W211 AMG Discuss the W211 AMG's such as the E55 and the E63

is the interior of the E63 different than an E55?

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Old 07-15-2006, 04:12 PM
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is the interior of the E63 different than an E55?

aside from the new powertrain and exterior differences (like new front bumper and wheels), what are the differences between the E55 and the E63? is the interior going to change at all? any new electronics offered in the E63 (ie night vision, head up display, things of that nature)? thanks.
Old 07-15-2006, 04:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Choson1
aside from the new powertrain and exterior differences (like new front bumper and wheels), what are the differences between the E55 and the E63? is the interior going to change at all? any new electronics offered in the E63 (ie night vision, head up display, things of that nature)? thanks.
the one I saw had a black dash, with slightly different lettering vs our silver ones. Obviously no Kompressor signia. Also, it had the CLS55 style ergonomic steering wheel.

see my post for the pics.

NO new electronics that I know of. In fact, there will be some that get taken out, like drive by wire brakes.

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...46#post1674246
Old 07-15-2006, 04:55 PM
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This is a E63 review from Wheels24 in South Africa.

"Why have you slowed down?" came the low, growling voice from the right hand seat. "Have you wimped out?"
We had just entered the German autobahn, and after looking for a gap I had darted across to the overtaking lane, which was empty, and floored the throttle.

Scant seconds later the engine started to misfire a bit, as if there wasn't enough fuel getting through. Problem? No, in that short time - and I'm talking less than 20 seconds - we had leapt from around 80 km/h to the electronically limited 250 km/h. It didn't feel like it, and the car seemed good for at least another 50 km/h. But we were up against the electronic stops, and that was that. My colleague could complain as much as he liked, but flat-out is flat-out.

That's the reality of the latest powerhouse from Mercedes-Benz, the E 63 AMG four door sedan and its sporty cousin, the CLS 63 AMG four door coupe.

2,000 changes
I've already told you about the latest E-Class models and the fact that they have more than 2 000 new parts, making this newest range more than just a facelift, and these changes apply just as much to the AMG versions, the E 63 sedan and estate, and the CLS.


I didn't drive the E 63T AMG wagon, but I DID drive the new E 500T estate, which, with 285 kW, gets a lot closer to the power of the old E 55 AMG's 350 kW, and sprints from rest to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. As with all Mercedes-Benz cars (except the SLR) top speed is limited to 250 km/h. Performance on the E 500T estate, as to be expected, is stunning - but handling, as often happens with a station wagon, which has to balance the diverse needs of people and load carrying, is a bit of a compromise.
Still good, but not GREAT.

However, the same can't be said for the E 63 AMG. Taut as a clock spring, but not at all wound up, this is a rocket ship of a car. And it's not just about out-and-out power. The car accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the supercharged E 55 AMG.

Mid-range grunt
However, with massive torque of 630 Nm (maxing at 5 200 r/min) and the seven-speed auto gearbox, it has tremendous mid-range acceleration combined with BIG improvements in fuel economy over the E55.
With a combined EU petrol thirst of 14.5 litres/100 km it's certainly still no fuel-sipper, but E55 owners will tell you that's mild...

While the E 55 was derived from the "cooking" E 500 V8, the 6.3-litre unit is brand new. Developed completely independently by AMG, the high-performance engine has around 20% more torque than comparable naturally aspirated engines in this output class. Made from high-strength aluminium, the AMG V8 features a number of technologies borrowed from motor sport, highlighting the racing tradition of AMG.

And it REVS.
Get into most V8s, and they start to run out of steam around the 6 000 mark, if you're lucky. But the AMG motor whips around to 7 000 r/min with alacrity, at which point the sound - what little there is of it that permeates into the cabin - is pure delight.

Though not the biggest on the road, the E-Class is no wilting violet of a car, with lots of room for five adults (it's Germany's most popular taxi) and their luggage. So does it handle? The answer is yes, yes, and another yes for good luck. The E55 could catch you unawares if you weren't careful, especially if you managed to get one rear wheel on looser stuff than the other.

