2005 Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG

5.5L V8 motor generating 362-hp


"Yes, that's right, $55k. That's a whole lot of money to pay for a car that looks like a car that costs $27k. The depreciation must be killer. Yes, but... some of us, driving a dull car depreciates the soul. Get behind the wheel of the Mercedes Benz C55 and I guarantee you'll live fast and die old."
- Roberto Fargo

2005 Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG Specs
Base price $54,620
Layout Front engine, rwd, 4-door, 5-pass, sedan
Engine 5.5L V-8, alum block/heads; SOHC, 3 valves/cyl
Displacement, ci/cc 331.9 / 5439
Max SAE net horsepower 362 @ 5750 rpm
Max SAE net torque, lb-ft 376 @ 4000 rpm
Transmission 5 Speed Automatic w/Overdrive & Speed Shift Transmission
Curb weight, lb 3583
0-60 mph, sec 4.9
1/4 mile, sec @ mph 13.2 @ 107.3
Braking 60-0 mph, ft 116
Skidpad, g 0.84
600-ft slalom, mph 67.5
EPA Mileage 16 city/22 highway mpg
AMG Production Numbers 1299 (in the US market (2005))

Features and Interesting Facts

C55 Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels and tires, ten-way power sport seats, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, metallic interior trim, upgraded instrumentation, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a sunroof. There are also a few options to choose from, including HID headlights, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Buyers may also select between solid or two-tone upholstery.

"What makes the C55 so special is its 362-hp, 5,439-cubic-centimeter, SOHC 24-valve, 90-degree V8 engine made out of a high-pressure, die-cast alloy cylinder block that is capable of 376 pound-feet of torque @4,000 rpm. This allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds, which is as fast as the Maserati Spyder Cambiocorsa and Panoz Esperante, both of which retail for more than $90,000. Not bad for a car that weighs 3,540 pounds."

Each AMG engine is hand-built by expert craftsmen. All AMG engines are hand built, using a "one man, one engine" philosophy at the current AMG plant in Affalterbach, Germany.