Finally picked it up.
12-21-2003, 12:03 PM
#1
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Finally picked it up.
..........Finally picked my my G55. Interesting car. It has the most solid feel of anything on wheels I have ever encountered. I don't think MB make a vehicle quite like it once it is discontinued. What I like the most:
.........The sound of the engine and the exhaust note is incredible
.........Very fast. As fast as my CLK 320 before supercharger. G55 is getting a supercharger as we speak. We'll see how fast it will get.
..........Not nearly as bad gas ileage as I feared. About 13-15mpg on the highway. Interestingly, G55 has better gas mileaged according to MB documents than G55.
...........For those who thrive on this: Peoble essentially stop and stare at this car. maybe they don't like it, but it definitely comands attention
............I was able to get my TV and DVD working to show on the Comand screen while driving. Has added tremendously to the enjoument of the car.
What I don't like so much
..........No xenons. Upgrading to Bi-xenons
...........The gas pedal and the brake pedal are not on an even plane. The gas pedal is further away from your foot than the brake pedal. Makes it ackward to switch from one to the other. Anyone else noticed this?
.............The suspension on the G55 is indeed too stiff. Way way too stiff. Will change to G550 springs and see it it will improve.
...............Overall an incredibl;e machine
Ted
.........The sound of the engine and the exhaust note is incredible
.........Very fast. As fast as my CLK 320 before supercharger. G55 is getting a supercharger as we speak. We'll see how fast it will get.
..........Not nearly as bad gas ileage as I feared. About 13-15mpg on the highway. Interestingly, G55 has better gas mileaged according to MB documents than G55.
...........For those who thrive on this: Peoble essentially stop and stare at this car. maybe they don't like it, but it definitely comands attention
............I was able to get my TV and DVD working to show on the Comand screen while driving. Has added tremendously to the enjoument of the car.
What I don't like so much
..........No xenons. Upgrading to Bi-xenons
...........The gas pedal and the brake pedal are not on an even plane. The gas pedal is further away from your foot than the brake pedal. Makes it ackward to switch from one to the other. Anyone else noticed this?
.............The suspension on the G55 is indeed too stiff. Way way too stiff. Will change to G550 springs and see it it will improve.
...............Overall an incredibl;e machine
Ted
12-21-2003, 05:56 PM
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..........thank you. the car is at mbautowerks getting a kleemann supercharger put in. it should make 550hp when done. will definitekly post pics when i pick it up.
ted
ted
12-22-2003, 11:53 AM
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Ted let me know if you find some good quality bi-xenons, I have been looking and haven't been able to come up with any. I have noticed the difference in the pedals, it was really annoying at first but I guess that I have just gotten used to it. Once you change the suspension you are really going to enjoy the car a lot more. It turned out to be a pretty big difference, now I feel like I can drive without having to worry about losing a filling.
12-24-2003, 03:48 PM
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Once you change the suspension you are really going to enjoy the car a lot more. It turned out to be a pretty big difference, now I feel like I can drive without having to worry about losing a filling.
.........Can you please post the name and possible the telephone number of who did your suspension swap. Of course my dealer says IT CANNOT BE DONE. I have a performance shop ready to do it, but the dealer says the parts from the 500 will not fit the G55. This is incorrect, right?
Ted
.........Can you please post the name and possible the telephone number of who did your suspension swap. Of course my dealer says IT CANNOT BE DONE. I have a performance shop ready to do it, but the dealer says the parts from the 500 will not fit the G55. This is incorrect, right?
Ted
12-25-2003, 11:18 PM
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2013 G 63 AMG
The only difference between the G500 and G55 suspension are the shock absorbers. ANY mechanic should be able to swap all four quite easily. This car doesn't have air suspension or any of the other systems that would make this difficult.
12-31-2003, 03:16 AM
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G55
Ted,
The G500 suspension swap works great. My Mercedes dealer did it for me. The only difference is in the shocks making the swap very easy. I have the Kleemann kit on my G55 along with the Kleemann reprogrammed ECU. 18,000 miles and not a single problem. Check out the August edition of Car and Driver on-line and use the search function to find my Kleemann G55 so you'll know what type of performance gains to expect. Since the article I've had the ECU reprogrammed and higher flowing cats installed. The truck is know running well over 550 hp. Good luck and have fun.
