mhh

I'm sure this one has been discussed already, but can I ask those c55 owners who upgraded from a C32 whether the upgrade is worthwhile?

Because I already have the 18" wheels and my C32 is pretty fully optioned, the new engine and better chassis will be the only benefits for me. Are these alone worth it?

Thanks guys

neoprufrok

Since I own a C55 I can only talk about that... I've never owned a C32 but test drove some extensively -

Here are the pros of the C55:

1. More power and torque changes the driving experience - it feels more "merc" like - that effortless power feeling you get from other AMG cars. The V6 Kompressor is a great engine - and that'd be the one I'd get to modify. But stock, I think the V8 is a better "effortless" power type of engine.

2. Direct Control Steering - Merc changed up the steering on all 05 C class cars to have 7% more direct steering as wel as upgrading various suspension components - increasing front track, etc.

3. Interior - is far better than a C32's interior as is the DVD navi and sound system.

4. Exterior - the new C55 has a unique front end that no other C class shares - albeit a CLK grafted onto a C class. It looks unique and sportier.

This is not to say I don't love the C32 - I love it. Great car and I would have bought that car over any other car in its price range in a heartbeat had I been purchasing before 05. Plus, the C32 is much much more mod friendly (meaning easier to mod cheaply). But now that the C55 is out - I like that better.

SiLvaC32

i love the C55 interior! i love the C32's engine! the exterior doesn't have much change... you can get quad exhaust done yourself as people have proven on this board. do you justify the $ to change from C32 to C55? your choice.

EKaru

The C55 is great... They've made significant improvements over the C32... BUT.... Given the HUGE hit of depreciation these C-class AMGs endure, it's not worth it IMHO... Just look at the residuals of C55s.. So to sum it up... Yeah the C55 is better than the C32, but it's not $25-30K better. Giving your C32 to the dealership and paying another $25K-30K to get a C55 is basically bending over and taking it up the A S S ... Selling it on your own is no picnic either.. It took me 4 months to unload my 03' C32...
Eric...

neoprufrok

This is true. Depreciation sucks worse than overused groupies. Luckily - I found a CPO C55 with very low mileage on it. That said, cars are not even close to being good investments - so you'll lose money anyway on any car and paying that initial year of depreciation is the price you pay for driving the newest and best car.

Its like clothes- yeah you can wear nice clothes from a year ago - but some people would rather pay retail for the most latest styles. Not saying that's right or wrong - just saying its their prerogative.

cntlaw

If you need a straight answer it is NO.

Neo stated very well the new C55 has been enhanced in many ways.
Consider C32 and C55 basically look like the same car to most people, then you might want a different color this time.

You should enjoy the mods of your C32 and wait for the new C class AMG.

There is always an excuse if you cannot wait :p

mhh

Thanks for the input everyone.

I'll hold for now - the car is running beautifully after all. Every now and again I get the urge for an E55, but I believe the C32 might be a better driver's car (despite the E55's intoxicating acceleration.

Cnt's right - best to wait for a new model (in 07 or thereabouts, I'm guessing). I do like the size of the C-class.

Vader13

I don't consider the C55 an upgrade..its a diferrent look and feel of a W203..
Now an upgrade would be an E55..

DL_AMG

Agree. In few yrs you will see a new C55k. :P

Rareamg

I don't think it's worth it. I would like to see them dramatically change the style of the car. You can't really tell the difference on the outside unless you really look at it. If you have money to spend then go for it. You will lose a lot of money on the C32 if you try to sell or trade the car in.

C55AMG2005

I was very torn as to whether or not to get the C55...but all it took was one look at the C32 next to the C55 (plus a test drive) and my mind was made up. The differences are very nominal, however, there's nothing like a V8 rumble to make you feel all-powerful! It may just be my imagination, but the C55 really feels faster than the C32, especially from about 50mph to sky's the limit.

EKaru

It does feel quicker... It's probably because of the instant power from the high displacement V8... Just recently I was pleased that I was pulling on a Jag S-type R.... BUT then I realized how slow they were.. "That means the engine never made 400 horsepower during its 99-mph quarter-mile run in 14.1 seconds. Our test car's 5.5-second sprint to 60 mph trails that of the XJR by 0.2 second and the M5 by 0.8."


http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1

JasonC32amg

If you already have a c32 I'd say get a stroker motor from Renntech or Evosport