New brakes
But this latest version is equipped with AMG sports suspension as well as a high-performance AMG braking system. The new sports suspension, based on the semi-active AIRMATIC DC air suspension with adaptive damping system, sees both the springs and the shock absorbers significantly stiffened. In addition, changed characteristics for the three stages of the AMG shock absorbers mean body movements are reduced. Because of the automatically self-levelling suspension on all wheels spring travel is always the same even when the vehicle is fully loaded. In addition, thicker stabilisers help reduce body roll when cornering at high speeds.

So you get great handling - and it's not too bumpy, either - yet by touching the button on the between-seats console you can immediately change from race track firm to boulevard spring mattress.

And those brakes! The E 63 and its cousin the CLS 63 feature a new high-performance composite brake system at the front, with internally ventilated perforated brake discs all around.

This is coupled with 8.5 and 9.5-inch wide (front/rear) titanium grey high-sheen 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a new five-spoke design fitted with 255/40 and 285/35 tyres respectrively.

And unlike other Merc models, which still retain some semblance of stability control even when the ESP button is off, on the AMG versions "Off" means just that. Best left for those with the skills of Kimi Raikonnen...



7-speed gearbox
Earlier I mentioned the gearbox. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC offers full automatic or manual, the latter using the central gear lever or the new aluminium gearshift paddles which replace the buttons used on the E 55. The 7-speed automatic system adapts itself to driving style - be it dynamic or more laid-back.

Accessible via a switch in the centre console, the driving modes "S" (Sport), "C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual) each have different gearshift characteristics and speeds. Gear-changing time in "S" mode is about 30% faster than in "C" mode - and in "M" mode it is up to around 50% quicker.
If manual mode ("M") is selected, the driver also benefits from the V8 engine's immense pulling power, since automatic downshifts are prevented, even at full load or when the kickdown position is reached. In other words, the driver can be sure that the selected gear will remain engaged. Selecting manual mode also prevents the 'box from performing an automatic upshift when the engine speed limit for a particular gear is reached.

Styling
So what about styling? Both the E 63 and the CLS get a contoured front apron with large air inlets and circular fog lamps, side skirts, and a distinctive rear apron with the traditional AMG design. On the E 63 the radiator grille has four silver-painted louvres as well as "6.3 AMG" lettering on the front wings; the CLS gets three louvres. An especially sexy feature on the E 63 is the "shark's gills" hot air outlets just ahead of the front wheel arches. Both sedan and coupe get an integrated AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid which reduces lift acting on the rear axle by about 30%, giving driving stability at high speeds. The E 63 gets quad round exhaust pipes; the CLS gets twin chromed oval pipes.

Inside both cars are AMG sports seats with AMG upholstery piping and perforation pattern with double stitching. In addition they are equipped with seat heating, an AMG nameplate, and Alcantara inserts at shoulder level to give more lateral support while cornering at higher speeds.

There's also top-quality nappa leather in three different colour combinations on all seats, the door centre panels and at the centre armrest; the AMG sports steering wheel with gearshift; chrome-plated door sill panels bearing the AMG logo; and the AMG instrument cluster with its 320 km/h speedometer.

.....

That enough?
Old 07-15-2006, 05:05 PM
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Originally Posted by ClayJ
June 2006

This is a E63 review from Wheels24 in South Africa.

"Why have you slowed down?" came the low, growling voice from the right hand seat. "Have you wimped out?"
We had just entered the German autobahn, and after looking for a gap I had darted across to the overtaking lane, which was empty, and floored the throttle.

Scant seconds later the engine started to misfire a bit, as if there wasn't enough fuel getting through. Problem? No, in that short time - and I'm talking less than 20 seconds - we had leapt from around 80 km/h to the electronically limited 250 km/h. It didn't feel like it, and the car seemed good for at least another 50 km/h. But we were up against the electronic stops, and that was that. My colleague could complain as much as he liked, but flat-out is flat-out.

That's the reality of the latest powerhouse from Mercedes-Benz, the E 63 AMG four door sedan and its sporty cousin, the CLS 63 AMG four door coupe.

