Deciding on a c32 or c55
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Joined: Dec 2015
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From: Toronto
05 C55 AMG|04 C32 AMG (traded)|07 E350 - 4Matic|08 S450 - 4Matic|08 R550 - 4Matic|05 Boxster S
If you did a quick search, you'd be able to see tons of posts between past forum members contemplating the exact same thing.
Looks and styling aside (since that's purely a personal preference), what it comes down to is the fact that the C32 is supercharged, while the C55 is a NA V8.
C32 is a little cheaper up front, but because it's supercharged, you'll have the intercooler and the supercharger to worry about which are extra parts that could go bad. At the same time, because it is supercharged, it is relatively easy to make more power (i.e switching to smaller supercharger pulley or bigger crank pulley). Some forum members, I believe, are pushing close to 400 at the wheels (450 at crank?) with just pulley mods and improved cooling.
C55 is just a bit more expensive, but easier to maintain overall since you have less parts to worry about. It's rated for something like 376 hp at crank, but even with a tune, you're not getting much more. So it's hard to get significant power out of the NA V8, UNLESS you decide to put ton A LOT of cash, in which case, that's a whole different story.
It all comes down to what you plan on doing to the car, and what your personal preferences are for styling.
Looks and styling aside (since that's purely a personal preference), what it comes down to is the fact that the C32 is supercharged, while the C55 is a NA V8.
C32 is a little cheaper up front, but because it's supercharged, you'll have the intercooler and the supercharger to worry about which are extra parts that could go bad. At the same time, because it is supercharged, it is relatively easy to make more power (i.e switching to smaller supercharger pulley or bigger crank pulley). Some forum members, I believe, are pushing close to 400 at the wheels (450 at crank?) with just pulley mods and improved cooling.
C55 is just a bit more expensive, but easier to maintain overall since you have less parts to worry about. It's rated for something like 376 hp at crank, but even with a tune, you're not getting much more. So it's hard to get significant power out of the NA V8, UNLESS you decide to put ton A LOT of cash, in which case, that's a whole different story.
It all comes down to what you plan on doing to the car, and what your personal preferences are for styling.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Chicago
2015.5 Volvo V60 Polestar
Get the C55, a good amount of updates, awesome V8 sound track, easier to maintain. and not that pricey to mod. You can get headers and a tune for under 1k.
I may be bias to the M113 though.
I did have a M112K, (SRT-6)
I may be bias to the M113 though.
I did have a M112K, (SRT-6)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
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C55 amg
Mileage
I saw a c55 in my area with 137k miles for $7500 is that too much money for that kind of miles. Will I start seeing problems with that kind of mileage. Btw the car looks like it's in amazing condition from the outside and interior.
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 96
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From: Kirkland, WA
2005 C55
There are several other threads here that cover the typical things that the C55 requires at >100K. Depending on how the car was serviced, $7500 is a steal. Mine is at 138K, still running like a champ, and expect to put on another 100K in the next few years.
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2006 C55
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2013 C63 AMG P31, 2014 GMC Sierra (6.2)
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From: New Hampshire
C 32 AMG & FG2 Civic Si
ghiaguy has a great point--the c32's interior definitely looks dated. the front end of the c55 looks more modern too, as do the rear taillights. on the c55, the front suspension is about 20% stiffer, and if i'm not mistaken the rear shocks are slightly stiffer as well. the steering rack is a bit faster and the soundtrack is better (unless you get the needswings intake for the c32 and you bring out the supercharger whine!). the c32 is obviously cheaper and way easier to get more power out of. neither have LSDs unfortunately. the power difference is honestly not that huge, but i hear the torque difference is noticeable (stock vs. stock).
if you were to say you could either buy a c55 and leave it mostly stock or get a c32 and have a few grand leftover to mod it, i would say go for the c32 as long as it's been maintained well. if you'd rather leave under the hood stuff stock, the c55 is probably the better option.
if you were to say you could either buy a c55 and leave it mostly stock or get a c32 and have a few grand leftover to mod it, i would say go for the c32 as long as it's been maintained well. if you'd rather leave under the hood stuff stock, the c55 is probably the better option.
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Joined: Aug 2014
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C32 amg
ghiaguy has a great point--the c32's interior definitely looks dated. the front end of the c55 looks more modern too, as do the rear taillights. on the c55, the front suspension is about 20% stiffer, and if i'm not mistaken the rear shocks are slightly stiffer as well. the steering rack is a bit faster and the soundtrack is better (unless you get the needswings intake for the c32 and you bring out the supercharger whine!). the c32 is obviously cheaper and way easier to get more power out of. neither have LSDs unfortunately. the power difference is honestly not that huge, but i hear the torque difference is noticeable (stock vs. stock).
if you were to say you could either buy a c55 and leave it mostly stock or get a c32 and have a few grand leftover to mod it, i would say go for the c32 as long as it's been maintained well. if you'd rather leave under the hood stuff stock, the c55 is probably the better option.
if you were to say you could either buy a c55 and leave it mostly stock or get a c32 and have a few grand leftover to mod it, i would say go for the c32 as long as it's been maintained well. if you'd rather leave under the hood stuff stock, the c55 is probably the better option.
Reley for secondary air pump 40.00, front right turn signal 19.00, guide pulley 70.00, drivers seat 1.00 yea 1.00, wobble crank pulley 360.00, tail light bulbs 5.00, front pads Clicking noise 80.00. There is odds and ends but if u know what ur doing and research it on this site it's pretty easy to do,
Last edited by Morphh; Jan 15, 2016 at 12:48 PM.
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From: Austin, TX
2006 E55, 2012 GLK350 & 1992 190e sportline
I keep seeing the words cheap fix and that is completely relative. How much is the belt for your c32? $100. spark plugs if you do them yourself $250. Did the plugs on my girls kia rio the other day for $20 the belt $10.
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C32 amg
I agree with u relatively cheap, I changed plugs in summer and it cost me 100.00 for plugs. I can save urself money on labour
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Santa Rosa, CA
E55 AMG
I think what he means is cheap relative to taking it to the dealership. Comparing a Kia Rio to any Mercedes is not even in the same league. A mercedes AMG is a high end car and Kia's are just cheap cars. Just my opinion.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,562
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From: Austin, TX
2006 E55, 2012 GLK350 & 1992 190e sportline
A Mercedes AMG is a high end car and Kia's are just cheap cars. Just my opinion.