The G500 suspension swap works great. My Mercedes dealer did it for me. The only difference is in the shocks making the swap very easy. I have the Kleemann kit on my G55 along with the Kleemann reprogrammed ECU. 18,000 miles and not a single problem. Check out the August edition of Car and Driver on-line and use the search function to find my Kleemann G55 so you'll know what type of performance gains to expect. Since the article I've had the ECU reprogrammed and higher flowing cats installed. The truck is know running well over 550 hp. Good luck and have fun.
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12-31-2003, 04:00 AM
#8
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The G500 suspension swap works great. My Mercedes dealer did it for me. The only difference is in the shocks making the swap very easy. I have the Kleemann kit on my G55 along with the Kleemann reprogrammed ECU. 18,000 miles and not a single problem. Check out the August edition of Car and Driver on-line and use the search function to find my Kleemann G55 so you'll know what type of performance gains to expect. Since the article I've had the ECU reprogrammed and higher flowing cats installed. The truck is know running well over 550 hp. Good luck and have fun
.................Thank you. I read that article and have always wondered who's G55 it is. Mine now has the Kleemann and the higher flow cats. I was advised to wait for about a month before performing the ECU reprogramming. My car is in the shop getting Xenons done. The Xenons turned out to be a bigger project than anticipated, so I am yet to really drive the car. I have the G500 shocks in hand now will perform the swap. All in all, I should have the car back by next week.
.............The Car and driver article said that your Kleemann G55 shed 2.4 secs off the 0-60 time of a stock G500 they tested. The problem is, no one knows what the 0-60 time of a stock G500 is and by extension, I was unable to figure out what type 0-60 time your G55 has. I have researched this and MBUSA has no info on G500 and other sources have the 0-60 time for G500 to be anywhere from 7.9 to 10.5 secs. Can you shed some more light on this?
Ted
.................Thank you. I read that article and have always wondered who's G55 it is. Mine now has the Kleemann and the higher flow cats. I was advised to wait for about a month before performing the ECU reprogramming. My car is in the shop getting Xenons done. The Xenons turned out to be a bigger project than anticipated, so I am yet to really drive the car. I have the G500 shocks in hand now will perform the swap. All in all, I should have the car back by next week.
.............The Car and driver article said that your Kleemann G55 shed 2.4 secs off the 0-60 time of a stock G500 they tested. The problem is, no one knows what the 0-60 time of a stock G500 is and by extension, I was unable to figure out what type 0-60 time your G55 has. I have researched this and MBUSA has no info on G500 and other sources have the 0-60 time for G500 to be anywhere from 7.9 to 10.5 secs. Can you shed some more light on this?
Ted
12-31-2003, 09:48 AM
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1995 Jaguar XJS Convertible
Congrats Ted!!
When I am in the market for an SUV I will surely purchase the G55. For now, I will stick with my convertible
I love that vehicle because of its simple and unchanged design. I bet in five years from now the design will remain relatively unchanged!
Where are you having the work done (i.e., what state)?
When I am in the market for an SUV I will surely purchase the G55. For now, I will stick with my convertible
I love that vehicle because of its simple and unchanged design. I bet in five years from now the design will remain relatively unchanged!
Where are you having the work done (i.e., what state)?
12-31-2003, 07:38 PM
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Wow...i cant wait to see your G55 Ted after the "project" has been completed.
The salesguy at the MB dealer near my home said the G55 had horrible driving condition. But now that you're getting the swap, the G55 seems like a good buy.
The salesguy at the MB dealer near my home said the G55 had horrible driving condition. But now that you're getting the swap, the G55 seems like a good buy.
