C55 vs E55?
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Chicago
2015.5 Volvo V60 Polestar
Between the two I would buy an E55, hands down. Just the power factor alone makes it worth it to me. Alas, it does not come in a coupe, so I will stick with CLK55.
Note to all with a w211 E55, if you want an reliable N/A I will trade you my drivetrain out of my CLK55
Note to all with a w211 E55, if you want an reliable N/A I will trade you my drivetrain out of my CLK55
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Joined: Mar 2011
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From: JHB South Africa
C32 AMG, 2007 Chev Lumina SS, 2006 ML 320cdi
I ended up getting a "grown-up" car - an immaculate 2006 ML 320 cdi that goes like hell for an SUV. Thought this would cure me of my AMG obsession. It goes like hell for a 2,5 ton diesel powered lump, but it is up for sale already because if you think AMG repair bills are ugly - try one of these! So far I have managed to break the turbo and replace the aircon compressor - all out of motorplan of course! When I read the fineprint on the extended dealer warrantee and found out it only covers a fraction of the cost I nearly passed out when I saw how much I had to pay ($ 5000.00). I am now going to have to wait a while and save up for a used 2008 CLK63 AMG because the prices are creeping down. No more superchargers or turbochargers ever unless I have the finances to buy a low mileage, still in motorplan AMG and keep it until the cover expires. Merc's are just ridiculous to maintain and this coming from a guy who's first 3 cars were all 80's Alfa Romeo's.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 68
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From: JHB South Africa
C32 AMG, 2007 Chev Lumina SS, 2006 ML 320cdi
had a similar dilemma myself.....instead settled for a c32 currently. will most probably replace one of my 202's with a c55 soon.....but that e55 question keeps popping up....lol
interesting to learn about this camshaft problem.....any solutions or preventative measures?
interesting to learn about this camshaft problem.....any solutions or preventative measures?
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From: PA
S600, GL450, GLC 43
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: JHB South Africa
C32 AMG, 2007 Chev Lumina SS, 2006 ML 320cdi
I dont consider my lumpy ML fast by any means - I just made the comment that for 2,5 tons and considering it's diesel, it out accelerates and out brakes many of the hot hatches. My last modded C32 ate M3's regulary and I have been around and driven both stock and modded C & E 55's so I know what 'quick' is. It was a choice based on being married with 2 kids and AMG bills adding up quickly. Out of the 2 years I owned my C32 it spent a total of 8 months in the workshop - the ML seemed a sensible and responsible choice so give me a break.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: durban. south africa
02 W203 C32 AMG, 00 W202 AMG, 98 W202 C23K, 98 W202 3.0T, 97 W202 C23T, 93 W201 AMG
wow so basically what you're saying is i'm doomed....cos i own a 2002 C32.
NOT!!!!!!!!!!
you see the problem starts with blocked catalytic converters...mainly the primaries.....pressure is fed up back thru the EGR valve(or something like that) and thats when the valve bends and hurts the piston and camshaft as well.....the lobe turns cos it is press fitted.
so any c32 owners out there, remove cats...both preferably.
NOT!!!!!!!!!!
you see the problem starts with blocked catalytic converters...mainly the primaries.....pressure is fed up back thru the EGR valve(or something like that) and thats when the valve bends and hurts the piston and camshaft as well.....the lobe turns cos it is press fitted.
so any c32 owners out there, remove cats...both preferably.
Last edited by dokotela; Feb 26, 2013 at 07:29 AM.
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'07 CLS 63, '91 E34 M5 Dinan Stroker
As a new C55 owner and forum poster, I haven't yet earned any stripes yet but thought I'd comment. I was in the same position as you regarding C vs. E. let me say that after just 3 weeks of ownership I love my C55. Let me also say however, that I still think I really wanted an E but for reasons below I decided on a lower mileage, clean, well sorted single-owner C55.
My reasons for the C had nothing to do with not being able to afford repairs on an E. it was really not wanting to deal with potential repairs on the E. my biggest concern? Fuel tank sending units and leaks. Perhaps not as big an issue as there are plenty of happy E55 owners here, but the thought of waiting for a leak and a potential expensive repair made me hold off. Thinking about it now, nothing else about the E really worried me.
I wanted a fast, comfortable and nearly bullet-proof car to take over daily driver duty from my '91 E34 M5 while I upgrade bits and pieces on the M5 and stop piling on Miles. I didn't need two project cars and I really didn't want to sell my M! The C55 fits the bill nicely.
Although I can almost bet you will have thoughts about the E55 after you buy a C, (I know I do!) just keep in mind that you will own a rare car that is faster and better looking than most of the poor excuses for "performance" cars out there, E55 excepted, of course
. I can almost guarantee that if ownership of the C goes well for me, I WILL get an E55 or E63 next. So enjoy your C55! I think you've made the right decision for your situation.
My reasons for the C had nothing to do with not being able to afford repairs on an E. it was really not wanting to deal with potential repairs on the E. my biggest concern? Fuel tank sending units and leaks. Perhaps not as big an issue as there are plenty of happy E55 owners here, but the thought of waiting for a leak and a potential expensive repair made me hold off. Thinking about it now, nothing else about the E really worried me.
