The Perfect Modern Classic Mercedes is also a Bargain: 2005 C55 AMG Wagon Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ต.ค. 2024
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Today, all the way from Switzerland, an often overlooked German Muscle car - the Mercedes C55 AMG Wagon
#V8 #mercdesbenz #amg
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ssssssshhhhhhh….. don’t tell anyone, but fast German estates of this era are a zillion times better than any SUV
It’s too late, the cats out the bag.
I hate the word better. Everything has pros and cons. Unless the budget is unlimited a gain in one area is a loss in another.
Yet the vast majority of GLOBAL consumers would pick a CUV.
Get off your high horse.
I do love a barge and would take one any day over an SUV. Even if they decide they don't want to sell them any more
Higher seating/better view is a big selling point for a large number of people. So no, objectively not better in that department.
It's a nice looking car, you say the wheels look small, but because the car is not overly large, overgrown like a lot of today's cars, I think it looks right on them
Couldnt agree more
I am glad you like my choice.
The 18s are in the cellar and in my opinion don't better plus for long drives it is more comfortable riding on a bit more rubber
Agree.
Clk500 or 550 from that era is a true hidden gem and offers incredible value for the money as it doesn't have "AMG tax" in its price.
@@iovakki that’s why I chose a CLS500 and not AMG
kudos to the owner for driving that in the very car friendly switzerland... .
Of all the AMG cars, the one I always lusted after most was the W210 E55. I saw one at John Lennon airport in a beautiful dark plum colour and fell in love.
Suspension arms can get bent on these at the rear. It causes a weird swaying feeling from time to time over unsettled road. Replacing those arms sorts it out. Not cheap, but not too bad
I had a 54 plate C55 AMG many many years ago. AMG and Mercedes Benz world rebuilt the suspension on mine and it made all the difference in the world. Mind you, I used to get through a lot pf Pzero rear tyres.
Couldn’t afford to run the AMG so bought a 2015, E220, AMG Sport, Night Edition, Wagon in Hyacinth Red.
I absolutely love it.
My retirement car.
Couldn't afford either so I'm keeping my trusty Peugeot 106d.
That is actually a Mercedes colour.... I had to look it up before I made a keeping up appearances joke :P
@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne peugeot 106 is a lovely car
👏
My Dad had a 2005 W203 C220 cdi Aventgarde when I was about ten. The first car that got me "into cars". Great video and lovely to see a W203 on the channel. A really appealing car!
Modern Classic indeed ❤️
The Merc C series estate W203 was the best looking estate car ever made. Just elegant unlike its successor that was crap looking.
Great video! Love an m113 video!
These mercs are a lot of car for the money. Coming up to 10months ownership on a CLK500 and I think you describe it well as a 7/10 car, coming from BMWs. You can get into a rhythm with it on the b roads, even with a little dabble in manual on the 7g tronic , but I love just cruising about town with no effort and that lazy v8 grumble. So smooth on the gear changes.
My next mod will be a subtle exhaust change for a little more noise as they are very quiet and somewhat too refined with the standard exhaust.
You are right about the silver, I really did not want a silver car but the engine and spec led me to the purchase and when it’s shiny it really has grown on me
I LOVE THIS ERA.
Saw an ultra clean C55 estate in SE London today and now I see this video, beautiful motor
The estate is the only one to get unlike the ordinary saloon!
Seeing a S203 on your channel makes me happy. Its a car that grew on me like no other, for many reasons. It feels so effortless to maneuver through tight city streets, it does everything so well i could not justify replacing it. IMO the old 5 speed is a fantastic gearbox, if you keep in mind that it was developed in the 90s its really the good both in terms of comfort and performance.
I've had two of these, one was a elegance model that would drive like a typical mercedes, a floaty mini s class, the other now a avantgarde with the sports package, similiar experience to what you described. I can only speak for the regular cars as AMGs are out of my price range, but i would pick a 203 over a bmw 46 almost every time, with the A4 coming in (very)far behind. It offers so much for a car that size. I considered upgrading , but the W204 has a atrocious interior, at least pre facelift, if you sit in both back to back you'll notice.
I love this era of AMG
also, the swiss plate makes it look so nice
Amazing how Merc went from tasteful refined classy cars to the absolute opposite.
Great review.
These M113 engines are wonderful. Would love to own one some day
So much character over Modern AMG as a brand and philosophy. This car and other M113K, M156/M159, etc. powered big motor cars come from a time when AMG was about badassery and driving fun! Today's AMG can best be summed up as another anonymously dull corporate brick and not a professional skunkworks that was about making special cars out of the factory. M113/M113K is a legendary engine!
