E550 v. 550i v. GS450h v. M45
09-25-2006, 09:09 PM
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2004 E320, some others
E550 v. 550i v. GS450h v. M45
Look in the November issue of Car and Driver. The order was:
1. M45
2. 550i
3. E550
4. GS450
On a more positive note, they got 4.8 seconds 0-60 and 13.4 seconds at 106 mph in the quarter for the E.
1. M45
2. 550i
3. E550
4. GS450
On a more positive note, they got 4.8 seconds 0-60 and 13.4 seconds at 106 mph in the quarter for the E.
09-25-2006, 10:07 PM
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08 E550
I had the M45 and it rode like crap. The firmest car I ever had and could never get more than 19mpg. It had excellent power and handling but on rough roads, forget it. For that kind of money the MB or BMW is the better choice in my opinion
09-26-2006, 12:17 AM
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2004 E320, some others
550i, 0-60 5.2 second, 1/4 mile 13.7 seconds
E550, 0-60 4.8 second, 1/4 mile 13.4 seconds
GS450h, 0-60 5.5 second, 1/4 mile 14.1 seconds
M45, 0-60 5.9 second, 1/4 mile 14.5 seconds
Interestingly, they tested an M35 later in the issue and it was 6.1 seconds to 60 and 14.8 throught the 1/4 mile. The fuel economy of the Lexus was also dissapointing at just 20 mpg.
E550, 0-60 4.8 second, 1/4 mile 13.4 seconds
GS450h, 0-60 5.5 second, 1/4 mile 14.1 seconds
M45, 0-60 5.9 second, 1/4 mile 14.5 seconds
Interestingly, they tested an M35 later in the issue and it was 6.1 seconds to 60 and 14.8 throught the 1/4 mile. The fuel economy of the Lexus was also dissapointing at just 20 mpg.
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09-26-2006, 02:02 AM
#9
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Also, keep in mind, it's a 5.5 liter vs a 4.8 liter.
Out of the mid-size sedan segment, I still think that the Mercedes E Class is a better buy than the 5 series BMW. Although there are some things the BMW has that is lacking on the E Class; for example, the 5 series suspension with sport package is just as good at handling the turns compared to the E Class but on rough city roads is more comfortable in absorbing the bumps than the E Class at the same time in my opinion.
In the past, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have always had larger engines, more horsepower, and consumed more fuel than their BMW competitors. Today, this has changed, but fundamentally, some reminisce of this past tradition is still alive today.
Between the E class and the 5 series, I'd go with the E Class, I don't like the 5 series rear seat with that big headrest for the center seat. But the 5 series is still a great car and I would enthusiastically consider the acquisition of that car if I were in the market to look at an E Class.
The Lexus and the Infiniti, I'd forget that. The Lexus GS is really small, the rear seats are very upright, and the trunk is tiny. I think Infiniti is a good company that produces good cars that is unfortunately overlooked. But I still wouldn't acquire one simply because of the fact that they have this weird button layout and the configuration of the options.
The GS hybrid will give you fantastic fuel economy if you're sitting in traffic a lot (for example, if you live in Los Angeles and are in stop and go traffic). Keep in mind, Lexus looks at hybrid technology as an "optional" feature. They think of it like a turbocharger or a supercharger. Not as a fuel saving feature.
Get the Mercedes E or the BMW 5, those are the choices where you'll probably regret the least.
09-26-2006, 02:28 AM
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2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
Personally, I'm not surprised that the E550 is faster than the 550i on the 0-60. Keep in mind, the E550 has a 5.5 liter engine that generates more hp than the previous E55 AMG (W210 version). The E55 from years 1999-2002 got a 5.4 0-60 time (according to the 2002 brochure published by MBNA) which was very optimistic (the time could be easily be in the 5.2 range).
Also, keep in mind, it's a 5.5 liter vs a 4.8 liter.
Out of the mid-size sedan segment, I still think that the Mercedes E Class is a better buy than the 5 series BMW. Although there are some things the BMW has that is lacking on the E Class; for example, the 5 series suspension with sport package is just as good at handling the turns compared to the E Class but on rough city roads is more comfortable in absorbing the bumps than the E Class at the same time in my opinion.
