Help me choose, E55 or modded C32?
#1
Help me choose, E55 or modded C32?
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
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
#2
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'03 E55 AMG - '06 300C SRT8 - '93 240SX Coupe w/1JZ-GTE
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.
I would still go with the E55 for a number of reasons, but not that one.
Last edited by Jakez; 12-05-2012 at 03:23 AM.
#4
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2007 SL55 AMG
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.
Are you on a tight budget? I'd choose the E55 over the C32 regardless.
Last edited by desired_speeds; 12-05-2012 at 01:49 AM.
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'03 E55 AMG - '06 300C SRT8 - '93 240SX Coupe w/1JZ-GTE
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..
Last edited by Jakez; 12-05-2012 at 03:32 AM.
#7
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.
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.
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#8
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.
#9
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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.
Are you on a tight budget? I'd choose the E55 over the C32 regardless.
![word](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/werd.gif)
#10
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.
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.
Fixed it for you!
#12
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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
GL
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
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.
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2007 SL55 AMG
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?
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07' SL65, 04' E55, 03' Evo8, 08' GSXR, DSM's...
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
Aaron
#18
The interior is really dated esp with the speedometer for idiots
![](http://www.need4speed.ws/images/made/Vader13_C32AMG_172mph_338_226.jpg)
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03 E55 AMG, 06 Harley Road King Custom 06 Ram 2500 Cummins, 97 Firebird Race Car, 88 Cutlass Supreme
The E55 paint looks like its multiple shades all over the car. Especially both quarters look lighter.
Last edited by BBBSS; 12-06-2012 at 09:14 PM.