precisionmike

Hello All,

I am new to this forum, and looking to pick up an AMG (past Bimmer guy). I am trying to keep the price down, and looking at the following 2 options:

A.) 2004 E55, stock. Salvage title, rebuilt theft recovery, light front end. The car is 1500 miles away, and I have seen tons of pics, looks immaculate so far. I would have the car checked thoroughly before committing. Nav, no pano, dealer maintained, 93,000 miles, asking $14k.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...Index=12&Log=0

B.) 2003 C32, Eurocharged tune and SC pulley, SL55 intakes with K&Ns. 19" rims, springs, Local, had a VERY light fender bender, a small bit of well done paint work. 52,000, asking $13k
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/3450988583.html

Please give your input and advice. Thanks! Mike

Jakez

I managed to get my hands on an '03 E55 with 96k for $15k, dealer maintained and clean title etc. Was on autotrader private seller for $17.6 or so and talked down. Just saying.

I would still go with the E55 for a number of reasons, but not that one.

kustom2k1

Stay away from the salvage title car. Taking a few months and saving up while you keep looking would be smarter. GL.

desired_speeds

Better to buy a well taken care of higher mileage non salvage car, regardless if its a BMW or MB! Mine is a high mileage, but everything on it feels tight. The suspension is quiet and stiff and the interior is squeak and rattle free. The key is well maintained. My friend had a 156k mi E60 M5 that drove nicer than a 50k mi. one he had before.

Are you on a tight budget? I'd choose the E55 over the C32 regardless.

MIKESV8

i'd save up a few more pennies for a better E55, but if it were just between those two, C32 all day long because of mods+mileage. that's very low!

Jakez

Obviously on a tight budget.. honestly you will be kicking yourself for squeezing yourself into a car that is so expensive to maintain. Getting yourself into one is one thing, maintaining it is another, it's not as easy or cheap. Unless you're ok with the car being down for a bit every now and then or driving it around dangerously for a while (bald tires, worn parts, etc). Not to mention gas, and if it's going to be your daily then prepare to empty your wallet for gas, this thing is the definition of guzzler. My 2cents..

moosejaw

Two completely different cars. i would assume most of brand loyalists came from a C32 and
here are my thoughts.
C32<E55....
Easier/Cheaper to fix. Used parts are available all day long.
Better on Gas
Better Handling/Response...C55 is even better still in this department
Coils instead of Airmatic.
Most issues are related to CPS, Battery Modules, Radiator, Coolant in Tranny fluid wicking up to the module.

E55<C32
Faster even stock vs mod C32.
More luxurious
Head turner
Better interior
More options
More modern features and interior.

precisionmike

Wow, thanks for the quick responses. Allow me to clarify- the budget aspect pertains to me being cheap, not a financial constraint. I can easily pay for a more expensive car, and the associated maintenance. Really a tough choice.

Manuyc

Blown_V8s

Fixed it for you!

precisionmike

From my research, I thought the performance would be pretty close. I am told that the C32 is making about 415 HP with the mods, and is a bit lighter.

kompressede

Where are you located? I heard of a 06' C55 with warrenty (for a few more weeks). I don't have a lot of details. It's in NY, if you are interested you can PM me and I'll forward you his #.

GL

E55Dimon

I think its a no brainer. Just stay away from salvage titles. If you are blessed with the gift of sight just take a look at the two cars and make your wise choice.

desired_speeds

If you're cheap, find the cheapest (highest mileage usually) one that was daily driven with service records. Even better if you know how to work on the car yourself, you'll save a bunch there. Where are you located btw?

moosejaw

Math is not one of my strongest subjects

AKnight55

E55, a non salvaged vehicle however.. C32 is a small car too.. Unless of course you are on the shorter side.

WHTEVO

I would choose an E55 over the C32 anyday. But like others have said, i would stay away from the salvage title'd car. Save or decide to spend a little more and get a clean title car that's been maintained. I honestly believe if the car has been well maintained and driven regularly, it will be mostly trouble free. And obviously, a clean title'd car is easier to resell than a branded title. Good luck.

Aaron

moosejaw

A C32 making over 400whp is highly modded and is a 12 sec car. 400 flywheel horsepower is about 340 which is just about right with a 180 pulley and tune.

The interior is really dated esp with the speedometer for idiots

hpV12

LOL!! That's just mean!

mdbenz4me

Just remember the shark mouth eats the larger number... 54 ) 53. Or 53 (54 ... Sorry on an iPad and don't have the cones.

amg ) M

109 ( 112

urbamworm

I always remember if the "arrow" points to the LEFT < then that one is LESS, both Ls

LESS < GREATER

93RX7LSX

That's exactly how I learned it when I was a child.

CharlyE500

Just stay away any Salvage title. A clean title E55 03 is about $18K.

AKnight55

If you cant afford a clean title 55, then you surely wont be able to afford to maintain a salvaged title 55

BBBSS

The E55 paint looks like its multiple shades all over the car. Especially both quarters look lighter.