Looking to get a C55 or C32 AMG...please help me choose...pros/cons
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Joined: Mar 2013
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From: PA
03 CLK55 AMG, 02 C240
Looking to get a C55 or C32 AMG...please help me choose...pros/cons
As the title says, I'm looking to trade my C240 for an 03 C32 AMG, or an 05 C55 AMG. BOTH cars have about 60k miles, the C55 is $3k more. Is there one more reliable than the other? Is there anything about either model that I should know before buying? I do love my C240 but I need more power.
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Bella Vista, AR
05 C55 AMG
I would have to say the C55 is more reliable and is the better choice.
Reasons being:
- newer vehicle and components are most likely not as warn out.
- Simpler engine design and does not have a supercharger. Nets less potential repairs.
- Search through the forum and you will be able to conclude there have been less issues with the C55.
Thanks,
Derek
Reasons being:
- newer vehicle and components are most likely not as warn out.
- Simpler engine design and does not have a supercharger. Nets less potential repairs.
- Search through the forum and you will be able to conclude there have been less issues with the C55.
Thanks,
Derek
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From: San Diego, CA
07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
I would have to say the C55 is more reliable and is the better choice.
Reasons being:
- newer vehicle and components are most likely not as warn out.
- Simpler engine design and does not have a supercharger. Nets less potential repairs.
- Search through the forum and you will be able to conclude there have been less issues with the C55.
Thanks,
Derek
Reasons being:
- newer vehicle and components are most likely not as warn out.
- Simpler engine design and does not have a supercharger. Nets less potential repairs.
- Search through the forum and you will be able to conclude there have been less issues with the C55.
Thanks,
Derek
However... Do you want crazy HP?? Then the C32 is for you. Can't do much to the C55 for more hp. However you'll find that its more than adequate. Also stock you'll have a better front track since the wheels are slightly wider on all 4 corners. I love my C55 but I wouldn't toss a C32 out of bed. Both are great cars for different reasons.
And I've got just over 99k on mine atm.. works flawlessly and I bought mine with 52k on the clock. Pretty much no issues and over 45k put on it.
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From: San Diego, CA
07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
Oh and if you want a RARE color.. check this one out. Its clean.
http://capecod.craigslist.org/cto/3671392375.html
http://capecod.craigslist.org/cto/3671392375.html
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C55 AMG, 300D-T & Karmann Ghia
C55 is more refined inside as well- It would be more of an upgrade from the C240 than the C32 as far as interior amenities
V8 sound and reliability that gorgeous front end too
V8 sound and reliability that gorgeous front end too
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From: San Diego, CA
07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
Yeah I have to admit I like the dash cluster on my C55 better than the C32's. My friend has a 2004 CLK350 and just 2 years newer, my car doesn't feel as old as her's does.
Ditching that yellow / orange color for the electronics really makes a difference.
Ditching that yellow / orange color for the electronics really makes a difference.
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Joined: Mar 2013
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From: PA
03 CLK55 AMG, 02 C240
That is a nice C55 but the one I'm looking at has a lower price tag and mileage. All the pros for the 55 I definitely agree with. Especially that exhaust note, but the one thing the C32 has is I can use everything I put on the 240 and put it on the 32... Idk...gonna be a tough decision.
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07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
That is a nice C55 but the one I'm looking at has a lower price tag and mileage. All the pros for the 55 I definitely agree with. Especially that exhaust note, but the one thing the C32 has is I can use everything I put on the 240 and put it on the 32... Idk...gonna be a tough decision.
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From: San Diego, CA
07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
So going with your signature.
25mm h&r spacers in the rear - will work on both C32 and C55
brabus knock offs 18" - will work on both C32 and C55
single fin grill & debadged - C32 only
rolled rear fenders - well you lose that with the car being sold. =)
custom stainless cat back/ress delete - C32. However you're going to want the AMG tiped muffler. (or quad C55 hotness "hint hint")
k&n filters - Filter is different on all 3 models.
