W210 vs W211 controversy
06-17-2009, 09:38 PM
#26
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but the w211 amg has over 100hp and ft. lbs. over a w210, while still being WAY cheaper than the money you'd need to sink into a 210 (to make it quicker than a STOCK 211). imo, i'd go with a w211 (or cls for me once i sell my 210).
06-21-2009, 02:17 AM
#27
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My E55 is 06, so far LOVE it.
08-20-2009, 11:20 PM
#28
Can anyone comment on the suspension differences between the w210 and w211? I've read a lot about both cars, and lots of people say the w211 has a soft suspension and just decent handling, even with all the settings on firm and sporty. I'm been driving a 5-series bmw for 10 years that handles great, but I want a fast sedan in an auto that my wife is comfortable driving, and I don't want to give up handling. Plus the E55s are special cars, so its time to make the switch.
Thanks for the help, and I hope no one minds the bump on this thread.
Thanks for the help, and I hope no one minds the bump on this thread.
08-21-2009, 09:30 AM
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The W210 E55 uses a sport tuned conventional (spring and shock) suspension. The W211 E55 uses an airmatic suspension, which is air powered, rather than a conventional shock.
The W210 suspension, ride comfort wise, is pretty similar to an E46 M3, maybe a little better. In terms of handling, obviously, the E55 is larger, heavier, and just plain cannot handle as crisply around a track. It's a competent handling car, however. In objective terms it handles like an E39 5 series (probably somewhere between a regular 5 series and an M5), although subjectively it feels a little softer. Note that softer does not mean slower, though. If you like the E39 5 series, you'll probably like a W210 E55.
I've never driven the W211 E55, so I can only state some observations about it. It weighs several hundred pounds more than the W210 E55. While the airmatic can help mask some of that weight, the laws of physics still say that it's a heavier car. The airmatic system will provide a smoother ride, especially over rough roads and potholes, compared to the conventional suspension. The handling is likely to be more disengaged, since you are, quite literally, riding on air.
I've read of people who've owned/driven both claiming that each has superior handling, so it's hard to tell. I would recommend trying both if you're interested. The W211 should provide a smoother, more isolated ride while the W210 should provide a somewhat firmer ride. Obviously the W211 has more power, but baring that, I don't know which would be faster around a track. It's possible the W211 is smoother but also has more grip and is hence faster.
The W210 suspension, ride comfort wise, is pretty similar to an E46 M3, maybe a little better. In terms of handling, obviously, the E55 is larger, heavier, and just plain cannot handle as crisply around a track. It's a competent handling car, however. In objective terms it handles like an E39 5 series (probably somewhere between a regular 5 series and an M5), although subjectively it feels a little softer. Note that softer does not mean slower, though. If you like the E39 5 series, you'll probably like a W210 E55.
I've never driven the W211 E55, so I can only state some observations about it. It weighs several hundred pounds more than the W210 E55. While the airmatic can help mask some of that weight, the laws of physics still say that it's a heavier car. The airmatic system will provide a smoother ride, especially over rough roads and potholes, compared to the conventional suspension. The handling is likely to be more disengaged, since you are, quite literally, riding on air.
I've read of people who've owned/driven both claiming that each has superior handling, so it's hard to tell. I would recommend trying both if you're interested. The W211 should provide a smoother, more isolated ride while the W210 should provide a somewhat firmer ride. Obviously the W211 has more power, but baring that, I don't know which would be faster around a track. It's possible the W211 is smoother but also has more grip and is hence faster.
Last edited by saintz; 08-22-2009 at 10:23 AM.
08-21-2009, 07:29 PM
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
The 211 E55 does not have ABC. It uses Airmatic and is completely different than ABC. The CL, SL, and highline S class come equipped with the ABC but it is not available on the E class.
08-22-2009, 11:26 AM
#32
Thanks for the help guys, Saintz the comparison to the BMWs was especially helpful. I've driven a 2003 CL55 so I'm familiar with ABC, and am disappointed thats not what the W211 e55 has. My understanding is that the ABC is the superior suspension to the airmatic without much question. I guess I'll figure out my preference when I test drive each e55.
08-22-2009, 12:35 PM
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Thanks for the help guys, Saintz the comparison to the BMWs was especially helpful. I've driven a 2003 CL55 so I'm familiar with ABC, and am disappointed thats not what the W211 e55 has. My understanding is that the ABC is the superior suspension to the airmatic without much question. I guess I'll figure out my preference when I test drive each e55.
