[Jsquared83]

Hi everyone, new to the board. I currently own a 06 325i which I really enjoy and everything but after taking a test drive of the Benz C55 AMG (an 06 also) My car all of a sudden seems even slower than it is and just inferior in general. I know the W203 has been out since 01 and our E9x's are brand new.. I just miss the feeling of 300+ lb/ft at my disposal.

Before you guys bring it up, I have also checked out the 335 which is also a tremendous car for about 5-7k less $$ but its virtually the same car appearance-wise inside and out and will most likely have to wait 3+ months for one to be built to my specifications.

There's two C55s in my area, both 06's; one brand new with 30 miles on the clock and one with 5700 miles. The dealer is looking for $49k (negotiable, Im sure) for the one with 5700 miles.

Has anyone else driven both cars? Any thoughts/comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[just4kickz]

DO IT... never driven a c55... but i've driven the 2006 C 230?... and that was pretty fun. i'm pretty sure the c55 would be fun x1000 of the C230

[Carnage]

go for it.

[Kit523]

GO FOR IT!!!!

[ai388]

the AMGs are unbelievable. even though the w203 model has been released for so long and they have the w204 too, i still think the w203 are sexy. get the C55! btw, what color??

[just4kickz]

mmm... cant go wrong with silver mbs...

[Kit523]

I like white MB=)

[ai388]

[Viral]

what's to think about?? I'd take a TSX over a 325.........GET THE C55!!

[pokerface]

Originally Posted by vw313

hi vw313 - are you on mbfanatics.org too?






the W203 C55 is pretty sweet, but stylewise Its getting a bit dated, especially with a W204 coming out pretty soon (this fall I think in North America).

[ai388]

Originally Posted by pokerface

hi vw313 - are you on mbfanatics.org too?






the W203 C55 is pretty sweet, but stylewise Its getting a bit dated, especially with a W204 coming out pretty soon (this fall I think in North America).

im on mbworld

slowly the the w204 is gonna make the w203 look dated and theres gonna be a c63 coming. do a little bit research and compare the two. i can tell u that i really like the w203's updated interior. the w204 just doesnt look anything like that. just my 2 cents.

[Jsquared1983]

Wow, i wasn't expecting quite this response back from BMW guys. To answer a few questions, the colors available are white and black. The black one has the mileage on it (dealer asking 49k). The white one is virtually new with 35 miles, but the dealer wants 52k for it (original sticker is 57 and change) however they seem to be pretty flexable with the price. How much can i expect to pay for each of these? My mind is still not made up on the color... They both look awesome IMO

[ai388]

Originally Posted by Jsquared1983

Wow, i wasn't expecting quite this response back from BMW guys. To answer a few questions, the colors available are white and black. The black one has the mileage on it (dealer asking 49k). The white one is virtually new with 35 miles, but the dealer wants 52k for it (original sticker is 57 and change) however they seem to be pretty flexable with the price. How much can i expect to pay for each of these? My mind is still not made up on the color... They both look awesome IMO

cant really comment on the pricing since i dont live in the US. maybe someone else can help on that or maybe go ask the people on mbworld. black and white are great colors, either one will look sexy

[BHairsto]

I had a 2004 CLK55 AMG for about a year before coming back home to BMW with the 335i sedan. The power of the AMG was tremendous, but after the thrill of all that power wore off, I really missed that special handling balance and feel that a BMW provides. I also test drove a C55 and found the handling a little unexciting compared to the S4 and my previous E46 M3, and a little behind the CLK55 as well. I say all of this only to point out that power isn't everything, and if you drive a BMW for it's driving dynamics, I don't think you'll be in the AMG long before you wsh you had another BMW. I'd go with the 335i. Also, the AMG will depreciate fairly rapidly in comparison to the BMW (I lost my _ss on my CLK, and I bought it used and way below book), especially given that the new model is around the corner. However, if you value comfort and straight line speed more than handling/feel, the AMG is a great choice. Good luck with your decision.

[M3tor2nR]

If you're deciding on a C55 AMG, I'd get an E46 M3. It's better in every category.

[BMW320i]

Originally Posted by M3tor2nR

If you're deciding on a C55 AMG, I'd get an E46 M3. It's better in every category.

+1

and why change ur car after just 1 year?? for a car that has the old shape of the model ...

i understand the power difference, it's huge between a 325i and a C55, but still

but again, despite all what i've said, the C55 is a super nice car, that big engine on such a small car!

[Jsquared1983]

Originally Posted by BMW320i

+1

and why change ur car after just 1 year?? for a car that has the old shape of the model ...

i understand the power difference, it's huge between a 325i and a C55, but still

but again, despite all what i've said, the C55 is a super nice car, that big engine on such a small car!

I know, its not the smartest thing in the world and the more I think about it, it does make more sense to look hard into the 335i as a cheaper, 95% as fast alternative. It's a fresh, sportier look with a full waranty, far better gas mileage and a very mod-able twin turbo engine.. hmmm, decisions, decisions..

[Jaws]

Originally Posted by Viral

what's to think about?? I'd take a TSX over a 325.........GET THE C55!!

yah right. Lets see, the TSX is slower and FWD. Sounds like a winning combination. But it does have a nicer interior than the 330.

[Excellence]

I'd say you should get a E46 M3, since the C55 isn't really a racing car. It's a luxery car with a big engine and lots of power. If you want performance go for a 335i or a E46 M3. BMW ALL THE WAY!

I have a 2003 C240 and the tranny has problems switching gears (automatic) already! The car has extended warrenty and it's always serviced. The car only has 90K on it and it's having problems!
The w203 has nice interiors but the handling compaired to my 323i is not as good.
My 323i handles better while the c240 is very luxurious.

It all depends on what kinda person you are, the C55 AMG is highly looked upon but remember 2008 they have a new facelift for the C class and your call will look old compaired to the new C AMGs.

I have C280 W204 coming in soon! For 2008!

[Jsquared83]

well, i went back to the benz dealer yesterday and took it out again for another test drive.. and i have to say that the power and exhaust note is intoxicating, however it just doesnt have that tossable feel that my 325 and even the 335 that i drove has, i guess thats the sacrifice you make when going from bmw to benz.. all that being said though.. if any of you live in north/central jersey, getting out onto route 1 from the dealer's parking is a LOT easier with 376 lb/ft as opposed to a measly 185 :-)

[Hans Delbruck]

I looked into getting a used C55 about a year ago. Those cars did NOT hold their value at all. They were $60K new and right now you can get a used '05 for high 30's, I'm not exaggerating.

I love V8's in a small package too, but the MB will never have that taut feeling you get in a BMW. Like someone else said, the power will wear off and you'll want back in a BMW.

Get on your dealer's waiting list for the E92 M3... V8 plus BMW handling. It's going to be incredible. Hang on to your 325i and save your $$ until then..... no regrets!

[Viral]

Originally Posted by Jaws

yah right. Lets see, the TSX is slower and FWD. Sounds like a winning combination. But it does have a nicer interior than the 330.

ABSOLUTELY..........ALL DAY EVERY DAY.

I've said it before and I'll say it again.........I'd take a TSX over any 3er less than a 330i(ie 318, 323, 325, 328). Why? Simple...........I'd rather have more bang-for-the-buck than an under-powered, over-priced, entry-level attempt at being its superior brethren. The exception to this would perhaps be the '07 and newer 328, I understand they've incresed HP over the '06.

At the 325 level, it's not about speed, FWD, etc.......are you telling me that a 325 is fast?