Looking at a C55 Tomorrow

[Goldman555]

Hi All,

This is my first post so hello everyone and please be gentle with me

I'm going to look at a C 55 tomorrow and I was wondering if anyone could give me a few pointers around key things to look for?

I used to have a C 43 a few years ago and I really want to get back into something similar.

I'm assuming mileage is okay up to 100,000?

Are there any major costs that could likely happen with a C 55?

Finally, I had an M3 CSL previously and the fuel consumption was absolutely shocking !! I'm not assuming this is going to be any better part I hope it's not going to be any worse....

Also does anyone have any comments on price it is a 54 plate so it must be one of the first one's

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

many thanks!

 

[DSLiverpool]

I have that engine with a supercharger in my CLS and regulary get under 10 mpg so if your critical on MPG I would think again.

 

[Adam230K]

The C55 is a great car, not like the M3 CSL in terms of handling etc of course, but its more of a hot rod, with ample amounts of torque and very good straight line performance and a beautiful soundtrack.

I have never seen any issues with that particular engine on any post anywhere (so far), and the fuel consumption on it wont be as bad as DSLiverpool's supercharged version, because the C55 has 100bhp less thus being less stressed. But if you floor it constantly it will hurt your wallet for sure, as is the case with any of these performance cars.

There are a few members on here with this car and i'm sure they'll be along shortly to enlighten you a bit better then me . Welcome to the forum!

 

[DSLiverpool]

I do boot it a bit !! 3 sets of rears in 22k miles

 

[st4]

I do boot it a bit !! 3 sets of rears in 22k miles

A bit, I hope with a life span of 7k that you boot it a lot.

The 55 engine is pretty strong and good for well over 100k. It won't be as sharp as an M3 CSL but it won't be bad in the corners, as 203's handle pretty well (but not quite as good as 3 series). The OP has run an AMG and M car so is well aware of the additional running costs over a standard Merc or BMW.

Check usual 203 spots, suspension arms, and check the gearbox oil was changed if the car has done over 37500 miles

 

[tudu]

A great car, best car i have ever had even the BMW's. The engine is bullet proof , and it is unlikely that you will have any major probs, As *** says make sure its had tranny fluid change if over 40K. Spark plugs can be quite expensive as you need so many of them. Unless you are getting the car from a dealer with warranty, then stick with it otherwise look for a good indy specialist such as our Olly (PCS), Jaymanek and others.

As to MPG that largely depends on how you are with the right foot. Around town expect to get between 13 - 19MPG, and on a run 22 plus.

Mine was an 04 bought last August for £17K, but expect the price has dropped a little more since.

As others have said be aware of any strange noises coming from under the car, vibration etc, and put the car on full lock with engine on you should hear the power steering if its loud and creaky requires top-up. Plus heated seats, the pads particulalry on the drivers side tend to split. Switch on the seat should warm up within a few minutes if not it can be expensive to replace.

Good luck, and if you need any further info post back. Oh yes make sure its got comand, CD changer etc.

 

[peterg1965]

I assume the C55 has the same engine as my 2001 CLK55? I know the W203 is a 'newer' car so the engine may have been changed slightly. Avoiding town driving which kills mpg, I have been pleasantly surprised at the economy figures especially on the motorway, not that I bought it for that reason! It's the awesome soundtrack of the V8 and the desire to keep 'pressing on' which appeals to me so much!

Take care with checking the service history and call the previous servicing dealers to get a readout as to what has been done to it. Front discs are in the region of £200 EACH, front brakes pads are expensive too, so factor that into any negotiation on price if they haven't been changed recently.

Good luck with the viewing.

 

[fuzzer]

I do boot it a bit !! 3 sets of rears in 22k miles

pfft , i did in a set of rears on my C270 cdi at 13k ... try harder lol

 

[st4]

I assume the C55 has the same engine as my 2001 CLK55? I know the W203 is a 'newer' car so the engine may have been changed slightly. Avoiding town driving which kills mpg, I have been pleasantly surprised at the economy figures especially on the motorway, not that I bought it for that reason! It's the awesome soundtrack of the V8 and the desire to keep 'pressing on' which appeals to me so much!

