mikE55

Vic55, seems like your mind is made up. So if & when you do get it, and you become Vic5 (traitor - just joking ), let us all know how you feel it compares. Wait a few months to let the initial "high" of getting a new car to wear off, thus making for a more open minded opinion.

In my case, while I do admire the M5, I'd never trade my E55 for one, love it way too much. Plus, with the new E55 and the new M5 right around the corner, I'd wait for one of those. And, the new RS6 is lurking out there, need to make sure one stays on top of things.

Vic55

yo MikE55 you crack me up, you are right I will not pass judgement until a few months have passed. The initial "high" as you stated is prevalent without a doubt. Everytime I read an article that picked the M5 over my car I always tried to make an excuse- now it will be time to put up or shut for the M5. I will not immedaitely say "damn I wish I had this M5 the whole time" and the reason why is that no matter how much I try to justify my choice there are others who have different opinions. Both are great cars and now I will know.

In regards to the RS6. well that car is gearing for the next level of super sedans like the 2004 E55 and the next generation M5. I remember when the E55 came out in 1999 and there was nothing that could touch it, then came that "damn" M5 and thus the rivalry began but really hasnt there always been one?? Before the super sedans there was the E420 and the 540 and the E430 and the 540 got a bump in engine size but kept the model number. When one German manufacturer one up's the others- the others will reply with an even stronger nemesis, this time its Audi and damn that car will be awesome.

M6toE55

"...the others will reply with an even stronger nemesis, this time its Audi and damn that car will be awesome."


Also, can't keep counting out the folks at Jaguar... they'll eventually get it right. They are on track with the new S-Type R model. Now, if the stylists could just keep their hands out of the taurus parts bin, they might have a contender.

Vic55

The S-Type R has tranny problems according to most of the reviews. I am not sure why an almost 400 hp engine cant even crack the 5.0 second 0 - 60 barrier. I think most times are around 5.5 in the mags. But maybe soon Jaguar...... I mean Ford will get it right. By the way has anyone driven the S-Type R???

E55 KEV

Are the trannies in Jaguar built by the same company that makes Mercedes transmission? Getrag or ZF or something!

Can Chrysler owners say they are driving a Mercedes-Benz? Will Bentley owners start saying they are driving a VW? Hmmmm! Ever family has cousins they are ashamde of.

jefrose55

I also considered the M5. I wanted an automatic for my daily commute. The traffic each day confirms i made the right decision. After a hards day work there is nothing better than driving the E55...power..comfort... The M5 seemed to harsh for traffic. For more of a sports car driving I bought a 02 M3 conv 6speed. It is interesting that you bought an S4 as your second car...i would have thought you would have bought the M3.
I just put a deposit on an 04 E55... I guess I'm a horsepower addict
Good luck with your decision
Jeff

Vic55

I dont think one Benz comes off a Chrysler platform unlike those of Toyota's and Lexus's, VW's and Audis, Ford and Jaguar's. Please correct me if I am wrong. When I see a Passat I can see the A4 and when I see the Camry I can see the ES300. When I see Taurus's I think of the Jag S Type but I really cant remember the last Chrysler that made me think Benzo Also what is BMW's cousin? The Range Rover??

Vic55

Hey thanks a lot Jeff, I too bought the E55 due to traffic problems but now I have the S4. I got the S4 because I got it well under sticker whereas it was difficult to even locate an unsold E46 M3 hardtop on the ground let alone get a good deal on it. I think dealers are still getting 5k over for them. I know the convertibles are going for less though. Plus the price was about 18k less and my company pays for the Audi.

E55 KEV

Daimler's ownership of Chrysler is too new to share platforms. No new platforms from Chrysler since being sold to Daimler. So just wait - there will be something - the upcoming Mercedes GST and Chrysler Pacifica come to mind.

Guess what? BMW sold Range Rover to Ford in 2000.

IDOITBST

mikE55

That's OK, as long as they don't start putting Chrysler parts in MBs.

russjr

vic, have had both m5's and e55's(total of 4, 2 each). all have been excellent. overall i have preferred the e55's, for while they don't have quite the performance of the m5, they were so much more driveable. the m5 has a mediocre manual- very difficult to get smooth starts, and you run out of first way too soon. also bmw's speedometers are notoriously optimistic! if you do go with the bmw, that's an exceptional color.