5439cc

Well Amigo's I'm pleased to announce the my brothers 02\M5 still has yet to beat my CLK55 in roll ons and off the line runs - I wouldn't say it's the driver of the M5 because my brother is a hell of a driver - we both use to race our 996's daily - yesterday we performed various runs, roll ons (again and again) from 70 - 145mph and then from 90 - 150mph - with no clear winner both cars were neck and neck - my brother kept shaking his head in disbelief - I loved it - all of the members at the M5 forum were saying how much the M5 would blow me away - I always felt the M5 has the upper hand in handling but straight line performance is another issue - We switched cars after two runs and still the race were non-victorious - the M5 is truly a drivers car, the steering is that of a PORSCHE - braking and shifting are perfect, to date I think the car has the best steering wheel in the market, I thought my 996 wheel was nice. I will going to the track in two weeks to check my ¼ times – I’ll keep you all posted –

P.S. I raced my friends Honda s2000 – Can you say AMG Victory HELLO  x3

Brian Yee

I could never quite understand owners of E39 M5's and their belief that the car would completely overwhelm everything from Ferraris, Z06 Vettes, 996 Turbos, let alone the "lowly" ( in their eyes) CLK 55... Believe what they will regarding the magazine tests, but all I did was look at the power to weight ratio and in my humble opinion, it ain't all that. The car is a sow at 4,000+ pounds. This puts the power to weight ratio @10.2/1(394 H.P.). The CLK 55 @ 3,485 lbs. (as per MBZ) is 10.19:1.( 342 H.P.) So what is the big friggin' deal I say??! I won't even address torque issues. If anything, both cars are IDENTICAL in the horsepower race. Aside from subjective conjecture from BMW lickin' magazine writers, I see no empirical evidence in the numbers that would tip the scales HEAVILY (key word here) in favor of the M5's performance over the CLK 55. I have driven both and have owned a number of BMW's, MBZ and Porsche products since 1976, so I think I have SOME idea of what I'm talking about.
I do concur with your assessment of the M5's steering...Far more feel and accuracy than the CLK. ( my one major complaint of the CLK 55) Hopefully I will feel a marked improvement with the E55 I've ordered. Congrats on the outcome of your "mini" road test.

Fast Eddy

I strongly agree with your statement and would like to add that some form of sucking has to be going on there as well.
as to M5 handling better----I was shocked the other day to see BMW 3 in center lane next to E430 (me being in the right lane),
E430 had to be 5 inches taller. I'm sure it has a LOT to do with the better cornering when your *** is practically on the ground. I hate my brothers 540 6 speed -its noisy, stiff, low but corners better and thats about it.

Chappy

5439cc,

Are you switching off ESP when you do this?

How do you prevent massive wheelspin from a dead stop?

5439cc

I don't slam on the accelerator immediately - I start the car off quickly trying to not spin my wheels (took some time to get down) keep the ESP OFF and away I go, Once the weight of the car has shifted to a balance point then away the CLK55 will go - Many times when I started off the line runs against the M5, all I was able to do is burn my tires and rock the rear – Looks awesome, but doesn’t win races – I’ve been using my brother ASP Monitor which measures start times, shift points, roll ons G- forces etc
The best 0-60 time I can get is 5.02 sec – which I am very pleased with. Prior to obtaining the AMG beast I use to perform the same test on my 2000 PORSCHE 996 C2 Your be happy to know my best times were only 2/10th of a sec faster – Meaning one slip of the clutch and see ya 996. I also have been getting pretty good start with the ESP ON – I simply apply the same rule of thumb when engaging the accelerator

Chappy

What is your best time with ESP on?

5439cc

With ESP 5.31 :-(

Chappy

0.3 seconds....not insignificant

You only have to "shave" another 0.03 seconds to get into the "4's"

5439cc

Chappy - Trust Me I'm Trying - I Still Have Two Sets Of Tires From My 996 I Returned Two Months Ago To Burn, And Burning I Am
Remember:
Drive It Like You Stole It - Works For Me

Chappy

I like your spirit!

We should organize a driving event sometime....on the East Coast.....somewhere in the middle....say, VIR?

Next Spring when the weather is still cool. AMG's could gather in the Commonwealth of Virginia for a weekend of fun.

I say next Spring, cause I'm gonna try to get Hooters to sponsor my car:p

5439cc

Chappy,
I Want to make some changes I and was wondering what type of changes have you done to your car, :p

Chappy

I'm afraid I can't offer much in the way of advise (on changes, etc.) at this point as I am keeping the car stock for the next couple of years (originality in the car shows counts for a lot).

I have the same as yours (2002 CLK55, Silver w Charcoal), but I don't have the COMAND or phone.....come to think of it...that added weight from the options is where the 0.03 seconds is!!

My only other "add-ons" to date:

Colgan Bra
MB "Noah" car cover
V1 w/ remote

5439cc

Chappy,
I noticed a diffrence in the car idling and high level reving with the K&N fliter installed - you wouldn't believe the cheap paper fliter that AMG installed in the marvel of an engine :o

Chappy

I heard this car takes two K&N's...it that true?

5439cc

It's The Best $86.00 I Ever Spent - I got them from performanceproducts.com great site and a awesome catalog of AMG aftermarket stuff. the removal of the existing one is simple, took me about ten minutes in total

Chappy

Thanks for the info.....I guess I can now use that "e-coupon" they sent me for 15% off!

5439cc

What Type Of Wheels do you have on your AMG ?
I Have the Monoblock IV which I somewhat hate

Chappy

Stock wheels. The car came with Michelin Pilot Sports.

I'm happy with everything so far

Ahmed

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!

techbike

Do you guys notice how the ram air intake nicely goes to the front grille and then sits blocked after you close the hood? Not only that, the little area in the upper corners of the grille that seems like it would let some air in is further blocked off. Kinda makes you wonder what thinking went into it. Good excuse to get the Dremel out...