01-06-2004, 02:59 PM
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times
Originally posted by Ted Baldwin
The G500 suspension swap works great. My Mercedes dealer did it for me. The only difference is in the shocks making the swap very easy. I have the Kleemann kit on my G55 along with the Kleemann reprogrammed ECU. 18,000 miles and not a single problem. Check out the August edition of Car and Driver on-line and use the search function to find my Kleemann G55 so you'll know what type of performance gains to expect. Since the article I've had the ECU reprogrammed and higher flowing cats installed. The truck is know running well over 550 hp. Good luck and have fun
.................Thank you. I read that article and have always wondered who's G55 it is. Mine now has the Kleemann and the higher flow cats. I was advised to wait for about a month before performing the ECU reprogramming. My car is in the shop getting Xenons done. The Xenons turned out to be a bigger project than anticipated, so I am yet to really drive the car. I have the G500 shocks in hand now will perform the swap. All in all, I should have the car back by next week.
.............The Car and driver article said that your Kleemann G55 shed 2.4 secs off the 0-60 time of a stock G500 they tested. The problem is, no one knows what the 0-60 time of a stock G500 is and by extension, I was unable to figure out what type 0-60 time your G55 has. I have researched this and MBUSA has no info on G500 and other sources have the 0-60 time for G500 to be anywhere from 7.9 to 10.5 secs. Can you shed some more light on this?
Ted
The G500 suspension swap works great. My Mercedes dealer did it for me. The only difference is in the shocks making the swap very easy. I have the Kleemann kit on my G55 along with the Kleemann reprogrammed ECU. 18,000 miles and not a single problem. Check out the August edition of Car and Driver on-line and use the search function to find my Kleemann G55 so you'll know what type of performance gains to expect. Since the article I've had the ECU reprogrammed and higher flowing cats installed. The truck is know running well over 550 hp. Good luck and have fun
.................Thank you. I read that article and have always wondered who's G55 it is. Mine now has the Kleemann and the higher flow cats. I was advised to wait for about a month before performing the ECU reprogramming. My car is in the shop getting Xenons done. The Xenons turned out to be a bigger project than anticipated, so I am yet to really drive the car. I have the G500 shocks in hand now will perform the swap. All in all, I should have the car back by next week.
.............The Car and driver article said that your Kleemann G55 shed 2.4 secs off the 0-60 time of a stock G500 they tested. The problem is, no one knows what the 0-60 time of a stock G500 is and by extension, I was unable to figure out what type 0-60 time your G55 has. I have researched this and MBUSA has no info on G500 and other sources have the 0-60 time for G500 to be anywhere from 7.9 to 10.5 secs. Can you shed some more light on this?
Ted
G55 AMG
AMG-built 5.5L 24-valve V-8 engine
349 hp @ 5,500rpm
387 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds
MSRP: $93,420.00
----------------------------------------------------
G500 SUV
5.0L 24-valve V-8 engine
292 hp @ 5,500rpm
336 lb-ft @ 2,800 - 4,000 rpm
0-60 mph in TBD seconds (estimated)
MSRP: $76,870.00*
01-06-2004, 05:26 PM
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..........I am confused as to how this has helped. If the 0-60 time for a G55K is 2.4 secs less than that for a G500 and the 0-60 time for G500 is TBD......... from what you have posted, how has any more you able to derive a 0-60 time for G55K? Subtract 2.4 secs from what?
Ted
Ted
01-06-2004, 11:32 PM
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Hello Ted-
When we took the G55K to C&D last year they got the beast to run a 4.9 to 5.1 sec 0-60 time. As they had not tested a G55 the numbers were compared to a G500 they tested. They claim our rig ran 2.4 sec faster. By deduction I suppose this means the G500 they tested ran 7.3 to 7.5 sec 0-60?
When we took the G55K to C&D last year they got the beast to run a 4.9 to 5.1 sec 0-60 time. As they had not tested a G55 the numbers were compared to a G500 they tested. They claim our rig ran 2.4 sec faster. By deduction I suppose this means the G500 they tested ran 7.3 to 7.5 sec 0-60?
01-12-2004, 03:15 PM
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that G55k was 7.3 mph slower through the slalom than the H2. An H2 for christ's sake!
http://caranddriver.com/article.asp?...&page_number=3
http://caranddriver.com/article.asp?...&page_number=3
01-14-2004, 10:20 AM
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Read the article and whats being said here:
The G55 has a significantly narrower track, the H2 does not have the super intrusive ESP system that cant be switched completely off, the G55 in question had switched to the G500 suspension for road ride quality and it was sporting "snow" duty tires. Who the hell buys one of these things to do a slalom anyway?
