C55 Purchase Regret?
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'5 C55 AMG
C55 Purchase Regret?
I just scooped an '05 C55 that is super clean, with less than 80,000 miles. I bought it because I love this body style and the AMG is said to be the most reliable of that era. I'm thinking about downgrading to a simple C300 or something similar because this ride is awful. I don't intend on hitting the track or using it as a sports car. I just wanted reliability with the smooth ride and the low miles sold me. Id hate to get rid of it, but I value comfort more than sports performance. What kind of options do I have in regards to shock replacement, etc? Can I achieve the Mercedes trademark smoothness in this thing? Then it would be a dream. Would be grateful for any advice
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From: Atlanta Metro
Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
The C55 (especially ones that are now 13+ years old) are traditionally stiff in ride and heavy on the steering wheel. The ride is smooth, it just isn't soft.
Didn't you test drive it before you purchased?
Didn't you test drive it before you purchased?
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'5 C55 AMG
I did a test drive beforehand on really nice roads. Where I actually live, its a bit more rough. Plus, testing I was focusing on other things. Its an amazing car, so I hope there are suspension options to lighten things up
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05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
Well its close to needing new shocks if it has 80k. Check the service records to see if those were done before, i highly doubt it....
Its not the most comfortable car but it its not bad. Im sure your just needs a bit of love.
Sometimes is better to buy a car thats 100k plus because its past its first maintenance. Usually around 70-80k most benzes require a lot of maintenance so people sell them because they dont want to invest money.
Its not the most comfortable car but it its not bad. Im sure your just needs a bit of love.
Sometimes is better to buy a car thats 100k plus because its past its first maintenance. Usually around 70-80k most benzes require a lot of maintenance so people sell them because they dont want to invest money.
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'5 C55 AMG
Sadly it came with no records but I have a trusted mechanic I can take it to. Thanks for the info. I thought I was doing myself a favor with the low millage, doesn't sound like it. I'll have it looked at and see what happens. Any other things to look out for heading into 80k territory?
Last edited by suo.ohms; Oct 19, 2018 at 05:10 PM.
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From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
Replace the shocks, it will help for sure. The technology in shocks has improved since your C55 was manufactured along with the fact that you can choose shocks with different compression/rebound rates to suit the level of comfort you are looking for.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,040
Likes: 125
From: Atlanta Metro
Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
You bought an AMG without service records?
Wow, you are really bold!
This car will probably cost you an arm and a leg.
If you decide to keep her and fix her up, you will eventually like her, if not you will be unhappy.
These cars are like gold diggers.
Good luck with her.
Wow, you are really bold!
This car will probably cost you an arm and a leg.
If you decide to keep her and fix her up, you will eventually like her, if not you will be unhappy.
These cars are like gold diggers.
Good luck with her.
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Joined: Jul 2012
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2013 c63 Magnuson SCed
You bought an AMG without service records?
Wow, you are really bold!
This car will probably cost you an arm and a leg.
If you decide to keep her and fix her up, you will eventually like her, if not you will be unhappy.
These cars are like gold diggers.
Good luck with her.
Wow, you are really bold!
This car will probably cost you an arm and a leg.
If you decide to keep her and fix her up, you will eventually like her, if not you will be unhappy.
These cars are like gold diggers.
Good luck with her.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2018
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'5 C55 AMG
“Bold” is one way to phrase it. I’m relieved to see disagreement with you though. I have the option to trade it for a nice C class & cash - more than i paid. The drivetrain reliability is what hooks me on AMG. If I fall in love, new shocks all the way. Any recommendations for comfort?
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05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
Sadly it came with no records but I have a trusted mechanic I can take it to. Thanks for the info. I thought I was doing myself a favor with the low millage, doesn't sound like it. I'll have it looked at and see what happens. Any other things to look out for heading into 80k territory?
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Bay Area,CA
2002 E320
Really good shocks can make big difference in the overall ride. I'd suggest some form of Bilstein's.
I dont think the C55 will ever be 'plush' in the ride department unless you do a drastic change to tires and spring rates.
I'd stick with the C55 for awhile, you never know you might actually grow to really like it after awhile. This car is one of Mercedes best kept secrets
I dont think the C55 will ever be 'plush' in the ride department unless you do a drastic change to tires and spring rates.
I'd stick with the C55 for awhile, you never know you might actually grow to really like it after awhile. This car is one of Mercedes best kept secrets
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 254
Likes: 34
From: Oregon
2006 ML350, 2005 C55, 2004 E55
You bought an AMG without service records?
