Andreas B

Hello.
I am a new member here and this is my first post.

I live in Norway and I'm thinking about going to Germany to pick up a C55 from 2004. It has a full service history (I got a copy as proof) and has been kept in a garage in the winter (so he says).
From what I've read here and on other forums the car seems pretty reliable. I was primarily looking at the C32, but since I'm not going to do any modifications I changed my mind to the
C55. From what I've understood the self breathig V8 in this particular model is also bulletproof, so to speak. I will not drive this AMG when it's winter, so this will be my summer cruiser.

Anything in particular I should look out for when inspecting the car?
This is a C55 from 2004. Is this year OK ?
How is it regarding rust?

Thanks !

Benzrider17

I have a 2006 c55 , car is amazing if it’s been well kept that’s a plus . I would check value cover gaskets motor mounts lower control arms
those are some parts I’ve replaced in the last two years ,but overall it’s a sold car and fast if you like speed

Kendricc55

Rust is really bad on these cars so look closely.

amgfreak87

I consider the 203 C55 to be the most bulletproof AMG ever.

Nevertheless, there are some issues to watch out for:

The A/C209 CLK55, W203 C55 and R171SLK55 use the M113.98x Evo Engine. These engines are known for oil consumption due to worn piston rings until somewhere in 2006. Initially, many engines were replaced entirely under warranty, later bulletins only required the replacements of some party such as pistons, piston rings or piston gaskets.

General M113 engine issues apply to the c55 as well, but are usually an easy fix (e.g. valve cover gaskets, vacuum leaks etc).

The transmission is reliable if ATF oil has been changed or ideally flushed every 60.000km. Conducter plates can go bad but are an easy DIY.

Make sure to replace the transmission connector every time and inspect for signs of oil. The oil travels along the wiring harness and can flood the ECU behind the passenger carpet.

OEM Brakes are cheap compared to many other AMGs so don’t worry if these are worn.

Rust on Facelift S/W203 is much less of an issue than it was on pre-facelift Cars. Since the C55 came together with the facelift, you are much better of than buying an C32. Nevertheless, hard winters and salt will kill almost any car. So make sure to check the underside of the car as well as all painted areas especially below door seals and doors on the bottom, fenders and the engine bay.

Good luck!

amgen

Interesting, never ever heard about problems with the pistonrings etc...?
Had mine for soon 12 years as a daily driver, never had a problem on my 2005 with oilconsumption
but I´ve only used Mobil 1 5-50 with a yearly change.

amgfreak87

Yes, some engines are fine but there is huge number that has oil consumption issues which often rises with the mileage. Some can then use up to a 1Liter/100km (onehundred)!!!

5WXX oils can help cover small issues. MB only allowed 229.5 0W40 back in the days. In the meanwhile, any 229.5 0w40 or 5w40 can be used on AMG engines requiring the 229.5 spec.

Mercedes states that up to 1Liter/1000km in oil consumption is within spec.

Oil consumption can also come from other M113 issues but this is not specific to the M113.988 engine used in the C55.

Regular oil changes with the correct oil certainly don’t harm but the issue with the piston rings is that they have less pressure on the cylinder walls than other M113 engines in order to run with less friction compared to non evo engines. Unfortunately they can loose tension and to too little pressure on the cylinder walls leads to oil in the combustion chamber. This again can lead to deposits and oil crusts which increases oil consumption even more.

Some people where partially successful using oil flush detergents to get rid of some of the deposits.

I am on my third C55 now and the first two consumed up to 1Liter/1000km (within spec) depending on the driving style.

Just bought the third C55 recently but will report once I’ve driven enough to judge the oil topic.

Hope this helps

Andreas B

Thanks for all the replies!
I never was a 203 fan, but it has really grown on me and I think this little quick rocket will suit me well.
I'm pleased to read what you all have to say about this car and it's reliability. One of my main concerns was rust
so it's a good thing that the facelift is better regarding this (I will never get rid of that problem on my w208).
A couple of DIY once in a while is not too bad either.

amgen

This was new information amgfreak87.
Thank you for your clarification!

amgfreak87

You‘re welcome guys Keep us posted, Andreas!

capo_vendetta

I have a couple of different 203 AMG's and what i know from the c55 is that they both (i have 2 of them) had oil leak at the valve cover, oil cooler and crankshaft seal.

Rust in the facelift model (also c55) aren't that big. My c32 have a lot of rust, the rest haven't.

Brakes are rubish... They brake pretty good but the disks always worn. Replace them with slk 55 brakes (6piston, 360mm disks).

I change oil every 10k km and gearbox oil every 60k km. sometimes i have to fill 1 l of oil after 8000km.

I had 2 big problems. First one on my c30 amg. Wiring harness for the fan was broken (fan went to max speed all the time), and had a big problem on my C55. ESP/ABS failure. But i think i found the problem.

Yarin Caduri

I have a question. I have a SLK 55 AMG. The engine is in very bad condition and I need to replace it. I am having a hard time finding a new engine for my car. and I already tried to swap it with a g55 engine but the oil system is different and I cannot manage to swap the oil pump .do you think that the engine from the c55 amg will do the job?