The G55 has a significantly narrower track, the H2 does not have the super intrusive ESP system that cant be switched completely off, the G55 in question had switched to the G500 suspension for road ride quality and it was sporting "snow" duty tires. Who the hell buys one of these things to do a slalom anyway?
01-27-2004, 07:08 AM
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When we took the G55K to C&D last year they got the beast to run a 4.9 to 5.1 sec 0-60 time. As they had not tested a G55 the numbers were compared to a G500 they tested. They claim our rig ran 2.4 sec faster. By deduction I suppose this means the G500 they tested ran 7.3 to 7.5 sec 0-60?
.........I believe your numbers, but here is the confusion: The estimated 0-60 time for G500 is 10secs not 7.3 secs. Also 7.2 secs is actually the estimated 0-60 time for a stock G55. Someone somewhere is very wrong.
LINK TO G500 0-60 times
G55 0-60 times
Ted
.........I believe your numbers, but here is the confusion: The estimated 0-60 time for G500 is 10secs not 7.3 secs. Also 7.2 secs is actually the estimated 0-60 time for a stock G55. Someone somewhere is very wrong.
LINK TO G500 0-60 times
G55 0-60 times
Ted
01-27-2004, 07:13 AM
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.......on the first link(G500) click on performance, but here is what it says.
Performance
4-wheel drive Permanent, with lockable front, center and rear differentials, selectively activated via dashboard switches. 2-speed transfer case (0.87:1 normal range/2.16:1 low range), electronically controlled via console switch.
4-wheel Electronic Traction System When differentials are unlocked, 4-ETS monitors the speed of all four wheels to detect wheel slip, then individually brakes slipping wheels as needed, and/or reduces excess engine power. 4-ETS continually balances the torque split to ensure that power is sent to the wheel(s) with traction.
Electronic Stability Program When differentials are unlocked, ESP compares the driver's intended course, via steering and braking inputs, to the vehicle's response, via lateral acceleration, rotation (yaw) and individual wheel speeds. ESP then brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces excess engine power as needed to help correct understeer (plowing) or oversteer (fishtailing).
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 10 seconds (estimated)
Fuel economy
EPA estimate: 12 mpg
Highway estimate: 14 mpg
Emission certification: Low Emission Vehicle (LEV)
Towing capacity: 7000 lb with accessory hitch kit.
.............so if you subtract 2.4 from 10secs, you get 7.6 secs 0-60 for the G55K according to Car and driver. Of course this is not correct since a stock G55 already does 0-60 in 7.2 secs. My point is that contrary to what you might think, the car and driver article actually seriously hurts the reputation of your G55K.
Ted
Ted
Performance
4-wheel drive Permanent, with lockable front, center and rear differentials, selectively activated via dashboard switches. 2-speed transfer case (0.87:1 normal range/2.16:1 low range), electronically controlled via console switch.
4-wheel Electronic Traction System When differentials are unlocked, 4-ETS monitors the speed of all four wheels to detect wheel slip, then individually brakes slipping wheels as needed, and/or reduces excess engine power. 4-ETS continually balances the torque split to ensure that power is sent to the wheel(s) with traction.
Electronic Stability Program When differentials are unlocked, ESP compares the driver's intended course, via steering and braking inputs, to the vehicle's response, via lateral acceleration, rotation (yaw) and individual wheel speeds. ESP then brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces excess engine power as needed to help correct understeer (plowing) or oversteer (fishtailing).
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 10 seconds (estimated)
Fuel economy
EPA estimate: 12 mpg
Highway estimate: 14 mpg
Emission certification: Low Emission Vehicle (LEV)
Towing capacity: 7000 lb with accessory hitch kit.
.............so if you subtract 2.4 from 10secs, you get 7.6 secs 0-60 for the G55K according to Car and driver. Of course this is not correct since a stock G55 already does 0-60 in 7.2 secs. My point is that contrary to what you might think, the car and driver article actually seriously hurts the reputation of your G55K.
