
5- I had a minor issue when I did my 2nd oil replacement since I got the car, apparently the amount of oil was above the normal level and I had to drain some. Weird, since I used the same amount as in my 1st oil change.
6- Be prepared to have the rear tires replaced after 7k - 12k depending on your driving style (spirited/normal)
7- Enjoy your new ride, these are little rockets on the road. For me is like having a grand tourer (I went on round trips to Orlando several times on it) and true stress relievers. Check your speed though, and if you can, buy a radar detector too. It saved me a lot of money
1- The front brake rotors are drilled so you will need to buy new ones each time you replace the pads
2- I had issues with the right foglight. I went to the dealer to replace it, however the foglight is not working properly again.
3- The driver's side window motor broke down and it needed replacement as well.
4- I'll recommend you to have an extended warranty, to save money for these kind of repairs.
5- I had a minor issue when I did my 2nd oil replacement since I got the car, apparently the amount of oil was above the normal level and I had to drain some. Weird, since I used the same amount as in my 1st oil change.
6- Be prepared to have the rear tires replaced after 7k - 12k depending on your driving style (spirited/normal)
7- Enjoy your new ride, these are little rockets on the road. For me is like having a grand tourer (I went on round trips to Orlando several times on it) and true stress relievers. Check your speed though, and if you can, buy a radar detector too. It saved me a lot of money
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,040
Likes: 125
From: Atlanta Metro
Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
To answer your questions:
- No airmatic or ABC
- No SBC
- The 5 speed auto has a somewhat standard drain & fill procedure (although if you want to get it all out including the TC, you'll have to do it the same as the 7 speed)
- There are still gimmicks, but it doesn't have any of the messed up ones the higher level cars have
- No airmatic or ABC
- No SBC
- The 5 speed auto has a somewhat standard drain & fill procedure (although if you want to get it all out including the TC, you'll have to do it the same as the 7 speed)
- There are still gimmicks, but it doesn't have any of the messed up ones the higher level cars have
Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 83
Likes: 2
From: CT
2005 C55
These are simple car compared to the 211 E class. The 7 speed and 5 speed trans are similar in a trans service except you need a pump to force the fluid through drain plug on the 7 speed. Where the 5 speed has a dipstick tube to fill it through.
