The Perfect First AMG Mercedes? C55 Reviewed
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ค. 2019
- Looking to buy your first AMG? The C43 I've already driven and loved - but that's now a classic. C63 prices are still high for good cars, so how about something in between - the C55.
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The C55 is a monster. And not to mention very rare and reliable. Best car decision I've ever made. Here in America the muscle car guys get mad when they see the taillights.
I'm looking for one at the moment, ik this car wasn't really designed to be comfortable but how is the road quality?
Joshua Burke very firm but not harsh. Don’t get it if you live in downtown San Fran like me. If you have decent roads then it will be fantastic
@@joshuaburke5339 Did you find one? I'm looking for an E55 AMG currently
I love mine
I’m looking to get one as a daily. But he’s saying it might be risky ?
Personally I think you are in the prettiest AMG Merc. I love the shape of that period and the alloys look amazing
Nah the c63 black series is just on another level
I agree had a c32 loved it just didn't like the way it steered rack is too slow heard the c55 had a faster rack
the AMGs of this era were the golden era.
In the first few seconds of the video I thought "this C-class looks rather unusual" and now I know it is because it is a CLK up front
I have it and I love it. I'll never sell it. It's a perfect car... well almost. Gas mileage is terrible if you drive it like it's meant to be driven. It's my favorite car I've ever owned though. Very reliable, very fun to drive and it's styling is somewhat timeless. Interior is nice, front seats are comfy and functional, it's a sleeper and can be used as a daily driver.
C55 or CLK55 AMG 's are more reliable and easy to work on than BMW or AUDI ,,and as you say , have usually been better looked after by their owners. Nice video ,,that car sounds great.
m113 is the most reliable engine that mercedes have made, even m113k in e55 amg.
Yes I have I think SAME engine i have 2001 s55amg v8 and is 367bhp
I agree with you on much of what you said. It's a great entry level AMG. Not too expensive, and fairly solid. I'll be getting rid of mine this year, but after owning it for 4 years, it's barely put a foot wrong. It's certainly in it's element cruising on the highway. Has decent ride, with the V8 burbling away in the background. Even though I'm more of a BMW guy, and still own an E36 M3, I really enjoyed this car.
Approaching 30? Holy shit dude I LOVE your content..but I though you were atleast 45..sorry bro.
Sorry not sorry bro
He was joking...
zippy quiltonz think he meant 30 stone!!!
One hard Paper round if hes 30.
@@eddzuki0 hahah harsh
Your reviews are amazing, you totally understand that its not all about power and your description of why you would want one of these is perfect.
Cheers Jason
360hp is plenty enough power for you and me mate 😁😂
C55 is close to the ideal Merc. It is fairly simple by Merc standards. No Airmatic. No SBC. No PSE. That's a lot that can go wrong in W210 and W211 but not in a C55. M113 and 722.6 are proven and reliable.
You’re my favourite TH-camr atm absolutely brilliant content
The 3 valves per cylinder were actually for improved low/midrange torque. The V8 Mercs of that era were torque monsters, these engines often had peak torque as low as 3000rpm on the dyno, even when naturally aspirated.
Do you practice a script before you review or do you work from prompt notes . Either way you talk with an interesting content always. Thats a proper talent. Nice video again.
What you see is completely improvised, no script, only basic notes which I memorize the day before. I cant rehearse because what you see is my genuine first drive of the car
he's British for christ sakes.
The three valve per cylinder design ran for 7 years ,,,it enabled the use of two phased spark plugs , is very efficient and is not as complicated as 4 valve , vvt dohc designs. That makes it reliable.
For the money these things are great cars. I picked one up in New Zealand for 13K. Great condition with 145k, full Merc service history, and slight claim to fame - sold to Jonah Lomu when new. Looked at the Ozzie Fords and Holden's, but they are way over priced and literally rattle and fall apart over time. This thing is as tight as a drum and the interior is immaculate. Very happy with this car , and can't get enough of that AMG rumble!!
