Hello, i am looking at purchasing an E55 ~2003 or so. I was wondering if i could get some specific driving impressions. I am #1 worried about it looking like a 4 door honda/toyota instead of a performance car. I have actually seen one and they did not appear like that but that is only my opinion, i wanted to see what others categorized them as. Also performance, i know they are FAST, but are they manageable on a day to day basis. I have a C class now and i am looking at the E55 or the C55. I really like the size of the C class but the E has features i want the C doesnt. Any first impressions? Feel free to explain as much as possible! Thank you!
Just curious what features the E has that you feel the C does not? (refering to 55 amg on either) I was set to buy the E55, but after driving the C55 got it instead, one reason being it was more the sporty look/feel/drive I was hoping for.
Good question, well okay, first understand this is horribly opinionated. I realize these things are not necessary but i want them in my next car. First is Ventilated Seats. That is the most important feature. Unless i am mistaken, i dont think the C55 has any of these things. The next item is parktronic. Also keyless go, and tire pressure monitor. I went to mbusa and checked and the rest IS in the new c class. That is about it. I also really want the extra HP. That is also a big deal. I really dont want to sacrifice any of these, i do like the C55's design better but i want more luxury than it can offer...
I have a black on black 03 e55.
This car rocks. It is fast, handels great and looks great.. I have kids and that was one reasons for the four doors. I have two teenage boys who serve as my "what is hip monitors". They and their friends all freak out when they see this car. My friends have all commented on how cool this car is. I have a ferrari in the garage that I haven't looked at in two months.
Those are fair responses, it does come down to personal requirements and individual tastes. regarding seats, well the C55 AMG has the suede shoulder patches that keep the leather "stick" down in the summer, and of course they are heated (3 levels) for the those chilly nights/mornings. For the parktronic, I could not get an answer if available on C, my 05' does not have it, or the tire pressure check.
Interior wise its a wash, it is a little more race-y feel, love the controls and feel for the car, I agree luxury wise it gave some up, i.e. plastic steering wheel function "buttons" instead of rocker style of cl/clk/e class. costing wise I enjoyed the sticker on the C!, speed wise, your right the E is "faster" straight out, cornering I feel much tighter on the road in the C. With some minor mod's the C can get closer to straight out perf.
Comfort and style, well my parents are happy to have the rear door for easy entry/exit for our Vegas trips, Similar to last poster, my nephews have giving me the thumbs up for 'coolness' factor. "Wow a V8 in that car and a Merc!.. Sweeeet!"
Again all comes down to personal taste and what is most important to individual, As would be the case with any class, model, brand etc...
I presently own an 04 E55 and I must admit I am completely smitten. The looks are astonishing: It possesses both a race car pedigree as well as a distinguished gate. People look in awe at it on a reguler basis ( mine is obsidian black with charcoal/blue seats ). There is definately the feeling in the car that " I have arrived "!
Now I know I will get flack for saying this, but I will anyway-- Just like the SLK is a consolation for those who can't afford a SL, so goes it with the C to the E. The E is superior in every way if you can come up with the money. All of MB's top end tech is in this car, which can't readily be said about the C. By the way, I like the C quite a little bit, but that is not the point.
About the car: I would consider the following items as a must have--
- drive dynamic seats ( you will never drive another car without them! )
- harmon-kardon stereo
- panoramic roof
- electronic trunk closer ( everyone thinks this looks cool and you never have to touch your paint)
This car has overwhelming power, incredible handling and braking, a gorgeous street appeal AND it is a Mercedes! What more could a fellow ask for!?! Hope this helps, drop me a line if you want any specifics.
Thank you all for your comments, this really helps me out! One last question, Does the E55 have a stock rear deck spoiler? I noticed renntech has one for it, i think that is what makes the C55 look so aggressive. Im not sure how it will look on a bigger car but i do not care for non spoiler/wing cars as much. anyone done this or have seen it done?
I've owned an 04 e55 for almost a year and intend to keep it for another two years. The longest I've owned any other car is around 8 months and that includes m5's,m3,viper,vette,modded supra,etc. Yes, I'm a car whore, but this tells you how much I've enjoyed the e55. My car is black and in my area relatively few people recognize it as anything other than a benz "family sedan". This stealth factor can prove very entertaining. If you have a need for speed this is a no brainer vs amg c class. The interior is also a lot nicer. The e55 will give you a more isolated type ride i.e. comfortable ride. If you need more sporty ride perception then get the c55, but think how you'll feel at a stop light when that e55 dusts you off badly and you're left looking at the driver's bratty kids laughing at you from the rear window.[:D]
Other than the C55, I don't think any AMG's come with a spoiler/wing on the lid. I'm not sure whther or noth the W211s have it as well, but the W210 trunklid is slightly curved at the end, a bit like a spoiler, but unnoticable if you're not paying attention.
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Other than the C55, I don't think any AMG's come with a spoiler/wing on the lid. I'm not sure whther or noth the W211s have it as well, but the W210 trunklid is slightly curved at the end, a bit like a spoiler, but unnoticable if you're not paying attention.
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