Simon P

Hi all.

Decided on either a C32 or E55 W210. Been looking at carsales.com.au for a few months now. These cars are pretty rare. A C32 goes from mid 20's to as much as low $30,000. Similar with the E55 W210. The E55 W210 pre 2000 model around $20,000 - $25,000. Depending on kms and condition. And the post 2000 from $24,000 to $30,000. Been looking for a few months and only seen a few in that time. The C32 looks more modern with TV / GPS but the E55 W210 is a classic look, more low rpm torque but aged and without trip computer / screen / GPS. If I decide on an E55, should I wait for the post 2000 model? One with low kms? Or just one that has full service history?

As an example, there is a 1999 model E55 with 235,000+ kms with full service history for $19,000. Here is the ad: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...5&sort=default
and then there is a E55 2001 model with 170,000 kms for $30,000 in concourse condition and also with full service history. Ad: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...5&sort=default
Quite a difference in price. I have also seen a E55 2000 model that had 210,000kms with an after-market kleenmans supercharger for $22,900 that recently sold. I think I should only look for a C32 or E55 that hasn't been performance modified. Plus, in Victoria, Australia, without an engineers certificate (which isn't cheap), you can't get a RWC for a performace modified car. Aust market SUCKS!

Your comments / suggestions will be much appreciated!

Kind regards,

Simon

JamE55

W210 E55

PelicanParts.com

E55!

snooozie

yeah, you dont want to get a 6 cylinder...definately E55

billbillw

C-class was too cramped for me. E55! IMO, there is an nice step up in fit/finish with the E-class as well.

roguewrester

E55 for the win.

Fabio D

I think all of us (E55 owners, forum) tell you to go for the E55, by a mechanic/workshop experience i can tell you firmly Go for the E55. The C32 has a very very very EXTREME poor interior plastics/materials quality, front suspension components tend to fail a lot in this car (very noisy) and comes with some problems in the elctronic components like Seat Modules, Cluster, EZS, (battery drain). The W210 is one of the most reliable cars since the W124 specialy the 500-E-500 with a very low maintenance cost (Sorry the front rotors are sooooo expensive hahahaha but thats it). The C32 is expensive thanks to the poor quality constuction

Just IMO, go for a good example of the beauty E55

Fabio Daniel

Simon P

Thanks guys! Yes, I think the E55 is the one to go for. If a Clk55 W208 comes up at a good price, I should probably consider that. But the E55 stands out for me. Thanks for your advice!

desired_speeds

the 01 you linked in your original post looks really nice! you should consider purchasing.

Simon P

DESIRED_SPEED): Mate, the 2001 does look to be in excellent condition. But I'm suspicious as to why it has a full re-spray. Surely a 11 year old car woukdnt need one unless it was rusted out. Or in a major accident. Plus, the price is high and 170,000kms aren't that low.

boyzee

E55,Ive had my 98 for 7 years now and it,s done 147k miles.My son had a C5 corvette and this AMG would keep up with it easy.I love the car and will hopefully keep it for many more years.

dearlove

C43!

C280 Sport

+1 E55 The C32/C55 feel really cheap inside.

Simon P

By now, I realize that the e55 w210 is better built and more reliable than the c32. But the e55's I've seen don't have computer screen and don't have GPS. They do look awesome. But oldish. Whereas the c32 has these features and look newer. A guy I was speaking to has a c32. It has 200,000kms which is a lot but he says that everything that goes wrong has recently been replaced. He thinks that parts seem to fault after 150,000 kms. So that is an option. He has thrashed it a fair bit (stating he often drags cars incl dragged a c63 for a couple hours and said he it was only a car length behind the c63). He said it doesn't have the. 181 or 185 pully which can stress and overheat the car.

Simon P

A mates c63 was dyno'd at 240kw@wheels stock. With an ECU flash n tune he got 280kw@wheels. Does anyone know what a c32 (standard and modded) and e55 w210 gets @wheels?

Martincyborg

I think it would be easier for everyone to help if you tell us what you actually need. The big luxury sedan or the compact. the C-class and the E-class are very different animals. If you dont have kids and want something fast the C30/C32/C36/C43 is a way better option than the E55 which is bigger, heavier and will always have to carry all that around. I have the E-class because it offers a compromise of both the performance I want AND the space for my familys holiday trips. Even if you want the compact, the difference between the V8 and the inline 6´s is very big and all depends on what engine character you like.

Simon P

I like the look of the e55 w210. C32 can look pretty good to but I'm concerned with the many problems I keep hearing. I would consider the c43 but it has a lot less performance. I know its lighter. But the 0-100km and quarter mile times show the lack of power compared to.the c32 and e55.

Martincyborg

The C43 is as fast as the E55, same engine with smaller displacement, but lighter and more nimble car. Still think its important that you think what size you need. Also to consider, w202 and w210 are much more solid and reliable than the w203. With the 202s and the 210s you mainly have only rust to worry about, with the 203s you have many other issues as well.

BTW command and gps where popular options on the E55.

BlownV8

Not sure where you get this from but the C43 is not as fast/quick as the E55. There is a little more than half a second difference to 60 and around 1 second difference in the 1/4 mile.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t-drive-review

Martincyborg

of course you are right regarding driving in a straight line. The words in real life was in my mind, but I forgot to type them out :-P