Simon P

Hi all, I currently have an E46 330Ci and I'm interested in selling it so I can get something with more power, but keeping the luxury and looks. I'm thinking either a C32, a W210 E55, a W211 E500 or even a Merc CLK500 or CLK55, an Audi S4 B6 or BMW E34 M3. I've noticed that most M3's have most likely been thrashed and are a little older looking. The W210 E55 also looks its age, but I drove one and it feels and goes great! Want a car that is also reliable and not expensive with problems. The C32 looks more modern but I'm not sure, as It's supercharged if it will likely cost me a fortune in repairs etc. I was told by a Mercedes dealership that the supercharger alone costs $15,000. Can people please advice me on the cars I have mentioned including reliability. Also if I went for the CLK500 or W211 E500, if there any performance improvements that can be done such as ECU re-mapping that won't cost a fortune. I won't have much $ after I sell my BMW 330ci so that's why I have mentioned the cars that aren't from AMG.
Your advice will be much appreciated.
Cheers!

FrankW

w210 E55 is a solid car. probably don't have any problem except it just looks old, but you can mod it some and make it look pretty classic. the last year is the best.

02-04 C32. supercharger won't be the problem with this car. i don't think anyone on the board has actually blown their supercharger. the thing that will need replaced is the supercharger clutch bearings and those are cheap. the crank position sensor which is cheap as well and then there are the common problems with the w203 such as powerseat draining the battery. all the problems are pretty much all listed in the forum and most of them can easily be DIYed.

w209 clk500 or 55. again, solid car. the later year the better. some common issue shared with the 203.

the crank position sensor are a problem common on all MBs.

B6 S4, from what i have seen. some people seems to have electric issues for ignition wirings. other than that...good car is you want a decent power V8 with 4wd. but the interior room is crap.

E36 M3, clean ones are hard to come by. unless you want a project car. it's not worth the hassle.

E46 M3, you have a 330Ci. i'm pretty sure you are aware of E46s' problems.

MB depreciation is ****, but the CLK500 and w211 E500 in same condition as the C32 will actually cost more. all depends on what year and $$ you are looking for.

Saaboteur

I understand the 4.2L Audi motors are quite the pain when it comes to timing chain and tensioner issues. Motor out procedure. But arguably the nicest interiors of the three mainstream German manufacturers.

w202mylove

I would suggest the c32 or e55, why? they got good brakes and engines that can take some punishment. Take a look at the 210 e55 picture threat they can look pretty badass. love the v8 from the E55amg handles pretty good for a big car and it sounds amazing, for the more sharp cornering and maybe track driving? c32. the w211 is a nice car to, but it's a whole different kind of car it's more like the grown up man's car, still got plenty of power. Test drive a c32 and try an e55 again, and decide everyone has a different opinion on how a car should feel like driving it's up to you.

Simon P

Sweet! Great info from you guys! Thanks! Yes, ill take a c32 for a drive. Regarding the W210 e55, I know the 2000-2002 is a better version than pre-2000. But I prefer the pre-2000 side skirts better. It looks more slick / smooth / flush. What I also realized is that the e55 doesnt have a limited slip dif. Wtf. When I drove one the other day, in the dry, I noticed the traction control light kept flickering to aorox 100kms. If it had LSD, is imagine it would pull even harder.
Ps. Frank, I have just replaced power steering and last year, sunroom with my BMW 330ci, but not aware of problems. I know the SMG is DJs, but I have triptronic.

w202mylove

I agree the lack of lsd sucks, but do you really need it for street use? I'll post some pics of sweet e55's. myself I prefer the before face lift look also, they are pretty reliable make sure transmission has been serviced right.

AKnight55

Might want to also consider C43.. The w202 is classic looking in my opinion

vaiste001

W202 indeed not bad. W202 C43 retain their value much better than C36. Jackpot if you are able to find a special version like this: http://suchen.mobile.de/auto-inserat...rt=ALSO_EXPORT

pointman

Yup, thats why I dumped mine.

rlddlr53

STAY AWAY from E46 M3!

Sold mine a month or so ago. Even if its nice it just has a ton of issues.. subframe area in rear, vanos exhaust hub issues, etc.


Very happy with the clk55 so far, just picked up a c55

I owned a c32 before, just go drive a bunch of those cars you listed till you know what you want

Best of luck in your search/decision

w202mylove

I agree, confirm about the m3, the subframe problem is horrible was on the market for buying one, chose not to do to many problems you are better of with the 32/55.