Surely that's Brabus you're talking about and not AMG? Brabus was the firm that took your run of the mill Mercedes/AMG and truly turned them into performance MONSTERS! Modern AMGs are the best versions they've ever made. They are much better built, more reliable, more effective and much, MUCH quicker than ever before. They are now the complete package and their engines are some of the highest powered in their class (often by a very large amount!)
@@davekennedy6315Are the modern ones really going to be more reliable then the 20 year old ones?
I was actually eyeing one of these for a while.
James it’s a 20 year old fast tip run car. Not an M3 what do you want from the poor old thing. I think she’s amazing.
And here once again I am. On autotrader. Mentally spending money I don't have.
I don't like this era of Mercedes. They're not as nice as the 90s era stuff that was when Mercedes was ran by engineers and not accountants. But this car is seriously cool
Immediately noticed the Swiss plates 😁
The CLS Shooting Brake AMG 63S is the ultimate and best AMG ever built... Period
I own one so may be a bit biased, but having owned and driven a number of other Mercedes and AMG versions, it is far and away the best...
Owner here and agree with you :)
5.5 biturbo CLS shooting brake I absolutely love!
Perhaps my next car 😊
Couldn’t agree more, if equally biased! James reviewed my 63S Shooting Brake a few months ago.
The M157 sounds so good. If we talk 'the best (normal) AMG ever' the C222 S class as 63 cant be ignored. The early ones came with the M157 as well.
I am very glad these cars are getting love. I was never a huge fan of the wagon body style of these cars, but the sedans, like you noted, are very good looking cars. I own a 2007 C230 with the same staggered wheels as the one in the video with a factory AMG exhaust and a slightly lower ride height on what I’m assuming is either an AMG suspension or some type of alternate Mercedes Benz suspension. Not sure but it definitely sits about 12mm lower than other W203’s that I’ve seen. These cars are extremely solid for what they are. And they are very reliable for someone looking for a fantastic car on a budget. Here in the states you can find clean C230’s with around 85,000 miles for only about $6,500. I’ve seen a few low miles C55 for around $12,000 which is a lot of car for the money. My car was essentially a one owner car with 112,000 miles on the clock for only $5,000. And if you know anything about these W203s, it’s that no matter which one you get, they are all capable of hitting 250,000+ miles with little to no fuss.
I have a 2002 clk55 but same engine/trans essentially. If you just leave it in 4th so it doesn’t go into 5th and let it do its thing it’s so much better than trying to shift it. Starts from 1st at stops still and if you boot it while already moving thing only has to downshift once or twice instead of 5th to 3rd or 2nd. Seems to hold whatever gear you’re in longer too.
I had CLK270CDI for 6 years, sold and replaced it with 2012 E250CDI 4matic. Been driving it for a year now and honestly I wish to go back to CLK, but this time M113 and 7gtronic gearbox, probably the best option as daily if you dont need the extra space.
Jay, please get a W209 CLK on. Preferably a 320, 350 or 500 in a Avantgarde guise as it has the sports suspension as standard.
Maybe if the stars align for us both as I really want to see this video myself too, you could get a CLK 55 on.
I love it.
7/10th is more than enough.
We have 2004 200 Compressor wagon , with over 404000miles on the clock
Which I bought for my dad to enjoy in his retirement. To replace his E39 540I wagon
The Merc is a better dog wagon!.
I think this Wagon is better than a lot of cars I’ve owned that cost 3 times as much.
Lovely to drive
In UK we call it estate . Not wagon that's a American term. Jesus Christ 😔
Discreet and swift - what isn’t to like. My C280 in full pipe and slippers colour and trim is a decent place to do miles whilst also embarrassing the odd boy racer so more of the same will be great.
Hi from Iran.
This time your Shirt with Persian Calligraphy ( one of the few styles),
Make me more attentive I guess.
Love your contents.
We dont have 80% of the tested cars here.
Nevertherless we love your channel.
I’ve said it time and time again, the 00’s were peak automotive!
No it wasn't. The 90's was the golden era of cars and peak automotive. Not hideous bland estates like this merc.
@@mokodorali5975I love 90’s cars but the build quality was terrible, technology no existent and reliable atrocious
@@TimLemonn what are you on about the build quality and reliability were vastly superior on the right cars, JDM and German. French, Italy, British of course were not so great.
Tech was spot on, you had the right amount, then tech tookmover in 2000's and ruined cars, everuthing isnelectronically assisted or computer controlled, taking away driver feel and engagement. Also the cars you had in the 90s is incomparable, the amount of sports cars and variety ofnother types of cars is unrivalled especially from JDM who were top tier, unmatched to.this day.
