[Guest (MBNZ)]

I was on the waiting list for E55 about a year ago but pulled out because of the M5. I have come to the conclusion that I do not want a stick, and after seeing a silver one yesterday I starting to think about it again. Personally I like the look of the 1999 model better than the 2000(especially the front). I can buy new E55 at MRSP right away, would like to get some feedback from current owners about their cars. When will the body change on the E55? I remember the car will have a 4 year production run starting in 1999-2002.<p>I am young 28 and I always liked fast sedans.<p>Thanks in advance for any comments and replies.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Do it ... its an awesome machine ...

Read some of the posts below, and you'll find all of us who have one, simply love it. Most of us agree, we don't want a stick in our daily driver, but we do want to go fast ... quickly. <p>I happen to prefer the current styling to the previous model years. The body-colored door side moldings are color co-ordinated and blend-in so well the door-handles are now the same as the body side moldings, and both have a bead of chrome that really sets the tone for me. The turn signals in the mirrors, the line of the hood, and the rear facia (which are all different from previous E body styles) are appreciated as well. <p>I travelled to a wedding this weekend and parked next to an older E-Class ... and I do like the newer style better. <p>What options are on the car (the one you said you could pick-up right away)? MSRP is the going rate almost everywhere now, so that's good. <p>Its hard to know which source is correct, but it appears that a new E-Class body style will be introduced in 2002 as a 2003. I have also heard that there will not be a new E55 until the second year of production of the new body style, so likely 2003 as a 2004 model. <p>Best of luck. Hope some of the above was helpful.<p>Drew.<p>

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Having just bought my E55 on Friday, I've put 350 miles on it and every one of them has been fantastic. I am the envy of everyone at work, almost most don't know just how special a car I have.<p>I'm 33 and traded in a Corvette for this 'sedan'. It does not disappoint performance-wise. I do notice that not nearly as many people look at me when I'm driving the Benz. Driving the Vette got me a lot of looks, the E55 is a bit more invisible. <p>I say that in a good way. Saturday I was driving close to 40 in a 25 zone and passed a cop. He glanced at me and continued on. I know he had his radar on me because I saw my detector going crazy too late(had the stereo up). Had I been in the vette he might have turned around.<p>The people that will appreciate what you have are not your average Joe Sixpack. To 99% of the population it's a silver mercedes sedan. To that enlightened 1%, it is the finest sports sedan on the planet.<p>I guess it depends on how you want to go fast...classy or flashy.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Best car I've owned to date

I'm finally starting to put some miles on mine (picked it up Dec 28th and as of this past weekend, only had 170 miles on it) as the snow has finally melted here in the Northeast. This car replaces an 87 Porsche 930 (with a few Ruf mods) and an 89 BMW 535i. <p>The car is elegant, comfortable, and performs great...can't wait to get past the 1000 mile break-in period (apparently Aaron's car is getting broken in a little quicker). The torque is addictive...so much better than the off/on power my 930 had. <p>I've been looking at various other MB models to see about converting lower models (320's, 430's) to AMG performance. My conclusion so far is that all of the AMG models are a bargain for what you get over the base models. SD

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Re: Do it ... its an awesome machine ...

: Read some of the posts below, and you'll find all of us who have one, simply love it. Most of us agree, we don't want a stick in our daily driver, but we do want to go fast ... quickly. <p>I happen to prefer the current styling to the previous model years. The body-colored door side moldings are color co-ordinated and blend-in so well the door-handles are now the same as the body side moldings, and both have a bead of chrome that really sets the tone for me. The turn signals in the mirrors, the line of the hood, and the rear facia (which are all different from previous E body styles) are appreciated as well. <p>I travelled to a wedding this weekend and parked next to an older E-Class ... and I do like the newer style better. <p>What options are on the car (the one you said you could pick-up right away)? MSRP is the going rate almost everywhere now, so that's good. <p>Its hard to know which source is correct, but it appears that a new E-Class body style will be introduced in 2002 as a 2003. I have also heard that there will not be a new E55 until the second year of production of the new body style, so likely 2003 as a 2004 model. <p>Best of luck. Hope some of the above was helpful.<p>Drew.<p><p>Thanks for the comments. The dealer told me it is fully optioned, and black on black. Delivery will be in early April. What color combo is yours? If you can,please comment on the interior. Also can the car be lowered to give it a more agressive stance it seems it sits a little higher up then I remember seeing in some of the auto mags. <p>Thanks in advance.<p>

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Long time E55 owner's view.

It seems that I am the longest running E55 on this board. I have a '99 E55 with 18,000 miles. I do take it to the track (Willow Springs) and race it against Corvettes, Porsches and Supras. I've not done a thing to it and have not had to do any major service (except for a waranty clutch pack replacement - manuf. upgraded the clutch packs and EGS controler).<p>I would agree on all your points:<br>1-Daily driver auto is better especially in big cities.<br>2-I've owned several performance cars, a race car, luxury cars, etc. E55 still the best balance for civilized performance.<br>3-'99 body is more traditional Benz with the stalkier stance and boxier hood. I like it better also.<br>4-E55 is a bargain vis-a-vis other E class flavors. Essentially $10k more than the E430s and you get everything plus exclusivity.<br>5-Current form of E55 runs for 3 years 99-01. The next run is not until 2003/4...I think.<p>Conclusion: Awesome daily driver that delivers luxury, performance, exclusivity yet understated. Other than that I still need to get a Porsche for the weekends.<br>

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Ask the dealer to give you a list of every option ...

'Fully Optioned' can be a relative term. <p>Many posts below regarding lowering your E55-2B ... check 'em out. <p>My '01 Beast is Brilliant Silver with Charcoal (a.k.a. 'Black') interior. I prefer the solid color to the two-tones. The Charcoal solid color is somewhat dark (especially with tinted windows), but looks pretty nice IMHO.<p>Drew.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Re: Long time E55 owner's view.

