Hi, I have an opportunity to trade my 2005 C55 (87,000 km) for a 2003 E55 (79,000 km). What do you think? Would you make the move?

I love my C in every way except for power. The C is quite rare but I'm always craving that "supercharged V8". I'm not to familiar with W211 E, I do know the previous owner has taken very good care of it. He gets every little thing repaired no matter what.

 

Go for it!

 

+1

 

Well...I was on the board for a long time as a C32 guy thinking, "Whatev...those E55's aren't that much better..."

And yes, my little beautiful fun 32 was tuned, boosted, and screaming (not quite what I would call stage 2, but definitely stage +). I didn't think the E55 would be as DRAMATICALLY different as it is.

The C55 is more attractive to me still because it's absurdly rare, gorgeous, and a v8 stuff in a little sedan. It handles great. Sounds great....

Get the E55...especially since you know the history.

Its funny because I run with a crew of guys (doctors, lawyers) and I'm just the engineer in the group...but even the guys with the new Ferrari's and Porsche's respect my car and fear it. It's 5 years old now and it STILL gets parked out front at the Loews & W in Buckhead.

It is a COOL car. The E55 always will be.

 

The C55 feels way better in the curves, but it's also way harsher in the bumps. The power, however, cannot be compared. I have a friend with a C55 and while I think it handles great, his car feels slow as hell to me. I also find it uncomfortable.

 

Do it!

 

Do it
I came from a modded C32 and i have not looked back.
The handling wasnt that good in the C32 anyways so it's was a moot point.

 

Give the old girl a try! I like how the 8 year old platform still commands VIP treatment, although a lot of it I'm sure has to do with the rims, panoroof, and how clean you keep it. I often treat my clients to Arashi Sushi or The Palm in downtown LA and 4 out of 5 times valet parks her right in front of the restaurant where Astons or Ferraris normally park.

 

Wise move

 

+1 on getting the E55 seriously its another beast all together

 

YES do it and don't ever look back it will be a BIG step UP for you, you'll love it !!

 

Just make sure that there are no existing issues, I've heard that the 03 e55 had some issues, but I'm not too sure. If it's a straight trade then it sounds like a good deal, if not I would super charge the c55.

 

I'm going to keep my C55 and look for a E55!

 

I don't own an E55, but I know it uses the SBC braking system and airmatic. Search up on these issues. The only reason I'm not getting an E55 is because (at least in the non-AMG W211 forums), a few have experienced SBC failure - and when they do, the claim is that there is VERY little braking power. Statistically speaking, you can see from this board there are very few instances of this happening, but I'm just paranoid. Its making me want to trade up my E500 for a W210 E55. (I've never had a problem with my SBC equipped E500). Many owners claim MB offers a 10 yr. warranty, on SBC, and that is true, but there's too much at risk if one can't stop. Also that means for a 2003 model, the warranty runs out in approx. one year... I was told on the other forum the SBC was updated in 2005.

Having said that, I'm soooo tempted with the hp and tq. numbers the W211 E55 has. If it were not for SBC, I would buy one in a sec. It is a BEAST!

Having said all of that, I got a C55 last month. No way the same power, but I love the fact that its got good power, and none of the fancy gadgets the E-Class has. It is small though.....

Either way, good luck to you. Best wishes with the E55 if you get it. As mentioned above, I would opt for a later model, say 2005+.

 

Just remember, 2003 E55 will require much more maintenance than your C55. Prepare to put some money in the beginning. You should have $2 - $3k budget in mind when it comes.