7'' double din etc. - With the C55 you usually find navigation so you'll want that anyways.
25mm h&r spacers in the rear - will work on both C32 and C55
brabus knock offs 18" - will work on both C32 and C55
single fin grill & debadged - C32 only
rolled rear fenders - well you lose that with the car being sold. =)
custom stainless cat back/ress delete - C32. However you're going to want the AMG tiped muffler. (or quad C55 hotness "hint hint")
k&n filters - Filter is different on all 3 models.
7'' double din etc. - With the C55 you usually find navigation so you'll want that anyways.
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From: Salt Lake City
C32, 911 SC
Keeping it stock - C55
Planning for mods - C32
Planning for a lot of mods - E55
I don't think you can go wrong with either one. C32s with deleted resonator and cats sound godly as well.
Just a food for thought, C32 looks like any other W203s because it is very understated vs C55 with quads. Some people like it that way and some people don't. However, it is always fun to see people's surprised face after a kill
Planning for mods - C32
Planning for a lot of mods - E55
I don't think you can go wrong with either one. C32s with deleted resonator and cats sound godly as well.
Just a food for thought, C32 looks like any other W203s because it is very understated vs C55 with quads. Some people like it that way and some people don't. However, it is always fun to see people's surprised face after a kill
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From: Canada
C55 AMG, 135i, 911 GT3, GLE43 AMG
I was in the same boat as the OP back in 2005. Had a 2002 C240.....considered a Kleeman supercharger.....but thankfully my wife convinced me to just get a FASTER car all together. Been super happy with the C55 ever since.
See the following thread which lists the differences between the C32 and C55. There are more differences than you may think.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...n-c55-c32.html
See the following thread which lists the differences between the C32 and C55. There are more differences than you may think.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...n-c55-c32.html
Last edited by PC Valkyrie; Mar 28, 2013 at 04:55 PM.
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From: San Diego, CA
07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
PC Valkyrie very nice writeup. I'm glad I got the C55. =)
I can verify that M mode doesn't shift when you hit the rev limiter.. I did that once.. still makes me cringe thinking about it. But it works.. I do tend to leave it in sport mode since I don't track the car. However I do find myself using the paddle shifters for downshifting a lot. Even in traffic.
I can verify that M mode doesn't shift when you hit the rev limiter.. I did that once.. still makes me cringe thinking about it. But it works.. I do tend to leave it in sport mode since I don't track the car. However I do find myself using the paddle shifters for downshifting a lot. Even in traffic.
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eclectic assortment of cars
I was making a similar choice a couple years ago before I bought my C55, and of course went with the C55. V8 is a big plus. Instrument cluster is a big deal (to me, anyway). The C55's just looks much better, and hasn't aged as much as the C32's.
Also, it seems that stock suspension (in North America at least) on the C55 sits lower than stock on the C32. Not sure about Euro spec C32s, but the C55's factory stance is much better than the C32.
But...spark plug service will be pricier on the C55, only two more cylinders but four more plugs than the V6s. But it's not like you need to do plugs that often I guess. Other maintenance items will be comparable between the cars because of their similarity, eg. brakes.
Also, C55s already come with button shifters on the wheel, and with a bit of time and effort, you can fit the paddle shifters from the 63 cars. Can't do that without much more work on a C32.
Generally speaking though, manufacturers always make better cars, not worse cars. Leaving aside subjective points, newer cars almost always perform better than older cars if left untuned. Of course you can squeeze more power from a C32 tuned than a C55, but leaving that possibility aside, would Mercedes allow an inferior product to come out after the previous iteration? If you can stomach the extra cost, I say just go with the C55. I think of the car as 2/3 the car of a C63 (which, let's face it, probably most of us really want - I'm just counting my pennies until I can grab one) but at about 1/3 the price, currently.
Also, it seems that stock suspension (in North America at least) on the C55 sits lower than stock on the C32. Not sure about Euro spec C32s, but the C55's factory stance is much better than the C32.
