E55 or S55?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: San Diego
996 Turbo, ML320
E55 or S55?
How do they compare, what are the characteristics of both? Does the E completely outperform the S? Comfort? Performance?
I am 6' 3" 230lbs, will the back seat be usable in the E compared to the S?
I am 6' 3" 230lbs, will the back seat be usable in the E compared to the S?
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 31
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no if your a big guy and u want luxury go for the S55 my dad owns an s500 and its beautiful i just wish he had the amg, the E55 only out performs the S by .1 sec in 0-60, so your not missing out on much
PS my dad also drives a 04' 911 turbo, how do u like yours?
PS my dad also drives a 04' 911 turbo, how do u like yours?
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
You will definitely need to go with a S55.
I'm 5'7" and when my wife suggested the E55, I had to crunch my legs in just to try out the back seats.....forget about it if you're 6'3".
I highly recommend the S55...I had a '02 and am getting my '05 in a couple of weeks. Much more room and comfort.
In regards to performance....I haven't driven a E55 yet....nor do I have any desire to....it's too cramped for my preference. However, the stats show that 0-60 is about the same...considering the S55 is a much larger vehicle.
Compare it to my Ferrari 355 F1 Spider....I felt that the AMG was more solid in handling and performance.
I was happy with my 02....but I'll be in aw with my '05.
Good Luck
I'm 5'7" and when my wife suggested the E55, I had to crunch my legs in just to try out the back seats.....forget about it if you're 6'3".
I highly recommend the S55...I had a '02 and am getting my '05 in a couple of weeks. Much more room and comfort.
In regards to performance....I haven't driven a E55 yet....nor do I have any desire to....it's too cramped for my preference. However, the stats show that 0-60 is about the same...considering the S55 is a much larger vehicle.
Compare it to my Ferrari 355 F1 Spider....I felt that the AMG was more solid in handling and performance.
I was happy with my 02....but I'll be in aw with my '05.
Good Luck
Last edited by rslpartners; Sep 17, 2004 at 02:58 AM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 134
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From: Cheshire UK
s65AMG, sl500
I test drove the E55 before buying the s55, both great cars.
E55 has a bit better steering with slightly more feel, the car turns in a little better, performance is excellent, the suspension gets quite firm on sport and that's were you have to put it to get best cornering and to minimise roll, this is important to maintain passenger comfort when driving fast through twisting roads, however as said this does make the ride a little too firm for some passengers. The E is very good value for money.
S55 matches the outright grip of the E55 , the ABC suspension is active and does an amazing job of keeping roll down and minimising weight transference. The ride is firmer than a normal S class, but doesn't alter with the sport button, (that just makes the suspension reduce roll more ), this means the S always has a better ride and it maintains passenger comfort even under surprisingly hard cornering. The S has a more sohpisticated chassis and suspension (basically the same under the skin as the SL and CL)
Both have almost the same engine with the S giving a little more power E55 467bhp, S55 493bhp
From the Factory figures the S is almost as quick only 0.2 secs slower 0-125 mph, E55 16.1 seconds S55 16.3 seconds, however in other test both cars have been quicker than these figures.
Both are excellent cruisers.
There is much more room in the back of the S and although not quite as modern the cabin is a nicer place to be (so it should be for the extra cash !)
I bought the S because, the dynmic performance is very close, I need to transport 4 adults regularly and the handling/ride balance is better.
E55 has a bit better steering with slightly more feel, the car turns in a little better, performance is excellent, the suspension gets quite firm on sport and that's were you have to put it to get best cornering and to minimise roll, this is important to maintain passenger comfort when driving fast through twisting roads, however as said this does make the ride a little too firm for some passengers. The E is very good value for money.
S55 matches the outright grip of the E55 , the ABC suspension is active and does an amazing job of keeping roll down and minimising weight transference. The ride is firmer than a normal S class, but doesn't alter with the sport button, (that just makes the suspension reduce roll more ), this means the S always has a better ride and it maintains passenger comfort even under surprisingly hard cornering. The S has a more sohpisticated chassis and suspension (basically the same under the skin as the SL and CL)
Both have almost the same engine with the S giving a little more power E55 467bhp, S55 493bhp
From the Factory figures the S is almost as quick only 0.2 secs slower 0-125 mph, E55 16.1 seconds S55 16.3 seconds, however in other test both cars have been quicker than these figures.
Both are excellent cruisers.
There is much more room in the back of the S and although not quite as modern the cabin is a nicer place to be (so it should be for the extra cash !)
I bought the S because, the dynmic performance is very close, I need to transport 4 adults regularly and the handling/ride balance is better.
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 130
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Panamera Turbo, R63, "71 280SL
I had actually ordered an E55 and the dealer called me with an available S55. I thought the S55 would be like driving my Dad's S-class which is kind of soft and boaty, but the S55 is a totally different car. It is a great car to drive every day and the back seat is perfect when you have people in your car - the E-class is too small in the back seats.