2,000 changes
I've already told you about the latest E-Class models and the fact that they have more than 2 000 new parts, making this newest range more than just a facelift, and these changes apply just as much to the AMG versions, the E 63 sedan and estate, and the CLS.

I didn't drive the E 63T AMG wagon, but I DID drive the new E 500T estate, which, with 285 kW, gets a lot closer to the power of the old E 55 AMG's 350 kW, and sprints from rest to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. As with all Mercedes-Benz cars (except the SLR) top speed is limited to 250 km/h. Performance on the E 500T estate, as to be expected, is stunning - but handling, as often happens with a station wagon, which has to balance the diverse needs of people and load carrying, is a bit of a compromise.
Still good, but not GREAT.

However, the same can't be said for the E 63 AMG. Taut as a clock spring, but not at all wound up, this is a rocket ship of a car. And it's not just about out-and-out power. The car accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the supercharged E 55 AMG.

Mid-range grunt
However, with massive torque of 630 Nm (maxing at 5 200 r/min) and the seven-speed auto gearbox, it has tremendous mid-range acceleration combined with BIG improvements in fuel economy over the E55.
With a combined EU petrol thirst of 14.5 litres/100 km it's certainly still no fuel-sipper, but E55 owners will tell you that's mild...

While the E 55 was derived from the "cooking" E 500 V8, the 6.3-litre unit is brand new. Developed completely independently by AMG, the high-performance engine has around 20% more torque than comparable naturally aspirated engines in this output class. Made from high-strength aluminium, the AMG V8 features a number of technologies borrowed from motor sport, highlighting the racing tradition of AMG.

And it REVS.
Get into most V8s, and they start to run out of steam around the 6 000 mark, if you're lucky. But the AMG motor whips around to 7 000 r/min with alacrity, at which point the sound - what little there is of it that permeates into the cabin - is pure delight.

Though not the biggest on the road, the E-Class is no wilting violet of a car, with lots of room for five adults (it's Germany's most popular taxi) and their luggage. So does it handle? The answer is yes, yes, and another yes for good luck. The E55 could catch you unawares if you weren't careful, especially if you managed to get one rear wheel on looser stuff than the other.

New brakes
But this latest version is equipped with AMG sports suspension as well as a high-performance AMG braking system. The new sports suspension, based on the semi-active AIRMATIC DC air suspension with adaptive damping system, sees both the springs and the shock absorbers significantly stiffened. In addition, changed characteristics for the three stages of the AMG shock absorbers mean body movements are reduced. Because of the automatically self-levelling suspension on all wheels spring travel is always the same even when the vehicle is fully loaded. In addition, thicker stabilisers help reduce body roll when cornering at high speeds.

So you get great handling - and it's not too bumpy, either - yet by touching the button on the between-seats console you can immediately change from race track firm to boulevard spring mattress.

And those brakes! The E 63 and its cousin the CLS 63 feature a new high-performance composite brake system at the front, with internally ventilated perforated brake discs all around.

This is coupled with 8.5 and 9.5-inch wide (front/rear) titanium grey high-sheen 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a new five-spoke design fitted with 255/40 and 285/35 tyres respectrively.

And unlike other Merc models, which still retain some semblance of stability control even when the ESP button is off, on the AMG versions "Off" means just that. Best left for those with the skills of Kimi Raikonnen...



7-speed gearbox
Earlier I mentioned the gearbox. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC offers full automatic or manual, the latter using the central gear lever or the new aluminium gearshift paddles which replace the buttons used on the E 55. The 7-speed automatic system adapts itself to driving style - be it dynamic or more laid-back.

Accessible via a switch in the centre console, the driving modes "S" (Sport), "C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual) each have different gearshift characteristics and speeds. Gear-changing time in "S" mode is about 30% faster than in "C" mode - and in "M" mode it is up to around 50% quicker.
If manual mode ("M") is selected, the driver also benefits from the V8 engine's immense pulling power, since automatic downshifts are prevented, even at full load or when the kickdown position is reached. In other words, the driver can be sure that the selected gear will remain engaged. Selecting manual mode also prevents the 'box from performing an automatic upshift when the engine speed limit for a particular gear is reached.

