CLK55 vs. E55 vs.S55
 

I love my CLK55, but with 3rd kid on the way...need for four doors is closing in. I may just keep the CLK55 and get a X5, but I figure with the economy and the new E on the horizon, I can pick up an E55 allocation from one of the several area dealers...but am I going to be happy with it. I know Mr. V has had both...I would like to know his and anyone elses impressions/opinions.

I am also considering sucking it up a little and trying to find a S55, but I really haven't heard much about it. I suppose they are pretty rare, but has anyone had a chance to see how it stacks up against the ride/handling/road feel of the E55? Tough choices. Thanks.

Hmrdwn, the other day I saw a 2001 E55 at Penske Motorcars in West Covina, silver/charcoal- 4k miles and they were asking 63k!!! You cant beat that on a current year used car like the E55. Obviously if money is no object then you have to go with the S55. I have never ridden in an S55 but try PM'ing AWINER at this site- he has a S55 and probably can you give you the full story. I love the E55 suspension and ride- of course mine is with the H&R's and Bilstein Sports.

Comparisons
 

Actually I have a CL55 .. However, I have driven a couple S55's as well as a CLK55 .. Have never driven a E55 for some reason.

The CLK55 (out of what I have driven) was very fast and sporty... The CL55 is fast as well, and with the ABC suspension (Which you can also get on the S class/Standard on the S55) it is an absolute wonder. I can't tell you how it warms my heart to be able to throw a 4000+ lbs vehicle into a corner and have it track as flat as a pancake. The ABC system is a technological wonder to say the least.

The S55 feels a lot like the CL55 .. The length of the CL and S are pretty close (about a 7" difference). The weight is close as well. The S55 is about 140 lbs heavier than the CL55 .. The S55 suspension wise however, feels a lot softer to me than the CL55. I don't know why this is. Maybe it's in my head. You can't go wrong with any of the choices you are thinking of.

The biggest difference between your choices is the interior amenities.. The S55's interior is gorgeous.... Leather everywhere will all the techno bells and whistles...

Cayenne is the ticket
 

I had a CLK430 with no kids, the E55 with one kid -- Now I have another on the way and I put a deposit in for the Twin Turbo Porsche Cayenne. I already have a Ford F-150 Supercrew, but if the Cayenne lives up to its promise, it will be the perfect family car.

I could not imagine how you would get two kids in the back of the CLK -- if you live in great weather, maybe you can get a CLK55 Cabrio and just lift them over the sills. Good luck!!

How about an ML55? Those are great, and their not as expensive for a 2000, 2001 model. A co-worker of mine just picked up a 2001 blk/blk and he loves it. He has 2 boys, 1 girl. He said it is perfect for his family. Don't know if you like those, but it's something to consider. That way you could keep your CLK55 for fun.

Seriously, though. From a practical standpoint: for all out performance and room, it's very hard to beat the E55...it's faster than the S55 and IMHO it's also faster than the CLK55 (I've owned both). Plus, the build quality of the E and S far outweigh that of the CLK and ML. Honestly, unless you're stuck on the CLK looks, for the price difference, the E55 is a much better buy.

Hmr: Can you hear it? ... its ... its ...
 

... the sound of our MB Forum WITHOUT that 'Shpock' ***** spouting-off. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah :p

Hmr ... Does this sound familiar:

Now, add in all those 'chillun, and how the heck are you gonna fit it all in a 2-door:D

Seriously, I know a couple of S55 owners who regret the day they bought theirs: slower than advertised, and for all the extra $$$ they spent (over an E55), all they got for was a little more leg-room ... and maybe room for another golf-bag in the trunk.

Here's what you should do: Take the $$$ you'll save buying the E55 over the S55, and get yourself a trailer to tow behind your new E ... after all, a 'real' man knows the importance of putting his priorities in the proper order: the guns and the money ride up front with you (you can always stop every couple of hours or so and let the family out to stretch their legs while you watch over your $$$, strapped, sitting comfortably in the multi-function, perferated leather seats of your new E55.:D

Now I know you live VA ... so you might be thinking about when it ... what's it called ... oh, darn, I've been living in Florida for so long now I must have forgotten what its called ... OH YEAH, now I remember ... SNOW!

From the rumors I've heard, there just might be a 4-Matic version of the E-AMG available in '03 ... aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh?

I can't afford to have what I REALLY want: both a 'sports car' and a 'luxury car' (well, I can afford it, but I'd rather sleep in bed with my Wife, than in the garage with my cars) ... so, the E55, the best of both worlds fits the bill for me ... (move over honey ... daddy's home!)

The E55 IS the ****.

Good luck, Bro.

Thanks Drew & Simon, I'm finally on.

For the one deciding among the E55, CLK55 & S55, I think E55 is definitely the best choice, enough room, and well balanced performance. It's the best value of the bunch too.

