ProV1

i think i can get either one for about the same price. which would you choose? E55 is faster but let's get real, i'd be lucky to utilize 30% of it's capabilities in my everyday driving. what about reliability, maintenance, etc? thoughts?

Barry45RPM

The 07 E550 is a fast very well made car. Previous years were not so well executed. Go for the 07 if it has what you want in it... an awesome drive and a very dependable well executed car! I couldn't say that for my '04 E 500!

JRAMGV8

E55 is a beast but I'd go for the E550...

Scambo

E550 for sure. MB got rid of some of the 03-06 quirks for 07. They got rid of SBC braking, and the stupid annoying chime for keyless go. Plus, 389 HP is plenty for the more modern E, and you can get some cool interior color combos. Go for it!!!

Yacht Master

Pro
For a primary daily driver the 550 hands down.
For second/weekend car E55 AMG.
I saw a lease deal on the 550 that was too good to be true, if I run across it again I'll post it here. Cheaper than buying, and buying is all you can do with the E55.


One other word of advise, don't drive an E55K before making the decision, that would skew the process.

ProV1

hey yacht master, interesting that you wouldnt drive the E55 daily. my 01 E55 is a very good DD. is it the suspension?

Yacht Master

I really like the E55 and the number produced is quite low, and we may never see another Supercharged Mercedes. I plan to hold on to mine long term, as I use it about 3K miles a year. My 99 E 430 sport has about 26k miles and I plan to hold that one too, it is a great car and is much less demanding to drive (read, easy to resist throttle temptation) in traffic. The E55 will steal your soul and make you do things. To sum it up my point of view is one of preservation, self preservation, license preservation, vehicle preservation.

BTW the 30%, you do end up using it.


Link for lease information on E550
https://mbworld.org/forums/automotive-leasing-financing/200584-july-rates-mercedes-benz.html

TTopJohn

I'd have to go with the E55. The E550 is more sensible, but that's not what would drive the decision for me - while the E550 is very quick, I just couldn't pass up the chance to own a blown E55, the LS6 Chevelle (or 426 street Hemi if you prefer) of E classes. The glorious overkill of the E55 is too good to pass up.

emilner

I love my 550, it is very fast, but at the same time comfortable and reliable. IMHO it is the best all around car. In shear speed the e55 will certainly beat it, but for my needs a low 13 second car is good enough for everyday use especially with the lease deals they are giving not mention the warranty.

Underwhelmed

E550 clocked at 4.8sec 0-60 by more than one car mag. It's plenty fast...

AK Benz

I'm sure the E55 would be a very fun car to drive specially with that AMG performance, but the E550 is the new deal and sounds like the 07's really stepped up, go for the e550...

KosherBenz

there is no good answer to this question. Its whatever you desire. one car is quicker, one car has a warantee. its your call. I say get a diesel, with a kleemann! haha

559EVO

I'd say since your already in an AMG car stick with it, Your 2001 E55 is pretty fast so just remember that the E550 wont be alot faster, also if you have multiple cars and dont put alot of miles on them the AMG would be a good choice.

xraymd

I say wait until next year and then buy my E55 when it comes off lease!

I think it's a fine daily driver. My father-in-law had a W210 AMG. The suspension on mine is much easier to live with. Put it in comfort mode and it's luxo-cruiser smooth. And it works fine in the snow as long as you get winter tires.

benzinok

The E550 gives you a nice rounded car that is wonderful for everyday driving. It has been a flawless car so far, with a little over 10K on it.

MB Fanatic

Go drive an E55. I encourage you to. Wait, you HAVE TO DRIVE THE E55.

Trust me you wont go back to the E550. Go for an 04 E55 as many of the quirks have been worked out, plus it had a lot of options available that year.

victorylap

Is muscle (extra ponys) a big driving factor or are you ultimately looking for ride, comfort and performance quality?

fergml

xraymd... I'll call Dibs on your off-lease purchase... I'd most likely end up losing my license making the drive from NW OH to C-bus.

IMO stick with the muscle... you'll regret it if you don't.

ProV1

what's the residual? doesn't MB USA set ridiculous residual prices, outrageously higher than real world value..? thanks!

and what are you getting next??

Dragoncoach

I think the E55 is a great car. I'm actually toying with the idea of getting one for our daily driver in about 6-8 months. It drives fine in daily traffic, but it's a beast when you're on it. The reliability of the E55 won't be as good as the E550 and the 550 will have a warranty. But, it's an E55 and that says it all. You have to decide what type of driving you do. By the looks of it, spirited driving is a big consideration and the 55 will put a smile on your face when you're on the gas. The E55 will be less money and you can find a good used '04 will low miles and in good shape for about $55k.

xraymd

Leased it through 5/3 bank. Residual $42817 (46.5%).
Next? No idea but the M3 vert looks interesting. Drove a 911 and didn't like it. Maybe I'm not manly enough?

cyclrder

you are coming up on the end of the model run for this E series.... the 550 might take the bigger hit on resale... at least with the AMG.. someone else already took that one in the butt for ya! plus.. in the end.. it will prove to a more interesting car ... the standard E can be rather pedestrian (at least in this neck of the woods)