@@mokodorali5975 Am I to assume you’re in your late 40’s or above? As this would explain this perspective.
@@TimLemonn nope in my 30's
YES, really looking forward to see the CLK video, hope its a W208
I always preferred the look of the wagon W203
luv to see a review on the super rare C30 CDI AMG 5cilinder and only diesel AMG ever made.
You need to take my W210 E55 for a spin! Looks like its the only one missing from that era on your channel
The shirt looks like one of those posters from way back when, that when you stare at them for long enough, you still can't see a 3d image of an aquarium.
Love the W203. We have a 220D 2006. We've had it since new. Obviously nothing like this AMG but I love it still. The looks with the Avantgarde SE pack are fab. I do love the engine and autobox as well. A lot would say it was noisy, but I love the sound. It has a very distinct idle sound. On the move it's a lovely growl in the cabin and fades away at speed. It's got a great turbo whistle with the window open too. I find to drive, once you're moving the initial heaviness goes away and its very nimble. Guess it just suites my taste. Modern Mercedes I find are too perfect and soulless. I feel the same about most new stuff. All the noise, imperfections and feeling of speed that made cars special are gone. We now have cars that are about as exciting as fridges!
The C55 is a peach but finding one…. Not easy
One uncommon AMG for sure. Not C30 CDI AMG rare but then again I've never seen either out in the wild.
Very accurate review. Certainly a lot of car for the money. I picked up an absolute minter sedan for $13K NZ dollars. The leather and other materials wear so well, and the suspension on mine has been well maintained - tight as a drum. I have only really driven it 10 tenths a couple of times through some twisty NZ roads, and was very impressed at how it hung on. It is a car that takes some getting used to, unlike a Golf Gti or a 335i beemer, that have a very natural and instant rapport with the driver {at least in my case}, it takes some time to figure out the best way to drive, and trust the Merc. Hitting the apex correctly is a must, and slow in/ fast out gives you better results. My only real harsh critisism is that it doesn't come with a proper LSD - this would really transform the car, as the rear end constantly twists under load. It can be retro fitted of course, but with the low value of the car , is it worth it? I do love starting it up, and get a bit of a kick out of it, knowing, that not many people know what it is, and that is is rarer than a Ferrari 488. Enjoy
I had one of these for a couple of years, that's a really good review. I liked mine but just as you say, it's a seven-tenths car. Problem is the best I saw was 27mpg, plus it had the usual old-Merc issues (Crank Position sensor, driveshaft bearing, brakes, rusty arches etc). So then it's a bit of a commitment to run one, but it's not a heart-pounding sports car, so for me it wasn't worth the running costs to keep going with it as a 'daily'.
OTOH just as you say, if you can only have one car and need an estate, then yes it's a good choice.
great car, the font end change I would never have noticed; the lengths manufacturers go to to get a good car to market! Would also add the similar vanguards of the sunroof are surely Subaru, also historically a producer of some very interesting estate cars. CHeers!
Perhaps the last 3 tenths are not meant for that chassis and engine combo. Perhaps go for a V6 auto (non AMG) and just enjoy it?
Good point, some cars regardless of sport or non sport aren't meant for those last 3 tenths. My 2006 Volvo S60 2.0T works best at 6 tenths max, best to ride the mid range torque and work with the old automatic
I have this rims on my 180K '07 😅
*deep sigh
*opens up autoscout
Every damn time.
I very nearly bought the saloon version of this and ended up with an Audi S4 instead. At some point I will get one.
Why the frick would you tell on this car?? Leave it to the enthusiasts to save up for!
Haha yeah true. I might be swaying to one, coming from an Alfa Romeo 147 GTA.
Funny I was just looking at a c55 sedan 😮
I'll never be able to afford any of the cars mentioned in the video but I couldn't get past the auto in the Mercedes or the fact corrosion was still a problem for Mercedes during this era.
funny how depending on type and locatoin the S changed. the uk manual for our W211 shows comfort and standard mode (hence the s mode isnt sporty)
I had a W211 E55AMG to replace an e60 M5 that was stolen. The M5 was the better drive by a long way. The Merc was more comfortable and usable but airmatic suspension and sbc brakes were a pain. Needlessly complicated for little obvious gain. I now have a C6 RS6 V10 so have completed the late noughties German nutter saloon trilogy 😂
Those wheels are from the 'Sport Edition' of its day, in case anyone is looking for them
Great car 🎉
When I saw the color of the calipers the first thought that crossed my mind was…rust. Personal opinion, silver or black. I’ve got a silver E400 and the silver calipers blend in beautifully. But, that’s just my taste. The content was great and I’m looking for one on Auto Tempest.
