Simon P

W202mylove): A supercharger from merc is $15,000 for a c32. I'm sure there are aftermarket superchargers. But I'm not sure if the standard engine of a clk500 or e500 would be strong enough. Yes, I think the c32 or e55 w210 are the better options as those engines were built strong. I'd love a c55 but these cars are at least $40,000. Thats aprox twice the cost of a c32 and W210 e55. Does anyone know how strong the clk500 and e500 motors are? Performance mods worth while? Cheers!

w202mylove

If the c32 satisfies you on performance, why go for a clk 500 and invest money into modding? there always is the risk of blowing an engine or investing more then you originally wanted etc. The c32 can easily make 400 crank hp with some small mods. If you go for the e55 you can supercharge that engine if you think you need more power I only would recommand this if you want to get some crazy power ;p kleemann offers one for the e55 for under 8grand not to bad for 500hp but I can imagine other mods would be recuired like headers to make it work at it's best they also offer one for the clk/e500 http://shop.kleemann.dk/shop/kompres...tems-45c1.html I'm not sure how well the 500 engine will keep together, use the searsch function there are poeple around here who did it before on a 500 engine 400/450 max hp without internal modification should be possibe(suggest me if I'm wrong)

my thoughts in short: clk/E 500, you can modify it to 400hp + for about 10k and still not having an amg gearbox/brakes/interior/bumpers/exhaust/suspension etc

W210 e55: big engine, can handle 500hp with a supercharger(if you think that's necessary) but well it's gonne be expensive, something like 10/15K handles quite nice stock but not like a 500hp car should do. If you keep it N/A there aren't alot of mods available maybe 50/70hp crank max over stock after spending more then 5k I estimate.
In a straight line the e55 stock in good condition beats the e46m3, so it's up to you if you think modding even is necessary. plus of the e55 is the relaxing ride qualitly, the comfy seats, leg room.

w203 c32: most sporty car overall, fantastic powerfull engine, easiest to modify. handles great stock, give it some small engine tuning if needed should have plenty of power to make you smile. I think you like a car that looks modern, check out the 203 amg picture thread plenty of c32's looking insane.

Simon P

I really do like the look of a c32. Its smaller than the e55, more modern and has a lot of luxury components. But Im concerned that this car will cost me a lot in repair bills eg. heat exchanger pumps, blown valeo radiators, faulty seat modules, glycol contamination in the gear box, torque converter bump in 2nd gear, etc. You will spend a bit on rear tyres, brake pads, engine and gearbox mounts. Heard an alternator is $1500. Supercharger is $15000..

Simon P

Hi all!

Thanks for all your feedback! Decided on either a C32 or E55 W210. Been looking at carsales.com.au for a few months now. These cars are pretty rare. A C32 goes from mid 20's to as much as low $30,000. Similar with the E55 W210. The E55 W210 pre 2000 model around $20,000 - $25,000. Depending on kms and condition. And the post 2000 from $24,000 to $30,000. Been looking for a few months and only seen a few in that time. The C32 looks more modern with TV / GPS but the E55 W210 is a classic look, more low rpm torque but aged and without trip computer / screen / GPS. If I decide on an E55, should I wait for the post 2000 model? One with low kms? Or just one that has full service history?

As an example, there is a 1999 model E55 with 235,000+ kms with full service history for $19,000. Here is the ad: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...5&sort=default
and then there is a E55 2001 model with 170,000 kms for $30,000 in concourse condition and also with full service history. Ad: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...5&sort=default
Quite a difference in price. I have also seen a E55 2000 model that had 210,000kms with an after-market kleenmans supercharger for $22,900 that recently sold. I think I should only look for a C32 or E55 that hasn't been performance modified. Plus, in Victoria, Australia, without an engineers certificate (which isn't cheap), you can't get a RWC for a performace modified car. Aust market SUCKS!

Your comments / suggestions will be much appreciated!

Kind regards,

Simon

tw2

My only tip is be careful with the high k's. Not because things will break but because if you decide to sell this can be very hard with really high km's without taking a huge $$ hit. Aussie market sucks... sorry, but at least its not a holden right?

559EVO

If you want updated looks get a CLK500 or E500, if you want the most power get the W210 E55, Test drive an E500, its a big difference in ride quality compared to a c class. How much are the 550 models going for over there?

Black5

If maintenance cost are going to be a concern stay away from ANY AMG models.
Remember that although they are now sub $30k, the E55 was nearly $200k, and C32 was over $150k when new.
Maintenance costs are STILL those of a $200k/$150k car, and the older and more Km you have, the more likely it is to cost.
Maintenance of non-AMG models are more reasonable, but driving experience and feel is totally different.

I looked at CLK500 and E500 models as well, but comparatively they drove like marshmallows and I couldn't live with them without some serious suspension and driveline mods.

Simon P

559EVO): Australia don't have the 550 model here. I have said the costs of E55 W210 and C32 costs in my last post. If you were meaning a CLK55 W208 which is an option, they are going for $30,000 - $38,000. The C55 (which I really like) are $38,000 - $45,000. Too expensive for me. I was considering a CLK 500 W209 or E500 W211. They are $28,000 - $35,000. But as others have stated. It's a different car to the AMG's. More of an old-mans car. Not the power, handling, ride or strength of an AMG.
So for me, it comes down to either an E55 W210, a C32 or maybe even a CLK55 W208.

