I have had my C32 since Friday, I absolutely love it-Luxury, power, stealth. I just have to wait for break in period. I will post more as the car matures. Great car I highly recommend it, E55 is one badd machine also!

I own a black 1999 C43. Easily the worst car experience I have ever had. What a piece of junk. Anyone who wants it (just pick up the note) please let me know.

Hi AMG Folks!

I am in the early stages of looking for another MB to keep my '91 300CE company, and am interested in a performance boost in the next car.

I think I have narrowed down the search to the following (not in any order):

1999-2002 E55
2001-2002 CLK55
1992-1994 500E/E500

Has anybody driven all three and can provide an honest comparison?

Grading Criteria:

1. Fun to drive/Performance
2. Long-term Reliability
3. Resale/Retention of Value
4. Aesthetics
5. Exclusivity

I am trying to decide on either Silver or Black as the exterior color. I don't NEED the "practicality" of 4-doors (no kids). My goal is to find a low mileage example and put less than 5,000-7,000 miles per year at a maximum. I'll keep the CE as my daily driver.

Any input is welcomed

1. Fun to drive/Performance
IMHO, the CLK55 is too stiff. I like performance with a tad of luxury, hence my order would be:
E55; 500E; CLK55
2. Long-term Reliability
I'm going with the less electronics the better so:
500E; E55; CLK55
3. Resale/Retention of Value
500E; E55; CLK55 (only because the 500E is more of a one-off)
4. Aesthetics
CLK55; 500E; E55 (I like the look of the W124 chassis over the W210)
5. Exclusivity
500E; CLK55; E55 (Again, the 500E/E500 was a limited production run with Porsche; the CLK55 and E55 IMHO are regular production cars)

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

Thanks for your insight, Neil

I appreciate your comments. The issue of reliability and electrics is a valid concern, and I share that belief with you.

Of concern also is the E55's 18-inch wheels. A few potholes and it could get expensive.....quick! Tires are also more costly than the 16's or 17's, even if only nominally.

Of note as well is the insurance cost on a '94E500 is nearly half of what an '01 CLK55 runs. I was quoted these yesterday:

'01 CLK55 - $989/6mo. $500 ded. coll/$200 comp - $300K limits
'01 E55 - $749/6mo. same ded., etc.
'94 E500 - $546/6mo.

How do you compare the performance of the CLK55 with the E55?

Straight line the CLK55 just edges out the E55. On the twisties, the CLK55 proves itself.

BTW- I was astonished at how inexpensive the insurance was on a 500E/E500. That made it easier for my wife to accept another Mercedes.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

1997 C36 AMG
Black Opel
55,000 miles
Performance Products "600 look" grille
K&N Filter

__________________
TIFOSI
1980 FERRARI 308 GTSi
2002 MERCEDES BENZ C32 AMG
2004 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE BLACK - CAFE RACER

Also consider the C-class AMG cars -- the C43 is probably the most "hard-edge" of the AMG cars in terms of a stiff, Porsche-like ride -- the smaller size makes for good nimbleness and the V-8 has good punch at all torque levels, decent gas mileage and a great sound. They are also relatively affordable and, due to the stiffness of the ride, there are a number of low-mileage models available where the PO changed his mind and went for something softer. Lss than 1500 made over the 3-year run (2000 very rare as only about 20 were sent to US; 60% or so are '99 with rest '98). Great all-round car for city and highway driving, tho backseat is a bit tight for adults.

The C-36 is also a good option, with fairly close performance and, in the '97, the 5-speed transmission.

__________________
'98 C43 AMG
'88 420SEL
'93 190E Limited Edition (including factory Sportline package)

C43AMG -

Thanks for the suggestion.

I know some folks with C43's and C36's and they really enjoy them. Will keep it in mind.

Just switched to 19" SSR GT3s with Yokohama AVS 235/35s & 265/30s (from Tirerack)
I've changed my Hi beams, foglights, and reverse lights to PIAA extreme whites; and turn signals to silvervision.
Oh, those ugly amber marker lenses on the front bumpers...I just finished painting them black. The bumper strips on the corners aren't too offensive, no?; which one needs if one parks in NYC lots.

Ray
LI, NY

hey there FastNSX... if you really want to get rid of your car... id be more than happy to take it...

Pick up the note and its yours - I would love to get rid of the damn thing.

FastNSX-
Well if you are just giving the car away I can be there by friday
Why dont you like the car, and if you are going to sell it, how much? (you can email or pm me)
Subman

__________________
Factory trained Mercedes-Benz Technician
Look At My Website
-2002 C32
(E420 has passed away)
The best way to contat me is e-mail.

Mostly because it is a poorly built piece of crap. If I ever make it to an oil change without three or four things breaking, I will dance a jig. I have never owned such a piece of junk, and I have gone through a LOT of cars.

So how much do you want for it and how many miles does it have?

__________________
Factory trained Mercedes-Benz Technician
Look At My Website
-2002 C32
(E420 has passed away)
The best way to contat me is e-mail.