Solution for the revs - rear dif from a 500 or a diesel
The 55 kompressors have that dif and you are at 100mph with 3000rpm
Owner here. I considered the swap as I do a lot of miles however apparently the whole drivetrain has to come out and be swapped not just the diff. Gearbox and everything.
This from the guys at PCS horndean who know these cars inside out.
Just not worth it sadly.
I want one! 😊
Sold at 12.20 :-)
Nothing wrong with the name Pat, I'd have kept it
Nice shirt
The first AMG C class actually had a 6 cylinder engine, a 3.6 i6. It was later in the life cycle of the W202 that the C43 AMG with the V8 was produced. Those are rarer than the C36. I don't think Mercedes-Benz made a V8 C Class wagon after the W204, there was the W205 C43 AMG, but that had a 6 cylinder engine. The C63 was sedan or coupe only, IIRC.
Yes, the C36 is rare in the states.
S205 C63S AMG existed
TY 🙏🙏
Love your videos sir but has your two wheels content stopped. Cheers bud 🍻
Merc back then had their cars perfectley for their target audience, Musclar, powerful and opulient with a hint of brute strength. Never the drivers cars but to be honest all amg drivers then cared about fast crusres, v8s and auto boxs. They were never the drivers out the 3 german brands buyers
Hope AMG used a different rear subframe - my ordinary s203's rear subframe dissolved with rust
Nope, same problem on these. Only positive is that they may be worth enough for someone to pay to refurb them (DynoTorque had done the one I had for the PO).
Did the Brits not get the W202 C36 AMG over there? I really like that straight six, and the fact that it's a sleeper - not many people will be able to tell a C36 apart from a regular W202.
I think older AMGs look better by virtue of the fact that they don't look vastly different to the regular Mercedes. I like sleepers. I don't want my car to stand out. I want the differences to be so subtle that only true enthusiasts can spot the difference. The modern AMGs are far too loud and too brutish, in my opinion.
If you can, try finding the C30 CDI AMG Sportcoupe. I think that was the one and only diesel AMG ever made (I'm sure someone will correct me on that one if not outright calling me a hypocrite). Also, to be honest I was not really a fan of the W203-gen C-Class with its peanut eyes but sharp taillight. Kind of mismatched. And unfortunately the subsequent W204 and 205 were proper lookers. I do like the CLK though.
Also is that a Gallardo 560 that I see on the title card?
You would have this over an early 6.2 E63 estate?
(Asked before watching)
I don't think you buy an AMG Merc for fast derives around country lanes. The fact that the wheels were a different diameter and wearing cross-climate tyres, may have compromised the ride and handling a little.
Summer tyres.
Continental premium contact 7 at front and 6 at rear. Good quality rubber
I can probably sort out the suspension but at great cost and I dont push this beyond 6/10s usually anyway.
Besides road surface in Switzerland is generally better so more difficult to upset it
@@KingofInterns it's a perfect car then.
A freind had an E Class of this generation, a 3 litre turbo diesel one. It went very well but rusted even faster. Are the C Class ones of this era less rust prone ? The front shocks came through the suspension towers on his E.
is the 300c 5.7 a better wagon ?
Is this from the era of self destroying wiring looms?
No. I think finished 95? Ish
What is the brake kit conversion? they don't look like stock c55 callipers
AMG sport package option along with LSD (from factory).
Brembo 6 piston at front and 4 at rear
it should have had the supercharged V8 engine
You can swap a 6 speed on it.
Yay! I’m the one thousandth “like”. I thank you!
Looks good clean simple design the early 00s nostalgia is rising grab it while you can while millenials are drooling dropping 100k on a gtr.
Like all Mercs of this era all that`s missing is a concrete paving slab in the boot to keep her a*s planted and stop the rear end overtaking you when you put your foot down.
I don’t get why you bash the m3 steering so Much you said before your 330 cs had better steering well it’s the same purple tag rack that’s in the m3 and the same purple tag rack I’ve got In my 328 and as you know I owned a clk500 the steering between the bmw and merc was no comparison the bmw wins in spades anyday the merc is too light and feels almost synthetic I’m not bashing the mercs steering it is good but compared to a bmw purple tag rack it’s worlds apart
There was a C55 version of the earlier first C class...
The wheels on this car aren't original
Correct. The original's are in the cellar.