: It seems that I am the longest running E55 on this board. I have a '99 E55 with 18,000 miles. I do take it to the track (Willow Springs) and race it against Corvettes, Porsches and Supras. I've not done a thing to it and have not had to do any major service (except for a waranty clutch pack replacement - manuf. upgraded the clutch packs and EGS controler).<p>I would agree on all your points:<br>1-Daily driver auto is better especially in big cities.<br>2-I've owned several performance cars, a race car, luxury cars, etc. E55 still the best balance for civilized performance.<br>3-'99 body is more traditional Benz with the stalkier stance and boxier hood. I like it better also.<br>4-E55 is a bargain vis-a-vis other E class flavors. Essentially $10k more than the E430s and you get everything plus exclusivity.<br>5-Current form of E55 runs for 3 years 99-01. The next run is not until 2003/4...I think.<p>Conclusion: Awesome daily driver that delivers luxury, performance, exclusivity yet understated. Other than that I still need to get a Porsche for the weekends.<br><p>Thanks Philguy for your comments. I agree the 1999 model(especially the front) is much more appealing to me. The side & rear skirts I like very much on the 2000-2001 models. From what I gather from your post that this year (2001)is the last year of the E55?<p>I might look for a used 1999 E55, What color combo is yours, I am leaning towards silver/charcoal.<p>Also are you familiar with rennetech upgrades on the E55. Will it compromise ride quality very much, and will Mercedes Benz dealerships be able to service these upgrades. Just thinking about it.<p>Once again thank you for your comments.<br>

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Re: Do it ... its an awesome machine ...

As the past owner of a e420 (1998) and some one who spent over 18,000 to try and get close to the e55 look and performance. I know that the E55 is one hell of a car and i wouldn't want to drive anything else.(well until the new E55 comes out in 2004)By the way i never got the performance out of the E420...so i sold it.( and lost my shirt)I just ordered new euro. spring pads for my 2001 E55....they should lower it with out changing the ride(to many potholes in DC and VA). Will let you know how it goes <p>

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Re: Ask the dealer to give you a list of every option ...

: 'Fully Optioned' can be a relative term. <p>Many posts below regarding lowering your E55-2B ... check 'em out. <p>My '01 Beast is Brilliant Silver with Charcoal (a.k.a. 'Black') interior. I prefer the solid color to the two-tones. The Charcoal solid color is somewhat dark (especially with tinted windows), but looks pretty nice IMHO.<p>Drew.<p>I like the silver also. What are your thoughts of changing the interior to burl walnut wood to give a nice contrast to the charcoal interior? What about price for the interior change?<p>Thanks Drew for your responses.<p>

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Re: Do it ... its an awesome machine ...

: As the past owner of a e420 (1998) and some one who spent over 18,000 to try and get close to the e55 look and performance. I know that the E55 is one hell of a car and i wouldn't want to drive anything else.(well until the new E55 comes out in 2004)By the way i never got the performance out of the E420...so i sold it.( and lost my shirt)I just ordered new euro. spring pads for my 2001 E55....they should lower it with out changing the ride(to many potholes in DC and VA). Will let you know how it goes <p><p>Thanks Saif, I just think lowering it will give it a more agressive stance and look, can't wait to see some pics. Also since you have some experience from E420 days waht do you think of changing the front spoiler on the current E55 (models 2000-2001) to the 1999 front spoliler? I really like the changes to the side & back but I like 1999 front better visually. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.<p><br>

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

I like the interior stock ...

the black birdseye maple is subtle (like the rest of the car). Personally, I like it. <p>Walnut is just too common in cars today. <p>

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Re: Long time E55 owner's view.

I like the exterior and also the gated gear shift on the 99 but the 00/01s have the contour seats and updated dash..

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

wood dash

I think the black bird's eye maple goes better with the charcoal interior. If I had cream leather, I would prefer walnut wood.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Re: Do it ... its an awesome machine ...

BILL, I am not sure but i think the spoiler on the 99 is a two piece(seperate from the bumper) and i know the 2001 has one(had to replace mine allready. And if that is not the case i no the fronds have a diffrent shape and do not think it will fit. I had the the sport package on my e420 and i also liked the front spoiler better.<p>

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Re: burl walnut in an E55?

<p>RE:<br>I like the silver also. What are your thoughts of changing the interior to burl walnut wood to give a nice contrast to the charcoal interior? What about price for the interior change?<p><p><p>I just posted regarding CL55 AMG vs. an E55 AMG, from a "fun factor" perspective. (I'm not sure if I want the "cultured ride" of the CL55 AMG) But the statement above reminded me about another _very_important_ reason I ordered the CL55 AMG, not the E55 AMG.<p>I was told frankly by my dealer that "if I kicked and screamed and made a stink, Mercedes would most likely take my order on an E55 AMG with "burl walnut wood" instead of the "bird's eye maple" ... [I just think it's "too dark" and don't really like it.] ... but don't expect to get the car anytime soon. Either it'll take upwards of 2 years until you see it, or it'll just never come in!"<p>Anyone out there have different experience? (or maybe would like to take my order? <grin> )<p>So that was the clincher. Trust me. It was a hard decision (which I'm now back-peddling on anyway). I did some work in Dusseldorf last fall. My wife met me for a long weekend. I drove her _crazy_ in that I spent about an hour sitting in each car [E55 and CL600] at the Dealership before deciding on the CL55 AMG (at that time).<p>( actually, what I really want is the E55 AMG Estate [wagon] !!! )<p>bye for now,<br>Steve Mato

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Re: Interior

I like the black wood although it is so shiny at first it looks like plastic.<p>Aaron<br>