08-25-2009, 11:22 AM
#34
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A 5 series is gonna handle way better than any eclass. I had a e39 540i w/ sport supsension and crappy *** toyo proxy tires. My w210 e55 has low low miles 15k with h&rs and bilstiens SPs w/ Michelin ps2 tires on iForged wheels. Although it handles way better than stock, my beater *** bimmer with 150k and warn out supension still handled better, quite a bit better actually. Even has better brakes than the AMG brakes.
08-25-2009, 11:52 AM
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99 model w210 e55 amg
A 5 series is gonna handle way better than any eclass. I had a e39 540i w/ sport supsension and crappy *** toyo proxy tires. My w210 e55 has low low miles 15k with h&rs and bilstiens SPs w/ Michelin ps2 tires on iForged wheels. Although it handles way better than stock, my beater *** bimmer with 150k and warn out supension still handled better, quite a bit better actually. Even has better brakes than the AMG brakes.
hi can you pls post more pics of your car! thanks love your e55!!!
02-14-2010, 06:00 PM
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2001 e55 kleemann
it was a w210 for me
i had to make this choice a couple weeks ago....this is what i got
kleemann supercharger, lsd, wheels, and suspension 50k miles
kleemann supercharger, lsd, wheels, and suspension 50k miles
02-14-2010, 07:53 PM
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2 W210 E55, CLK 63, S65, Infinity Qx56, Taurus SHO - all heavy moded, Porsche Cayenne Turbo stock
Perfect choice
Congradulations
Now - what kind of suspention and also if you do not mind me asking - how much?
Congradulations
Now - what kind of suspention and also if you do not mind me asking - how much?
02-14-2010, 08:39 PM
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02-14-2010, 10:23 PM
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2001 e55 kleemann
thanks guys- its got the kleemann lowering springs and stock shocks, also the kleemann headers, kleemann pedal kit and thats pretty much it. very very clean 2500 miles on all the mods and i got all the stock parts as well. Lcat i paid a little more then you paid for peters 02 kleemann, you got a great deal
02-15-2010, 08:36 PM
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2 W210 E55, CLK 63, S65, Infinity Qx56, Taurus SHO - all heavy moded, Porsche Cayenne Turbo stock
Do the KW Stage 2 if you can afford it - they trully greate. I also could tell what my E55 defenetly handles better then 540 sport - it's more like M5 from 2002 my brother had. I'm going to play with sway bars and strut tower braces hopefully taking it to the next level. As far as straight line race I might loose to the highly modified E55 W211 but on the street I'll take any E55K any time as llong as there is some twists involved 
02-16-2010, 10:42 AM
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02-17-2010, 11:10 PM
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2001 E55 - 2008 CLS63 -2016 F-150
Well guys i just picked up my first amg .. its a 2nd owner cpo that has just about every service record since the 1st day he took ownership. It's a 2001 e55 it has just over 110,000 on the Dash .. Under 9 grand $ ... Overall good condition , Interior Immaculate! Navigation<seems old school> , Xenons . PO states its lowered 1 inch , resinator removed from exhuast , Has stockers PC'd black as Winter wheels, TSW Replicas with some Nittto 555 as spare summer tires .. Hmm probably leaving out some stuff but I'm sure I'll have plenty of NooB questions .
Drove it over 300 miles yesterday to get it home , I'm in awe a car can runs so smooth<lowered on winter tires> yet be so Fast! I love it .. Has very minor cosmetic issue to be addressed. I thought it would guzzle gas alot more . Basically almost same Gas mileage as my Friends 04' bmw530 80-90 most of ride home .. Not sure what else to say or ask but just hope this thing works out , Think i got a great deal ,PO said he's a member not sure who forgot to ask his username ..Anyhow i couldnt afford 03+ E55 at moment.ehh but i think this is best investment as i believe i can sell<if needed> for about 11-12 .Heres how she looks now , so tempted to throw the summer wheels but figure eh just leav these for the winter since this Michigan Weather Sucks .,.
What you think!!
Drove it over 300 miles yesterday to get it home , I'm in awe a car can runs so smooth<lowered on winter tires> yet be so Fast! I love it .. Has very minor cosmetic issue to be addressed. I thought it would guzzle gas alot more . Basically almost same Gas mileage as my Friends 04' bmw530 80-90 most of ride home .. Not sure what else to say or ask but just hope this thing works out , Think i got a great deal ,PO said he's a member not sure who forgot to ask his username ..Anyhow i couldnt afford 03+ E55 at moment.ehh but i think this is best investment as i believe i can sell<if needed> for about 11-12 .Heres how she looks now , so tempted to throw the summer wheels but figure eh just leav these for the winter since this Michigan Weather Sucks .,.
