Does a CLS handle much better than an E55?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21
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From: United Kingdom
C32 AMG
Does a CLS handle much better than an E55?
Hi guys,
Need to trade up my MY 01 C32 AMG soon. Love the CLS AMG but its a little tight on space. The E55 has the advantage of being more spacious and as its been around for longer I can get a used one for cheaper price.
Now though I love my C32 it does lack handling dynamics and I would love a car that was better in that department.
So the question is should I get the cheaper, more spacious E55 or is the handling of the CLS that much better to justify the extra money and the compromise on space.
Many thanks
Need to trade up my MY 01 C32 AMG soon. Love the CLS AMG but its a little tight on space. The E55 has the advantage of being more spacious and as its been around for longer I can get a used one for cheaper price.
Now though I love my C32 it does lack handling dynamics and I would love a car that was better in that department.
So the question is should I get the cheaper, more spacious E55 or is the handling of the CLS that much better to justify the extra money and the compromise on space.
Many thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,261
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From: Sacramento, CA
Several MB's Superperformance MK III Cobra
Hi guys,
Need to trade up my MY 01 C32 AMG soon. Love the CLS AMG but its a little tight on space. The E55 has the advantage of being more spacious and as its been around for longer I can get a used one for cheaper price.
Now though I love my C32 it does lack handling dynamics and I would love a car that was better in that department.
So the question is should I get the cheaper, more spacious E55 or is the handling of the CLS that much better to justify the extra money and the compromise on space.
Many thanks
Need to trade up my MY 01 C32 AMG soon. Love the CLS AMG but its a little tight on space. The E55 has the advantage of being more spacious and as its been around for longer I can get a used one for cheaper price.
Now though I love my C32 it does lack handling dynamics and I would love a car that was better in that department.
So the question is should I get the cheaper, more spacious E55 or is the handling of the CLS that much better to justify the extra money and the compromise on space.
Many thanks
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: United Kingdom
C32 AMG
Starting in late 2005 the E55's shared almost every suspension and steering component as the CLS so there is little difference between the 2 in those model years for the E's. My wife has a 2006 E55 and my neighbor has a CLS 55. For me there is no difference in the handling between the 2.
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From: orange county NY
'05 C55(sold)'05 E55(sold)'06 911C4S(sold)'06 ML350 '06 CLS55(sold),buncha slo bikes
Yes,the E55 has the Airmatic DC w the adjustable suspension
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Posts: 1,323
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From: orange county NY
'05 C55(sold)'05 E55(sold)'06 911C4S(sold)'06 ML350 '06 CLS55(sold),buncha slo bikes
Yes,the E55 has the Airmatic DC w the adjustable suspension
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Manhattan Beach, CA
2011 SL550, 2007 CLS63, 2004 X5
I had an '04 E55 before owning my '07 CLS63, and judging just purely by seat of the pants, I think the CLS handles much better than the E. The CLS feels tighter and the steering more precise.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
You're comparing pre- and post-suspension/steering upgrade. It makes a big difference. The sheetmetal doesn't.
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Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Manhattan Beach, CA
2011 SL550, 2007 CLS63, 2004 X5
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Hollywood CA
2011 twin turboed prius
I think the 63 handles better for numerous reasons aside from the suspension etc. Power delivery is so much smoother in the 63 engine it helps in the twisties IMO. My E55 was an 03 was super powerful but the back end was all over the place and yes it was pre-steering rack upgrade . I have an 030 so also the larger brakes and LSD help this car. For as heavy as the cars are they handle very well.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: United Kingdom
C32 AMG
Thanks guys. So that means the handling across the E and CLS range is improved with the revamp? So does that mean that the E63 and the CLS 63 are similar and better than the E and CLS 55?
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From: Hollywood CA
2011 twin turboed prius
Better is likely dependent on what type of driving you do. On the track the 55 seems to burst on the straights and delivers some tremendous power but it falls back on the turns and also with long extended drives the engine gets super HOT so power can be vastly diminished. The 63 overall to me is an improvement but some people want the blast off feel of the 55 plus modding is much easier and readily available for the 55k engines. I like my 63 and feel it has plenty of gid e up. I love both engines but for completely different driving experiences . I think you need both? :-)
