2006 M5 or CLS 55 AMG?
04-22-2008, 12:19 AM
#2
Depends on your driving style and roads.
If you have open roads where speed (100+) is not a big issue, or tight twisty roads, go for the M5.
If you've got a lot of straight roads where you can go 0 to 100 but have to keep your speed reasonable, the MB will give more pleasure.
If you have open roads where speed (100+) is not a big issue, or tight twisty roads, go for the M5.
If you've got a lot of straight roads where you can go 0 to 100 but have to keep your speed reasonable, the MB will give more pleasure.
04-23-2008, 01:08 AM
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06 CLS55 AMG-all options sans Distronic; Carrera4S; 07 M5;Lexus GS300
04-23-2008, 01:15 AM
#4
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Based on looks...CLS55. It's a GT that has cojones in the low end. You will need a bit more road to max out (higher revs) the M5 on normal street traffic. The CLS55 is simple stupid to drive in normal traffic and the low end torque will always put a smile on your face.
I've owned an M3 and driven my buddies M5, the M guys know how to build a car and you should be proud to have either one. It really comes down to lifestyle and your driving focus.
Good luck...
I've owned an M3 and driven my buddies M5, the M guys know how to build a car and you should be proud to have either one. It really comes down to lifestyle and your driving focus.
Good luck...
04-23-2008, 11:45 AM
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never driven either but sat in both. if you sit in a cls55 and then an m5 the superior quality of the cls55 is very obvious. the ride in the m5 will break your back. on the other hand the cls isn't what I'd call smooth but it's bearable for everyday driving.
04-23-2008, 12:17 PM
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08 S65, 06 M3 CS(stick), 02 BMW X5 4.6iS, 07 R1 Raven, 08 F-450 4x4, 08 CooperS JCW
Now the M5 is comfort setting is a magic carpet compared to my M3. JARRING. Also, you must have sat in a poorly specced one.
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04-23-2008, 05:13 PM
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04-23-2008, 06:00 PM
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07 CLS 63
You should test drive both to see which one fits your lifestyle. I picked CLS over M5 because I like the look (both inside and outside) of the CLS. Plus, I have to commute in the crappy silicon valley traffic, so an auto box is another plus for me. Both are awesome cars. Post pics when you finally pick one up. Good luck.
04-23-2008, 07:30 PM
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2005 X5 4.4i
I am currently in the market for a CLS55 or 63. I have driven both CLS's and 2 M5's. The M5 is a fantastic car, but I have crossed it off the list, as I found the CLS to be a much more adaptable car, more comfortable, and better looking.
The CLS is always instantly ready to go should the opportunity to jump through a hole in traffic, etc. present itself--just dump your right foot and you get instant gratification; whereas the M5 requires you to be paying attention--when the revs are down it does not make much power. Further, the SMG in the M5 is just plain horrid. I really wanted to like that transmission, but it just sucks in any situation that does not involve hauling *** (where it works great).
Lastly, BMW will not CPO an M5. That is NOT a car you want to own without a warranty. (For proof of that, look no further than the fact that BMW is unwilling to be obligated to provide one).
To be clear, this is NOT a slight on the M5. When driven hard, it is a phenomenal car, and the transmission is excellent as well in hard driving. The problem is that the other 95% of the time (assuming it is your daily driver) the car is tough to live with.
The CLS is always instantly ready to go should the opportunity to jump through a hole in traffic, etc. present itself--just dump your right foot and you get instant gratification; whereas the M5 requires you to be paying attention--when the revs are down it does not make much power. Further, the SMG in the M5 is just plain horrid. I really wanted to like that transmission, but it just sucks in any situation that does not involve hauling *** (where it works great).
Lastly, BMW will not CPO an M5. That is NOT a car you want to own without a warranty. (For proof of that, look no further than the fact that BMW is unwilling to be obligated to provide one).
To be clear, this is NOT a slight on the M5. When driven hard, it is a phenomenal car, and the transmission is excellent as well in hard driving. The problem is that the other 95% of the time (assuming it is your daily driver) the car is tough to live with.
Last edited by kglesq; 04-23-2008 at 07:33 PM.
04-23-2008, 07:42 PM
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'08 M5, '10 Land Cruiser
I am currently in the market for a CLS55 or 63. I have driven both CLS's and 2 M5's. The M5 is a fantastic car, but I have crossed it off the list, as I found the CLS to be a much more adaptable car, more comfortable, and better looking.
The CLS is always instantly ready to go should the opportunity to jump through a hole in traffic, etc. present itself--just dump your right foot and you get instant gratification; whereas the M5 requires you to be paying attention--when the revs are down it does not make much power. Further, the SMG in the M5 is just plain horrid. I really wanted to like that transmission, but it just sucks in any situation that does not involve hauling *** (where it works great).
