Decisions
Thread Starter
Senior Member
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From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
Decisions
I have two ordered cars that arrived at the same time, both a bit on the unusual side- a green CLS55 and a designo graphite E55 wagon- and I am trying to decide which one to get.
In the favor of the wagon- there are only expected to be 200 in the US and less than 10 designo cars, so it will be extremely rare. Of course, this is because is costs nearly $100K. Also, the residuals on this car have dropped, I was told because of reliability problems affecting resale, so leasing the car costs more than ever.
In favor of the CLS, it is the new kid on the block, has those cool looking 19 inch wheels (which ride a little rough by the way) and has 10 points better residuals.
Your votes, gentlemen...
In the favor of the wagon- there are only expected to be 200 in the US and less than 10 designo cars, so it will be extremely rare. Of course, this is because is costs nearly $100K. Also, the residuals on this car have dropped, I was told because of reliability problems affecting resale, so leasing the car costs more than ever.
In favor of the CLS, it is the new kid on the block, has those cool looking 19 inch wheels (which ride a little rough by the way) and has 10 points better residuals.
Your votes, gentlemen...
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SL65, E55T, Pending S65
Having both you can't go wrong with either.
I vote for the wagon. Long after the CLS is seen on every corner the E55T will still be limited. I would like to think the resale will hold better than they think right now. I know where I am MB wagons have always been a couple of points better than the standard cars.
Either way you are in good shape!
Schiz
I vote for the wagon. Long after the CLS is seen on every corner the E55T will still be limited. I would like to think the resale will hold better than they think right now. I know where I am MB wagons have always been a couple of points better than the standard cars.
Either way you are in good shape!
Schiz
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From: Hollywood CA
2011 twin turboed prius
The wagon is more interesting as it is the ultimate speed illusion. I love the fact you can be carrying the kids the ball and chain and a couple dogs and still torch 99% of all vehicles on the road. Also I was told many times the weight distro in the wagon is better than the sedan cousin. I like the WAGON hehe
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From: Santa Clarita, CA
I drive a E55T, SLK55 and 65 Mustang Conv.
I have got to agree with Schiznick on this one. The wagon is a car you might never see another of while just driving around unless of course you are driving around either him or me :-)
Kim
Kim
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From: NW Ohio
2008 335 vert, 2004 MDX
Saw my first CLS500 on the road today. Looked cool until I pulled up next to it and saw some grandpa driving. I think this supports the whole Buick resemblance thing. And yours could be GREEN? Worse yet.
Grandpa doesn't drive an E55 (wagon or sedan).
Grandpa doesn't drive an E55 (wagon or sedan).
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From: Birmingham MI
E55/BMW X54.4/Porsche 914-6 2.8
Get the CLS55 and a black Dodge Magnum. Having seen a black CLS55 at the dealer last week, I could not pass it up if it were my choice. I thought it was a flat out knockout. When you need to pile the junk in you could use the Dodge Magnum and not worry that you're hauling all your "stuff" in a 100k vehicle.
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From: Columbia, SC
E300
Originally Posted by Bikr Boy
Get the CLS55 and a black Dodge Magnum. Having seen a black CLS55 at the dealer last week, I could not pass it up if it were my choice. I thought it was a flat out knockout. When you need to pile the junk in you could use the Dodge Magnum and not worry that you're hauling all your "stuff" in a 100k vehicle.
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From: SF Bay Area
I say the E55T even though you ordered both. Why did you order a E55T? Do you need the room or was it because it is supposed to be a very limited production car? Does the lower residual of the E55T help you (if your company leases it, and YOU buy it after)?
You ordered two different cars with the same engine, but what does it say about the rare E55T having a much lower residual. The CLS is the new kid on the block, but I personally don't care for it.
You ordered two different cars with the same engine, but what does it say about the rare E55T having a much lower residual. The CLS is the new kid on the block, but I personally don't care for it.
Thread Starter
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From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
Funny story
I had ordered the CLS55 almost a year ago and then my dealer contacted me last Fall to let me know that the E55 wagon could be ordered. I told him that I would not get both and wanted some time to decide which I really wanted. Ultimately I decided that I wanted the CLS55 because it was the new thing. Without telling me, he went ahead and ordered the E55 wagon with my name on it, because the only way you can order these if for a customer, the dealers cannot order just for inventory and he ordered it just the way I would have wanted it, in designo graphite.
Both cars arrived on the same truck on the same day and now seeing and driving both in person, I must say that I prefer the driving experience of the E55 wagon and I love the "Q ship" low key nature of driving a wagon.
Elsewhere in the E Class forum, it has been pointed out that Consumer Reports rates the E Class as the least reliable car, which explains the low residuals.
Both cars arrived on the same truck on the same day and now seeing and driving both in person, I must say that I prefer the driving experience of the E55 wagon and I love the "Q ship" low key nature of driving a wagon.
Elsewhere in the E Class forum, it has been pointed out that Consumer Reports rates the E Class as the least reliable car, which explains the low residuals.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: fremont, ca
04 E55
what choice? Go with the E55 wagon. Not only its rare, it looks better than CLS.
BTW, have you tried to sit inside the backseat of CLS?
BTW, have you tried to sit inside the backseat of CLS?
Last edited by krispykrme; Mar 7, 2005 at 02:55 PM.
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2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
Definitely the wagon. I do not like the green CLS. Any interior shots of the designo E55T?
Another possible benefit of the E55T, you can pass it to your wife (or girlfriend) to drive when you get sick of it (yet don't want to cut short and lose out on a lease).
The E55T looks so much better to my eyes than the CLS (especially in green).
Another possible benefit of the E55T, you can pass it to your wife (or girlfriend) to drive when you get sick of it (yet don't want to cut short and lose out on a lease).
The E55T looks so much better to my eyes than the CLS (especially in green).
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From: El Paso, TX
'03 G500, '13 G63, '17 GLS63,
I'd go for the wagon in a heartbeat. I saw one in front of Harrod's in London back in October. I thought to myself "if they ever bring that to the States, I'll get one!". Unfortunately, I'm not in a position right to buy a wagon right now, so it looks like a pre-owned sedan for me. 
It just looks so cool to me, though its a love it or hate it thing, pretty much like the CLS. I think driving a $100k wagon with almost 500hp says a lot more than the CLS does.
It just looks so cool to me, though its a love it or hate it thing, pretty much like the CLS. I think driving a $100k wagon with almost 500hp says a lot more than the CLS does.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 482
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From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
Decided on the wagon
I decided to get the E55 wagon, thanks for all your input. I was most swayed by Schiznick who owns both the CLS55 and E55 wagon. In the end, the idea of driving a station wagon that can dust off most anything, is hypnotic. I plan on de-badging it, of course.