Take care with checking the service history and call the previous servicing dealers to get a readout as to what has been done to it. Front discs are in the region of £200 EACH, front brakes pads are expensive too, so factor that into any negotiation on price if they haven't been changed recently.

Good luck with the viewing.

You didn't buy that car for fuel economy in mind, but your original requirement was for a motorway mile muncher, in diesel trim. It ended buying with you in a V8 coupe

 

[A210AMG]

My old boss's E55 Estate regularly did 14mpg.

He did tend to be quite heavy with it though.

 

[peterg1965]

You didn't buy that car for fuel economy in mind, but your original requirement was for a motorway mile muncher, in diesel trim. It ended buying with you in a V8 coupe

Ssshhhhhh, I know I had a bit of 'requirement' creep...

No regrets........

 

[Goldman555]

First of all I would like to say thank you very very much for all of your good advice.
I saw the car today and gave it a quick spin. It is awesome. Far more refined than the CSL and more power than you would need.... in most circumstances. I think I am going to go for it.
The car has 70,000 on it and seems in fairly good condition .
I will post some pictures once I pick the car up. Then it's time to start modifying!!!
Does anyone know if you can easily fit 19 wheels to it? What I mean by easily is without any rubbing or modifications.

I was thinking these:

Or these:

Once again thank you very much for your support what a great forum this is....

 

[tudu]

First of all I would like to say thank you very very much for all of your good advice.
I saw the car today and gave it a quick spin. It is awesome. Far more refined than the CSL and more power than you would need.... in most circumstances. I think I am going to go for it.
The car has 70,000 on it and seems in fairly good condition .
I will post some pictures once I pick the car up. Then it's time to start modifying!!!
Does anyone know if you can easily fit 19 wheels to it? What I mean by easily is without any rubbing or modifications.

I was thinking these:

Or these:

Once again thank you very much for your support what a great forum this is....

Wheels are such a personal choice. If you want to fit 19's be prepared to feel every pothole, as well as a slight lowering in your performance as you are wearing heavier wheels and tyres. Personally i would stick with 18's but increase the diameter if you want i.e. 18 x 8.5 F and 18 x 9.5 R gives much better grip especially at the back end.

If you are determined to fit 19's you can get away with 235/35/19 on the front and 265/35/19 on the rear, but the rear will rub with passengers. Might be best to stick with a 225/40/19 F and 255/40/19 rear. I have this setup in 18's and there is no rubbing.

Also make sure you buy the right wheel with the correct offset as you have a big caliper's on the front and need the clearance. Any probs go to the Wheel and Tyre thread and see first post for fitment chart. Hope that helps.

 

[Adam230K]

The top picture you posted look like a set of alloys actually manufactured for the SL55 (i think), maybe you should try and source those instead since they look alot better (more spokes and a neater design), you could get them second hand and then refurb them if necessary

 

[A210AMG]

Don't particularly like either wheel and a nightmare to keep clean unless you go for that dark finish which again not 'that' keen.

As Tudu has found out with various threads wheels are very individual, I have to say messing with original is hard as most often than not after markets don't look as good.

I would be tempted to go with oem style how about those off a C63? but not the multi spoke ones as above and the early SL55's..

 

[mw_C32]

Dont be put off the multi spokes!!!


I was really worried about how hard it would be to clean them but they do look fantastic on these cars.....

When I first got my car I spent about 15-20 mins applying loads of polish/wax on the wheels and now 6 months later I just hose them down and wipe clean, very easy and I'm really pleased I went for them.

Actually it's just an excuse for me to post up some pictures...

Mark.

 

[Goldman555]

AWESOME CAR!!! WOW

Are those wheels 19"

 

[mw_C32]

AWESOME CAR!!! WOW

Are those wheels 19"

Yes 19"s


Yokohama 255/30 ZR19 Advan Sport on the rear and 235/35 ZR19 on the front.

Factory fitted.

Mark.

 

[A210AMG]

Mark do you live on the boat or is that another toy

Car looking great in those pics

 

[tudu]

Looking good Mark. Still a very tempting car.