More accurate info on C55
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Chandler, AZ
Nissan Sentra
More accurate info on C55
I have been trying to get some accurate info on the C55 before I blew off buying an M3. Today I met with the GM of the dealership who spoke to MBUSA while I was there in his office.
The C55 will be a 2005 model big surprise. The information regarding the car, specifications, order codes etc... will be released shortly, probably in February, however the car will not begin production for several months and will most likely not be available until September. Its possible it could be earlier and possbile it could be later, +/- 30 days. AMG cars take longer than the standard cars as they are plucked from production lines and then massaged by AMG and then shipped who knew???? j/k.
So I will be getting the first one available at this particular dealership but I will not be driving it for quite some time. I did make my wife happy so the time should pass more quickly
I'll pass the summer with the new Nissan Titan and am going to buy another AR15 so I can spend the summer as a gun toting four wheeling redneck.
The C55 will be a 2005 model big surprise. The information regarding the car, specifications, order codes etc... will be released shortly, probably in February, however the car will not begin production for several months and will most likely not be available until September. Its possible it could be earlier and possbile it could be later, +/- 30 days. AMG cars take longer than the standard cars as they are plucked from production lines and then massaged by AMG and then shipped who knew???? j/k.
So I will be getting the first one available at this particular dealership but I will not be driving it for quite some time. I did make my wife happy so the time should pass more quickly
I'll pass the summer with the new Nissan Titan and am going to buy another AR15 so I can spend the summer as a gun toting four wheeling redneck.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Chandler, AZ
Nissan Sentra
No pre-bans. I have a Bushmaster Varminter with a big scope and sunshade. Sweet shooting gun at the range, but to big to carry out in the sticks. Going to buy a Colt M4 6700C.
My wife wasn't to psyched about the M3 but she really likes the C-class so she is happy she won't get stuck driving an M3
I didn't ask about the price, but as I mentioned the order guide should be out soon and maybe we can get a price then. I have to say that I very seriously doubt that it will increase by much seeing that the M3 and Audi already have lower base prices.
NA motors should be cheaper to produce than the Kompressors. Don't know that for a fact but its a reasonable assumption.
My wife wasn't to psyched about the M3 but she really likes the C-class so she is happy she won't get stuck driving an M3
I didn't ask about the price, but as I mentioned the order guide should be out soon and maybe we can get a price then. I have to say that I very seriously doubt that it will increase by much seeing that the M3 and Audi already have lower base prices.
NA motors should be cheaper to produce than the Kompressors. Don't know that for a fact but its a reasonable assumption.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
Originally posted by 99ML430
NA motors should be cheaper to produce than the Kompressors. Don't know that for a fact but its a reasonable assumption.
NA motors should be cheaper to produce than the Kompressors. Don't know that for a fact but its a reasonable assumption.
-G-
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Chandler, AZ
Nissan Sentra
I have always been partial to the V8 powered cars. This will be my third Mercedes, 92 400E, 99ML430. Probably would have foregone the C32 in favor of the M3 but with the V8 stuffed back into the W203 I am happy to purchase one. I looked at a C43 before buying the ML430 and just loved the sound of the car.
The C32 is a very cool package and I have nothing bad to say about it or the technology of the S/C, I just like the tuned V8's better.
The C32 is a very cool package and I have nothing bad to say about it or the technology of the S/C, I just like the tuned V8's better.
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax, VA
2002 C32 AMG Orion Blue Charcoal/Blue
Originally posted by GDawgC220
I think they are a little bit cheaper, but MB dropped superchargers because they wanted longevity for their engines...and NA motors in theory should last longer than Supercharged engines...
-G-
I think they are a little bit cheaper, but MB dropped superchargers because they wanted longevity for their engines...and NA motors in theory should last longer than Supercharged engines...
-G-
I believe the real reason is the prestige of more cylinders and the competition of the new S4 V8 and the future M3 (M4?) V8.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Chandler, AZ
Nissan Sentra
I have to agree with Carl as I mentioned the V8 cars just press my button. I can drive an E320 vs. an E500 or Ml350/ML500 and I always enjoy the V8 powered cars. I can't explain it other than to say they feel more substantial to me. It may all be in my head but thats how I feel about it.
My wife does not like the bigger cars E-S class but I have always balked at the C because I want V8 power, now we both get something we can enjoy. Of course I wind up driving a pickup most of the time anyway but.......