What you think!!
02-17-2010, 11:43 PM
#48
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Well guys i just picked up my first amg .. its a 2nd owner cpo that has just about every service record since the 1st day he took ownership. It's a 2001 e55 it has just over 110,000 on the Dash .. Under 9 grand $ ... Overall good condition , Interior Immaculate! Navigation<seems old school> , Xenons . PO states its lowered 1 inch , resinator removed from exhuast , Has stockers PC'd black as Winter wheels, TSW Replicas with some Nittto 555 as spare summer tires .. Hmm probably leaving out some stuff but I'm sure I'll have plenty of NooB questions .
Drove it over 300 miles yesterday to get it home , I'm in awe a car can runs so smooth<lowered on winter tires> yet be so Fast! I love it .. Has very minor cosmetic issue to be addressed. I thought it would guzzle gas alot more . Basically almost same Gas mileage as my Friends 04' bmw530 80-90 most of ride home .. Not sure what else to say or ask but just hope this thing works out , Think i got a great deal ,PO said he's a member not sure who forgot to ask his username ..Anyhow i couldnt afford 03+ E55 at moment.ehh but i think this is best investment as i believe i can sell<if needed> for about 11-12 .Heres how she looks now , so tempted to throw the summer wheels but figure eh just leav these for the winter since this Michigan Weather Sucks .,.
What you think!!
Drove it over 300 miles yesterday to get it home , I'm in awe a car can runs so smooth<lowered on winter tires> yet be so Fast! I love it .. Has very minor cosmetic issue to be addressed. I thought it would guzzle gas alot more . Basically almost same Gas mileage as my Friends 04' bmw530 80-90 most of ride home .. Not sure what else to say or ask but just hope this thing works out , Think i got a great deal ,PO said he's a member not sure who forgot to ask his username ..Anyhow i couldnt afford 03+ E55 at moment.ehh but i think this is best investment as i believe i can sell<if needed> for about 11-12 .Heres how she looks now , so tempted to throw the summer wheels but figure eh just leav these for the winter since this Michigan Weather Sucks .,.
What you think!!
Armani
02-18-2010, 11:55 PM
#49
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02-18-2010, 11:56 PM
#50
Super Member
Well guys i just picked up my first amg .. its a 2nd owner cpo that has just about every service record since the 1st day he took ownership. It's a 2001 e55 it has just over 110,000 on the Dash .. Under 9 grand $ ... Overall good condition , Interior Immaculate! Navigation<seems old school> , Xenons . PO states its lowered 1 inch , resinator removed from exhuast , Has stockers PC'd black as Winter wheels, TSW Replicas with some Nittto 555 as spare summer tires .. Hmm probably leaving out some stuff but I'm sure I'll have plenty of NooB questions .
Drove it over 300 miles yesterday to get it home , I'm in awe a car can runs so smooth<lowered on winter tires> yet be so Fast! I love it .. Has very minor cosmetic issue to be addressed. I thought it would guzzle gas alot more . Basically almost same Gas mileage as my Friends 04' bmw530 80-90 most of ride home .. Not sure what else to say or ask but just hope this thing works out , Think i got a great deal ,PO said he's a member not sure who forgot to ask his username ..Anyhow i couldnt afford 03+ E55 at moment.ehh but i think this is best investment as i believe i can sell<if needed> for about 11-12 .Heres how she looks now , so tempted to throw the summer wheels but figure eh just leav these for the winter since this Michigan Weather Sucks .,.
What you think!!
Drove it over 300 miles yesterday to get it home , I'm in awe a car can runs so smooth<lowered on winter tires> yet be so Fast! I love it .. Has very minor cosmetic issue to be addressed. I thought it would guzzle gas alot more . Basically almost same Gas mileage as my Friends 04' bmw530 80-90 most of ride home .. Not sure what else to say or ask but just hope this thing works out , Think i got a great deal ,PO said he's a member not sure who forgot to ask his username ..Anyhow i couldnt afford 03+ E55 at moment.ehh but i think this is best investment as i believe i can sell<if needed> for about 11-12 .Heres how she looks now , so tempted to throw the summer wheels but figure eh just leav these for the winter since this Michigan Weather Sucks .,.
What you think!!