But...spark plug service will be pricier on the C55, only two more cylinders but four more plugs than the V6s. But it's not like you need to do plugs that often I guess. Other maintenance items will be comparable between the cars because of their similarity, eg. brakes.
Also, C55s already come with button shifters on the wheel, and with a bit of time and effort, you can fit the paddle shifters from the 63 cars. Can't do that without much more work on a C32.
Generally speaking though, manufacturers always make better cars, not worse cars. Leaving aside subjective points, newer cars almost always perform better than older cars if left untuned. Of course you can squeeze more power from a C32 tuned than a C55, but leaving that possibility aside, would Mercedes allow an inferior product to come out after the previous iteration? If you can stomach the extra cost, I say just go with the C55. I think of the car as 2/3 the car of a C63 (which, let's face it, probably most of us really want - I'm just counting my pennies until I can grab one) but at about 1/3 the price, currently.
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From: San Diego, CA
07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
I'm actually really surprised how much the C63 has held its value in comparison to the C55. I kind of want one.. but then again the next chassis might be coming up and the rumor is 5.4L twin turbo V8. That's the one I'm going to hold out for. Till then.. rockin the C55.
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From: Maryland
2006 C55, 1995 C36
C32 had issues with early-production Valeo radiators causing glycol contamination and the subsequent transmission damage/failure. There's also the infamous tranny jerk; not sure if that's ever been definitively solved, hopefully a 32 owner can chime in.
C55 issues are weeping valve covers, engine mounts, occasionally, dirty MAF and/or dirty throttle body from PCV system causing idle issues. Not sure if I'm forgetting anything, but mine has been pretty damn solid for 2 years.
Common issues:
Heated seat bases have the life expectancy of a cupcake at fat camp.
Leaking trans connector O rings (at least I think this happens to the 32's, maybe engine mounts too...)
TIRES
It surprises me that everyone still thinks that modding a C55 is so much more expensive than a C32 though, I've got a grand total of about $4700 in mine, fabrication for exhaust included. A Eurocharged stage 2 retails for $4400, exhaust fabrication not included. My results speak for themselves.
C55 issues are weeping valve covers, engine mounts, occasionally, dirty MAF and/or dirty throttle body from PCV system causing idle issues. Not sure if I'm forgetting anything, but mine has been pretty damn solid for 2 years.
Common issues:
Heated seat bases have the life expectancy of a cupcake at fat camp.
Leaking trans connector O rings (at least I think this happens to the 32's, maybe engine mounts too...)
TIRES
It surprises me that everyone still thinks that modding a C55 is so much more expensive than a C32 though, I've got a grand total of about $4700 in mine, fabrication for exhaust included. A Eurocharged stage 2 retails for $4400, exhaust fabrication not included. My results speak for themselves.
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Joined: Mar 2013
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From: PA
03 CLK55 AMG, 02 C240
Checked out that other thread, I really appreciate all the info. Would still be nice to hear from a C32 owner. The interior in the 55 is gonna be a thing for me I think, you do spend more time enjoying the car from the inside.
My buddie has been bugging me to go BMW, but after looking at some of the horror stories on their forums I might never get own a bimmer. Glad I'm not seeing any of that on here.
My buddie has been bugging me to go BMW, but after looking at some of the horror stories on their forums I might never get own a bimmer. Glad I'm not seeing any of that on here.
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From: People's Republic of California (Southern Region)
C55 AMG, CLK550
I love my C55! The car is a ton of fun to drive and you don't see them at every intersection. I've said this before... It's been absolutely bullet proof...
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2003 C32
I was in a similar situation when I bought my 2003 C32. I wanted to mod the crap out of it. Overall value and mod potential, I chose the C32. Lucky for me, mine has a new tranny/radiator as it previous fell victim to that issue. ..bring on more mods. I think the C32 is a better overall value
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Posts: 444
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From: San Diego, CA
07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
C55 issues are weeping valve covers, engine mounts, occasionally, dirty MAF and/or dirty throttle body from PCV system causing idle issues. Not sure if I'm forgetting anything, but mine has been pretty damn solid for 2 years.
