imawcc78

Hi

I'm looking for some guidance on my next car purchase. I used to have a C32 AMG years ago and drove it for almost 3 yrs. Next I got into a 2008 Subaru WRX STI for the last 5 years, which I will be selling in January 2013. I recently got married, so I'm looking to jump back to a AMG. However, I couldn't decide on which one to get as I've been out of this community for a long time. My last visited was 8/17/07, but I've read some threads on this forum about this topic still I like to get some opinion/direction from the members. I apologize if this topic has come up many times in the past. Also, I want to thank those members who would give me some direction.

Here is how I see the two cars.

1. 2008 and up C63 AMG

I like it for it's 6.2 litre engine and the newer technology that comes standard on the car. And depending on the year of the car it could come with factory warranty. It's compact and there are many aftermarket parts that I can buy. It's a muscle car which I have always dream about and haven't had the chance to own one.

2. 2003 - 06 E55 AMG

It has a supercharger like my C32 AMG. It's much cheaper to buy compare to the C63 AMG. There are plenty of aftermarket parts available for it. It's out of warranty but who cares if I'm going to mod it. It's a sleeper which I really like and it'll probably be cheaper for me to insure too.

These two cars are both excellent and I would be happy to own either one. I currently lean toward the C63 AMG just becuase it's a V8 muscle car that I haven't had before. It's compact and comes with paddle shifter and newer technology. However, E55 AMG is cheaper to buy and I would still have some cash left over to buy aftermarket parts. So I would like to ask the members if you have own one or both to give me some direction on which one I should purchase. It will be my dd and I don't really go to track. Thanks again!!!

Sam

seven6zero

You lay out all the points yourself. Do you want a newer car with some of the latest technology or do you want a cheaper car that is just as fast and fun to drive that is easy to mod and cheaper to insure? I wasn't looking at the C63, but a big point for me in getting an e55 was how easy it was to update the styling with the e63 conversion pieces.

imawcc78

I think I would just add some CF pieces if I get the E55 AMG, but how much did you pay for the e63 conversion anyways.

seven6zero

I don't have the pieces yet. I just bought my e55 2 weeks ago. If you check out the thread, most people are spending about $1000 on the front bumper conversion it seems. YMMV depending on if you do the install yourself or how much your local shop charges.

AKnight55

You could do the E63 conversion for somewhere around $1,300 or so.. Do you have kids (or plan on having any)? I think the C class may be a bit small if you do.. I think the E class is a perfect size and the mod potential is a great bonus. Cant go wrong with either car though. Good luck

imawcc78

Yes we do plan to have kids but probably in another year or so. I have thought about how E55 would be a perfect size too. My wife drives a 2012 BMW 328i, so again it's a compact sedan. I have a great mechanic who can work on either one. So, it makes my decision difficult since I could really go either way.

efiftyfizzle

I think an important thing to consider if you are into modding is the cost to gain some extra horsepower. The E55 is cheaper to mod and you can get more power out of little bolt ons and stuff. With a pulley, tune, etc. you can gain an extra 50-100hp without spending more than like $1000.

moosejaw

The C63 is a tight fit
I'm 5' 08"(unfortunately everyone knows that here) and i can sit all the way back with the seat fully extended in a C63. There is less rear legroom that a C32 as well. I also felt the C32 had more personality as well which transposes to the E55.

I like the C63 but its just a more modern version of the C55. Bluetooth, Navigation...etc...
The E55 has more of a sleeper look, rides more comfortably, and has a better interior.
I think it ages better too.

BI-Performance

Both cars run very similar times stock and modded. There are quite a few headers/tune only C63 cars in the 10's and low 11's. In our opinion is much safer to mod too, you wont battle heat soak or worry about crank pulleys issues. You wont have to worry about failed airmatic components either.

In the long run, you will end up spending alot more money modding the E55. There is a constant battle between adding HP/TQ, and trying to cool the IATS back down, making sure the car has enough fuel, and monitoring everything. Adding pulleys, tune, throttle body, heat exchanger, trunk tank, lines, injectors, fuel rail etc along with labor for all that will dwarf what headers/tune will cost for the C63.

The C63 is nice and simple in 3 forms, bone stock, tuned, and tuned with headers. The power is always there, no heat issues. If you want more than that, you can go the nitrous route. Once you ready to sell the car down the road, it can be put back to stock fairly easily.

Just our .02

imawcc78

This is great insight. I am not planning on modding it to much since it's a dd. I plan on doing CF exterior pieces and rims. The only engine mods would be to open up the air flow to make the engine breath better. Therefore, I don't believe heat would become an issue for me on a E55 AMG. So, would you still say C63 AMG is the better choice to go?

moosejaw

The C63 M157 has head bolt issues in its early years of production.
Something to consider as well.
The C63 has a size advantage, but IMO a better all around car would be the E55.

imawcc78

Thanks moosejaw!!! I will consider it and I still have time to decide. I'll probably find some time to go test drive both cars as well.

BBBSS

Doesn't the C63 motor have some kinda crazy valvetrain problem that can practically take out the whole motor when it goes bad? I think there were lawsuits or recalls trying to be pushed over the problems. That said the E55 has the fuel tank sending unit that leaks and we have Mercedes dancing around the fact with NHTSA investigating.

Blown_V8s

M157??? I think you meant M156

moosejaw

Not not confused....
Slip of the bluetooth keyboard
I wouldn't want our resident trolls to hear i made a error, they wouldn't let it die. Like the < vs > debacle.

zneB-sedecreM

Moosejaw just sucks with numbers, that's why he doesn't stand tall when debating! lol

moosejaw

Bahaha
If anyones sucks at numbers, you cant even tell the model of your own car.....Here you claim you have a CL65....

https://mbworld.org/forums/cl55-amg-...ar-grille.html

and here....

https://mbworld.org/forums/general-m...mpetition.html

but then you claim you have a Eurocharged Stage 3 CL55. Mailbox tune with kleeman shorty headers.....hmm who tuned it for you......hmmm
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...er-thread.html

Whose mixed up on numbers now? Better yet who is the newest poser on the block.......Hint Hint...the guy who spells his username Mercedes Benz backwards......

see zcumbag zneb below vvvvv

Jakez

Come on now, we all know the E55 is the clear winner here. Don't you remember seeing people breaking their necks when that supercharger whined??

MIKESV8

to answer the OP's question, if i had to go with an E55 or C63, i'd personally prefer the C63. i think your wife finds joy knowing that you aren't in the market for a widow maker (porsche GT2)

PACougar

C class is the Honda Civic of Mercedes

moosejaw

A lot of us started with a C CLass
In fact i had three of them.

efiftyfizzle

LMAO someone did their research!

Yacht Master

So do you want a car that retailed for $85,000.00+ or $50,000.00 when new?
AMG's Depreation is the enemy, chose wisely.

imawcc78

Thanks everyone who has gave me some inputs. I've asked around and did some research online and read/watch many reviews. I've decided that I will start looking for a C63 AMG. My first step will be to sell my STI and once I found that car I'll post up some pictures. I want to thank you all and I'll be back!!!

PACougar

I started with a 89 Mitsubishi Galant, I wouldn't go to a C class.