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G500 vs G55

Old Aug 14, 2004 | 10:35 PM
  #1  
jonnyv's Avatar
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G500 vs G55

Hello folks,

This is my first post here. Great forum!

I drive a 2003 G500. I love it. Since the classic G-wagen is being discontinued (bad mistake, IMHO), I am selling my G500 and getting myself a new 2005 G-wagen, which I will probably keep forever.

I have been unable to decide between the G500 or G55. My questions to those who have driven both models are;

1. Is the ride much bumpier on the G55 due to the low profile wheels? (At least that's what I hear)

2. Is the G55 noticeably more powerful than the G500. (I find my G500 too slow accelerating 0 to 60 -- perhaps because I'm used to my 911 Turbo acceleration... ;-)

3. Do the wider wheel flares distract from the classic look of the car?

4. Any other pros or cons on the G55 ?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Jonny
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Old Aug 15, 2004 | 01:20 AM
  #2  
mb230s's Avatar
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Chicago
66 230S 111.010 02 G500 463
Originally Posted by jonnyv
Hello folks,

This is my first post here. Great forum!

I drive a 2003 G500. I love it. Since the classic G-wagen is being discontinued (bad mistake, IMHO), I am selling my G500 and getting myself a new 2005 G-wagen, which I will probably keep forever.

I have been unable to decide between the G500 or G55. My questions to those who have driven both models are;

1. Is the ride much bumpier on the G55 due to the low profile wheels? (At least that's what I hear)

2. Is the G55 noticeably more powerful than the G500. (I find my G500 too slow accelerating 0 to 60 -- perhaps because I'm used to my 911 Turbo acceleration... ;-)

3. Do the wider wheel flares distract from the classic look of the car?

4. Any other pros or cons on the G55 ?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Jonny
1) YES - but the reason is the shocks and suspension. The tires on both modes suck.

2) The G55 is an absolute rip-off - UNLESS - it is the soon to be released Kompressor. MB released high 0-60 times for the G500 to make the G55 look better (10.5 vs. 7). All the major magazines have recorded between .3-.5 seconds diiference (7.5 vs. 7.2). Get the K - otherwise save your money.

3) The G500 is well beyond the classic 230G looks. No one will notice the flares.

4) Change the shocks on day ONE to the G500 shocks. Otherwise everything will be fine.

I'll be doing the same thing. My 02 is out of warranty in late 06. I'll by a G55K w/ a fresh warranty (used most likely) at that time.
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 02:45 PM
  #3  
2003G55's Avatar
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: TEXAS, MONTANA
Bentley LWB, Silver Cloud III, 2002 G500,2004 LX470,73 Jag XKE, 2004 SL600, 2004LS430
My 2005 G500 is arriving in three weeks....same reasoning. Apparently the new more powerful 2005 G55 is being built with softer suspension than the 2004 had. Has anyone else read this too? My objection to the 55 is the add-on chrome light cover bits and the wide tires. The engine sounds great and the extra power is nice...but I still prefer the 500. I also prefer the stock (buffalo hyde looking!) leather. I have Nappa Leather in my 04 600SL and it doesn't appear to wear as well.
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Old Aug 22, 2004 | 01:11 AM
  #4  
akbro93704's Avatar
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Joined: May 2004
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From: California
2014 C250 sport
Originally Posted by 2003G55
My 2005 G500 is arriving in three weeks....same reasoning. Apparently the new more powerful 2005 G55 is being built with softer suspension than the 2004 had. Has anyone else read this too? My objection to the 55 is the add-on chrome light cover bits and the wide tires. The engine sounds great and the extra power is nice...but I still prefer the 500. I also prefer the stock (buffalo hyde looking!) leather. I have Nappa Leather in my 04 600SL and it doesn't appear to wear as well.
ya, I read that the 2005 G55 will have suspension tuning closer to the g500 too
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Old Aug 21, 2014 | 10:19 PM
  #5  
Maurice b's Avatar
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Mercedes sl500
Hi ! I'm new in this forum .. Where can I purchase speed sensor for my g500 ?
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Old Dec 7, 2014 | 09:43 PM
  #6  
J-Money's Avatar
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2007 G55 AMG
Best G55 AMG Shocks

Hey guys, I wanted to make the suspension smoother on my 2007 g55 without actually ruining its handling. I read many other threads but got even more confused. Can someone tell me which are the most comfortable shocks for the g55 with same handling or maybe even better. I've heard the Renntech shocks improve performance and have good ride quality, anyone have any experience? Someone who has experienced Fox,King,Bilstein,Koni or anyother brand shocks can you tell me which are better over the others and why? Will I also have to change the springs? I also want ride height to stay the same, a little difference won't matter.
Thanks for all the help!
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