C 32 vs. C 55

Gavin · 09-26-2009, 08:03 PM

So now that prices on both the C 32 and the C 55 are fractions of their MSRPs (less than $30k for the C 55 and less than $20k for the C 32), both seem to be pretty good bargains on the used market. But since the all C 32s are now at least 5 years old and their intercooler pumps are all bound to fail at some point, is it even worthwhile to look for a C 32?

I love the older W203 interior; it just looks and feels like it was made with better plastics than the refreshed interior in the C 55, but the C 55 definitely has the edge with exterior styling. The whole frond end on it just looks more aggressive with those headlights, grill, and bumper. That V6 in the C 32 has more easy tuning potential though... 400 bhp with an ECU reflash does sound nice. Anyway, it seems to me that the C 55 is probably the better choice these days. What do you guys think?

TomsMerc · 09-29-2009, 10:53 PM

Well I'd take either one! If I had to choose I'd go for the C55 in a heartbeat. It may look like you can get more power out of the C32 with less work, but the 55 is where its at. anyway since prices are so low you could buy a low mileage 55 and get a kleeman supercharger for less than a C63. And the interior? I have no idea what youre talking about when you say its bad quality.

bzerp03 · 09-29-2009, 10:58 PM

I disagree with both of you guys. The C55 looks too riced out with those exhaust pipes on the back and the spoiler on the trunk. The C32 is perfectly understated, it gets better mileage, the whine from the supercharged v6 sounds incredible, and its cheaper too.

Gavin · 09-30-2009, 09:30 AM

Kleemann's packages for the naturally aspirated 55 start with 500 hp and go to 540 hp but I'm sure they cost a fortune. At that price, you're in new C 63 territory, but the 55 would probably get better mileage. I've read that the get something horrendous like 12 mpg in the city. The C 55 with the Kleemann supercharger would be a great sleeper though.

bzerp03 · 10-04-2009, 11:59 AM

But a new C63 is only $54,000 anyway. You would be better off buying one of those. It would probably cost less than a C55 with all of Kleemann's or Renntech's expensive upgrades. Besides, you can't upgrade the engine to nearly 200hp more than stock without spending some time on the brakes, suspension, exhaust, etc. all of which also gets to be incredibly expensive.

RexinF · 11-02-2009, 03:13 PM

Hey bzerp, I thought you might enjoy this as much as I did. I am just glad it is their car and not mine. I wonder how often they buy new tires?

Actually now I don't see the video button so I am manually inserting it. I don't know if it will show up or not.

to see c63 Drifting.

bzerp03 · 11-02-2009, 03:46 PM

WOW! As awesome as that is, I have a feeling that if I owned one, I wouldn't really want to go out and destroy a perfectly good set of tires, but to each his own.

Great video!

RexinF · 11-02-2009, 04:39 PM

No kidding right? I mean I love a good race and sometimes even I nice burnout but I assure you when I get into my own classy Benz, I sure won't be treating her like that! I think some people have too much money to burn. Where's mine? LOL

09-26-2009, 08:03 PM	#1
Gavin Administrator Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 90	C 32 vs. C 55 So now that prices on both the C 32 and the C 55 are fractions of their MSRPs (less than $30k for the C 55 and less than $20k for the C 32), both seem to be pretty good bargains on the used market. But since the all C 32s are now at least 5 years old and their intercooler pumps are all bound to fail at some point, is it even worthwhile to look for a C 32? I love the older W203 interior; it just looks and feels like it was made with better plastics than the refreshed interior in the C 55, but the C 55 definitely has the edge with exterior styling. The whole frond end on it just looks more aggressive with those headlights, grill, and bumper. That V6 in the C 32 has more easy tuning potential though... 400 bhp with an ECU reflash does sound nice. Anyway, it seems to me that the C 55 is probably the better choice these days. What do you guys think?

11-02-2009, 03:13 PM	#6
RexinF Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 25	Hey bzerp, I thought you might enjoy this as much as I did. I am just glad it is their car and not mine. I wonder how often they buy new tires? Actually now I don't see the video button so I am manually inserting it. I don't know if it will show up or not. Click Here to see c63 Drifting. Last edited by RexinF; 11-02-2009 at 03:27 PM.

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09-29-2009, 10:53 PM	#2
TomsMerc Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: McKeesport, PA Posts: 77	Well I'd take either one! If I had to choose I'd go for the C55 in a heartbeat. It may look like you can get more power out of the C32 with less work, but the 55 is where its at. anyway since prices are so low you could buy a low mileage 55 and get a kleeman supercharger for less than a C63. And the interior? I have no idea what youre talking about when you say its bad quality.

09-29-2009, 10:58 PM	#3
bzerp03 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 81	I disagree with both of you guys. The C55 looks too riced out with those exhaust pipes on the back and the spoiler on the trunk. The C32 is perfectly understated, it gets better mileage, the whine from the supercharged v6 sounds incredible, and its cheaper too.

09-30-2009, 09:30 AM	#4
Gavin Administrator Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 90	Kleemann's packages for the naturally aspirated 55 start with 500 hp and go to 540 hp but I'm sure they cost a fortune. At that price, you're in new C 63 territory, but the 55 would probably get better mileage. I've read that the get something horrendous like 12 mpg in the city. The C 55 with the Kleemann supercharger would be a great sleeper though.

10-04-2009, 11:59 AM	#5
bzerp03 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 81	But a new C63 is only $54,000 anyway. You would be better off buying one of those. It would probably cost less than a C55 with all of Kleemann's or Renntech's expensive upgrades. Besides, you can't upgrade the engine to nearly 200hp more than stock without spending some time on the brakes, suspension, exhaust, etc. all of which also gets to be incredibly expensive.

11-02-2009, 03:46 PM	#7
bzerp03 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 81	WOW! As awesome as that is, I have a feeling that if I owned one, I wouldn't really want to go out and destroy a perfectly good set of tires, but to each his own. Great video!

11-02-2009, 04:39 PM	#8
RexinF Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 25	No kidding right? I mean I love a good race and sometimes even I nice burnout but I assure you when I get into my own classy Benz, I sure won't be treating her like that! I think some people have too much money to burn. Where's mine? LOL