My wife does not like the bigger cars E-S class but I have always balked at the C because I want V8 power, now we both get something we can enjoy. Of course I wind up driving a pickup most of the time anyway but.......
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: Switzerland
C 32 AMG (203.065)
Re: More accurate info on C55
Originally posted by 99ML430
The C55 will be a 2005 model big surprise. The information regarding the car, specifications, order codes etc... will be released shortly, probably in February, however the car will not begin production for several months and will most likely not be available until September. Its possible it could be earlier and possbile it could be later, +/- 30 days. AMG cars take longer than the standard cars as they are plucked from production lines and then massaged by AMG and then shipped who knew???? j/k.
The C55 will be a 2005 model big surprise. The information regarding the car, specifications, order codes etc... will be released shortly, probably in February, however the car will not begin production for several months and will most likely not be available until September. Its possible it could be earlier and possbile it could be later, +/- 30 days. AMG cars take longer than the standard cars as they are plucked from production lines and then massaged by AMG and then shipped who knew???? j/k.
AMG fabricates the car's engines in Affalterbach and delivers them to the normal DC-production plants where the cars are built. Therefore AMG vehicles require the same time in production as any other normal S,E,C-Class.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Chandler, AZ
Nissan Sentra
If I'm wrong I will simply have to pick up my car sooner. That will suck.... I am only repeating what I have been told and that is that AMG equipped cars are taken from the normal production line for upgrades. Whether they do exactly that, take them to Affalterbach, or segregate them at Sindelfingen I do not know for sure but from a production standpoint it would not make much sense to randomly pluck cars from the C-class line, maybe they produce them in batches?????
In any case, they very well could start production in April, but it takes about 120 days to get an AMG car to the states, or at least to the West coast (again as I am told by MB reps). So If in fact the car could be built in April, I would still be looking at July as the earliest possible delivery date and more likely August or September as was represented to me by the local dealer.
And for the record what is your source of information?
In any case, they very well could start production in April, but it takes about 120 days to get an AMG car to the states, or at least to the West coast (again as I am told by MB reps). So If in fact the car could be built in April, I would still be looking at July as the earliest possible delivery date and more likely August or September as was represented to me by the local dealer.
And for the record what is your source of information?
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: Switzerland
C 32 AMG (203.065)
(I didnt mean to be an @ss or anything, was just trying to not spread false information)
I work at DaimlerChrysler and therefore work close with AMG. Also I have been to the AMG plant in Affalterbach.
I work at DaimlerChrysler and therefore work close with AMG. Also I have been to the AMG plant in Affalterbach.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Chandler, AZ
Nissan Sentra
Look, if you have better info than me by all means we want to hear it! I think the info that the dealer gave to me is in fact pretty accurate, he said production would start may/june so if it starts in April he was pretty close.
I'm still curious about the actual production, are you saying that they single out one or several cars coming down the c-class production line and add the appropriate parts on the same line as the regular C's??? I was always under the impression that the cars were retrofitted by AMG.
So the motors are assembled in Affalterbach, shippped to the c-class production location and installed right on the normal production line? Hmmmm, and I thought they were special.
I'm still curious about the actual production, are you saying that they single out one or several cars coming down the c-class production line and add the appropriate parts on the same line as the regular C's??? I was always under the impression that the cars were retrofitted by AMG.
So the motors are assembled in Affalterbach, shippped to the c-class production location and installed right on the normal production line? Hmmmm, and I thought they were special.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Minneeeesoootah
Originally posted by 99ML430
So the motors are assembled in Affalterbach, shippped to the c-class production location and installed right on the normal production line? Hmmmm, and I thought they were special.
So the motors are assembled in Affalterbach, shippped to the c-class production location and installed right on the normal production line? Hmmmm, and I thought they were special.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
Originally posted by WannaBeAMG
they are, theyre hand-assembled and tested.
they are, theyre hand-assembled and tested.
-G-
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: Switzerland
C 32 AMG (203.065)
Exactly.. Hand assembled and tested. What was quite interesting, is that AMG doesn't care too much, how many engines are put out by each engineer a day, they're just looking for quality.
As for the production cars. Vehicles are not taken off the production line. They're being produced like any other Mercedes-Benz. As you may be talking of the different body kits. For example: In Europe there are 3 different Lines in the A/C/E-Class and CLK(. Classic (Very basic Version, not available in the CLK-Class), Avantgarde (similiar to "Sport"), and Elegance ("Luxury"). Each one of those has a different set of frontspoiler, Sideskirts etc. So it doesnt make a difference if you're adding an "Elegance" Spoiler or an AMG one. A few years ago, when the C36,later the C43, E55 (W210, till facelift in 2000) etc were produced, cars were sent to the AMG plant to add the engine and stuff. Now that DaimlerChrysler has found a way to assemble those cars in Sindelfingen etc, there are no more delays or any kind of special treatments which makes quite a difference on delivery times.
As written in my previous post, cars are just sent to AMG if the client has a very special wish which the "Special-Demand" Center in Sindelfingen cannot fullfill (and they do quite a lot, but it costs major $$$!).
As for the production cars. Vehicles are not taken off the production line. They're being produced like any other Mercedes-Benz. As you may be talking of the different body kits. For example: In Europe there are 3 different Lines in the A/C/E-Class and CLK(. Classic (Very basic Version, not available in the CLK-Class), Avantgarde (similiar to "Sport"), and Elegance ("Luxury"). Each one of those has a different set of frontspoiler, Sideskirts etc. So it doesnt make a difference if you're adding an "Elegance" Spoiler or an AMG one. A few years ago, when the C36,later the C43, E55 (W210, till facelift in 2000) etc were produced, cars were sent to the AMG plant to add the engine and stuff. Now that DaimlerChrysler has found a way to assemble those cars in Sindelfingen etc, there are no more delays or any kind of special treatments which makes quite a difference on delivery times.
As written in my previous post, cars are just sent to AMG if the client has a very special wish which the "Special-Demand" Center in Sindelfingen cannot fullfill (and they do quite a lot, but it costs major $$$!).
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: Boston/Hartford
hmm could that explain the reason why everybody sees different numbers when they dyno at the wheels.
AMG dyno's the engine right? So I am sure it must be within a pretty narrow tolerance level.
Is it the assembly with the normal MB's that causes the big variations.
I have seen posts from 270 rwhp to 310rwhp. Pretty big difference if you ask me especially considering that those are at the wheels.
At any rate I was under the impression that AMG put it together too.
How does it work with the intake etc. The SL55 has a different intake than the normal SL. Is it just a different parts bin then for AMG cars. That kind of stinks. I would suppose that is why Brabus & Renntech built cars are so much more expensive than AMG.
AMG dyno's the engine right? So I am sure it must be within a pretty narrow tolerance level.
Is it the assembly with the normal MB's that causes the big variations.
I have seen posts from 270 rwhp to 310rwhp. Pretty big difference if you ask me especially considering that those are at the wheels.
At any rate I was under the impression that AMG put it together too.
How does it work with the intake etc. The SL55 has a different intake than the normal SL. Is it just a different parts bin then for AMG cars. That kind of stinks. I would suppose that is why Brabus & Renntech built cars are so much more expensive than AMG.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: Switzerland
C 32 AMG (203.065)
Yep, the engine testing is part of the engine-building-process. The big differences are kinda hard to explain, but still I guess there are 100s of possiblities why dyno's can be different.
Yep, the SL55 has a different intake. But that's not a problem for the production. Since it's possible in Europe to order each option separatly, it isnt a difference i.e. if you build a car with or without BOSE. Same to the intake. And again the same if you order different rims. Cars aren't the same color either.
Imagine your car rolling trough the production line. You haven't orderd a CD-changer, it'll roll pass the station where cd-changers are put in. You know what I mean? Same to every option in the car.
Yep, the SL55 has a different intake. But that's not a problem for the production. Since it's possible in Europe to order each option separatly, it isnt a difference i.e. if you build a car with or without BOSE. Same to the intake. And again the same if you order different rims. Cars aren't the same color either.
Imagine your car rolling trough the production line. You haven't orderd a CD-changer, it'll roll pass the station where cd-changers are put in. You know what I mean? Same to every option in the car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,553
Likes: 1
G
Originally posted by Prasith32
I have seen posts from 270 rwhp to 310rwhp. Pretty big difference if you ask me especially considering that those are at the wheels.
I have seen posts from 270 rwhp to 310rwhp. Pretty big difference if you ask me especially considering that those are at the wheels.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: Boston/Hartford
well I understand with the sound system, body, even the suspension because its just different parts that they put together on the assembly line.
But the engine is not just parts to put together. I mean how much of it is built in AMG? Like will they give just the engine and supercharger with instructions on how to put it together by some mb c-class engineer. I am sure it is not that bad but I am just wondering where is the line drawn?
Is this the source of the reliability problems with MB?
But the engine is not just parts to put together. I mean how much of it is built in AMG? Like will they give just the engine and supercharger with instructions on how to put it together by some mb c-class engineer. I am sure it is not that bad but I am just wondering where is the line drawn?
Is this the source of the reliability problems with MB?
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: Switzerland
C 32 AMG (203.065)
The complete engineblock is made in Affalterbach, after all they need to be tested there as well. When I've got there about 1 year ago I've seen a truck fully loaded with AMG-Engines going to Sindelfingen.
For me personally, the source of the reliability problems is that there are way too much electronics to keep track of everything. But thats just my personal point of view.
For me personally, the source of the reliability problems is that there are way too much electronics to keep track of everything. But thats just my personal point of view.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 3
From: OC
C32
Originally posted by MadC32
For me personally, the source of the reliability problems is that there are way too much electronics to keep track of everything. But thats just my personal point of view.
For me personally, the source of the reliability problems is that there are way too much electronics to keep track of everything. But thats just my personal point of view.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
From: California
ML350 '06
C55 Facelift
Hey guys,
I was reading another forum on the new C55 and here is an official pic of the new C55 front end w/no cover up...
http://www.jesmb.de/indexie.htm
Click on C-class facelift (which is in german spelling or something)
Basically, the forum says the new C55 gets the CLK55 front end. If you've seen the pics covered up with black tape, you can tell that the front grill is hiding the 3 star emblem in the center so it won't have the raised hood ornimant.
Personally, I kinda like the C32 front end over the C55. What do you guys think?
I was reading another forum on the new C55 and here is an official pic of the new C55 front end w/no cover up...
http://www.jesmb.de/indexie.htm
Click on C-class facelift (which is in german spelling or something)
Basically, the forum says the new C55 gets the CLK55 front end. If you've seen the pics covered up with black tape, you can tell that the front grill is hiding the 3 star emblem in the center so it won't have the raised hood ornimant.
Personally, I kinda like the C32 front end over the C55. What do you guys think?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: Boston/Hartford
Originally posted by MadC32
The complete engineblock is made in Affalterbach, after all they need to be tested there as well. When I've got there about 1 year ago I've seen a truck fully loaded with AMG-Engines going to Sindelfingen.
For me personally, the source of the reliability problems is that there are way too much electronics to keep track of everything. But thats just my personal point of view.
The complete engineblock is made in Affalterbach, after all they need to be tested there as well. When I've got there about 1 year ago I've seen a truck fully loaded with AMG-Engines going to Sindelfingen.
For me personally, the source of the reliability problems is that there are way too much electronics to keep track of everything. But thats just my personal point of view.
See I don't see how AMG can just send it without wheel dynos? They claim to sell a complete base right? They say that the actualy platform of the car has been tweaked ie strengthening the engine and modifying ecu and other programming. How is what they are doing any different than just getting c320 and putting a kleeman on it?
Don't get me wrong I love my AMG car but it just doesn't seem like they put it together that well. I don't know if its cuz its lowly MB techs putting together high-end AMG work.
And I do agree that the electrical system is the cause of much of the problems. However I do believe that the c55 will be more reliable just because its a very well known engine. It has been on several cars before and has a long service history. The s/c v6 is so new and many service centers still don't know the s/c engine that well. I think in terms of longevity (>100k miles) the c55 will be better.
And lastly I think the c55 in those pics looks a little weird. It may be the pics but from the front it looks a little off. Now from the back thats a different story. Talk about super aggressive
Prasith
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
Its funny to read posts on how people think the c55 will be more reliable. Its not like we are reading about engine failures or supercharger failures left and right on this forum. In fact since getting mine, i have never read of an engine issue. Evn with mod'd engines I dont read of engine problems.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: Boston/Hartford
well I have had issues with my intercooler pump and throttle actuator. Though it is not the supercharger per se it is definitely related.
I do think the c55 may even have more problems the first year but for the most part the more widespread the engine the more money you save production cost wise which you can either pocket or contribute to improving quality or tweaking other parts of the car ie suspension, esp. Lets hope its the latter.
I do think the c55 may even have more problems the first year but for the most part the more widespread the engine the more money you save production cost wise which you can either pocket or contribute to improving quality or tweaking other parts of the car ie suspension, esp. Lets hope its the latter.