Wow, you are really bold!
This car will probably cost you an arm and a leg.
If you decide to keep her and fix her up, you will eventually like her, if not you will be unhappy.
These cars are like gold diggers.
Good luck with her.
Wow, you are really bold!
This car will probably cost you an arm and a leg.
If you decide to keep her and fix her up, you will eventually like her, if not you will be unhappy.
These cars are like gold diggers.
Good luck with her.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 254
Likes: 34
From: Oregon
2006 ML350, 2005 C55, 2004 E55
you for sure won't like the adjustable Koni shox if you want comfort.
a better choice would be a w202 C43 with US 4x4 look like suspension.
this would be a comfortable car for you with factory suspension.
drive feel ould be more like a 60's Cadillac.
if your car was mistreated by PO, AMG parts are very expensive.
these cars wants nuthin' but the best, they need maintenance.
a better choice would be a w202 C43 with US 4x4 look like suspension.
this would be a comfortable car for you with factory suspension.
drive feel ould be more like a 60's Cadillac.
if your car was mistreated by PO, AMG parts are very expensive.
these cars wants nuthin' but the best, they need maintenance.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 254
Likes: 34
From: Oregon
2006 ML350, 2005 C55, 2004 E55
“Bold” is one way to phrase it. I’m relieved to see disagreement with you though. I have the option to trade it for a nice C class & cash - more than i paid. The drivetrain reliability is what hooks me on AMG. If I fall in love, new shocks all the way. Any recommendations for comfort?
Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 227
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
C55, w211 E55, ML320 CDI
My original struts and shocks at 103k miles were shot, and I replaced them last week. Noticeably better handling and ride comfort now. It's not like driving my M class SUV as far as comfort, but it's not so harsh over road imperfections any longer providing a nice mix between comfort and sportiness. VERY glad I made the change. I switched from the original Sachs to Bilsteins. I provided part numbers from my order from FCPeuro below.
Mercedes Strut Mount - Lemforder 2033200273
Mercedes Strut Assembly - Bilstein 22-218537
Mercedes Shock Absorber - Bilstein 24-114714
Mercedes Strut Mount - Lemforder 2033200273
Mercedes Strut Assembly - Bilstein 22-218537
Mercedes Shock Absorber - Bilstein 24-114714
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2013 c63 Magnuson SCed
Your memory seems to be short.
You're the one who started trolling attacks, not me!
I never said you are an inbred Beverly Hickbilly.
If you are married to your cousin that's OK by me, I don't judge you.
In our european culture this is not common, maybe in the deep woods of Apalachees where you come from this might be a normal tradition?
I feel sorry about your children having health issues.
I consider this like child abuse.
However, I don't judge what you do, coz I don't give a cucaracha's a$$ about you.
I forgive you for being who you are.
Thank you very much
You're the one who started trolling attacks, not me!
I never said you are an inbred Beverly Hickbilly.
If you are married to your cousin that's OK by me, I don't judge you.
In our european culture this is not common, maybe in the deep woods of Apalachees where you come from this might be a normal tradition?
I feel sorry about your children having health issues.
I consider this like child abuse.
However, I don't judge what you do, coz I don't give a cucaracha's a$$ about you.
I forgive you for being who you are.
Thank you very much
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 69
From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
You bought an AMG without service records?
Wow, you are really bold!
This car will probably cost you an arm and a leg.
If you decide to keep her and fix her up, you will eventually like her, if not you will be unhappy.
These cars are like gold diggers.
Good luck with her.
Wow, you are really bold!
This car will probably cost you an arm and a leg.
If you decide to keep her and fix her up, you will eventually like her, if not you will be unhappy.
These cars are like gold diggers.
Good luck with her.
The only major repair was water pump and $100 CPS. The rest are tires, brakes, oil, filter, engine mount change.
I have my E55 with coil-over conversion and I have to admit I rather air-matic now because the ride is harsh in certain road.
In freeway feel exact the same. Don't let an old AMG scare you !
Junior Member
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wagon
Provided that your shocks are still in working order, stepping down to 17" wheels is the right solution. I recently bought a C55 with 55k miles that sees regular city duty, and it's the first thing I did. 225/45/17 up front, 255/40/17 in the back. Made a significant difference -- enough so that I stopped worrying about avoiding road imperfections.
You could explore sizes that get you even more sidewall (235/45/17 or even 215/50/17 maybe?) but might run into fit or tire selection issues.
You could explore sizes that get you even more sidewall (235/45/17 or even 215/50/17 maybe?) but might run into fit or tire selection issues.
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