Highlights
• 5.5 litre V8
• Excellent service history
• Cubanite Silver
• Original AMG built car
The Background
Launched in 2000, the second generation C Class was known internally as the W203. Starting life with either an inline four or a V6 petrol engine, or a straight five diesel engine, V6’s came with either a 2.6 litre or a 3.2 litre, which became known as the C320. In 2001, with the success of previous model AMG’s, Mercedes-Benz tried to increase sales of the C Class offering an AMG version of the 3.2 litre V6, known as the C32 AMG.
It was a stripped back version of the 3.2 litre with a Roots supercharger fitted. With a refresh in 2004, the C32 was replaced with this particular model, the C55 AMG. This new model features the newer version of the V8 fitted to the E Class, which the AMG team managed to squeeze into the C Class after some slight changes.
With the new engine fitted and coupled to the 5-speed automatic, the C55 AMG can propel you to a limited 155 mph and 0-60 mph in sub 5 seconds, making the C Class AMG something a little more special than your average saloon car.
It was a stripped back version of the 3.2 litre with a Roots supercharger fitted. With a refresh in 2004, the C32 was replaced with this particular model, the C55 AMG. This new model features the newer version of the V8 fitted to the E Class, which the AMG team managed to squeeze into the C Class after some slight changes.
With the new engine fitted and coupled to the 5-speed automatic, the C55 AMG can propel you to a limited 155 mph and 0-60 mph in sub 5 seconds, making the C Class AMG something a little more special than your average saloon car.
The History
This monster 5.5 litre 2004 Mercedes C55 AMG, has been owned by just 4 previous keepers, who will undoubtedly have had many miles of fun in this rare German marque.
The car has been well maintained, as you would expect with any high end saloon. In the past year the car has only covered around 1,000 miles, which is the reason for the sale.
The car has been well maintained, as you would expect with any high end saloon. In the past year the car has only covered around 1,000 miles, which is the reason for the sale.
The Paperwork
The V5 is present and shows the C55 has had 4 previous keepers. Two sets of keys are also present.
The service book shows 12 stamps up to 2019. The driver’s handbooks are present along with the wallet. There are also a number of invoices for parts purchased and work carried out.
The seller will be putting a fresh MOT on the AMG Mercedes for when the auction ends, giving the new owner a full 12 months.
The Interior
Finished with AMG's premium Black Nappa leather, the C55 is in excellent condition inside. There is virtually no wear showing on the figure hugging large bolster seats, which is a testament to the previous keepers who have clearly taken care getting in and out of the AMG.
The seats are working as they should electrically, both on the driver and passenger sides, and the rear is also in excellent condition showing it has not had much use over the years. The leather door cards are also in excellent order, with the brushed aluminium trim finishing off the attention to detail touches.
The seats are working as they should electrically, both on the driver and passenger sides, and the rear is also in excellent condition showing it has not had much use over the years. The leather door cards are also in excellent order, with the brushed aluminium trim finishing off the attention to detail touches.
The dashboard is as you would expect. The instruments give a subtle hint as to what is lurking beneath the bonnet, with the AMG and V8 logo at the bottom of the clocks, which are all working as they should. The odometer shows a reading of 154,166 miles, and there are no warning lights displayed when the engine is running.
Towards the centre, the switches have the lettering on that shows no signs of any wear, and just below is the head unit with built in navigation, and again, no wear can be seen to the buttons. The leather multifunction steering wheel is in good condition, there is just some slight wear to the lettering on the buttons here.
Towards the centre, the switches have the lettering on that shows no signs of any wear, and just below is the head unit with built in navigation, and again, no wear can be seen to the buttons. The leather multifunction steering wheel is in good condition, there is just some slight wear to the lettering on the buttons here.
The plush carpets finish off the cabin of the C55 and are in good order with no signs of excessive wear. There is a set of AMG branded mats fitted to the front and rear which are also in good condition.
Up above, the headlining is free from any sagging, and the sunroof is working as it should. Into the boot, again nice and clean, with the warning triangle, first aid kit and tyre compressor present. Lifting up the carpet reveals the space saver spare wheel with the tool kit underneath.
Up above, the headlining is free from any sagging, and the sunroof is working as it should. Into the boot, again nice and clean, with the warning triangle, first aid kit and tyre compressor present. Lifting up the carpet reveals the space saver spare wheel with the tool kit underneath.
The Exterior
Being an AMG, a normal Silver obviously wouldn’t do. This C55 has been finished in Cubanite Silver for that extra touch of class. Looking around the car, there is no evidence that we could see where the car has had any paintwork carried out, making it a nice original car.
Starting at the front of the Mercedes, there are a few stone chips to note, as you would expect for the mileage and year of the car. The headlights are in good condition with no splits to the lenses. The driver’s side fog light is broken, as you can see in the images.
There is a new light on order and it will be fitted before the end of the auction. Just below the cracked fog light there is a crack in the bumper to mention. The bonnet looks to align as it should, and again there are a few stone chips to mention, in keeping with the age of the vehicle.
There is a new light on order and it will be fitted before the end of the auction. Just below the cracked fog light there is a crack in the bumper to mention. The bonnet looks to align as it should, and again there are a few stone chips to mention, in keeping with the age of the vehicle.
Around to the sides of the C55, and the only clue giving away what you are looking at, is the 5.5 AMG badge on the wing and the huge AMG brake calipers. All four doors look to align as Mercedes intended, with an equal panel gap, and the car has escaped any annoying car park injuries. The glass is in good order with no noticeable scratches to mention, and the window trims and seals are as to be expected.
To the rear, this is when you know it’s no normal C Class, with the four AMG branded tail pipes and the subtle boot spoiler giving away what it is, and not forgetting the AMG boot emblem. There are no scuffs to mention to the bumper, and the light lenses are in good order with no splits or chips.
The AMG wheels are finished in anthracite, which is a nice contrast to the Cubanite Silver exterior, and these are free from any marks to the rims. The centre caps have tarnished a little but could easily be replaced. The tyres all have a good amount of tread remaining for the new keeper.
The Mechanics
4.9 seconds is where you can see yourself hitting 60 mph, thanks to the superb naturally aspirated 5.5 litre V8 AMG engine hand built by Frank Siewert, who’s name is proudly engraved into the AMG plaque which resides on the engine cover of the V8 the , and you will also find yourself limited to an impressive 155mph. This certainly is a serious saloon car.
The Mercedes fires up straight away and sounds wonderful as it breathes through the four tailpipes. There are no untoward noises coming from the engine bay, and we could not see any evidence of any leaks. The seller reports the C55 is an amazing car to drive. Being an owner of other Mercedes over the years he has driven a great number of them, and by his own admission, the C55 is something quite special.
On the road the C55 moves through the 5-speed automatic gearbox with ease, pulling strongly as you would expect from the 5.5 litre. The AMG engineers give the C55 some subtle differences over the C Class, such as a wider track at the front and 20% stiffer springs and dampers, all of which help with the wonderful handling of the C55 AMG.
The Appeal
363 bhp in a saloon car made the C55 AMG one of the quickest production saloons of its time, and the fastest C Class ever produced. Aslo, having been made for just 2 years makes them highly desirable.
From the condition of the interior and looking at the service history, this particular C55 AMG looks to have been well cared for. Yes, there are a few stone chips to mention, but that also shows the originality of the paintwork, which is always a plus point.
Will you be the next owner of this wolf in sheep's clothing, sub 5 second, practical family saloon?
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