garrettmoore

I'm in the market for a new vehicle and the E55 AMG has caught my eye. My wish list is room for my family, and performance for me without breaking the bank. I understand that inexpensive repairs and maintenance do not come along with the relatively low price of admission.

I've researched the common problems and feel comfortable DIY'ing a lot of them and am comfortable with the associated costs.

My question is, are there any comparable vehicles I should be considering?

G_Money

Only thing in the same price range I could really think of would be an M5, E39. The E60s are coming down now too. But from what I've heard and read, they are not as reliable as the E55/63s. Only other things I can think of are coupes.

IslandS62

Audi S, Jaguar type R, Pontiac G8, Caddilac CTSV, BMW M5 and possibly M3 sedans. Cayenne a and Panameras also fit the bill, maybe some lexus and Infiniti with the big motors. there is a lot out there depending how flexible you are.

Hammer Down

What are your plans? Buy and drive or buy drive and mod?

Sir-Boost-a-Lot

iTrader: (1)

A CLS55 is another option, or a 09+ CTS-V

boostiality

After having the e55 and cls55, I'd venture onto a facelifted C63.

The e60 M5 is too horrifying to have without warranty and although I hate being a brand *****, the CTS-V just doesn't have the same penashe as an AMG product :/

Sir-Boost-a-Lot

iTrader: (1)

Panache and C63 don't belong in the same discussion, but looks are subjective. A CTSV has a hell of a presence IMO.

NorthernVA

This was my list:

Pontiac G8 GXP
E39 M5
Audi RS6
Jag XF SuperCharged
Lexus IS F
Jeep GC Srt8
Cayenne S

garrettmoore

There's a good chance I would leave an E55 alone due to the factory performance, but I have modified every vehicle I've ever owned. :/

I prefer the slightly more unassuming looks of the E55, and the '09+ CTS-V's appear to be more expensive than the ~$24k E55's I'm looking at in the 40-50k mile range.

I owned a 300 SRT so I gave the Grand Cherokee SRT's a look, and they are holding their value too well.

I greatly appreciate everyone's input. Thank you.

2000UZJ

Word of advice...don't purchase an E60 M5.

CharlyE500

How bad can be E60 M5 ?

HeissRod

2000UZJ

So far...clutch has went out, flywheel scorched, rear diff leaking and needing to be replaced (clutches are going), SMG pump failed, SMG wiring fried (too close to exhuast), VANOS system went out, PLCD Sensor failed, rotors cracking, to name a few. $19,500 in repairs in the past 6 months...70,000 miles. The only mods is removal of mufflers...otherwise 100% stock. The $19,500 is parts only...I have done all the work myself. Factory service schedule as well.

I bought my E55 for 18.5K and have had a repair bill of $200 (airmatic) and one battery. 87,000 miles.

HeissRod

Holy hell

mightar

I'd stay away from the C5 RS6. Never trust a one-off. 30k timing belt changes and the automatic tranny is prone to failure. There's a reason why those cars are sold cheap like the BMW E60 M5...

Oh and if you're considering a car for family use, get the wagon. =D

BagMan

IMO, there's nothing close to an e55 for value and performance right now. Not to mention luxury.

e500slr

The E39 M5 is not even in the same league as a W211. They're different generation cars. I had one, they're amazing but the E55 is in another world. Facelift the E55 and it looks nearly brand new.

vinny1020

it all depends on who took car of the car ,maintenance wise. e60 m5 are nice clean cars just like the e55 amg ,08 m5 and up are good ,06 had problems but doesnt every car.

55fanatic

Ive known about a dozen people who have owned E60 M5s, all but a couple have had catastrophic failures.

I would hold the E60 M5 as a bit more exotic than the E55, but way less reliable.
CTS-V and a Maseratti Quatroporte are prolly also decent competitors for the E55.

vinny1020

and the e55 doesnt have problems ? you cant beat that v10 sound tho. earlier e55 had problems like the m5 .the e55 has a kind of mad man chasing you with an axe exhaust.fair to say both are great vehicles but find them low miles and taken care of ,other then regular oil change and stuff .

2000UZJ

The difference is the E55 shares parts with many other MB vehicles whereas the E60 M5 does not. You are correct, you can't beat the V10 sound. However when it comes down to owning them for and the past 6 months in break downs, the cost of owner ship peels the fun away from the M5 and every time you drive it.

Let me put it this way. For the past 6 months, the E60 M5 it has cost me $108 per day just to let it sit in my garage and putting new parts in it. The E55 costs me .18c per day in break down costs. That is not considering anything else. Just replacement parts. I can't say I am a great example of what the M5 is, but I'm just another example of what the M5 can turn into. Great car, great fun, terrible reliability.

dchl21

e55 doesn't have an axe exhust... its quiet stock ad its not chasing nothing...its usually ahead

vinny1020

i get what your saying but its not a regular car like a toyota ,thats why the maintenance is high .neither is the e55 but it is lower maintenance cost .problem with these cars is their all eletrical ,technology and stuff .the w210 e55 are nice and simple but its not no m5 or new e55 amg. what would you say the price range is for a e55 with 100k miles ,like 15 or more.

vinny1020

dchl21 i mean its a good sounding exhaust ,like growling almost . both cars are amazing but the m5 lacks torque and the e55 doesnt ,also with the smg transmission the m5 will leave the e55 behind as the speed rises but off the line the e55 has it.

garrettmoore

Thanks for the input everyone.

I'm now considering purchasing another 300 SRT. I loved that car. I changed the oil regularly, the fluids around 50k, and installed one set of brake pads. I beat the **** out of that car for 110k miles and it never failed me once.

The E55 is still on the table though. I just don't know if the performance difference is worth the cost difference.