E90Post
 


 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > General Automotive (non-BMW) Talk + Photos/Videos > C55 Or E55?



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      08-14-2012, 01:17 PM   #1
Uber V8
Volcano Knuckles
Uber V8's Avatar
United_States
385
Rep
491
Posts

Drives: 2017 Camaro SS 1LE
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (1)

C55 Or E55?

I bought a daily driver a few months ago and somebody offered to buy it and I made $$$$.

Now I'm back to square one.

I've been really interested in a 2004+ Mercedes C55 or E55 AMG.

I was curious if any of you enthusiast here have any knowledge or input of either car?

The AMG engines are bulletproof (so I've researched) and the major repair items are airmatic suspension which is roughly $400 each wheel for the E55.

These both seem like amazing cars and I'm kind of leaning towards the E55's supercharged V8 w/ 469 hp and 516tq.

Advice?
Appreciate 0
      08-14-2012, 03:38 PM   #2
BMW Fanatic
Banned
Canada
135
Rep
3,293
Posts

Drives: slow
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Calgary

iTrader: (11)

Friend had an E55, with-in the first 6 months he had paid easily over $5,000 to fix 'known issues'. By 9-10 months he had spent about $9,000. That's when he decided to get rid of it and pick up an 2008 X5 4.8 as his daily. I'd stay away.
Appreciate 0
      08-14-2012, 04:05 PM   #3
Uber V8
Volcano Knuckles
Uber V8's Avatar
United_States
385
Rep
491
Posts

Drives: 2017 Camaro SS 1LE
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW Fanatic View Post
Friend had an E55, with-in the first 6 months he had paid easily over $5,000 to fix 'known issues'. By 9-10 months he had spent about $9,000. That's when he decided to get rid of it and pick up an 2008 X5 4.8 as his daily. I'd stay away.
This was my concern. By any chance did you know what 'known issues" he had to replace?
Appreciate 0
      08-14-2012, 07:09 PM   #4
SaMaster14
Brigadier General
SaMaster14's Avatar
4321
Rep
3,850
Posts

Drives: '23 G80 M3C xDrive; '13 e92 M3
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Southern California

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I would say the E55. I absolutely HATE the look of the older C classes, very cheap looking inside and out, even the AMG.

E class on the other hand was nice. My dad had an 02 or 03 E320 and it was a quality car. (he now has a SL550 and my mom has the E class ('12 E550)... and the E has kept it's quality over the years. I would definitely go for the E!
__________________
2023 G80 M3 Competition xDrive Isle of Man Green on Kyalami Orange full leather - 826M black wheels - Carbon Fiber Trim - Carbon Bucket Seats - Executive/Driving Assist/Parking Packages - Laserlight - M Shadowline Lights - M Drive Pro - CS Trans/Diff/Steering Coding
2013 E92 M3 Mineral White on Bamboo Beige noviello leather (Base w/ Nav, Comfort Access, Lighting Pack) - DINAN Stage 1 and Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust
Appreciate 0
      08-14-2012, 07:44 PM   #5
E90 87ss
Captain
E90 87ss's Avatar
37
Rep
608
Posts

Drives: !
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: NJ/Philly

iTrader: (1)

Any 100k car used or new is going to have 100k car cost/maintenance issues. I vote E55 though.
Appreciate 0
      08-14-2012, 08:25 PM   #6
jaehshim
Major
jaehshim's Avatar
United_States
489
Rep
1,374
Posts

Drives: E90
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NE

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by E90 87ss View Post
Any 100k car used or new is going to have 100k car cost/maintenance issues. I vote E55 though.
yes
my buddy had a E55 AMG, sold it after many issues. btw, car was maintained properly.
C/E 55 AMG, which are kompresors, arequire much $$ to keep in shape as a DD.
Appreciate 0
      08-14-2012, 09:23 PM   #7
Torn
Lieutenant
19
Rep
433
Posts

Drives: 2014 GTR
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: North Jersey

iTrader: (0)

e55 as I also hate the c55 look!
Appreciate 0
      08-14-2012, 11:13 PM   #8
Keik E92 M3
Banned
United_States
173
Rep
1,343
Posts

Drives: BMW M3 DCT
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (6)

Garage List
2009 BMW  [9.00]
2011 BMW 335i  [6.80]
e55!!
Appreciate 0
      08-15-2012, 01:40 PM   #9
Uber V8
Volcano Knuckles
Uber V8's Avatar
United_States
385
Rep
491
Posts

Drives: 2017 Camaro SS 1LE
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by E90 87ss View Post
Any 100k car used or new is going to have 100k car cost/maintenance issues. I vote E55 though.
This logic is correct sir. However, when comparing the e60 M5 and W211 E55 as both relatively close 100k cars new, the forums about the E55 seem to say that maitenance isn't 'that bad'.