FrankW

Post-2000 e55 would be a lot better. For 1. The gear lever now taps left or right to select lower gear instead of the old MB shift gates. 2. The mfd in the middle of the dash which if you do find one with Comand nav, itll tell you info in the screen as well. 3. The front end looks much better with more sloped nose and smaller grille.

Simon P

FrankW): Good points. Plus post 2000 has touch buttons on steering wheel. Front looks a lot better. The standard wheels don't suit. Esp with the side skirts. Seen some awesome wheels in the picture site. Will take a while to find one. There is only 1 in carsales in Australia and he wants $30,000 for a 2001 model w210 with 170,000kms. New paint job which is suspicious.

macbryanie

When I was looking almost 2 yrs ago I had decided on the E55. (I bought old school mags from ebay reading about the 55 reviews etc) at that time Mick Doohan's old one was being sold in Tassie(?) if i remember correctly 2001 model with designo...beautiful but close to $50k. The average then was high to mid 30's ($) for the updated shape 2000-01. I hadnt test driven one yet but then did a complete flip and test drove a C32, a couple of days later - that was that. For two weeks now wife is in the market for a car: last weekend I drove a honda legend 08 and a Lexus GS450h 07 and a Toyota Kulgar , we both felt so happy to jump back in to the 32. Today I picked her up and we test drove a clk240 2005 (a209) it didnt have power seats or comand, felt like it was on valium- all for $45k. The wife completely loves the 32 again: as Black 5 advised: these are high end cars and will require regular cost to maintain but they are on very similar playing field to cars much younger and 55 or 32 performance is fantasic no doubt. A modded 32 eats up the HSV players.I saw a silver 208 clk55 in vic at 29k? Thats a brutal coupe. But basically mate it all comes down to the feeling you get from the test drives. Its the only way you will be certain for a decision.

Simon P

Macbryanie): Mate. Thanks for your advice. Great to see an Aussie on this forum. Can you recommend a good independent merc mechanic? Noticed you have mods on .your c32. Where did you get the parts? I have test driven an e55 w210. But not a c32 or cl55. Your right. I should test drive all to try to bring it down to one car. I haven't seen a c32 in Victoria. There are only 6 on sale in carsales and they are all in NSW. Was told today not to get a car from Sydney as they have all been sitting in traffic, stop start too often. Found that a generalisation. I'm assuming a clk55 w208 would drive and feel similar to the e55 w210. The c32 would be a completely different feel. I had a Nissan 200sx . running 20psi. Spent $20,000 on performance mods. Had 220kw@wheels and it only weighed 1290kg. That went hard. Thought I was over the power and that type of car so bought a BMW 330ci. Now I want the power again. So selling the BMW. Need to be patient. Hopefully I can get to drive a few more soon.

macbryanie

All mods are from the States: eurocharged and needswings and OEM 55 bits. Regarding a mechanic I am in south east and have an indie (can pm details if that is your area) and I know another mbworld member in northern suburbs "N.pirrone vsexy" whom has an indie aswell. "Benzmodz" in NSW has connections and solid knowledge so maybe hit him up with a pm even regarding available cars.

Simon P

Macbryanie): I live in Prahran / Windsor. So close to you. Yes, please tell me your mechanic in South East.
Cheers!

559EVO

[QUOTE=Simon P;5413217]559EVO): Australia don't have the 550 model here. I have said the costs of E55 W210 and C32 costs in my last post. If you were meaning a CLK55 W208 which is an option, they are going for $30,000 - $38,000. The C55 (which I really like) are $38,000 - $45,000. Too expensive for me. I was considering a CLK 500 W209 or E500 W211. They are $28,000 - $35,000. But as others have stated. It's a different car to the AMG's. More of an old-mans car. Not the power, handling, ride or strength of an AMG.

2007+ 500 models actually have the 382 hp 550 motors but on your car site they go for 50,000+

Simon P

559EVO): Yes, not cheap! If any of you US or European /British ppl want to just check out what your car would be worth in Australia, check this site: carsales.com.au.
As ill only have aprox $25,000 to spend, I'm linited to a c32, e55 w210 or maybe just manage to get a clk55 w208.

Simon P

A mates c63 was dyno'd at 240kw@wheels stock. With an ECU flash n tune he got 280kw@wheels. Does anyone know what a c32 (standard and modded) and e55 w210 gets @wheels?

moosejaw

My C32 dynoed 317 whp at the wheels stock
With Eurocharged Tune, SC pulley, C3 Intake, Evosport Headers, i dynoed 355 hp to the wheels.

Simon P

Moosejaw): That's about 260kw@wheels! Very nice! What size pulley do you have? Have you had problems with the car? Heard that 181-185-pulley causes reliability issues as it incl headers heat up the engine bay. Eg heating which affected reliability. I am really concerned with the amount of things that I've heard go wrong with these cars.

moosejaw

SimonP
It was a stock pulley with a supercharger pulley made by code 3 years ago.
I didnt have any problems with the car in over 3 years. Not one.
If i had an issue it was leaky intake manifold gaskets which i replaced.

I was not aware that 185mm pulley heated up engine bay. Im not aware of any heat issues with these cars. Even with headers, you can ceramic coat them with a 2000* coating to help cut down on heat and also wrap them as well for extra protection

Let me know what you think of my car?
It has a Eurocharged ECU/TCU Tune. Loungn14 can answer all your questions on the C32.

"Check out the TCU tune on my C32 that i had done a few month back during the group tune session.
Really comes alive with the shorty headers."