Bones

E55 0-60 4.8/ 0-100 10.2/ 1/4 mile 13.1/115mph/ 4.5 stars
M5 0-60 4.9/ 0-100 11.5/ 1/4 mile 13.4/109 mph/ 5.0 stars
RS6 0-60 4.8/ 0-100 11.6/ 1/4 mile 13.3/ 106 mph/ 4.5 stars

Overall, the aricle gives the E55 a very nice review. The article biggest concern or dissapointment in the E55 is the steering/handling, which we have read the same in other mags. It is not as sharp as the M5 when pushed to its limits. Another thing which I found interesting, is that the article is almost punishing the E55 for having too much power. Here are two quotes at the end of the artcle, that seem to best sum their opinions on the E55 & M5.

"What is enough power for the road? Everyone has their own idea, and in this class, with rear drive, I don't think the M5 is far off it. In the right circumstances, the E55 feels sensationally faster which, of course, is its own buzz and has undeniable appeal. As we said at the outset, its extraordinary pace redefines the performancr saloon: 0-100 in 10.2 sec. is simply astonishing. Whatever you drive, you'll think twice about messing with an E55 in a straight line, always assuming you spot what it is in the first place."

"Yet the M5 has only that to fear. In this class it remains on top because it is the complete package, blending excellent performance with peerless control and precision of chasis, throttle and steering. It would probably struggle to deploy the E55's massive torque and, frankly, it doesn't need it. Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing."

Sorry guys, no scanner. The article is a good read, check it out

Thanks

mikE55

Interesting that EVO gave the E55 4.5 stars in this review, in their December magazine (non-comparison review) they gave it 5 stars.

I had been thinking about "how much power is enough?" myself. While 0-100 in 10 secs is just AWESOME, I know in my current environment it's rare that I have a chance to go over 100mph for any sustained period. In fact, I feel even with 355 hp (per E55 KEV's owner's manual, mine says the same thing), I don't get to use it to full potential. So while I would gladly take 476-500 ponies, I'm in no rush to get the new E55. In my daily driving the additional performance would rarely be used.

But for those who must be the fastest, the new E55 is the king! 0-60 is one thing, but who stops at 60 in a real street race?

E55 KEV

With 355HP and the traction control turned off the W210 E55 is a monster. Each time I have fun with the ESP off the rear end has a mind of it's own!

I am suprised that MBZ does also not put a counter in the software that counts wheel spins with the ESP off to void your warranty! That is what BMW does for the M3 with SMG tranny. You only get "15" high rev/drop the clutch type starts. Once you reach that magical number the warranty is gone.

99E55

I thought I read somewhere that the new E55 does 0-60 in the 4.6 second range, not 4.8. I have seen other articles in the past where the W210 E55 did 0-60 anywhere from 4.8 seconds to 5.4 seconds. Has anyone actually measured the 0-60 times in their own car.

99E55

Bones

[
I am suprised that MBZ does also not put a counter in the software that counts wheel spins with the ESP off to void your warranty! That is what BMW does for the M3 with SMG tranny. You only get "15" high rev/drop the clutch type starts. Once you reach that magical number the warranty is gone. [/B][/QUOTE]

The Launch Control (LC) feature is only in Europe. You are permitted 30 LC launches, before you void your warranty. The US version M3 technically doen not have this feature, but it is there in a hidden manner. The rev/drop is at approx 1800 rpms as opposed to Europe which is at about 3800 rpms. You will not have your warranty voided here in the States, because technically it is not there. Not the smartest thing to do to your M3, but it is fun.

mikE55

MBUSA rates the '03 S55 at 4.6 secs, my guess is they'll rate the E55 the same. The E55 has tested around 4.5 secs in some European tests, but the UK mags always seem to be a bit off the pace with their 0-60 runs compared to the US magazines. Don't know why that is, I think some of the UK testers go easier on the launch.

I've tested my own 210 (100% stock) and get a consistent 5.0-5.1 easily, with an all time best of 4.94 secs. It seems to be getting faster with age, I was getting about 5.3 secs a year ago when it was brand new. My best times are always with ESP off, a little easy on the throttle at first, and then floor it. And I'm certainly no drag racer, I'm sure folks like pocholin have done better.