Simon P

Thanks all! Got some great info from you all. I think an E55 W210 or C32 are the best options. But still keep options open and drive a few more.
W202 mylove): Love the photos of those cars. Pitty, only one 2000 model W210 E55 for sale at the moment and its silver with subs etc. Think its been thrashed. Would also love a dark colour one. This one is silver and the side skirts dont loook as slick as the pre 2000 model. In black or a dark colour, the side skirts look fine. But in silver, not so much.

DerHammer

I looked at tons of different sport luxury vehicles before purchasing a c32 and a w211 e55. I absolutely love the c32. It's fast, handles great, easily modified, and low key. Did I mention low key? Where I live I have only had a few cars try to race me in a couple of years of driving. (I love driving a fast car that doesn't have the "get pulled over for no reason" look) More people tried to race my 325i! I love the Q car factor these AMG's provide. The W211 e55 is worth the extra coin if you want the extra power and higher limits for mods. These engines are bulletproof. Also wouldn't get a non AMG benz if your into modding for power. The $ to power ratio is just not the same. An ecu remap might get a little grunt out of an e500, but you would save more by buying the AMG version from the start (especially with the super low prices on the market right now). With any of these cars listed, including your 330ci, I would either have a good relationship with an Indie, or know how to use some tools and read DIY's on forums. AMG's are pretty solid reliable vehicles; by biggest expense on both of mine has been replacing rear tires and oil changes Most any European car will cost a good bit more than it should if you show up to the Dealership and tell them the problems your having.

91RS

If you're looking at the C32 and W210 E55, why not get the best of both worlds with the C55? You get the lighter, more agile C-Class; with the V8 (arguably more reliable than the S/C V6 in the C32) and a newer interior.

ProjectC55

Any year CLK55 or C55 are the two best ways to go!!

91RS

Yes.

Simon P

91RS): I would love a C55. But they are over my price range. It seems as thoujgh the only 2 that are in my price range is the C32 or E55. All aprox $25,000. The C43 doesnt have enough power. That would be in my price range. Driving a C32 tomorrow. It only got 132,000kms and is very cheap! $19,990. It may be to good to be true. Any suggestions as to what I should look for with problems?

Viper98912

What is your location? Most C55's in the US are very sadly going for less than $18k.

Simon P

I wish I lived in the US! I live in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and C55's are selling over $45,000! W208 2000 model CLk55's are going for aprox $30,000, C32's are going for $25000-35000. W210 E55's are going for $20000-30000. Its bull****! Aust currency is strong against the US $ AND yet Aust is still way for for cars than the US.

Black5

It's a combination of our tax structure and small market/distance Simon.

Keep in mind that all those cars you mention cost around $140k or more to buy new, so resale values are what you would expect.
Servicing costs/parts in our market are also commensurate with $140k+ cars.
I've come from BMW's as well and found non-amg models comparatively unsatisfying to drive without modifications, so the value proposition for the AMG's makes more sense.

My recomendation, once you've decided your personal preference, is to go for the latest model you can afford with the best history.
(I would go C32 in your situation)

Good luck.

Nachtsturm

Out of those, I would recommend the W210 E55 if you can find a nice lowish mile example. Bulletproof car.

Nachtsturm

Heck, if I lived in the land of the Kangaroo, I'd be driving this...

Simon P

Black5): Yes, the c32 looks the goods. But I'm a bit concerned with all the problems that ive read about. But maybe, by now, these problems have been rectified.
Nachsturm, yes W210 E55 do seem bulletproof, esp compared to the c32. But they have aged in looks. The c32 looks much newer. And yes, Ford and Holden do have some high kw, torque cars. But they are seen everywhere and don't have the luxary or class than a European car has.
I wonder if the clk500, W211 E500 etc have good potential in power increase mods at a reasonable price?

tw2

Its because you have holden. New Zealand has a tiny car market but we have just about every RHD car ever produced and they are cheap because we have no car manufacturing industry and open wide arms to cheap imports..... and you have holden and the federal govenment wants you to love holden.

w202mylove

can't you just get a supercharger on the clk500, with some suspension mods it handles quite nice, if it's alot cheaper compared to clk55 this could be an option, still best is c32/e55 what is the most imported for you? power looks? the amg's are the best basis to start with for modding obvious. from stock c32/e55 are both pretty good. \\\cheers