Lastly, BMW will not CPO an M5. That is NOT a car you want to own without a warranty. (For proof of that, look no further than the fact that BMW is unwilling to be obligated to provide one).
To be clear, this is NOT a slight on the M5. When driven hard, it is a phenomenal car, and the transmission is excellent as well in hard driving. The problem is that the other 95% of the time (assuming it is your daily driver) the car is tough to live with.
The CLS is always instantly ready to go should the opportunity to jump through a hole in traffic, etc. present itself--just dump your right foot and you get instant gratification; whereas the M5 requires you to be paying attention--when the revs are down it does not make much power. Further, the SMG in the M5 is just plain horrid. I really wanted to like that transmission, but it just sucks in any situation that does not involve hauling *** (where it works great).
Lastly, BMW will not CPO an M5. That is NOT a car you want to own without a warranty. (For proof of that, look no further than the fact that BMW is unwilling to be obligated to provide one).
To be clear, this is NOT a slight on the M5. When driven hard, it is a phenomenal car, and the transmission is excellent as well in hard driving. The problem is that the other 95% of the time (assuming it is your daily driver) the car is tough to live with.
Spot on about not owning one (or an AMG) without warranty- don't do it.
04-23-2008, 08:17 PM
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07 CLS 63
I am currently in the market for a CLS55 or 63. I have driven both CLS's and 2 M5's. The M5 is a fantastic car, but I have crossed it off the list, as I found the CLS to be a much more adaptable car, more comfortable, and better looking.
The CLS is always instantly ready to go should the opportunity to jump through a hole in traffic, etc. present itself--just dump your right foot and you get instant gratification; whereas the M5 requires you to be paying attention--when the revs are down it does not make much power. Further, the SMG in the M5 is just plain horrid. I really wanted to like that transmission, but it just sucks in any situation that does not involve hauling *** (where it works great).
Lastly, BMW will not CPO an M5. That is NOT a car you want to own without a warranty. (For proof of that, look no further than the fact that BMW is unwilling to be obligated to provide one).
To be clear, this is NOT a slight on the M5. When driven hard, it is a phenomenal car, and the transmission is excellent as well in hard driving. The problem is that the other 95% of the time (assuming it is your daily driver) the car is tough to live with.
The CLS is always instantly ready to go should the opportunity to jump through a hole in traffic, etc. present itself--just dump your right foot and you get instant gratification; whereas the M5 requires you to be paying attention--when the revs are down it does not make much power. Further, the SMG in the M5 is just plain horrid. I really wanted to like that transmission, but it just sucks in any situation that does not involve hauling *** (where it works great).
Lastly, BMW will not CPO an M5. That is NOT a car you want to own without a warranty. (For proof of that, look no further than the fact that BMW is unwilling to be obligated to provide one).
To be clear, this is NOT a slight on the M5. When driven hard, it is a phenomenal car, and the transmission is excellent as well in hard driving. The problem is that the other 95% of the time (assuming it is your daily driver) the car is tough to live with.
04-24-2008, 05:09 AM
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2005 X5 4.4i
Oh, and I would be remiss if I failed to mention the noise the M5 makes at full whack--just gorgeous; the rev-matched downshifts are more of the same.
04-24-2008, 05:17 AM
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2005 X5 4.4i
I'm told by two separate dealers that BMW no longer CPO's any M-car. Apparently this is a pretty recent development. You can, of course, get an aftermarket warranty, but I hear horror stories about those not covering some VERY expensive components due to the relatively 'exotic' nature of the modern German high-line cars.
This categorically excluded the M5 from my list of candidates, as there is no way in hell I would own any modern Kraut-can without a warranty.
This categorically excluded the M5 from my list of candidates, as there is no way in hell I would own any modern Kraut-can without a warranty.
05-07-2008, 10:17 PM
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But overall, Both cars are nice in their own way, depending on what the driver's preference.
Hope you enjoy your CLS and Good luck!
05-08-2008, 02:03 AM
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I bought the CLS55 over the M5 for most of the same reasons as everyone above... i.e. looks, ride comfort, etc. . .
I drove the M5 for about a week (my cousin lent me his while he was out of town), and no doubt it is a fabulous car. problem is it looks too similar to almost every other 5 series bimmer.
The MAIN reason for me though, was that the M5 couldn't be driven by my wife. you have to use the e-brake when it's in park so the car doesn't roll down the hill, it's hard to find first sometimes, and its more geared towards aggressive driving than pleasure cruising.
in case you haven't seen it already, there's an M5 vs. cls55 Topgear program that you can see on youtube. although the m5 outperformed the cls55 in terms of handling and acceleration, the cls55 still won the competition based on ride quality etc... hope this helps`
I drove the M5 for about a week (my cousin lent me his while he was out of town), and no doubt it is a fabulous car. problem is it looks too similar to almost every other 5 series bimmer.