I often drive with ESP off (sunny dry weather only), as ESP often cuts in when I don't want it to. Just need to be real careful with the throttle.

bakiro

I didn't find the EVO review to be positive toward the E55 at all. The writer respected the sheer power of the engine but was critical about the lack of traction and the lack of steering feedback. He found the car to be scarey when pushed toward the limits. He found both the E55 and RS6 to be best when driving in a staight line but he praised the traction of the RS6's AWD. Overall the writer preferred the current M5 concluding that it had enough power and inspired much more confidence when driving very fast.
I beleive MB will correct these flaws in the future,possibly by adding the option of 4MATIC and working on the handling. However, the concern I expressed, in a previous thread, about owning the first US model is only amplified by this article. I am leaning toward waiting for a while.

amg55

Someone scanned a copy of the 211E55 sales manual...MB listed the 0-60- time as 4.7 sec.

Of course these times vary a LOT from one tester to another.
I've seen RS6 times at 4.3 and 5.0.
I've seen SL55 times from 4.3-4.8.

mikE55

The 4.7 secs listed in sales manual was for 0-100 km/h. General rule of thumb is to slice .2-.3 secs off for 0-60 mph, so that should put it at about 4.5 secs for 0-60.

But with so much power, it's all about getting the launch right. I've noticed this with my own w210 E55. Too much wheel spin and forget it, but not enough throttle and torque won't cut it either. With the new E55 the launch with ESP off must be extremely tricky. Leave ESP on and perhaps it's harder to get the best 0-60 time.

Pierre32///AMG

Well, from my point of view the 04’E55 is a great car and can be easily fixed. Weather or not I’ll order it next year; my corrections for the car are going to be first AMG 19’ multip. twin spoke, and Kleemann set up full speed sensitive suspension.

Norm C32

I really like the fact that the Audi RS6 was hardly mentioned in the article. Though they like the M5 over the E55 they are splitting hairs consider the way most drivers drive, even here in the states. I met up with about half-dozen M5 owners this past summer and hit the hills of SE Ohio. It was funny after we made our first stop because none of them could drive the M5 beyond 7/10ths. They all gathered around my C32 that was keeping up with them in the tight stuff and when passing in the triple digits. All they talk is 0-60 times.

Remember too that EVO magazine drives many cars that would not be seen on the street here but only on the track if they were available to us. So naturally they like the M5. Have any of you driven an M5? Try moving left through a stoplight and proceeding in first gear. The rear LSD makes the tires/rearend slide at about 50% steering input. Mostly because of the weight. The seating position, upright and high, gives little to the driver feeling at one with the car but rather a separate part of the car. This can be felt from the passenger seat as even my buddy commented on how the C32 coddled the front passengers making them feel part of the car after we switched. The next time I met up with him a few months later I had to go a quarter mile to get gas and he just had to go for another ride...even for quarter of mile. And this guy is a diehard Beemer/Bimmer man with a RS1200. We switched motorcycle rides asI have a Ducati ST4...he like his Beemer better.

As I have always said the ultimate driving machine looking for the ultimate driver.

Hopefully there will be an AMG Challenge this year and an E55 to drive.

Norm
Bordeau/Merlot

zyajzarc

I just think it's interesting seeing how the E55 does 0-100 in 10.2.. yet it does a quarter mile in 13.1 at only 115... does the car really take about 3 seconds to jump 5 mph at that speed?!?... i would think 500 horses would be able to jump like 10-15 mph @ around 100 mph in 3 seconds...

E55 KEV

If the current suspension products for the W220/W215 are indicitive of what will be on the W211 I doubt that Kleemann will have an 'real' upgrade for the E55. The current Kleemann upgrade to the W220 is only to lower the car and is not speed sensitive. Kleemann suspension for W220 says:

"Electronic Body Lowering Module for vehicles with ABC-Suspension"

Pierre32///AMG

I'm talking to the kit for a E50k, or the new 55K with 640hp. I have seen how the E50k handles at 130-135 mph and does a great job!