These are however period and facelift w203/s203 correct and I love em 😊
@KingofInterns I commented a little early as he mentioned in the vid just after lol... gorgeous car regardless but glad you still have originals too... my Dad has W211 E55 in same colour and wheels 👌
Did you watch the video at all?? The guy replaced the wheels
@@TrulyUniqueOne can you not read my replies ?🤔🤷♂️
Hens teeth, and no cheaper than the 6.2, which may be considered better looking. I'll be looking at Jaguar for a V8, but each to their own.
bargain? still 20 to 30k in Europe for one without rust... Great cars, plenty fast let down by a slow gearbox.
I'm going to use a four letter word R&^T.
S203
Jay, Jay, Jay. I love you but feel sorry for you sometimes. We all know the best Mercedes and the best AMG ever is the w205 c63s Estate. Please offer a public correction, with a review and we can call it evens.
He is an expat ? Why do Brits call themselfs expats when they immigrate to other countries ? People from Britain are always expats. Ever heard of an Afghani Expat ? He is a migrant. And economical migrant. Went to a more prosperous country to improve his quality of life. No shame behind being a migrant. Gorgeous car btw. C55 is very underrated.
Owner here. I am a proud immigrant
@@KingofInterns I appreciate the intellectual honesty behind using that term.
Sorry but you can't say the interior is nicer than a W204 😅
w202 c36 is way cooler than the c43
W203 are cheap, cause they rusts badly and are prone to a lot of electrical issues.
Right exactly. You just can’t own one.
@@Csongi-g8i yet this example proves otherwise, I also park it outside year round and drive it year round 😊
@@KingofInterns yes, it is a great car, but many of the common W203's had these issues, that affected their image, and influenced the market. Good for those buyers, who can find a problem-free one
.
Everyone simply likes cars from their nostalgic period. So Jay loves cars from 1980-2000. Im born in 2004 so my favourite cars are from 2005-2015. These cars are ugly to me. Someone born in 1950 Their favourite cars will be from the 70s etc. Its all subjective, its all nonsense.
You should take a look at the Ford Focus Estate MK2
Rust. So much rust.
(Which is a shame, because it’s a beautiful car in all other respects).
Now compare this thing to a new Audi RS6 wagon. Much prefer these older German wagons instead of the clown shoe looking things they make today.
I don't understand why you'd have a W203 C55 when you can have a W211 E55. Better quality interior, better features and far superior ride quality. The C-Class is cheap and plasticy.
The C 55 doesn't have ABC suspension. No supercharger makes it a tiny bit more reliable.
I like the E 55 too but there's just something about a small car with a big engine, that's something you can't find nowadays.
It’s mad to think I have a w211 V6 diesel with 220bhp and 410NM … from a pretty sedate 3.0 turbo diesel and all they got out of that 5.5 V8 AMG engine was those figures James quoted. I was expecting 450+
Since it’s the same engine as used in other 55’s (minus the supercharger) is also possible they derated it so that it wouldn’t outperform it’s bigger brothers, seeing as the W203 is lighter than the E and others of it’s day?
It's just a Malaise Era reference (absolutely no sarcasm whatsoever).
220bhp and sub 300 ft lbs of tq is considerably less than a 370hp and 370ft lbs of tq, not really “mad” at all. One is a diesel so that’s why torque is even relatively close, but you are 150hp down + a heavier car, if you are implying performance is even close to similar you’d be dead wrong lol. Not sure how this comparison even came to be in your head 😂
Comparing naturally aspirated to turbo power, is not logical. If this engine had a turbo then it's power and torque figures would be huge. Likewise take the turbo off the diesel, and then look at the power figures that would generate, they would be laughable.
@@phillipberk5767🤣 This weird comparison used to be a "thing" for BMW as well when they made the twin turbo M57 diesel and it was compared with the N62 V8 in various models.
It's nitpicking but those have to be some of the ugliest door mirrors in existence 😜
My only problem with w203 c55 is a steering wheel its disgusting
The W203 will never be cool, it's the awkward looking C Class.
But some how the W211 looks great 😂
The W211 does have an air of elegance and beauty about it, so I agree. While the W203 may not be a high point, stylistically, it's fair to say the C55 has its own fanfare. I mean, a honking 5.5L Supercharged V8 in a (relative) compact saloon is a recipe for a blast behind the wheel. It's a heart over the mind car in the sense that it wasn't about being the fastest or being correct. It was done, because why not?
W210 >>>>>
@@HannyDartI think the W211 looks better, especially the wagon.
@@damilolaakanni since i own a W210 wagon i cant agree with you haha 🤭
@@rahulmandala4930 The C55 has the non supercharged 5.5 V8.