Overall I think the S55 is a fantastic car - I have had mine since January and already have 20K miles on it and no problems. Get the S55. Damn it's fast as hell too!
Overall I think the S55 is a fantastic car - I have had mine since January and already have 20K miles on it and no problems. Get the S55. Damn it's fast as hell too!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2002
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Mercedes Benz
S55 -- Clear winner
Had a 01 S55 and loved it.
Have a 04 E55 and think it’s a fish out of water. It is too small in the back and does not drive well enough to justify the reduction in comfort. E55's are 92k loaded up and an S55 is 120k or so (used 04's with low miles are a steal these days) and the S55 is a better value in my mind.
If you want a small 4 door car get a C55 but if you want a nice sized MB with a well sorted chassis and a great motor the S55 is the car to get.
The AirMatic system is nothing like ABC. My SL55 (abc) is a blast to drive while the E55 is just ho hum. The E55 does not like turning into corners and has a genuine lack of grip with stock tires. An E55 pulls a whopping .84g on the skid pad while an S55 pulls .92. A darn E32 non sport pulls .86g's and that is something I hate talking about.
S55 is the clear winner in my mind. Where is that guy I sold my 01 S55 to... I want it back!
Have a 04 E55 and think it’s a fish out of water. It is too small in the back and does not drive well enough to justify the reduction in comfort. E55's are 92k loaded up and an S55 is 120k or so (used 04's with low miles are a steal these days) and the S55 is a better value in my mind.
If you want a small 4 door car get a C55 but if you want a nice sized MB with a well sorted chassis and a great motor the S55 is the car to get.
The AirMatic system is nothing like ABC. My SL55 (abc) is a blast to drive while the E55 is just ho hum. The E55 does not like turning into corners and has a genuine lack of grip with stock tires. An E55 pulls a whopping .84g on the skid pad while an S55 pulls .92. A darn E32 non sport pulls .86g's and that is something I hate talking about.
S55 is the clear winner in my mind. Where is that guy I sold my 01 S55 to... I want it back!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 350
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Aston Martin, Chevrolet
E55 all the way
I highly suggest the E55 because of the sheer power, you should also find comfort in the seats. I have only had mine about 4 hours but I still suggest the E55 over the S55.
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Indianapolis, IN
2005 Kleemann Stage 3 E55
At 6'1 and 220, I have no problem setting the driver's seat and then sitting in the back seat. I feel good enough about this to have my big *** 6 ft. buddies sit in the back.
If you need the big azzz back seat, go for it. The E55 trunk is bigger and it handles way better. Take the extra money and take your wife on a vacation.
Good luck with your choice. (E)
If you need the big azzz back seat, go for it. The E55 trunk is bigger and it handles way better. Take the extra money and take your wife on a vacation.
Good luck with your choice. (E)
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 314
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From: CA, FL & TX.
Drive them both, only you will know what is good for you.
On a side note...I have 6'3" 200lbs and my 03 E55 is good with me, I am looking at S55's now...they are even better, but it all depends on what you are looking for...
On a side note...I have 6'3" 200lbs and my 03 E55 is good with me, I am looking at S55's now...they are even better, but it all depends on what you are looking for...
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 314
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From: CA, FL & TX.
Originally Posted by reed
What is the best place to find a fair purchase price for a used S55.
Recently saw an 03 with 9000 miles. Can't remember if it was Starmark. Should Starmark affect value and how much?
Thanks.
Recently saw an 03 with 9000 miles. Can't remember if it was Starmark. Should Starmark affect value and how much?
Thanks.
I can get you a 03 S55 with only 3500 miles for around 89USD.
gray/gray.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,491
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From: Vancouver, BC
Enzo, my Benzo
I would choose the E55 for a couple of reasons. A) I have an E-class right now and think the size is just right for me. B) The S55 at 27 would look like I'm driving my dad's car haha
I guess up-model is always better, in fact i'd never go to a c-class after owning an E, so maybe up is where you should go....watch out for the S-Class model change next year though.....
I guess up-model is always better, in fact i'd never go to a c-class after owning an E, so maybe up is where you should go....watch out for the S-Class model change next year though.....
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 20
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From: Paris Ontario
2002 S55 AMG, 1990 560 SEL
Don’t try this at home kids.
Start at the rear quarter and run your bare hand along the lines of each vehicle. When you finally feel the end of the front quarter, ask yourself, what’s important here anyways, the fine long stroke or a short snappy one – I myself, would go for the fine long stroke, after all, you’re gonna feel this every time you wax the car. Regrets you ask? None here.
Regards, Jack
Start at the rear quarter and run your bare hand along the lines of each vehicle. When you finally feel the end of the front quarter, ask yourself, what’s important here anyways, the fine long stroke or a short snappy one – I myself, would go for the fine long stroke, after all, you’re gonna feel this every time you wax the car. Regrets you ask? None here.
Regards, Jack
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 972
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From: DFW
BMW M850i Gran Coupe
Originally Posted by Kubazzz
s55.
always choose better
always choose better