RIP to the legend jonah lomu
Great clip! Bought mine in June 2019, put 17 tkm on it so far.
PS. Another pro for the C55 vs C32 - the rust protection is better, C32 is pre-facelift.
You're reviews are getting better and better, keep it up, mate.
If you could improve a bit on the edit (i.e. show the CLK style front when you talk about it) then you'd rise another level.
I like the C36 and C43 as well as the newer C55 AMG...🙂👍
DoubleDeckerAnton How about the C32 AMG or the rare C30 CDI AMG
Love the concept of compact 3 box design, with stonking great V8! Would rather own this than any modern ford focus, or VW Golf hot hatch. Big bass V8 all day long....
What a noise that car makes! Awesome
Cheers for the video review mate. I am currently looking at a good one and was trying to find a reason to pull the trigger.
Have always loved the c55, the facelift makes all the difference. Sharp haircut.
It's more than a facelift with the C55, the entire front section of the chassis is different, taken from the E class to fit the V8.
Thought about one of these. The upkeep puts me off but maybe I was wrong. Thanks to this good video I am now late for dinner. Enjoyed this very good and full review.
I use to have a w204 c63 amg. Great cars to have never had an issue. Miss it heaps.
I got 23 to the gallon on avg in my CLK55, not bad at all. And it was a very accomplished car, dynamically even the convertible was pretty good, much better than you think it will be for such a heavy car. 8/10ths is about as far as its enjoyable, but thats what this car is all about. its a cruiser. Bose stereo was MEGA in mine.
Man, I love that exhaust sound. I wish the old XJ could've been converted like that but all they do is a stainless steel exhaust which is kinda crappy.
I was just about to take C32 as it was in my budget... then decided to wait a bit and get C55 when I can!
Great review bro im really enjoying your vids 👌
I can see! Nice to see people working their way through
Lovely and perfect description of the C 55. Actually i drive E 430... . Many greetings from Germany from the "Ostalb" (Highlands) near Stuttgart.... . Tommy
love a nice M113 engined mercedes, dropping the exhaust valve to 1 allowed the use of variable discharge twin spark, and quite a bit heavier then an e46 m3?? it's only 110kgs so a couple of light weight passengers
Thanks for sharing! I love my w203
Great video mate! Keep it goin'! You got a new subscriber!
Thanks! Welcome to the channel
Awesome review. Now looking for my first amg
Most pure and best feel. C36. Just plain more class.
Bought a C55 due in part to this review. Have had it nearly a year. Absolutely no regrets.
I've been thinking a lot about these cars lately. they're very cool
dream car just bought it well looked after example great review.
Daamn great purchase!
good review,great humor!
the facelift of the w203 was the end for rust ... at least almost ... and also ALL AMG-Model do get a good amount of rust improvement more than regular models ! ;)
Great job as always James - I couldn't help but be amused by the presence of the Nurburgring track pass in the shot of the gear lever given the comments ref 'ring lap times being somewhat irrelevant (a sentiment I agree with - though it seems the current owner doesn't).
You can enjoy a trip out to the 'ring and a drive around without chasing lap times. The Merc is well placed for the trip - even if the original sat-nav gets a bit confused ;)
Great car! Have a W203 C320 V6 which is nothing like this but has that same build quality which honestly is quite surprising and pleasing, just noticed that this one is not parktronic which is interesting, great review, well done...
The rust problem was more or less fixed after 2004, when MB went back to using galvanized steel for the body panels and got the issues with bacterial contamination of water based paints under control/stoped using them.
No, it really wasn't. C55 are prone to rocker rust and rear wheel well, just like other C series of the day.
Indeed problem is that many c55's were built during 2004 (mine was June 2004) and I have some rear wheel arch rust. Cars built 2005 onwards seem to be much better off
Been watching all tour reviews. I love how u change between all different cars and give honest opinions. Keep doing what you are mate u have my support. My group have a gang of 15 cars so msg me. If u want more info as we will all allow reviews
C55 AMG have AMG Differential locking,,,Asymmetric and mechanical in operation ,operates with a 40% locking factor under load to distribute torque to the wheel with the most grip.