I wanted a fast, comfortable and nearly bullet-proof car to take over daily driver duty from my '91 E34 M5 while I upgrade bits and pieces on the M5 and stop piling on Miles. I didn't need two project cars and I really didn't want to sell my M! The C55 fits the bill nicely.
Although I can almost bet you will have thoughts about the E55 after you buy a C, (I know I do!) just keep in mind that you will own a rare car that is faster and better looking than most of the poor excuses for "performance" cars out there, E55 excepted, of course
. I can almost guarantee that if ownership of the C goes well for me, I WILL get an E55 or E63 next. So enjoy your C55! I think you've made the right decision for your situation.
Last edited by adl320; Feb 26, 2013 at 11:27 PM. Reason: Spelling
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 333
Likes: 3
From: JHB, South Africa
03 E55 AMG
Nope, you are wrong. Got a immaculate 2003 E55 with 60k miles on the clock that has given me very few problems so far and goes like a rocket. Started modding it, but run out of money for the time being. Easy to work on and the build quality is outstanding compared to a c-class. The fuel bill is a ***** though. I must admit that I still prefer the size and drive of the C55.
Now I am drooling over the new E63 bi-turbo.
Now I am drooling over the new E63 bi-turbo.
Last edited by James M; Apr 11, 2014 at 07:44 AM. Reason: spelling
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 333
Likes: 3
From: JHB, South Africa
03 E55 AMG
wow so basically what you're saying is i'm doomed....cos i own a 2002 C32.
NOT!!!!!!!!!!
you see the problem starts with blocked catalytic converters...mainly the primaries.....pressure is fed up back thru the EGR valve(or something like that) and thats when the valve bends and hurts the piston and camshaft as well.....the lobe turns cos it is press fitted.
so any c32 owners out there, remove cats...both preferably.
NOT!!!!!!!!!!
you see the problem starts with blocked catalytic converters...mainly the primaries.....pressure is fed up back thru the EGR valve(or something like that) and thats when the valve bends and hurts the piston and camshaft as well.....the lobe turns cos it is press fitted.
so any c32 owners out there, remove cats...both preferably.
More pics pleez
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,562
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From: Austin, TX
2006 E55, 2012 GLK350 & 1992 190e sportline
Originally Posted by dokotela 
wow so basically what you're saying is i'm doomed....cos i own a 2002 C32.
NOT!!!!!!!!!!
you see the problem starts with blocked catalytic converters...mainly the primaries.....pressure is fed up back thru the EGR valve(or something like that) and thats when the valve bends and hurts the piston and camshaft as well.....the lobe turns cos it is press fitted.
so any c32 owners out there, remove cats...both preferably.
So how did I blow up 2 motors when both had TNT headers and full exhaust systems with zero catalytic converters? Read the C32 post 'C32 potential camshaft problems'. You hit the nail on the head when you said 'press fitted'. That is exactly the problem. Over 120 000km the lobes shift slightly and the problem starts as a misfire and it all goes downhill from there. I have plenty of mates who own 2003/4 C32's with 180 000km and plenty of mods with no issues. What I am saying is that the early model C32's - 2001/2 are potentially more prone to this issue. You should see the amount of calls I still get, 4 years later, from distraught C32 owners on what to do with this very same problem.
wow so basically what you're saying is i'm doomed....cos i own a 2002 C32.
NOT!!!!!!!!!!
you see the problem starts with blocked catalytic converters...mainly the primaries.....pressure is fed up back thru the EGR valve(or something like that) and thats when the valve bends and hurts the piston and camshaft as well.....the lobe turns cos it is press fitted.
so any c32 owners out there, remove cats...both preferably.
So how did I blow up 2 motors when both had TNT headers and full exhaust systems with zero catalytic converters? Read the C32 post 'C32 potential camshaft problems'. You hit the nail on the head when you said 'press fitted'. That is exactly the problem. Over 120 000km the lobes shift slightly and the problem starts as a misfire and it all goes downhill from there. I have plenty of mates who own 2003/4 C32's with 180 000km and plenty of mods with no issues. What I am saying is that the early model C32's - 2001/2 are potentially more prone to this issue. You should see the amount of calls I still get, 4 years later, from distraught C32 owners on what to do with this very same problem.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
C55 AMG, BMW 535i, Mazda Cx-7, Nissan 240sx
Nope, you are wrong. Got a immaculate 2003 E55 with 60k miles on the clock that has given me very few problems so far and goes like a rocket. Started modding it, but run out of money for the time being. Easy to work on and the build quality is outstanding compared to a c-class. The fuel bill is a ***** though. I must admit that I still prefer the size and drive of the C55.
Now I am drooling over the new E63 bi-turbo.
Now I am drooling over the new E63 bi-turbo.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 333
Likes: 3
From: JHB, South Africa
03 E55 AMG
That's why I couldn't pass the E-class up - right colour and mileage. Each car has its own issues and I must say that the price on OE parts has come down dramatically. I still wouldn't turn down a 2006 C55.
However, I did a 20-25m smoking burnout through 2nd gear and into 3rd the other day, that had joggers jumping into bushes and cars clearing off the road ahead of me - I know I got the right car.
However, I did a 20-25m smoking burnout through 2nd gear and into 3rd the other day, that had joggers jumping into bushes and cars clearing off the road ahead of me - I know I got the right car.
