invid

I'm in the process of selling my 2001 M3 and I'm really interested in picking up an e55. Has anyone been through this step before? If so, how much different is driving the two cars? I know the e55 is only auto so I'm thinking it might be a little boring..Also is the supercharger shut-off problem a popular issue..and how long does the supercharger usually shut off for?

pic of my current ride..

Akara1

I had an '02 E46 M3, and I now have an '06 E55. They are completely different cars, each with its own purpose. The E55's power is amazing. The M3 wins in the handling department. One is a realtivley light sports car, the other is more of a high speed cruiser. Just dont expect the E55 to feel the same as the M3. It is in a totally different league in terms of comfort and power. I loved my M3, but the E55 truly is a pleasure to drive everyday.

krispykrme

Did that before.

E55 is a very different type of car. It's heavy and does not like to be pushed hard nor as nimble as the M3. But M3 lacks punch at low end, while E55's torque is amazing and super addicting.

If you like to toss the car around, the E55 is not the car for you. If you only care about all out straight line run, than E55 is perfect car for you.

invid

Any responses about the supercharging shutting off?

Akara1

Dont think mine has ever shut off, but i've only had the car for 3 months.

tama_mog

and the fact that the e55's do not come in manual does make the car boring to tell you the truth. the shifting delays with the manual shift buttons is horrendously slow...it's not exactly a car that you pick up to be a "driver" oriented car in my opinion....but it makes a great daily cruiser ride....the car literally drives itself compared to my evo and my brother's 2005 m3 since in my evo I actually have to drive the car and be more aware....

OUTLAW///M3 SMG

Dont expect it to handle like your M3, Im sure you already know that. Say goodbye to the ability to throw your car into corners and powerlisde out of a turn with confidence. Say goodbye to SMG and .080 milesecond neck snapping gear changes if you have it.

What the mercedes amg lacks above. It MORE then makes up for it in BRUTAL accelleration and comfort alone..Those 2 reasons is all you need. Go do yourself a favor and get one!

medici78

My S/C has never shut off. Not even in local desert summer weather. I traded my E46 M3 for my current E55. I really liked my M3, but I have ZERO regrets after trading it for the E55. The comfort and torque will overcome any doubt you ever had, trust me

2K6E55

You wont regret it... E55 rules!

WayneE

I have a 2006 with over 9000 miles since July 2005. I have not experienced supercharger shutoff, including hot lapping at the track (3 full passes each time).

As far as fun to drive, that's a very subjective thing. For me, the E55 is just a nice cruiser. It handles well, but it isn't a sportscar. If you're looking for a sportscar, you will be disappointed. If you're looking for a rocket powered luxury sedan, the E55 is the car for you.

Fast55

Definitely. The power is almost equal to my blown '02, But the car is in another league as far as plush cruisability goes. Not even close to the M car handling, but it isn't bad. When you consider how it rides and drives, the handling is actually pretty good, and 516 ft./lb. will put a smile on your face every time you drive it.

bgee55

i went from an 02 smg m3 to 05 e55...have no regrets...

merc655

honestly, I had an E55 for about 18 months and it was absolutely great. Don't really worry about cornering too much, that car completely blows the M3 away in speed. (I had one of those). One of the best riding cars I have ever known and just so easy to use.


invid:If you get a black one you can paint your grill black, and get a flat hood emblem and some black wheels and tint and it'll look bad ***. Even just in the Sport 2 setting, unless your into the suspension thing. You will have an equally stealth car that's is absolutely awesome.

I didn't ever have any major problems, except tires


definitely get one.

Fikse

it wasn't boring for me the other day when I put 10 car lengths on an M3, and took down a C6 vette afterwards....

istewart

I'm in the same boat.....I have an '03 M3 and am going to be switching to a E63 (whenever they introduce the darn thing). I have 19" SSR GT3's on my M and the daily commute is brutal. While I love the car at 70+ miles per hour, the 30-40 mph slow going over rough roads are brutal. This is the reason that I am switching. I drove a brand new CLS55 the other day and it is definitely true that it blows away an M3, I should know... I even considered getting a GS430 (or the 450h due out this month) and keeping the M3. All in all the rush of the AMG is intoxicating, so decided to keep the deposit I put on the E63 intact.

Anyway, long and short of it is that I plan on getting an E. Love my M3 but need something fast, furious, comfortable to drive to work on a daily basis. Besides, as funds become available, I plan on getting a Z06 as well!! Shhhhh.....don't tell the wife

invid

going to go test drive a 2004 CPO at the laguna niguel benz. can anyone recommend a good salesman over there?

2K6E55

Talk to Paul Brown. Good guy! He will work w/you on the price...

Birdmann

same boat bro just got out of a 01 M3 all modded up and ****. Now i have a CLS55 loved the M to death dont get me wrong, but im now wondering why i waited so long to get rid of it. Power and comfort for the benz is sick. M handled crazy but it never gave you the option to tell the chick next to you that the pulsating seats will take care of her back pain from bending over the center console for so long......

E55 RUSS

Sold my M5 and cant wait for my E55...

stevebez

M5 RUS - why u flip the M5 ? Sorry I know it may be obvious to some - but curious.

Rgds Steve.

TopGun32

good luck your search for your E55..

the kompressor shut off has appeared with several members, but compared to the actual numbers of vehicles produced the percentage is very, very low.

Basically make sure the car is CPO, or you take to the dealer and have it inspected and run all their service records.

make sure you get a extended warranty.. if you can.

if money is not an issue, the CLS will handle a bit better and have about the same speed.

kleiv

I went from a M3 E46 to a 996tt and then the E55 and I don't regret it.

Vetluver

I've had 3 M3s and continue to own one now. The E55 will outperform the M3 period. I don't care what conditions or what road course, except autocross. HP makes up for the lack of knife edge handling. As for the automatic, I don't miss the standard at all. The M3 is a nice sports coupe, the E55 is a supercar in a grocery getters clothes. Now if you were to put E55 torque in an M3 that would be a different animal, probably one I would get.

TopGun32

Even the new M3 or M4 with the 4.0L V8 won't have the torque it really needs. It will have the HP for the highway pulls, but around town 300 lbs of torque is just not enough anymore..



not when you have IS350, 350z, G35's and even EVO's and STI's putthing that much stock..

OUTLAW///M3 SMG

Are you sure about that? where are you getting your facts from? especially on your last statement.