istewart

Been browsing this site for about 2 months now and have made the decision to go from my beloved '03 M3 to a new E63 AMG (when it is officially introduced). Currently on the waiting list for one (....don't know what number as of yet but the dealer already took my deposit, of course).

Just wondered what major differences there are going from the rough riding, but very nimble, M3 to an E AMG. Reason I am changing is that I want some additional comfort with my speed. Figured I'd get a Zo6 in the next 1-2 years if the sports car feel became a necessity.

Anyway, really not a fan of the interiors of the E55 AMG and am thinking about going w/ a Designo package, more than likely the mocha!! I know one active member (Kev) has this but have not seen good pictures of it. From what I can tell the interior is great but am worried about having a 'brown' (black w/ gold specks) car. Please let me know. Thanks in advance....

ClayJ

You're going to have a lot more comfort, a much better ride, and a lot more room in the E55/E63 over the M3. Think euro luxury sport sedan instead of sports car almost a sedan like with the M3.....

You're also going to have alot more power.

I assume that you are talking about the Designo Espresso Package: nappa brown leather, maple wood, and Designo Mocha paint -- if so (I have it on a G55) it is indeed a beautiful combination, one of the very best looking MBZ interiors.

The Designo Mocha paint is actually kind of a flinty- or slatey-dark chocolate brown IMO - more of a solid color than a metallic one. Perhaps try thinking of a very dark brown, almost black, lava rock. I don't think that you're going to have an issue with "black with gold specks in it", as it just isn't like that. It is a classy, slightly subdued color.

Hope that I've helped. And you're going to love the E55/E63: one of the best Benzes ever (much like your M3 only size it up to an M5).

Vetluver

I have an M3 (wife's) and a E55 and I can't stand the M3 for more than 20 miles. It wears on me. I love the handling, just not in large doses. I have a Vette for the track and the Benz for the family car. As long as you think of it as a luxury car you'll be happy. If you want it to be a track car with the feel of a Pcar, forget about it. The E55 is a luxury vehicle that, regardless of the feel, will still run with most sportscars just because of brute HP. With the right tires and some upgrades, it will perform much better in the handling department than from the factory but it's still not in the league of the M3.

istewart

That dark brown/slate type color sounds intriguing for the Designo Espresso combination. Anyone have any good pics of such? Did a search and saw 2 guys with it but lighting wasn't good. Dealers don't have them. Please let me know. Thanks....

RJC

The 63 should be an interesting ride. I believe it gets the 7 speed, no more supercharger issues (overheating, chirping, low rpm hesitation etc). Not that we care that much but I'd bet the mpg's increase a bit a too. I'd imagine it gets the new 63 type rims and I'd suspect there's going to be some improved suspension tuning. I'd also venture to say it will be about 60-100 lbs lighter. I'd bet this new car is 2-3/10's quicker in 0-60 and the Q/M trap speeds go up by 3-6 mph.

ClayJ

istewart-

Here is a pic of what I consider to be a fair representation of the color, albeit on a somwhat overcast day....

With a little more sunlight you would be able to see a liitle bit more 'brown' in the 'black' -- but this shows you both the solidity of the color and the overall color-value.

I don't have any pics of mine available to me at the moment-

istewart

My concerns are decreasing as that appears to be more black than I thought it would be. How do you guys w/ the Designo Espresso combo like that color? Any regrets for a plain black, or other color w/ that gorgeous interior?

Kev04C320

The color of the paint changes depending on the lighting. Under bright sun light, you will easily notice the brownish-gold color of the mocha black paint. When you're not under direct sunlight, the car appears black, with some metallic sheen.

Boston's weather has not been cooperating lately. I'll try to get my car washed tomorrow and get some good pics taken. Keep your fingers crossed that the weather is going be nice like the weather forecast says.

I really like the interior color combo. However, I'm more inclined to darker wood panels than the Designo Poplar Brown wood trim. Designo Umbre Maple or Piano Black would be a great combination with the Designo sand, anthracite two tone interior.

istewart

Kev04C320-

I lived in Randolph, MA for several years and went to college in Boston. Weather was always crappy during the winter time... overcast, cold and snowy. I would truly appreciate some pics, interior and exterior if able.

