rockstarinlife

I am looking to buy a 3rd car just to drive for fun about 4-5 times a month around town. I probably will only put about 2-5k miles a year on it at the most.

I will probably keep it for 3-5 years or possibly longer if it lasts me and proves to not be in the shop more than I drive it.

I dont plan on doing any major mods, but possibly tune it for more HP etc.

I wont do my own repairs, but I will take it to our local mechanic that works on MB.

Originally I wanted the CL55 or CL600 but it just seemed like they would be a money pit and in the shop more than I would get to drive it

I am looking at the C and E class AMG's right now and trying to find out which ones to avoid and which ones are the best on reliability etc.

Looking for a used 30-70k miles

Year 05-08

Either a C55, C63, E55, E63

Budget: Between 15k-30k

Any suggestions on which years and models to avoid and which ones to look for?

Thanks

91RS

I'd probably go with the C63. I honestly don't know too much about them but for the time you're looking to keep it, I'd say the newer the better. Plus, the 6.3L with DOHC makes great power with simple mods like headers and tune as compared to the SOHC 5.5L.

rockstarinlife

Thanks and its just so tempting to buy a used high mile C55 or E55 for cash since they are so low in price right now.

Personally I would rather buy a 70-80k mile C55 or E55 for $15k and spend $1-3k a year in maintenance or repairs... Instead of paying $20-$30k or more and hope something doesnt break and need to put more into it.

Not sure if thats the best logic with this line though

Thats why I wanted to hear from some of you that might have success or horror stories to steer me right

tc1728

Sound like you decided already. But if you are expecting only 1 to 3k in repairs per year, get the C55. TC

Viper98912

15-30k won't get you anything with a 63 on the end of the badge.

hyperion667

I'd go for a C55 or C43 just because of the rarity, if you won't be driving it much, could be fun to have a rarer MB, just my thoughts........good luck with whatever you go with

swedepat

A C55 with some deasent mods performs like a C63 std.

Quicktwinturbo

for 30k, I don't think you will find any 63s..

rorf

C55 is the way to go, much simpler engine, easy maintenance and a decent 5 speed transmission.

These M113 engines can be thrashed (use Mobil 1 only) and can do high mileages.

Some of the 63s have issues - especially head bolts snapping off and cam gears and lobes doing strange things - far too complicated.

Enigma94

I'd go with a E55 personally. I havent done much research into what normally goes out on them and what you'd be looking at for normal repairs but I personally find the w203 to be a bit small and you cant beat a SC v8.

I'm sure others will chime in on weather the e55 would meet your repair budget.

91RS

The major problems I know of with the E55 are the fuel tank leaks and the airmatic suspension.

559EVO

C55 if you must have an AMG, if you just want more power for your money Id get a 2007-2008 CLK550/E550.

ddtham

Weekend fun? Get a 911 or a spec Miata. AMGs are to be driven, because the more you let it sit, the more stuff will break down.

Quickvr4

I would stay away from a pre-2011 car with a 63 motor. They had a lot of issues with head bolts being too weak and the camshaft issues. Mercedes has not been good about replacing these items to you most likely will get screwed over if you buy one pre-2011.

biturbowagon

you can buy my c55. If you are putting low miles on it, why spend money on a c63?

rockstarinlife

Yea... I am leaning towards the C55 since I dont need a big car and it will take less room in the garage.

I might take the family (3 kids) in it maybe 1-2 times a month at the most just for the fun of it. But we have a SUV for the family.

I have also been looking at the E550 and didnt realize they had that much power.

I will need to do a little bit more research on them to see the pros and cons vs the C55.

Need a 5 seater just in case I feel like driving the family in it once in awhile.

Thanks but I prefer to not have to deal with shipping and out of California car if I can.

I do have 2 C55's close to me. 1 is about 10 min away and the other is an hour away. 1 has 60k miles and priced at $17,500 and the other is at 80k miles for $16,000.

pointman

I would feel weird buying a rare car from someone who lives nearby. And if you're not an AMG fanboy like the rest of us, the E550 is a sweet package. Bigger, but no so much that its going to feel like a boat, great power, and a slightly less mickey mouse interior from a 203.

And if thats you in your av, you're awesome.

ghiaguy

+1, pretty much just demand the car you want and the owner should give it to you

pointman

Newer > older. Period.

AMG3.2

C63 is the hands down best car.

rockstarinlife

Thanks for the tip and I might just jump on the E550 since they do have 2 white ones close to me and I really like the white color on the benz

I have owned an S class, CLK, SL300, SL500 and a C320... So I prefer the smaller cars since we already got a 7 seater SUV that we will use 99.5% of the time with the kids. I have driven in my friends E500 and do remember it wasnt that much bigger than a C class.

Thanks... and that is me on the av

I am gonna just point at him and do that....lol

GIVE ME YOUR CAR NOW!

I am starting to really get confused since I have been looking at a few different models and even the M3 and 335.

Now I gotta go back and look for what years and what to avoid when looking for an E550

559EVO

+1
Me and my wife still say man the E500 we had rode the best out of all out cars.

hyperion667

that is you? I thought it was a knock off of kid rock (not a compliment)

legofc

If i were you i would get rid of the 98 CLK320 and the 02 C320 , buy the E63 amg and make it my daily driver.

Even if those AMG cars have big engines, if you drive economically you will get good mileage for the fuel you put in.

pointman

Those cars have no value.

I have never had luck getting good mileage out of any car I've owned. So I call bollocks on that one.