In the past, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have always had larger engines, more horsepower, and consumed more fuel than their BMW competitors. Today, this has changed, but fundamentally, some reminisce of this past tradition is still alive today.
Between the E class and the 5 series, I'd go with the E Class, I don't like the 5 series rear seat with that big headrest for the center seat. But the 5 series is still a great car and I would enthusiastically consider the acquisition of that car if I were in the market to look at an E Class.
The Lexus and the Infiniti, I'd forget that. The Lexus GS is really small, the rear seats are very upright, and the trunk is tiny. I think Infiniti is a good company that produces good cars that is unfortunately overlooked. But I still wouldn't acquire one simply because of the fact that they have this weird button layout and the configuration of the options.
The GS hybrid will give you fantastic fuel economy if you're sitting in traffic a lot (for example, if you live in Los Angeles and are in stop and go traffic). Keep in mind, Lexus looks at hybrid technology as an "optional" feature. They think of it like a turbocharger or a supercharger. Not as a fuel saving feature.
Get the Mercedes E or the BMW 5, those are the choices where you'll probably regret the least.
Also, keep in mind, it's a 5.5 liter vs a 4.8 liter.
Out of the mid-size sedan segment, I still think that the Mercedes E Class is a better buy than the 5 series BMW. Although there are some things the BMW has that is lacking on the E Class; for example, the 5 series suspension with sport package is just as good at handling the turns compared to the E Class but on rough city roads is more comfortable in absorbing the bumps than the E Class at the same time in my opinion.
In the past, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have always had larger engines, more horsepower, and consumed more fuel than their BMW competitors. Today, this has changed, but fundamentally, some reminisce of this past tradition is still alive today.
Between the E class and the 5 series, I'd go with the E Class, I don't like the 5 series rear seat with that big headrest for the center seat. But the 5 series is still a great car and I would enthusiastically consider the acquisition of that car if I were in the market to look at an E Class.
The Lexus and the Infiniti, I'd forget that. The Lexus GS is really small, the rear seats are very upright, and the trunk is tiny. I think Infiniti is a good company that produces good cars that is unfortunately overlooked. But I still wouldn't acquire one simply because of the fact that they have this weird button layout and the configuration of the options.
The GS hybrid will give you fantastic fuel economy if you're sitting in traffic a lot (for example, if you live in Los Angeles and are in stop and go traffic). Keep in mind, Lexus looks at hybrid technology as an "optional" feature. They think of it like a turbocharger or a supercharger. Not as a fuel saving feature.
Get the Mercedes E or the BMW 5, those are the choices where you'll probably regret the least.
Good post.
M
09-26-2006, 02:33 AM
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For sure I would get the E class over those tested.
I would definitely not go for the 5 series unless they have some special seats put as an option.
I had a 530 as a loaner for a couple of days or so, but I had to return it a few hours after i got it as a loaner, because the seats were a disaster.
I am not really exagerating the issue, but I never have driven a car with that bad seats, seats that made me so sore and gave a neck pain almost instantly after 10 minutes in the car. Maybe it is my body type, I am 6.3" lean. The neck pain was bad, I had a really bad experience so after a few hours when I got my work done, I went back to the dealer to return the loaner. The 3 series seats were different and much better.
Also I-drive is bad, and useless.
The interiror looks poor, low quality compared to the E or the Audi A6.
Honestly the interior was the second dissappointment.
The good parts were:
Of course the ride and sporty feel of the BMW. Engine was nice, had ample power, good pickup. The car handles very good for its size, but on the other hand you will always know it is a big car. Can not really toss it around at all. The steering response is amazing. The engine tone is nice as well.
But for the money and luxury E is all the way. Especially with the crappy seats that gave me neck pains I would never consider the 5 series with those seats. On the other hand the M5 seats (optional comfort seats are amazingly comfortable, I wonder if they are offered on the standart 5 series).
I would definitely not go for the 5 series unless they have some special seats put as an option.
I had a 530 as a loaner for a couple of days or so, but I had to return it a few hours after i got it as a loaner, because the seats were a disaster.