Common issues:
Heated seat bases have the life expectancy of a cupcake at fat camp.
Leaking trans connector O rings (at least I think this happens to the 32's, maybe engine mounts too...)
TIRES
It surprises me that everyone still thinks that modding a C55 is so much more expensive than a C32 though, I've got a grand total of about $4700 in mine, fabrication for exhaust included. A Eurocharged stage 2 retails for $4400, exhaust fabrication not included. My results speak for themselves.
Yeah had those... and after they are fixed.. they don't come back for awhile.
Don't think its much more to mod a C55 engine compared to a C32... its more of a design thing. I came from learning about turbo's with my 93 RX7.. that was a quick learning coarse on air to fuel ratios.. exhaust.. and boost pressure.
Being that the 55 is an N/A motor the compression ratios are too high to really get any gain for cost. You can slap a 15k super charger on the engine from Kleeman and get 600hp OR you can buy a used S55 motor do some upgrades to it and slap that in the car and get about 740hp with crazy torque IIRC. Lower compression engines are better for forced induction. And I think that's where a lot of the 55 owners stop. Just simply due to cost vs hp output.
I do know that if I'm going to keep this car (which to be honest I'm going to). I'm doing an ECU update along with some headers and an airbox update. The car is plenty fast for me now. And I'm more of a left and right guy so my primary focus has always been on suspension, brakes, and tires.
I find that the torque in this car is pleeeeeennnty to A) Haven fun with B) Get you in trouble quickly.
My vote is still for the C55 in case you've not figure it out. =)
Hey dre5373,
What is included on the stage 2 update? That's about what I was going to spend on the renntech update for I think the ecu and airbox. Are you passed 400ft lb torque?
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eclectic assortment of cars
I've read that the next C63 will be a 4.0L twin turbo. A 5.5L twin turbo will be better, but then the car will really be able to outstrip its bigger siblings. Maybe AWD will be an option too? I've really got my eyes set on a W204 C63 though - it's a relatively simple car - big NA engine, passive suspension - should be a relatively simple car to maintain, like, say an E55, CLS55, E63 or whatever. Hey, kinda like a C55! 
It's not that I'm afraid of supercharged or turbo cars - I have had several of each and still do right now (although one is aftermarket supercharged). But when you get forced induction Mercedes, parts just more expensive. That said, the C32 and SLK32 have to be the cheapest to maintain of the supercharged or turbicharged Benzes.
I do love my C55 a lot, but I really have my heart set on a C63. I mean, what's not to like with basically 500hp in a small sedan? For that reason, I'm not going to mod my C55 as I see that as money that could be out towards a C63. But I really would like to mod the car....
It's not that I'm afraid of supercharged or turbo cars - I have had several of each and still do right now (although one is aftermarket supercharged). But when you get forced induction Mercedes, parts just more expensive. That said, the C32 and SLK32 have to be the cheapest to maintain of the supercharged or turbicharged Benzes.
I do love my C55 a lot, but I really have my heart set on a C63. I mean, what's not to like with basically 500hp in a small sedan? For that reason, I'm not going to mod my C55 as I see that as money that could be out towards a C63. But I really would like to mod the car....
Last edited by Saaboteur; Mar 29, 2013 at 12:13 AM.
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From: San Diego, CA
07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
heh.. that's why I really really really really want a 2007-08 CLK63 vert. Its the same styling as the C55.. but with the new engine, transmission, and bigger brakes. Plus its a CONVERTIBLE!!!
But unfortunately what I owe on my car vs what it is worth is almost about even... so selling mine for a down payment isn't an option at this time.
But that's really the car to get in my eyes.
But unfortunately what I owe on my car vs what it is worth is almost about even... so selling mine for a down payment isn't an option at this time.
But that's really the car to get in my eyes.