Great video!
Looking for a good one here in Cape town. had two m3s one was lovely one a money pit ( both e 46). Using a 123 series 280 as a daily. fallen a bit for the brand. nice vid cheers!
Check a W215 CL55 AMG. Either the NA or supercharged versions.
Yep, my first AMG was a 2006 C55! Great car: 80hp and a 7 speed trans away from greatness. Very well balanced.
Tim Tursonoff lucky! My first car was a W203 C320 4matic but it was a sport which was rare for its time a 2003 model.
Michael Broski nice! I have been an AMG guy ever since. I own 4 of them now
Mercedes has never made the 7 speed for the C55 its only 5 speed auto and wym by 80hp ?
Abderrahmane I think he is referring to the w204 c63 ... although the correct number in extra ponies would be 89hp I believe. 451hp compared to 362hp .Correct me if I'm wrong
yes yes yes :D o was waiting for test of c55 :D my next car defo
Enjoyed that little review 👍. However the B7 RS4 wasn't around during this era, that was the next gen of cars along with the C63 and E9x M3
I raced one and won when i was stock with muffler delete.
good track car and fun on mountain roads
No doubt e46 m3 would be more fun but I think I would learn to love the car for what it is especially if I daily it or go on long trips. Reality is unless fuel goes down to 50p a litre I can't afford to run it so I'm sticking with my diesel haha
Broken 5g tronic boxes due to supercharger are just not correct info.
Mercedes used those until 2012 in all the v12 cars with 1000nm of torque, which surely proves how tough they are
Yea the 5g transmissions typically only used to break due to the trans cooler and radiator cross contamination with the 03 cars.
Your description of who wants an old Merc fits the bill perfectly. Sounds like me and im also looking at an old cl V8 Merc.
Great car, but don't get the AMG. It's more expensive and the performance difference isn't much. Unfortunately, they aren't the most reliable Merc in the world. My brother has a cl 600 and it has had all sorts of issues, most recently air suspension which is pointless to have and expensive to repair. With that said, when it works, it's a great car.
@@irisheric3 you cant talk about reliability whit CL 600 lol this is c55 which is way More reliable lol..
@@vanhanliiton7232 I know what car it is. I have one. I was responding to the comment above, obviously.
@@irisheric3 why you talking about cl600 and c55 they are completly difrent cars one is reliable and 1 isnt
@@vanhanliiton7232 wow, your reading comprehension is pretty poor. As I already stated, I know the difference between the cars, I've owned a 2005 C55 AMG since 2007, it's sitting in my garage right now. It's next to my 2021 C63 AMG and my wife's GLC 43. My brother had a CL600 up until about a year ago. If you were paying attention to what you're commenting on you would realize that the comment I originally responded to mentioned a CL. That's why I said something about a CL.
Had a 2003 C240 4matic, became obsessed with C55, scored a 2006 with 155k, needs some sorting out, but...Wow!
HI all, I own a c320 natuarry aspirated but it has a rea stiff steering....is there something I can do to have a lighter steering? Thank you!
When you get use to the gearbox, and that torque will not let you down, you will find it much better then any dsg of common cars. I hade a 320clk and I loved it. This c55 hade to be even more amazing.
New owner here. Nice vid, great comments
Nice reviewe :)
i do not know if the uk got this one, i know that this model was also made as a amg 3l turbo diesel ! very rare car.
Had this car as my first car, it was properly fun
would love a CLK55 or 500 has kool kroozer, the C is bit too sleeper for it but even cheaper yes. And drivetrain is said bulletproof.
Mrfrenchfriesmonster MB 5 speed automatic bullet proof but NOT the ones that came after
I like these, just a shame they didn't fit the supercharger, but then it would have made the E55 look slow I guess. I had a w211 E55 and it was a good car, but I missed handling. Mercs of old were not designed to be back road blasters.