Ted
Ted
01-28-2004, 10:48 PM
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2013 G 63 AMG
Those figures are not correct
Mercedes is always very conservative with 0-60mph / 0-100kmh figures. My 2002 G500 would get 7.5 seconds 0-60 easily.
The stock G55 can do 6.9 seconds. The Kompressor should be as fast or faster than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo since it has more HP and same weight.
The stock G55 can do 6.9 seconds. The Kompressor should be as fast or faster than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo since it has more HP and same weight.
01-29-2004, 12:39 AM
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............I know that the figures are not correct. I have a G55K. My point is that KLEEMANN USA. made a big mistake by allowing car and driver to do a write up on their G55K without objective performance specs. The article simply stated that the G55K was faster from 0-60 than a G500 by 2.4secs. But the 0-60 figure for the G500 was not provided. Neither KLEEMAN USA nor readers of car and drive knew the 0-60 time for a G500. But everyone including KLEEMANN USA assumed that the article was favorable. In reality, when you look up published data for a G500, you will then discover that by deduction the article was highly unfavorable. KLEEMANN USA was totally dissed by the article but did not even realize it because even they did not know whhat the article was saying.
Ted
Ted
01-29-2004, 01:37 PM
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Originally posted by Ted Baldwin
My point is that contrary to what you might think, the car and driver article actually seriously hurts the reputation of your G55K.
Ted
Ted
My point is that contrary to what you might think, the car and driver article actually seriously hurts the reputation of your G55K.
Ted
Ted
The article side bar shows the 0-60 times. 0-60 in 5.2
I have the official time slips from Larry Webster and C&D's GPS datalogger. They actually got the G55 to do 4.9 with ESP disabled but choose not to print that time as disabling ESP is not simple or recommended.
By the end of the day I dont care if they made a mistake against "standard" numbers because the data is in the side bar, 0 to 60 in 5.2. Additionally the article is exceptionally flattering for KLEEMANN- perhaps not so flattering about G classes in general. Do you really think ANYONE can tell C&D editors how to write their articles? Please elaborate as to how we were "dissed"- Ive got the hard copy in front of me and I just dont see it.
02-04-2004, 06:57 AM
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.................I have not seen the side bar and I imagine most readers did not. I think you understand my point. It was very difficult for me and others I know to decipher any objective information about the G55 even after reading and re-reading the article. We were all like........so what exactly can the G55K do? We looked at the article again and again......no info. 5.2 secs 0-60 is incredible for a truck. Why not include such info in the body of the article. They did for the H2. I don't think that you can tell Car and driver how to right their article, but having the 0-60 and quatermile time clearly shown in an article comparing two supercharged vehicles is standard practice.
LINK TO ARTICLE
Ted
LINK TO ARTICLE
Ted
02-07-2004, 11:34 AM
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Originally posted by Ted Baldwin
.................I have not seen the side bar and I imagine most readers did not. I think you understand my point. It was very difficult for me and others I know to decipher any objective information about the G55 even after reading and re-reading the article. We were all like........so what exactly can the G55K do? We looked at the article again and again......no info. 5.2 secs 0-60 is incredible for a truck. Why not include such info in the body of the article. They did for the H2. I don't think that you can tell Car and driver how to right their article, but having the 0-60 and quatermile time clearly shown in an article comparing two supercharged vehicles is standard practice.
LINK TO ARTICLE
Ted
.................I have not seen the side bar and I imagine most readers did not. I think you understand my point. It was very difficult for me and others I know to decipher any objective information about the G55 even after reading and re-reading the article. We were all like........so what exactly can the G55K do? We looked at the article again and again......no info. 5.2 secs 0-60 is incredible for a truck. Why not include such info in the body of the article. They did for the H2. I don't think that you can tell Car and driver how to right their article, but having the 0-60 and quatermile time clearly shown in an article comparing two supercharged vehicles is standard practice.
LINK TO ARTICLE
Ted
02-08-2004, 06:31 AM
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..............perharps that explainst the confusion. You can see from on-line version that no objective info regarding the G55K's performance was included.
Ted
Ted