I am not really exagerating the issue, but I never have driven a car with that bad seats, seats that made me so sore and gave a neck pain almost instantly after 10 minutes in the car. Maybe it is my body type, I am 6.3" lean. The neck pain was bad, I had a really bad experience so after a few hours when I got my work done, I went back to the dealer to return the loaner. The 3 series seats were different and much better.
Also I-drive is bad, and useless.
The interiror looks poor, low quality compared to the E or the Audi A6.
Honestly the interior was the second dissappointment.
The good parts were:
Of course the ride and sporty feel of the BMW. Engine was nice, had ample power, good pickup. The car handles very good for its size, but on the other hand you will always know it is a big car. Can not really toss it around at all. The steering response is amazing. The engine tone is nice as well.
But for the money and luxury E is all the way. Especially with the crappy seats that gave me neck pains I would never consider the 5 series with those seats. On the other hand the M5 seats (optional comfort seats are amazingly comfortable, I wonder if they are offered on the standart 5 series).
09-26-2006, 08:05 AM
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BMW E60 M5 - '08
Imagine an Infiniti ranked higher than a MB or BMW...sheesh 
I've just received my 540i a few weeks ago and am absolutely loving it. I agree with some of the negative comments here about the 5 series seat, but I opted for the Comfort Seats and they are just that, Comfortable! Even my wife claims it is the most comfortable seats in all the cars we've owned.
Coming from an E320, I have no regrets. They are really different cars to suit different needs and driver styles. Sometimes I'd see another W211 on the road and I'll reminesce of the good times I had in it. Then I'm quickly brought back to the present by the superb handling of my new baby. I've been lucky to have been able to own the W211 and E60...both should be in #1 or #2 spot, depending on the driving style preference.
I've just received my 540i a few weeks ago and am absolutely loving it. I agree with some of the negative comments here about the 5 series seat, but I opted for the Comfort Seats and they are just that, Comfortable! Even my wife claims it is the most comfortable seats in all the cars we've owned.
Coming from an E320, I have no regrets. They are really different cars to suit different needs and driver styles. Sometimes I'd see another W211 on the road and I'll reminesce of the good times I had in it. Then I'm quickly brought back to the present by the superb handling of my new baby. I've been lucky to have been able to own the W211 and E60...both should be in #1 or #2 spot, depending on the driving style preference.
09-26-2006, 08:28 PM
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540 6spd
yes it was the Sport.
The fuel milage of the GS540h is a joke. My 540i is almost as fast and I avg 20mpg all day long. I could easily avg better if I didn't redline it so often and my car is 12 years old. So much for leaps and bounds in terms of technology.
Le Burpor, what engine does your '06 540i have? I heard that BMW was going to make a small displacement V8, but I didn't think it was going to pan out w/ the 3.0 TT I-6 in the 335i's.
The fuel milage of the GS540h is a joke. My 540i is almost as fast and I avg 20mpg all day long. I could easily avg better if I didn't redline it so often and my car is 12 years old. So much for leaps and bounds in terms of technology.
Le Burpor, what engine does your '06 540i have? I heard that BMW was going to make a small displacement V8, but I didn't think it was going to pan out w/ the 3.0 TT I-6 in the 335i's.
Last edited by MidniteBluBenz; 09-26-2006 at 08:31 PM.
09-26-2006, 08:58 PM
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20+ to list......
I was about to start a new thread about the 550i and the E550, I've decided trading in my 530xi for either of those above. Both have features that I love, the 550i has manual where the E does not, and the E has panorama roof which the 550i lacks. I am having such a hard time deciding the two, either one will be my daily driver, I live in NYC, which I am used to driving both manual and automatic in traffic, so the transmission is not an issue here. Please help me choose guys, thanks.
09-26-2006, 09:50 PM
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BMW E60 M5 - '08
MidniteBluBenz, my 540i has 225kW (306bhp?). The 535 Twin Turbo is expected around mid '07 but I couldn't wait 
Coming from the W211 E320 which had 165kW, the extra 60kW has been a lot of fun. I'm now considering a performance chip for an extra 20kW. Don't really need it but...what the heck right?? 