The gearbox in the m113k cars are actually quite strong. Stronger than the 7 speed in the later 6.2 cars, but slow and dimwitted. The E55 / cls55 etc can have the TCU remapped for quicker shifts, but it is still slow.
Makes a nice noise, Mercedes and AMG knew how to make a V8 make a good noise.
Have had 6 years with a CLK55, a solid classy car with it only needing new sport pack discs, stereo amp and flywheel sensor. Nothing else wore out or broke. I'd imagine the more stealthy C55 would be the same. Great cars.
Do what i did and supercharge it 😆
@@DouEditzany videos?
I love mine, you will too!
Have you reviewed/driven the c32amg at all?
Is think that gen of c classe agee pretty well
Great review but I miss the old ending, was much more catchy than the new one
You are absolutely right...not too shouty. Lol .front view it looks almost ordinary (if you don't know amg)I've seen lots of people turning around in their tracks when i pass them.😂😂
Gets lots of attention
I could enjoy that to the max because I wouldn't feel like I was shouting "MID LIFE CRISIS!!", very nice cae with a Tim Allen exhaust note....arh arh arh!
Graeme W , nothing wrong with a mid life crisis,great fun I find.
@@banjopete To be honest you're right, I really don't care what people think of me anymore, I just do what I like, its great being in your late 40's lol
CLS55 AMG for me.
An e55 would be nicer for the money, 476 bhp and supercharged. But I would rather have a vxr8. 6.2 litre v8.419 bhp. Now that is a true beauty.❤️
Enjoyed that
If I was a rich man I’d go out and buy one for a few months
Loving the content....
To be fair though, B7 RS4 wasn't a direct competitor to the W203 C55 and E46 M3.... the B6 S4 was, which was a bit of a dog (I should know, I owned one)
The B7 RS4 traded blows with the E92 M3 and W204 C63.
It's a pity we never saw a C63 variant in the W203 like they did with the CLK facelift, but the M156 engine just wasn't ready when the C55 was being developed. Speaking of which, you should really try to get your hands on a CLK 63 AMG for review - it's a grossly underrated firecracker that's going for relative peanuts these days. Way quicker and more character than the C55.
Oh, and also - W211 E55 AMG had the M113K Supercharged 5.4 as well - just in case your SL55 test doesn't pan out.
Was there some estate version of this AMG?
Which is the best year to get? 2004, 2005, 2006?
I think of the B7, E46 and W203 they are all different types of cars but they get classed together. I'm e46 all the way, i like the idea of the B7 RS4, but these cars are still granddads cars
my dream amg. i know there’s better cars but this one it’s just something special
Someone is looking sharp today
Is Jay filming this on the way to a date.
Was just filmed after a long overdue haircut
A moon roof? I think you've spent too much time in the USA m8
Moon roof has a transparent normally glass panel vs a sunroof that has a color matching body panel.
@@revinot In the UK moonroof is a word that is never used. A sunroof is what you call a moonroof and what you call a sunroof sounds like a targa top.
@@revinot I remember year ago Britax selling sunroofs as a retro fit. They were basically glass hatches. Long before any of this"moon roof" nonsense.
Moonroof is a new one on me, a roof made of glass is a glass roof, if it opens it’s a sunroof.
My old E46 3 series had moon roof on the spec sheet
Great car, when I had the choice I went with the C32. Very under the radar car.
How come you went for the c32?
@@joshuaburke5339 It is equally as reliable with more aftermarket for power adders. Basically you can add power for less money than on the c55.
I'm actually thinking about getting one of these for a first car and in the usa they aren't to bad price and miles wise not to mention you don't have to deal with air suspension (my dad has had a hell of a time with his GL) and you don't have to mess with to much that you wouldn't with any standard car. But at the same time I kinda want a shitbox project car so im just a little conflicted lol.
