PGT

My first post and first M-B. I work near VW-Audi HQ and have been jonesing for an S5 for awhile. Drove an auto a few weeks back, decided to wait for a manual. Drove one this morning. Meh...gutless still. The new Cabrio has the 3.0T (blown V6) with dual clutch semi-auto. MUCH better. Price?

Went home, talked with a buddy and he implored me to go drive the C63. We went back down to the same complex, went over to M-B and ended up looking at the E550C (they had no C63's to drive). Ended up working a deal on a silver one that they weren't happy with (USAA promo through MB-USA) plus got better than market on my trade ('08 Subaru WRX STI). I'm certainly happy.

So, here I am. First order of business is a proper set of wheels and summer rubber....I got the P02 Premium Pkg and AMG/Appearance package (18" A/S tires). I'll snap some pics when its light out tomorrow.

-Dan

i_am_amused

The E has a much better engine, and a bigger interior, but the S5 looks sooooo much better.....

Still, I wouldn't kick an E550 out of my driveway.

PGT

Agreed. The S5 is striking but on further reflection, I really felt like it was overpriced. I did like how the seats sat lower in it though. Overall, my gut was telling me NOT to buy. After driving the E550, it was the opposite.

I'm coming off of a 300whp STI and a 240whp MINI before that. I'm not expecting better performance or fun to drive factor but I don't think I gave much up either.

YYZ-E55

The 550 is effortless and the chassis makes the coupe a great "baby GT" cruiser. Welcome and enjoy - looking forward to pics and your wheel choice!!

i_am_amused

Yes. Audi used to be the "value" buy of the Big Three Germans. Not any more.

PGT

Reading up a bit more on the E550, it appears M-B decided to undercut the competition on base-pricing. I'm down with that...I got $8k+ off to boot.

I'm not having much luck finding wheels...seems this new design calls for higher offsets than previous cars. I can find AMG replicas....thats about it. I'd like a BBS or AMG design....make it look OEM.

pmb600

Congrats, you made a great choice! The Audi S5 is a beautiful car, but the E coupe is a better car overall. The pillarless design, technology and the engine are second to none. Enjoy, can't wait to see pics!

PGT

Took it today for some errands around town. I finally got to drive it on roads I knew well from my STI equipped with Ohlins suspension. Man, this thing doesn't give up anything in normal driving.

mac911

This is a great choice. THe E Coupes are one of the most exciting models from Mercedes right now. I think you'll enjoy this car for a long time!

Keng1

Congrats on the new ride. I do like the look of the S5 a lot but then again I also havent seen the 550 coupe up close

PGT

thanks. some pics, since we all to see what we're talking about

omgitselaine

Luv the new ride and congratulations !!!

PGT

must say....every day in this car, reaffirms my decision.

E550-Coupe

congrats! you made a good choice!

ecb5983

I agree , I wasnt sure I would like it because of my last mb but i will say I really like this car so far

HBC350

You should have taken the time to drive a C63. One of two things would have happened. 1. You fall in love with the power and sound of arguably the most fun car in its class, or any class, and the choice is obvious... or 2. The C63 would have been too stiff and menacing for you and the choice is again obvious.

I just traded in my C350 for a 2009 C63 for just a tad over $52K and the car is a monster. Complete beast on the side streets and a fairly comfortable ride on the highway. Perfect balance, in my opinion.

Anyhow, the E550 is no slouch as you know. Looked at a black one yesterday at the dealer and drooled! I love too GD many cars.

HBC350

And you know what wheels would look great on your car? Stock 18" 5 spoke AMG wheels from a C350 Sport. Very clean look and easy to take care of. I've even toyed with the idea of replacing my stock C63 wheels with them.

PGT

I'm coming off a MINI on coilovers and rcomps, plus a modded STI on Ohlins. Don't think the C63 is too hardcore at all, but, its just too small for me. I didn't drive it because they didn't have one, but I did sit in a normal C Class. Wasn't going to work.

I'm toying with the idea of an E63, down the road a bit. I love the coupe, but am realizing four doors would have worked better (I've got a 2yo at home and she's got a hard time getting in and out of the back, though its not every day she's in it...my wife gets her from daycare to home most times).

my boss has that very in an '09 and I agree. I went with the black AMG VI though...arrived yesterday. I'm gone on vacation tomorrow but will get them mounted on my return.

D2-AUTOSPORT

Very nice, congrats.

Let us know if we can help with any of your future mods.

PGT

Thanks. I'd like to do the AMG brake kit. Next commission check What model are they from? i.e. what model M-B would I need to get replacement brake pads for if I had those on the car.

PGT

PGT

thought I'd update this thread....still loving this car.

still would like info from D2 about the brake kit.....just a few weeks out from my quarterly pop

firefighter608

Beautiful choice!!!!!!!

MBFLO

the rims and tints set it off beautifully !!!!

NY_SG

PGT congratulations!!!!!!!!

It is a good looking car!!! I think is more masculine then the Audi... Looks good congrats!