ProV1

I have a 97 E420 (which I find plenty fast enough for everyday commuting btw), and found a 2001 E55 AMG. Exactly how much difference in power, comfort, luxury, and reliability will I notice if I make the switch? Will I be blown away, or will the changes be subtle? I'm looking at about $10,000 differential if I buy the E55 and sell my E420. E55 has 70k miles.

Eurosport

i think you'll be blown away, because of the little updated differences between 96-99 and 00-02 models, then of course amg bodykit, wheels, and interior, better seats, nicer cluster, nicer steering wheel, not to mention touchshift, and the beautiful sound of the engine at high RPMs ;p, you'll quickly forget about the 420.
last and not least, the tailights of sex, haha i love e55 tailights gives it a good behind

xlr8tin

+1. Bigger front brakes. AMG is the best!!!

bzliteyear

funny you should ask...i got my 2001 E55 about 4 months ago and was previously driving a 2000 E320 Lorinser wagon.

first, you certainly don't need the extra power, braking, and luxury...but i really enjoy driving mine, especially when i'm on highway and go from 50 to 80mph...lots of torque and fun. also, i think the interior should be a big improvement from the pre-99 W210's. lastly, i think for everyday driving the cornering might not be that different for you, but the big brakes certainly are a big plus.

given the soft market for the E55's and the excellent value, i can't imagine anything else that i'd rather drive for $20k-ish.

glennbaz

I guess I'm in the best position to advise you since "'ve owned both. No doubt about it the 01' E55 will blow you away with the power difference. You deffinetly might have issues with the harsher ride and power band. I for one would NOT make the switch. I loved my 420 and miss it much. It had the best of everything. Unless you really need more raw power, save your money and enjoy the 420. It's got great ride, good gas mileage, dependability and great power.
Glenn

ProV1

wow, thanks for your honest input. the harsher ride is definitely a concern, b/c we have terrible roads in MI. one of the reasons why I can't get a BMW M3 or a M5.

SaMaS

M5, M3, E55, they need to be stiff how you gonna handel all this power if you whant luxury get S class, of all these three E55 has softiest suspension, that's the reason peiople updating they suspension on E55....

xxaarraa

Increases of almost a 100 HP and an equal amount of torque will definitely not be subtle. The visual cues might be subtle.

jimmydagreek

Check out my sig, I had a '97 E420 with a Carlsson bodykit, Carlsson 19" stag. wheels, H&R Sport springs and Bilstein SP Sport shocks, etc. etc. I now own an '01 E55 and believe me, you will be blow away in every respect. The raw power, the sporty interior, suspension, everything about my E55 feels completely different that my ex-E420. Make the change, you won't regret it!!!

glennbaz

ProV1,
Another item to factor in is the difference in the price of parts between the 55 and 420. Go out and price maintenance items like brake rotors, wheels, pads etc. I think you'll be shocked to see the difference.

ProV1

good point. i'm sure AMG parts are 3-4 times more than non-AMG. BTW, did you buy a E55 after selling your E420?

SLK55R

Can't believe you asked this question seriously ...

glennbaz

Yes, I bought the 55 after the 420. the 420 had 100k problem free miles when I sold it.
Glenn

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ProV1

Sorry to jack ur thread, I'm in the market for a W210 E55 too, but I'm also lookin at 2001 BMW 540i 6-speed and u owned a 540i before. What r ur thoughts on the bimmer?

jimmydagreek

BMW's are great and have more aggressive handling that Mercedes, I've owned both makes. I must say though that when comparing the E55 and the 540, my buddies raced with these exact 2 models and the E55 ate the 540 all the way.

gujupimpster89@

i am in the same situation because i might get another car before i go to college and its either the w210 e55 or the e46 m3, and i like the e55 in every way except i would like the manual trans. min the m3...o and which is faster to 60, 55 or m3?

ProjectC55

Go E55 all the way!

jimmydagreek

Class and race all in one car. The steptronic works great too for the kinda stick shift feel.

zoink

To 60, stock E46 M3 w/ good driver should be a tick faster.... but above 60-80, E55 will start walk away due to big torque from big displacement V8 engine By 100-120 or so, E55 should put at least 0.5-1 car length. Not saying that it's a big deal...