Noah Paulette get a c32. Almost as fast as the c55 stock and tons of room for fun mods.
360hp v8 for first car pretty dumb lol gonna kill urself
Hi Jay , what your missing for your C55 , Is a pair of paddles to replace your old school OEM shift buttons , Let us know if your interested
It's not my C55, but thanks
I get 26mpg/9.1l/100km out of mine on the highway. 3 people in the car. Here in Canada.
And how much eat in city ride?
Hi there
At early 30s you start to thinking about a Merc, at 40s about a Porsche and when your repair shop guy become your best mate since childhood you starting desperately try to find a manual non infotainment Corolla. That's the way life goes on, at least from my experience. BTW very nice hairdo😀😀
Panos Coach no BMW e90 M3? That’s what I got when I turned 30
@@sheldonm3535 Awesome car! I'm 47 , grew up with a rwd carburatted Toyota , then came a series of golfs . I missed the era with overpowered hi-tech BMWs, so really i don't understand the feeling much. Now i' ll stick with my Golf mk4 along with an E87 for the shake of qood old times.(sorry for my English).🤭
I’ve noticed below 40 group may drive all sorts of used cars from BMW, MB and Lexus but never Porsche. Probably why my wife insisted I buy a 911 vs M3 I had pitched...
Why do Mercs refuse to put diff or posi in there AMG cars?
Proud owner of a standard C55 with 65k on clock 😀 family owned since new. Quite a rare beast
How's it treating you?
@@pulsiui4003 very well thanks, I look after her and she looks after me 😉
@@captainmarvel7932 Wonderful! How's the oil consumption?
@@pulsiui4003 not to bad, I don’t do a lot of mileage though.
@@captainmarvel7932 I'm trying to gather a cencus of C55 oil consumption. Well I'm glad she's treating you well 😎
My old AMG is fast around the Nurburgring
Hope the Car Wizard doesn’t see this, great video 👍🏼
why?
😂😂😂
The “6.3” (really 6.2) had serious maintenance issues while the “5.5” (really 5.4) without the superchargers was super reliable. Remember, 99% of used buyers are NOT capable of spending 100% of purchase priced used for maintenance so not factoring that in is delusional unless you are trash class keeping broken cars on your property for years. 5.5 supercharged, please, don’t. Better first AMG is inline six with a manual. 5.5 early without supercharger is worth the gamble. SLK 55 case in point but the damn automatic doesn’t fully obey paddle shifts so be aware.
WOW THAT V8 sounds fab...
Cool Ride. Manuel Gear Box Available?
Nope
It’s such a great car!
3 valve didn't stay around very long? only from 97 to 2008ish accross at least 3 chassis AND the McClaren SLR..
It was only in one generation/family of engines- and either side of it was mostly four valve stuff
I'd say you are closer to 40 judging by your character. Also, I'm looking at c55's in my area at the moment.
I love mr moshapo for dis car what a experience from d4d n polo this is crazy imma get the6.2 one day for our sake even I'd we in "africa"
Its amazing how night and day the c55 and the c63 are? I was really underwhelmed by the c55, i think thats down to the fact you expect a 5.5 to make more than 367hp and a bit more torque... They will map up to 400 quite easily, though :). The 'box is pretty sluggish too. The c32 does go better than the c55 and is lighter, or you could just get a c63 and be done with it :), its what i did and didnt regret it.
Did this one have an open diff Jay?
Supercharge a c55
@@DouEditz buy a c63 and supercharge that
Post C63 catching on fire I think I'll be aiming for one of these !
Until relatively recently the entire Mercedes marque was a bit last gen in the looks department at least. Props for the 'give your grandma in the back a bit of a fright' comment haha.
amg made a diesel amg of this model ! very rare if you find one future classic ?
That would be so much nicer with the standard exhaust.
"S" stands for "Standard" not "Sport" mode for the transmission (page 159 of the Owner's Manual).
Is this Mike from "Wheeler's dealer"?