If I recall correctly, you and I share the same profession. Reading prior posts indicate that you are currently in Med school, correct? The thing to remember during the long trying days ahead is that each year gets better and by 4th year the classroom has all but disappeared. Hospitals and clinics will teach you more than any book. Residency is a whole different, highly-educational, story. One that has to be lived to be enjoyed and appreciated.

Anyway, back to the issue at hand....pics. Whenever you get a chance. Thanks.

jangy

I'll bet you on:
MPG - 6.3 liter vs 5.4? Hmmm, maybe
lighter - 6.3 liter vs 5.4? Hmmm, maybe not
2-3/10's quicker in 0-60? No. Supercharger has that advantage anyday
1/4mile speeds up by 3-6mph? No way. 3-6 is a butt load.

Performance wise, I expect the 63 to hold its own and be CLOSE to the current line, but I bet that MB is just planning on selling them based on their already hefty rep. The only place I see the E63 beating an E55 is top end at best. Over 100mph is the only spot where the SC is at a disadvantage with respect to displacement. Do you drive an E55? If not, where did you get the numbers? Just wondering. BY the way, if the E63 was supposed to be all that, you'd see the rest of us getting "deposits" down, too. Personally, I am getting an '06 to replace my '05, so that I can keep the SC for MODS.

Fikse

???

6MPH higher traps? not a chance.... and I doubt the car will be any lighter.... I think performace will be almost identical.... the 63 motor will have a little more power, and less torque..... 7 speed tranny will help out most for high speed runs.... ie, after the 1/4 mile is over....

dragonAMG

I concur... I don't think it will be much faster if at all.

W210

If the new 63 engine can move a heavy ML (5,000 lb+) to 100km/h in 5 seconds (claimed by MB, this means 0-60mph below 5 seconds), it should be fairly impressive in the E.

Does anyone remember the performance difference between the W210 E55 and the W163 ML55, I believe it was quite significant.

RJC

I would really hate to think MB went through all the research and development costs to bring a new more powerful line of AMG engines to market with the car performing the same as the outgoing model. The fuel economy should also be improved as that's something all car manufacturers are doing even on super high performance models ie;the new Z06. The small weight difference would be due to not having any kompressor related items.

vixapphire

perhaps the idea is that the current engines already outperform the governor, so the new engines may have the same or marginally better performance but (hopefully) much improved fuel efficiency? that would be acceptable for what is a mid-size sedan, after all... but i'm not holding my breath.

RJC

If the car acutally gets the 7 speed that will help with MPG to some extent, it should also help the 0-60 times just a bit too. If the new engine is engineered to increase MPG in addition to performance we could see a 10-15% increase in fuel economy. Although the 63 is down on torque I still believe it will be faster, as the 55 has so much torque it's difficult to hook up the stock tires to begin with. The extra 34 hp and extra 2 gears should account for something good. Can't wait to see a back to back test between the two cars. I would guess the mags will get their testers in about 1-2 months...

chem0

has there been anything about an LSD from the factory?

Kev04C320

Today's weather was great so I took her out for a spin and ended up in front of the school. I took some snapshots of the car. Hope it'll give you an idea on what the paint looks like under normal condition.

ClayJ

Thanks Kev

BoBcanada

i doubt they would make it any slower, i think it should be the same and faster acceleration at higher speeds due to 7 gears.

e63sds36e

it would be odd and sad if the e63 is not better/faster than the outgoing e55. why would they even bother replacing e55? i think the trend for the future models is to outdo the previous ones, so if they really do come out with the car that is no better than the last one, then they've wasted a bunch of $$$ on r&d.

istewart

The last pic really gives me an idea of the true color. Does look dark brown in that one. Still a very classy color. That'll be the one!!! (Of course, that's unless they change some of the interior options on the 'stock' E AMG's). Don't really see that happening though. Love the interior and am slowly getting a greater appreciation for the exterior as well. Thanks again.

Bigdot

thats Fletcher Jones.

Kev04C320

No problem. In the last one it looks brown because it took up some of the color of the Talbot building (the red brick building behind. In an open area, it would look more like the first one in a distance. It would look brown in close up shots.

bfnnrgn

Has anyone put down a deposit on the E63 or plan on doing so? Or are you all waiting to see how it turns out? I've been contemplating switching over but so far have been fairly unimpressed with the new engine. Right now I'm leaning to sticking with the E55.