The MAIN reason for me though, was that the M5 couldn't be driven by my wife. you have to use the e-brake when it's in park so the car doesn't roll down the hill, it's hard to find first sometimes, and its more geared towards aggressive driving than pleasure cruising.
in case you haven't seen it already, there's an M5 vs. cls55 Topgear program that you can see on youtube. although the m5 outperformed the cls55 in terms of handling and acceleration, the cls55 still won the competition based on ride quality etc... hope this helps`
05-08-2008, 04:04 AM
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2009 CL63 AMG,2006 CLS55 AMG, 2007 Denali
I bought the CLS55 over the M5 for most of the same reasons as everyone above... i.e. looks, ride comfort, etc. . .
I drove the M5 for about a week (my cousin lent me his while he was out of town), and no doubt it is a fabulous car. problem is it looks too similar to almost every other 5 series bimmer.
The MAIN reason for me though, was that the M5 couldn't be driven by my wife. you have to use the e-brake when it's in park so the car doesn't roll down the hill, it's hard to find first sometimes, and its more geared towards aggressive driving than pleasure cruising.
in case you haven't seen it already, there's an M5 vs. cls55 Topgear program that you can see on youtube. although the m5 outperformed the cls55 in terms of handling and acceleration, the cls55 still won the competition based on ride quality etc... hope this helps`
I drove the M5 for about a week (my cousin lent me his while he was out of town), and no doubt it is a fabulous car. problem is it looks too similar to almost every other 5 series bimmer.
The MAIN reason for me though, was that the M5 couldn't be driven by my wife. you have to use the e-brake when it's in park so the car doesn't roll down the hill, it's hard to find first sometimes, and its more geared towards aggressive driving than pleasure cruising.
in case you haven't seen it already, there's an M5 vs. cls55 Topgear program that you can see on youtube. although the m5 outperformed the cls55 in terms of handling and acceleration, the cls55 still won the competition based on ride quality etc... hope this helps`
wish I can have both, but when I had to choose, I went ahead with my CLS55 & loving every moment I drive the thing! + it looks 10 times better than an M5.
05-09-2008, 06:45 PM
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06 CLS55 AMG-all options sans Distronic; Carrera4S; 07 M5;Lexus GS300
I am currently in the market for a CLS55 or 63. I have driven both CLS's and 2 M5's. The M5 is a fantastic car, but I have crossed it off the list, as I found the CLS to be a much more adaptable car, more comfortable, and better looking.
The CLS is always instantly ready to go should the opportunity to jump through a hole in traffic, etc. present itself--just dump your right foot and you get instant gratification; whereas the M5 requires you to be paying attention--when the revs are down it does not make much power. Further, the SMG in the M5 is just plain horrid. I really wanted to like that transmission, but it just sucks in any situation that does not involve hauling *** (where it works great).
Lastly, BMW will not CPO an M5. That is NOT a car you want to own without a warranty. (For proof of that, look no further than the fact that BMW is unwilling to be obligated to provide one).
To be clear, this is NOT a slight on the M5. When driven hard, it is a phenomenal car, and the transmission is excellent as well in hard driving. The problem is that the other 95% of the time (assuming it is your daily driver) the car is tough to live with.
The CLS is always instantly ready to go should the opportunity to jump through a hole in traffic, etc. present itself--just dump your right foot and you get instant gratification; whereas the M5 requires you to be paying attention--when the revs are down it does not make much power. Further, the SMG in the M5 is just plain horrid. I really wanted to like that transmission, but it just sucks in any situation that does not involve hauling *** (where it works great).
Lastly, BMW will not CPO an M5. That is NOT a car you want to own without a warranty. (For proof of that, look no further than the fact that BMW is unwilling to be obligated to provide one).
To be clear, this is NOT a slight on the M5. When driven hard, it is a phenomenal car, and the transmission is excellent as well in hard driving. The problem is that the other 95% of the time (assuming it is your daily driver) the car is tough to live with.
05-10-2008, 09:12 AM
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E55
These are totally different cars. The choice should be easy.
M5: Twisties winner, the car to take to the track. Looks plain. 5 passangers. F1 sounding v10, not practical. Launch control, available as manual. Very connected drivers car.
CLS55: Straight line winner, the car to drag race. Looks like a 50's hot rod, the best looking merc. 4 passangers. Strictly automatic. Very comfortable cruiser, awsome v8 kompressor roar even to the extent you feel disconnected from the road. More reliable of the 2.
My choice: CLS 55 (a choice you will get from the Mb board every time, but since you asked here I think your mind is made up allready), I hate the v10 sound and will take a v8 anytime, just the better overall car. The M5 is horribly unreliable, all the cars have had their trannys replaced. If I would want to go to the track, I would take a Porsche gt3, not an M5.