My knowledge of the M5's maitenance is, if it's not CPO, you can forget it!

Thanks for the input though!
Appreciate 0
      08-15-2012, 02:47 PM   #10
positiveions
Lieutenant General
positiveions's Avatar
Lebanon
961
Rep
11,722
Posts

Drives: 19 Tacoma, 16 Golf wagon
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Upland, CA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
DD and you want to go for an expensive to maintain vehicle? I would find a different route. But, that's my opinion.
IF you ask me which one? I would say E55; bigger, and much more comfortable to ride in.
Appreciate 0
      08-15-2012, 09:58 PM   #11
BMW Fanatic
Banned
Canada
135
Rep
3,293
Posts

Drives: slow
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Calgary

iTrader: (11)

Sorry but I am not sure what the problems were on his car.

EDIT - I called and this is what he had to say; something to do with the AC, navigation unit needed replacing, exhaust leak and 1 or 2 more problems. Cost was actually over $9,000 to fix.
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 12:43 PM   #12
1BMW4fun
Second Lieutenant
37
Rep
252
Posts

Drives: 12 X3 2.8, 11 550
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: CA

iTrader: (0)

From my experience the E55 is more costly since there are more electronic involved plus that supercharger. The C55 is simpler and it has an NA engine.
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 02:11 PM   #13
Uber V8
Volcano Knuckles
Uber V8's Avatar
United_States
385
Rep
491
Posts

Drives: 2017 Camaro SS 1LE
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW Fanatic View Post
Sorry but I am not sure what the problems were on his car.

EDIT - I called and this is what he had to say; something to do with the AC, navigation unit needed replacing, exhaust leak and 1 or 2 more problems. Cost was actually over $9,000 to fix.
That's crazy expensive, but thanks for following up on that.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1BMW4fun View Post
From my experience the E55 is more costly since there are more electronic involved plus that supercharger. The C55 is simpler and it has an NA engine.
I'm starting to think the happy medium would be the E550. Has the NA V8 making 382, but doesn't have the extreme maitenance items.
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 03:00 PM   #14
Crimson92
Smiling Politely
Crimson92's Avatar
United_States
1380
Rep
29,118
Posts

Drives: Like a boss
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Whales Vagina

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jaehshim View Post
yes
my buddy had a E55 AMG, sold it after many issues. btw, car was maintained properly.
C/E 55 AMG, which are kompresors, arequire much $$ to keep in shape as a DD.
c55 is a na v8
__________________
Quote:
Some people are like slinkies...not really good for much but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs"
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 03:26 PM   #15
Uber V8
Volcano Knuckles
Uber V8's Avatar
United_States
385
Rep
491
Posts

Drives: 2017 Camaro SS 1LE
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Crimson92 View Post
c55 is a na v8
Yea you're right. Totally missed that he mentioned that.

Credibility points lost there.
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 03:37 PM   #16
miktrebla09
Private First Class
5
Rep
180
Posts

Drives: biped
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Seoul / Boston

iTrader: (0)

Take this with a grain of salt as everyone's experience differs, but my wife owned an 06 E55, purchased it new and sold it 3 years later. It was never taken to the dealership other than routine maintenance. The only reason she sold it was it was running out of warranty and she got a ridiculous offer by a buyer after she exported it to Korea.

It felt very solid, everything felt substatial and the car had presence (still does). Handling was vague and questionable as it was for any W211 (this was somewhat corrected with the E63 that came out the next year), but it was extremely comfortable. The torque was absolutely ridiculous.

I'd peruse mbworld.org to get a sense of maintenance costs/reliability, etc.

For what it's worth, I think the C55 looks pretty nice.