2MANYCARS, I'm biased now...550i with the sports M-kit and 172 wheels
Coming from the W211 E320 which had 165kW, the extra 60kW has been a lot of fun. I'm now considering a performance chip for an extra 20kW. Don't really need it but...what the heck right?? 2MANYCARS, I'm biased now...550i with the sports M-kit and 172 wheels
09-27-2006, 01:35 AM
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I test-drove the latest 530xi, 550i, and GS430 last week, and we have an '03 E500 4matic Sport. All are automatics. They are all totally different cars in terms of how they "feel" when driven. The 530xi is a nice car, but main concern for me was not enough power. Great i6 engine, but not enough go for the heavier 5-series (vs. the 3-series with the same engine). The 550i was a marvelous drive. The one I drove had the M-Sport package with the 19-inch rims, 35-series tires, great M seats, suspension, kit, etc... ride was firmer than our E500, and we were told that you cannot adjust the ride (although I find the ride in the E500 to be too soft even on the most aggressive setting). For some reason, downshifting was not as "eager" in the 550ias in our E500, which was a surprise to us given how BMW is always so "performance oriented". Steering was awesome; more precise than the E500. Ride was great for the driver, but as a passenger, it could be slightly too stiff. Shocks were great though on rebound from dips/bumps. Engine sounded nice, yet the cabin was still very quiet. The HK Logic7 sounds much better in the 550i than in our E500 for some reason (probably because the 550i version comes with 2 subs and ours doesn't? or does it?). The 550i was just very exciting to drive. Oh, and it was in the rain; I drove it only slightly aggressively and I did not manage to get the rear wheels to go loose so the traction is great even on the aggressive summer tires in the rain (which was a surprise). The GS430 was a disappointment. It felt way too passive. Wood inside appeared cheap. I didn't like the layout of the dash. Didn't have the hear to tell the salesman that I didn't like the car much at all... we have an appointment to drive the E550 4matic soon... looking forward to it. I've seen the new E550 and didn't really like the deeper V in the grill or the "cladding" (reminds me of a Pontiac in a negative sort of way... sorry! Just being honest. You can start flaming me now. haha). There are lots of other differences between the cars, but those are the most marked diffs that I noticed. 
I'd love to hear what others have to say as we're trying to decide on our next car since the E500 lease is expiring very soon.
[edit: btw, I sat in an A6 and personally did not like the layout or feel of the cabin so I didn't bother with a test-drive that day... we do have an '02 A4 Avant Sport Quattro that we really enjoy (more so than the recent C-classes we've driven), so I wasn't biased against Audi when I went into the showroom... needless to say, I was quite disappointed.]
Back on topic of the thread... the numbers from the factory statest that the E550 4matic is faster from 0 to 60mph than the 550i, so the C&D numbers do not surprise me.
Fred
I'd love to hear what others have to say as we're trying to decide on our next car since the E500 lease is expiring very soon.[edit: btw, I sat in an A6 and personally did not like the layout or feel of the cabin so I didn't bother with a test-drive that day... we do have an '02 A4 Avant Sport Quattro that we really enjoy (more so than the recent C-classes we've driven), so I wasn't biased against Audi when I went into the showroom... needless to say, I was quite disappointed.]
Back on topic of the thread... the numbers from the factory statest that the E550 4matic is faster from 0 to 60mph than the 550i, so the C&D numbers do not surprise me.
Fred
Last edited by TSi SPY 007; 09-27-2006 at 01:40 AM.
09-27-2006, 02:25 PM
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2014 E350 4Matic, 2012 Kia Soul+
All I can say is take the M45 off the list. Cabin noise is much louder than the others. Gas mileage is a sham compared to the competition. The ATM buttons and interior stlying gets stale real fast. I know I had the M35 and could not stand it after about 3 months.
04-20-2008, 06:21 PM
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04 w211 E55
I had a 06 G35 coupe and absued a m35 so bad. I also did about literally 10 good runz with a 07 M45 which has 325 hp. The 2006 M45 which is the previous year had 335 hp. For some reason infiniti lowered the HP and TORQUE on the 07 m45. After about 10 runz of my g35 coupe and the m45 from 0 and from rolling starts they were just about dead even, basically side by side everytime.
