C55 - opinions

[timk]

Been offered a C55 with 40k on it. Are there any known issues on these cars? Really not keen if they have a C43-like reputation for eating gearboxes, but they're rare enough that I know nothing about them. Can anyone shed any light? Anyone drawn any first hand comparisons
between the '43 and '55?

 

[Alfie]

Been offered a C55 with 40k on it. Are there any known issues on these cars? Really not keen if they have a C43-like reputation for eating gearboxes, but they're rare enough that I know nothing about them. Can anyone shed any light? Anyone drawn any first hand comparisons
between the '43 and '55?

Is it a black one with light grey/oatmeal interior?

I dont own one (yet) but keep looking at them and will buy one one day. They are a totally different car to the C43. I am sure a number of people here who have them will be along soon to give you their views.

 

[BenzedUP]

Drove my dads 56 plate c55 and it's like a w210 e55 in terms of power, handles slightly better though, they have the same 5.4liter V8. He hasnt had any problems with it, not that I know of anyway, it's been really good, but his is only on 14K.

I'd personally save my money and buy a really clean w210 e55 amg, late facelift model!

 

[timk]

Drove my dads 56 plate c55 and it's like a w210 e55 in terms of power, handles slightly better though, they have the same 5.4liter V8. He hasnt had any problems with it, not that I know of anyway, it's been really good, but his is only on 14K.

I'd personally save my money and buy a really clean w210 e55 amg, late facelift model!

I'm attracted by the rarity of the C55; the E class body is a bit bigger than I need, although I have been toying with the idea of a good W210 E55. One of the main reasons for looking to change is to go for something a fair bit newer than my '43, and a C55 just seems to fit the bill, plus I like the fact it has a bespoke front end. Turned into a bit of a Mercedes geek I think!

 

[trando]

Hi there

I have had a C55 for over a year now - on a '55 plate - and have had no problems with it at all. It drinks fuel of course but then I didn't buy it for it's economy. Bought it from a main dealer so got a 1 year warranty which I have just extended for another year... It's a great Q car.

Happy to answer any questions you have...

Trando

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Even considering their rarity there are few problems with them. I think the AMG bits, ie the engine are as robust as they come. The weaker areas will be the bits it shares with other W203 models, although the C55 only came as a facelift which means that generally it's improved compared to pre-facelift cars.

With regards to C43 versus C55 - compact cars with big V8 engines - so parallels can be drawn. More of a hot rod than an out-and-out sports car. Reputation for lunching gearboxes is absent.

 

[Gridlock]

Keen to see what you do here, a C55 is one of my next options too (CLK55, C55 or ideally an M3 CSL)

Unless you mean a W202 C55... :bannana:

 

[chiefski26]

they a bit rare

 

[Gridlock]

I believe there's 3 RHD ones, one of which may or may not belong to a HRH?

After finding my crank pulley machining its way through my sump there was very nearly 4 courtesy of PCS - maybe later

 

[timk]

Keen to see what you do here, a C55 is one of my next options too (CLK55, C55 or ideally an M3 CSL)

Unless you mean a W202 C55... :bannana:

No - definately the W203 I'm after. Heard rumours of W202 C55's but thought they were confined to Barry boys chavving up C180's with creative badging M3 CSL also on my list, but they are really holding their money. M3 image a bit of a problem IMO as well.

 

[Gridlock]

Don't care about image, and people who know appreciate the CSL for the pure driving experience it is. Plus it has a ducktail...

There was a picture of a W202 C55 on here somewhere..

 

[d w124]

 

[Gridlock]

I love that SLK coppery colour on the 202... seriously tempted to investigate bare-shell respray costs.

 

[st4]

I love that SLK coppery colour on the 202... seriously tempted to investigate bare-shell respray costs.

Good for hiding the rust

 

[Gridlock]

Yeah, that would be why a bare-shell respray is on the cards in the first place.. Best to cut out the middleman and go straight to metallic orange

 

[fuzzer]

Isnt that designo orange?

 

[Gridlock]

Yup:

designo orange - Google Search

 

[st4]

For similar money for a used 203 55 could you not get an E55k 211 which has the wonderful supercharged engine, and is a nicer car as well.

 

[Gridlock]

E55k also on my list - especially as I hear a reliable 600bhp is very, very attainable.

What's less likely to rust (or more likely to be covered by a Mercedes warranty) - C55 or E55?

You can tell I'm a 202 owner

 

[st4]

C55 is post facelifted on the 203 car so all are galvanised and really should not rust.

A 211 from 2004 onwards is the same, a nice 54 plate or 05 plate and your laughing and is waaaay more modable. Start with a remap, move onto upgraded SC puleys. 100bhp added easily.