If you can swing it, I'd go with the 07 E63 if possible.
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2012, 05:21 PM   #17
BMW Fanatic
Banned
Canada
135
Rep
3,293
Posts

Drives: slow
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Calgary

iTrader: (11)

Quote:
Originally Posted by FwdFtl View Post
That's crazy expensive, but thanks for following up on that.
Appreciate 0
      12-28-2012, 04:34 PM   #18
adl320
Private First Class
adl320's Avatar
United_States
6
Rep
158
Posts

Drives: '91 E34 M5 Dinan Stroker
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Phoenix, AZ

iTrader: (0)

I know this is a somewhat older post but I was wondering what the OP finally decided? I've been considering both C and E55. My heart wants the extra power and room of the E55.

The E55 seems to have more potential for substantial maintenance bills but could also be just fine, depending on individual vehicle, history, luck etc..what At first the concern was Airmatic but this is really not a bad fix and can be a DIY. What scared me off were the issues with fuel tank leaks that require replacement of the tank. Lots of info on MBWorld forums as I've read.

I'm not super concerned about maintenance as I currently have been DD a '91 E34 Dinan stroker M5 for the past 2 years. Probably the best thrill car I've owned. I budgeted about $2k a year in normal maintenance stuff and do a lot DIY so "high" maintenance is all relative.

Now I want to get a new DD with good performance and descent reliability so I can park and begin more restoration on the ///M. For me, the C55 makes sense because of the perceived lower maintenance cost plus I can pick one up with 75k-85k miles for under $15k cash. Not bad for this type of performance.

So, if OP is still here, what did you decide and why? It may help in my decision as well!

Aaron
__________________
'91 E34 M5
Dinan 3.6 Stroker, Tune, Exhaust, Sways
Appreciate 0
      12-28-2012, 07:10 PM   #19
VMRWheels
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
VMRWheels's Avatar
2037
Rep
25,989
Posts


Drives: BMW
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Anaheim, CA

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2013 BMW M3  [10.00]
2015 BMW M4  [0.00]
2013 BMW F30  [0.00]
2014 BMW F22  [0.00]
2013 BMW F06  [0.00]
W212 for sure. The supercharger with a pully and tune is beaaasstt. If you plan on tracking, trash the airmatic and get some nice KW's.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-28-2012, 07:29 PM   #20
5soko
Brigadier General
5soko's Avatar
332
Rep
4,632
Posts

Drives: M5
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Brooklyn, NY

iTrader: (4)

E55 kompressor is ALOT faster then the C55 NA motor. E55 is on a different level.
ride is better in the E55 aswell and a lot rommier.

C55 is super rare! And I think looks awesome. Almost got it once myself. Looks nothing like other C class models.
Maintenance costs for the C55 would be less then the E55 Kompressor for sure.

My cousin has had a E55 for 5 years, airmatic suspension went, balls joints, gas line leak, oil level sensor failure, AC/heat control failure, and I think that it is.
Otherwise its been fine, no Crazy expensive repair costs or failures otherwise and he drives hard.

Btw as for E60 M5's, 2006/2007 stay away from. Many issue and recalls.
Look for a decent mileage 08 or a reliable 09/10 that have everything up to date.
SMG tranny is amazing, and V10 motor sounds and top end goes!
E60 M5 has some great technology, like heads up display which is amazing IMHO, and the side bolsters that move when you turn. IMHO, all around better car the the E55, handling/braking, Cool 7 speed SMG tranny compared to the 5 speed in the E55.
__________________
Current: E63S AMG 4matic RENNtech || M5 Evolve..Eventuri || F10 LCI 535i MHD

Last edited by 5soko; 12-29-2012 at 10:40 AM..
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2012, 11:43 AM   #21
lmaleke
Second Lieutenant
Hong Kong
13
Rep
217
Posts

Drives: shifting priorities for now...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

iTrader: (0)

I vote for C55.. they are rare and with the n/a motor the maintenance cost should be somewhat lower than the supercharged e55
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2012, 12:59 PM   #22
adl320
Private First Class
adl320's Avatar
United_States
6
Rep
158
Posts

Drives: '91 E34 M5 Dinan Stroker
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Phoenix, AZ

iTrader: (0)

I think I agree on the C55. It should be less to maintain and although the W211 E55 would be roomier and quicker all around, I lose nothing to my '91 E34 M5. And the overall cheaper cost to acquire and maintain the C vs the E means I can keep my M5 off the street more. I just don't know how the AMG and M cars would behave in the garage together. My M will probably hate me for it!
__________________
'91 E34 M5
Dinan 3.6 Stroker, Tune, Exhaust, Sways
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:39 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST