rrich49132

Hi all,
I am just coming off looking at a few W210 E55's and overall the power is great but they just don't seem to handle too well. I might be a bit tainted as my ex cars have been a 2003 M5, 1999 m3, but my 2000 CLK430 I used to have many years ago seemed to be very tight and the two E55's I drove just seemed very lose suspension wise. I am considering a C55 now as My budget is under $12K as not too many options as I like M cars and AMG.

I have read up on the cars. Can some owners chime in and let me know how service is at higher miles like 100K? I need to drive one but nothing is for sale in the Northern, VA are so I am not sure yet but like the HP, the 1/4 mile times and from reading they seem to handle very well and will be much better than a W210 E55.

mtownerman

About 6 months ago I picked up a 2005 C55 with 150k on the odo. Overall, pretty well cared for but still cost $2500 the first trip to a Mercedes Indy shop to bring everything up to date. Still can't figure out a jerky 2-3 shift when cold however. That's my only complaint about the car thus far.
I think it's a blast to drive....

blacksage

I am sure it would help if you could outline what was done in your $2.5K trip to the shop.

I don't remember doing anything different after 100K. I think there was a spark plug change which was more than I was expecting. Typical oil changes and fluid flush. I think the alternator and starter might need to be replaced around that time.

tw2

Plugs wires and transmission fluid flush are about the only extras over usual oil, brake fluid changes. Not a bad idea to do the diff fluid also. None of this is particularly expensive in north America from prices i have seen posted. Oh and the valve cover will probably need the seals changed, easy DIY, but only use genuine MB parts.

mtownerman

Brake fluid flush, Trans service, Replaced lower control arms and wheel alignment, replaced idler pulley and drive belt, cleaned corrosion off battery terminals, cleaned throttle body and replaced throttle body gasket (fixed intermittent cold start rough running condition)

Amir_AMG

You can definitely find a decent c55 or even clk55 for around 12k. There was a clean well maintained on the forums with an 11k obo price tag about a month ago (clk55 2004). It will be faster and handle better than your w210.
Won't match the handling of the e39 stock but you will enjoy the ride.

rrich49132

Thanks all I am keeping my eyes our for anything within about 200 miles or the Washington DC area.

ghiaguy

The C55 is a solid handling car, far sharper than the w210, and in the same ballpark as the E39 imo. I would say drive any example you can get your hands on, even if its a bit over your budget. You'll be happy you did and will know what to look for in a $12k example.

mtownerman- does your car's shifting improve with the transmission reset? If not, you may be in for fresh solenoids, etc: https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...em-solved.html

///AchMeinGott

Everything's relative. I subsbribe to the thought that if one is serious about wanting X performance A) If they are buying a higher mileage, potentially tired car they need to have money also set aside for upkeep/mods or B) buy a lesser performing, but low mileage car. The 5.4 is known to be a hearty engine and even with 150,000 miles may still run a low 13, but that doesn't mean any if not all of the shocks are on their way out or one of the cylinders has lost compression. A 50,000 mile car that new, was tested to not perform as well as a C/CLK55, may handle better then them when it's down 100,000 miles.

So be aware of that when you test drive one, if it doesn't quite live up to your expectations, although 200 less lbs is 200 less lbs. I've seen multiple low mileage E55's under $15k(30-50k miles). C55's, not so much. Then again there's no universe in which I'd touch an M5 for $12k, and it probably won't handle better then a C55 anyhow. The real downfall of the C55, is lack of mechanical grip. It's seriously under-tired and it can be quite a battle to fit more rubber.