guyver

Hello,

I'm completely new to this forum so no flaming .

I've currently got a 6sp manual 97' BMW 540i, and to be honest, getting a little bored of it, I was looking for antoher 'meaty v8' to have fun with.

There's not to many options, and the E55 (pre s/charge) always seems to come high on my list.

What I'm trying to find out is info on the UK models.

My price range limits me to 97,98,99 and maybe 2000 model. The questions I have are:

Are there any differences in these years.
Are there any options that are a 'must have'
My 540' is silver, so was looking for diff. colours, what others does it come in ?, I've seen nice dark blue?
How good is the handling, say compared to a 'non M' BMW?
Are the 0-60 figures true @ 5.4, or like other, alot quicker
Is it best to source via Merc. dealer, or go private?
What sort of servicing costs can I expect.

Thanks for you time.

John

PS. Just in case any Uk'ers fancy buying a nice 540, I've attached a pic., offers over £12k would be nice

Bilal

Glad your converting, i tell you what, You really want to know how fast it is? well right click your mouse button on the title called the E55 top speed clicp, and then save target as. Save it to desktop and then see if it matches your needs.

By the way it has 5 speed auto, and its in first gear as soon as you watch the video I said.

here you go.

http://www.togetherincare.com/some-v...-Benz-fans.htm

guyver

Nice vids :-)..

I've been checking out pics of the diff yrs, and it seems the later ones had diff. side/fron skirts? When did this happen?

Thanks

John

Bilal

Probably changed aruond 99-2001 when the e-class ange had a facelift.

Make no mistake it is one hell of a fast car!

guyver

So anyone else got any info on specs/options/servicing costs etc for the UK model?

Many thanks

John

E55 KEV

In the US there is a big difference between the 1999 and the 2000 and up models. If you can find and afford it get the 2000 and up model. Since you like to shift gears the 2000 plus models have the manu-matic auto tranny where you can shift thru all gears.

Does the UK also have the E50 AMG built around 97-98 time frame? This is the older engine - this car never made it to the US.

The E55 handling will not be as tight or harsh as the M3 or M5. You will have to tune it more if you want stiffer. Good Luck!

guyver

Kev,

Thanks for the info, it does seem there was a 'facelift' @ around 2000, does anyone know what changes were made, as we're talking a 4/5k diff. in price . I want to see if its worth it.

Also, is there anywhere I can find out what optional extra's were available on these models (99/2k). Did 'command' come in later than 2k?

Many thanks for your time.

John

E55 KEV

Assuming the US and UK are similar for the same year. The Comand Nav come in 2000 model year. Also the Tele-Aid system.

Some of the new features:

shiftable transmission
blinkers on the mirrors
lower front end
updated aero body kit
steering wheel mounted controls