M5: Twisties winner, the car to take to the track. Looks plain. 5 passangers. F1 sounding v10, not practical. Launch control, available as manual. Very connected drivers car.
CLS55: Straight line winner, the car to drag race. Looks like a 50's hot rod, the best looking merc. 4 passangers. Strictly automatic. Very comfortable cruiser, awsome v8 kompressor roar even to the extent you feel disconnected from the road. More reliable of the 2.
My choice: CLS 55 (a choice you will get from the Mb board every time, but since you asked here I think your mind is made up allready), I hate the v10 sound and will take a v8 anytime, just the better overall car. The M5 is horribly unreliable, all the cars have had their trannys replaced. If I would want to go to the track, I would take a Porsche gt3, not an M5.
05-11-2008, 07:53 AM
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These are totally different cars. The choice should be easy.
M5: Twisties winner, the car to take to the track. Looks plain. 5 passangers. F1 sounding v10, not practical. Launch control, available as manual. Very connected drivers car.
CLS55: Straight line winner, the car to drag race. Looks like a 50's hot rod, the best looking merc. 4 passangers. Strictly automatic. Very comfortable cruiser, awsome v8 kompressor roar even to the extent you feel disconnected from the road. More reliable of the 2.
My choice: CLS 55 (a choice you will get from the Mb board every time, but since you asked here I think your mind is made up allready), I hate the v10 sound and will take a v8 anytime, just the better overall car. The M5 is horribly unreliable, all the cars have had their trannys replaced. If I would want to go to the track, I would take a Porsche gt3, not an M5.
M5: Twisties winner, the car to take to the track. Looks plain. 5 passangers. F1 sounding v10, not practical. Launch control, available as manual. Very connected drivers car.
CLS55: Straight line winner, the car to drag race. Looks like a 50's hot rod, the best looking merc. 4 passangers. Strictly automatic. Very comfortable cruiser, awsome v8 kompressor roar even to the extent you feel disconnected from the road. More reliable of the 2.
My choice: CLS 55 (a choice you will get from the Mb board every time, but since you asked here I think your mind is made up allready), I hate the v10 sound and will take a v8 anytime, just the better overall car. The M5 is horribly unreliable, all the cars have had their trannys replaced. If I would want to go to the track, I would take a Porsche gt3, not an M5.
Exactly my sentiments... which is why I got both the cls55 and the gt3!
05-17-2008, 06:56 PM
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06 CLS55 AMG-all options sans Distronic; Carrera4S; 07 M5;Lexus GS300
These are totally different cars. The choice should be easy.
M5: Twisties winner, the car to take to the track. Looks plain. 5 passangers. F1 sounding v10, not practical. Launch control, available as manual. Very connected drivers car.
CLS55: Straight line winner, the car to drag race. Looks like a 50's hot rod, the best looking merc. 4 passangers. Strictly automatic. Very comfortable cruiser, awsome v8 kompressor roar even to the extent you feel disconnected from the road. More reliable of the 2.
My choice: CLS 55 (a choice you will get from the Mb board every time, but since you asked here I think your mind is made up allready), I hate the v10 sound and will take a v8 anytime, just the better overall car. The M5 is horribly unreliable, all the cars have had their trannys replaced. If I would want to go to the track, I would take a Porsche gt3, not an M5.
M5: Twisties winner, the car to take to the track. Looks plain. 5 passangers. F1 sounding v10, not practical. Launch control, available as manual. Very connected drivers car.
CLS55: Straight line winner, the car to drag race. Looks like a 50's hot rod, the best looking merc. 4 passangers. Strictly automatic. Very comfortable cruiser, awsome v8 kompressor roar even to the extent you feel disconnected from the road. More reliable of the 2.
My choice: CLS 55 (a choice you will get from the Mb board every time, but since you asked here I think your mind is made up allready), I hate the v10 sound and will take a v8 anytime, just the better overall car. The M5 is horribly unreliable, all the cars have had their trannys replaced. If I would want to go to the track, I would take a Porsche gt3, not an M5.
The tranny is a POS and there's always an excuse by the dealership (really not their fault) as to the cause of the problem. Bottom: buy this car at your peril as far as any reliability is concerned!
05-18-2008, 01:51 PM
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06 CLS55 AMG-all options sans Distronic; Carrera4S; 07 M5;Lexus GS300
You know what "they" say: "If my aunt had a p----s, she would be my uncle...but she's not!" Wish what you say were true, though. thanks.
Wish what you say were true, though. thanks.
05-18-2008, 02:04 PM
#25
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Think there is a fix out now, but back then prety much all models had the issue, that could pop up unexpected
chutia what happened with you?
