Why I am purchasing a CLS55
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2006 CLS 55
Why I am purchasing a CLS55
I now own a 2004 E55 for which I traded in my 2001 E55. Notwithstanding the car's obvious performance virtues, I have found its important "creature comforts" to be woefully inferior to the W210 version. Let me explain.
The front seats on the W211 E55 have the narrowest space between the side bolsters of any AMG car currently sold -- and that includes the CLK55 and the C32 (don't know about the new C55). The result is, for me at least, a continuously uncomfortable position for my back. I would love to know whether anyone can provide me with the distance between those bolsters on the CLS55; the space for one's back certainly appears more generous, and I do hope that is the case. Also, the "active ventilated seats" in my 2004 E55 are remarkably ineffective in providing a cooling effect for, apparently, under the seat there are no cooling air duct openings from which the fans in the seats can draw that cooler air. This was not the case in my previous E55, in which the seats rapidly became dowright chilly if left in the high cool position. Finally -- and I shall refrain from further criticisms, a previous poster mentioned the steering wheel, which is pathetic for a car of this calibre and expense. Hopefully, this shortcoming (and shortsightedness, as it obviously was an attempt for Mercedes-Benz to grab a few more deutschmarks when they thought no one would be paying attention) will be rectified in the CLS55.
Had the new E55 been a more comfortable car, I would not be unceremoniously dumping it at first chance. The performance I adore, however, and I can only hope that the additional weight of the CLS will not degrade the powerful performance provided by that wonderful engine.
The front seats on the W211 E55 have the narrowest space between the side bolsters of any AMG car currently sold -- and that includes the CLK55 and the C32 (don't know about the new C55). The result is, for me at least, a continuously uncomfortable position for my back. I would love to know whether anyone can provide me with the distance between those bolsters on the CLS55; the space for one's back certainly appears more generous, and I do hope that is the case. Also, the "active ventilated seats" in my 2004 E55 are remarkably ineffective in providing a cooling effect for, apparently, under the seat there are no cooling air duct openings from which the fans in the seats can draw that cooler air. This was not the case in my previous E55, in which the seats rapidly became dowright chilly if left in the high cool position. Finally -- and I shall refrain from further criticisms, a previous poster mentioned the steering wheel, which is pathetic for a car of this calibre and expense. Hopefully, this shortcoming (and shortsightedness, as it obviously was an attempt for Mercedes-Benz to grab a few more deutschmarks when they thought no one would be paying attention) will be rectified in the CLS55.
Had the new E55 been a more comfortable car, I would not be unceremoniously dumping it at first chance. The performance I adore, however, and I can only hope that the additional weight of the CLS will not degrade the powerful performance provided by that wonderful engine.
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Good reasons all, jmeyers.
Let us know what you find out about the CLS seats.
Ironically my wife and I just returned from a weekend of testing various high end car seats and both remarked how much we love the contouring of the E55 seats. I love a really close fit, and the E55's seats couldn't have been customized for me any better than the current fit.
Let us know what you find out about the CLS seats.
Ironically my wife and I just returned from a weekend of testing various high end car seats and both remarked how much we love the contouring of the E55 seats. I love a really close fit, and the E55's seats couldn't have been customized for me any better than the current fit.
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A bucket on wheels
jmeyers, the E55 seats or generaly any sports car's seats are designed to keep you snug in the seats. I have learned that by completely deflating the side bolsters help and also getting the seats without the lumber support i believe. Its all about how you set it up but i also heard the clk55 seats are wider by a little bit which seams weird. Good luck in your quest for a good seat 
oh and i second shoes suggestion for the s55. It is much more expensive but look for the cls55 to be priced right between the E55 and S55. Also, by time the cls55 comes out the S class will be in the process of being replaced by the new S class so maybe you can get a good deal on a s55 
oh and i second shoes suggestion for the s55. It is much more expensive but look for the cls55 to be priced right between the E55 and S55. Also, by time the cls55 comes out the S class will be in the process of being replaced by the new S class so maybe you can get a good deal on a s55
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2024 GLE63s / 2016 GLE63s (traded) / 2016 E63s / 2002 E55
Well jmeyers, it looks like you will not be buying a CLK55 afterall. The seats are probably going to be built on the same frame and style as E55. The CLS and E55 share parts.
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From: Amsterdam
E500
Originally Posted by mjc123
Anyone have details on the rear seat legroom? from pictures it appears much longer.
33 inches of rear legroom. 3 inches shorter than the E-Class but longer than most coupes
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e55
Originally Posted by slytoksy
33 inches of rear legroom. 3 inches shorter than the E-Class but longer than most coupes
