2003 vs 2006 E55
 

What are the differences of 2003 E55 and 2006 E55 ? They are both the same chassis(W211). 2003 was priced 76.000 usd when new. 2006 is 82.000 usd. What makes the difference? I noticed the stereo systems are different. 2003 has 10 speakers Bose system and 2006 has 12 speaks HK. 2006s head units lcd is bigger. I couldnt find any differences other these.

how about the options offered for 2003 and 2006? I guess 2006 has the ipod kit. anything else?

03's did have Navi/Command yet. You get a used 03 in the $60K (maybe in the high $50K's) range and a new will cost you close to $90K or more. No difference in performance, both are ROCKETS!

MY05:

- Speedometer goes up to 200 MPH
- Sliding center console
- Studded pedals (?)
- Spare (?)

Other than that, nothing should be significantly different.

Why is the '03 a Bose system? Isn't the standard HK to begin with even with the first year model?

Nah I think HK was 04 or later.....

Mine is an 03.....HK here. :nix:

I regret not being able to have Nav....crummy as everyone says it is.

As crappy as it can be I agree -- rather have it than not have it.

From what I can tell 2005 brought the new Comand (larger screen), sliding center console (I prefer the old version), spare (I think), and new gauges. All which carry over to the 2006 model.

~ Ian

'03's as well as all 211's have Harmon Kardon (not Bose) just like the whole 211 line. '03 is also ready a simple upgrade to Comand+ Nav. Other than that, the E-class has actually lost a few features as each model year progressed.

Three years. :p

I think there are mechanical differences in the steering rack, engine oil cooler etc

2004+ E55s equipped with 'always ready' transmission buttons at the steering wheel. On the 03s, you have to press the transmission M/S/C button before the steering wheel buttons work.

I believe the extra $7k or so on the sticker price between 03 and 06 reflects the fact that MB has stopped offering free service as part of the warranty. As they say, this service was removed from the package in the interest of keeping the price down. What, the price has gone up by $7k, you say? Yeah, well... don't quote them on anything; BMW, Lexus, Audi, etc. (even the comparatively lowly Jaguar and Cadillac) seem to have no problem charging less for their cars and offering the service. Why's that, I wonder?

If I were you and was comparing the cars, I'd consider an 03 or 04 to get the free warranty service (which is really about a $1600 value over the first 4 years of ownership, sez my dealer); on the other hand, despite the "rolltop" center console not being quite as nice to put your elbow on, the new cup holders really upstage the old rube goldbergian contraptions.

Not to make too big a deal of it, but having lived with crappy BMW cupholders for years, and being a morning coffee addict, I must say that the rolltop console cupholders are excellent.

new steering rack (from CLS) introduced in '05

You know that they've updated the car since 2003 -- probably 50 to 100 new parts and components difference....

The 05 and newer units should have the new steering rack. This has to be the best improvement, all others seem to be cosmetic in nature. I know because I put the 06 CLS55 steering rack in my 04 and its night and day, well maybe not that extreme but its much better. The turn is faster and at high speeds understeer is much less prevalent.

I went from an '04 E500 to a late model '05 E55. Granted, different cars, but what a set of racks on her!!

people say the airmatic setting in 03 were a lot more noticeable between sport 1 and 2 than the new ones.