I got the chance to sit in and check out the Cayenne. Personally I think the X5, Navigator, or Escalade look better.

The interior looked kinda funny to me.

The E55 is the best way to go though.

With the S55 you give up some performance and gain some techno goodies and increased back seat room. The E55 has a comfortable enough back seat. Besides, you don't plan to ride in the back seat do you? The dealer in Richmond has an '02 Tectite E55 on the lot. At most it's MSRP. Here's the link.
http://www.mcgeorge-mercedes.com/
The salespeople there are great. I've been dealing with Ruth for several years.
PS snow shouldn't be a big concern in N Va, just an occasional inconvenience.

my E has enough room for 2 adults and one large forward-facing child seat and everyone is comfy. space not an issue, however you need to be happy with the fact a new model is due out and not regret getting last year of old model. the prices are attractive now though.
i agree with other person who says build quality better with the E compared to CLK and ML. i've owned a CLk and driven an ML. the E feels like a real benz. the ML 55 is down a lot in price too.

Sell the kids, get an SL55!

Thanks to all
 

I appreciate everyone's (unbiased?) feedback. Special thanks to Rich for the heads up on the Tectite E55 in Richmond --- Ruth is looking into trade in values for me right now and I have the spec sheet in my grubby hands right now. I love that color.

Out of curiousity, I called the local MB dealers, and found one silver and an opal-black sitting there waiting for a buyer...Could be early Christmas for me. All depends on the trade in numbers at this point.

May be a matter of days, though I am selling a house on 11/30 to some ***** who is jerking me off about a few minor "walk through" items, and if I get pissed and walk away from the closing table...E will have to wait.

I've had this same problem before and can't decide between a CLK55 and E55. E55 All the way! Was thinking the overall value and the E55 is "really" tha way to go!!


JamE55

2002 E55 AMG
Brilliant Silver
Stock for now but won't be for Soon!

Trade-in value...
 

I was offered 51-52k for mine. The dealer i was at called to MB dealers in the D.C. area and that is what they came up with. So i think i will be holding on to mine for awhile.

I'm holding mine 4ever!! I'm pretty satisfied with my E55.

JamE55

2002 E55 AMG
Brilliant Silver
Stock for now but won't be for Soon!!! :D

dealer trade...
 

ASC would give me $50k for my CLK55...I wish that guy did the personal property tax assessments. But I guess that shows you that Designo had better be a personal choice, cause you aren't going to get it back at trade in.

Hey hmrdwn!

That's it $50k?? I thought you could have gotten more like around $55+ on these cars. HHmmm i guess this economy really sucks!

I'm holding mine 4ever!! I'm pretty satisfied with my E55.

JamE55

2002 E55 AMG
Brilliant Silver
Stock for now but won't be for Soon!!! :mad:

Depreciated
 

Yeah James, that's 28% depreciation off of sticker in a year -- not counting taxes. On autotrader.com, I found a few for CLK55s selling for $59k, but who knows what might have happened to them or who drove them. As I said earlier, I may just keep it and get a SUV to use when I need it, and slap down $1k to get in line for the next E-AMG -- and even if I do end up selling and get a current E55, I want them to throw in the $1k to list me for the next generation.:cool:

I hear ya!! Well 2 things you can do in this situation is either sell/trade in the car or just keep it and get an SUV. So lets say if you're feeling sporty and just want to cruise around town use your CLK55 and if you're going out with the family use the SUV. I'm using my E55 just for the weekeneds and sometimes if it's a special occasions and then use my nissan maxima as my daily driver.

JamE55

2002 E55 AMG
Brilliant Silver
Stock for now but won't be for Soon!!! :D

Hey buddy looks like you stuck with your CLK, I think ASC was kind to you to offer 50k. Just buy yourself toyota SUV and be happy. Selling your house to buy a car? Definitely have your priorities f.. up. Poor children of yours.

Sorry dumb ass, but I am selling "a" house I own, not the house I live in. And as far as selling the CLK, I now have two very good options which I will discuss once I decide what to do. As far as kids go, I'm sure a short ****ed moron like you really doesn't know much about them, let alone have the ability to procreate.

yikes! LOL!!!:D :D :D

"dumb ass"
 

The definition of a "dumb ass" should be a person with kids who can't decide what car he needs. How about getting the brains of your own before getting the kids. I think when you pack your wife and your kids in your tiny CLK it is more dence in there then in your head. What dumb ass would have CLK as his family car?

I've got three kids and have been driving the E class for a good while now (presently 98 E430). I think they are the perfect size unless you are the one who is going to be hauling around the kids most of the time. I assume though that mama has a mini-van to do that (and to trash--that's what wives and kids do to cars)[IMG]http://[/IMG]