Styling
So what about styling? Both the E 63 and the CLS get a contoured front apron with large air inlets and circular fog lamps, side skirts, and a distinctive rear apron with the traditional AMG design. On the E 63 the radiator grille has four silver-painted louvres as well as "6.3 AMG" lettering on the front wings; the CLS gets three louvres. An especially sexy feature on the E 63 is the "shark's gills" hot air outlets just ahead of the front wheel arches. Both sedan and coupe get an integrated AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid which reduces lift acting on the rear axle by about 30%, giving driving stability at high speeds. The E 63 gets quad round exhaust pipes; the CLS gets twin chromed oval pipes.

Inside both cars are AMG sports seats with AMG upholstery piping and perforation pattern with double stitching. In addition they are equipped with seat heating, an AMG nameplate, and Alcantara inserts at shoulder level to give more lateral support while cornering at higher speeds.

There's also top-quality nappa leather in three different colour combinations on all seats, the door centre panels and at the centre armrest; the AMG sports steering wheel with gearshift; chrome-plated door sill panels bearing the AMG logo; and the AMG instrument cluster with its 320 km/h speedometer.

.....

That enough?

Like I said. NOTHING. Funny how you quote someone then add in your own crud!! The ESP will not change in the US, nor will the speed limiter, so wherever you got that is flat out. The suspension is the AMG suspension (instead of arguing, give me specs). The brakes will only be available in the US as part of the 030 package and can be bought by ANY of the E55 owners as an upgrade (not that ceramic brakes are worth jack on a street).

So, to answer your question, no it isn't. How about some specs, instead of your "version". We don't need to get into people's reps, do we?
Old 07-15-2006, 05:08 PM
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Hmmm...Man on a Mission - and tough, too!

I'll get back to you on that, Jangy - don't have time to do all the looking up, copying and pasting, and posting today....

Old 07-15-2006, 05:12 PM
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Originally Posted by ClayJ
Hmmm...Man on a Mission - and tough, too!

I'll get back to you on that, Jangy - don't have time to do all the looking up, copying and pasting, and posting today....

Sounds good. Actually, I would like to see it. Whenever you have the time, but just the facts, please. i'm not real big on other people's impressions.
Old 07-15-2006, 05:14 PM
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Well, the instrument dials would not have the "V8 Kompressor" writings on the 63's for starter.
Old 07-15-2006, 05:31 PM
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..........of course W211 E55 owners will insist that Mercedes decided to downgrade the E55 by creating the E63. That Mb was specifically banned from improving the car in any way. That infact for the US market, Mb was instructed to make the car more ugly, the interior less refined,the car slower and the performance much worse. That the magazine articles so far that favor the E63 over the M5 are all stupid and unreliable. This makes for interesting alliance........W211 E55 and M5 owners allied together against the E63 and calling for the head of the publisher of any magazine that prefers the E63.

.........this is a common response from owners of older cars when a newer car comes along. This is why one should buy a car because they like it, not because it is the latest and greatest. Next week there will be another latest and greatest, so you end up driving yourself nuts. If you keep waiting for the prettiest girl before you get married, you are bound to end up alone. For as soon as you get married to the prettiest girl, Well an even prettier one will cross your path.

.......Wait those that do not like the E63 may be right afterall. Mercedes has done this before. Mercedes going from a W208 to a W209 CLK can hardly be called an improvement. So we shall all see.


Ted

Last edited by Ted Baldwin; 07-15-2006 at 05:38 PM.
Old 07-15-2006, 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Ted Baldwin
..........of course W211 E55 owners will insist that Mercedes decided to downgrade the E55 by creating the E63. That Mb was specifically banned from improving the car in any way. That infact for the US market, Mb was instructed to make the car more ugly, the interior less refined,the car slower and the performance much worse. That the magazine articles so far that favor the E63 over the M5 are all stupid and unreliable. This makes for interesting alliance........W211 E55 and M5 owners allied together against the E63 and calling for the head of the publisher of any magazine that prefers the E63.

.........this is a common response from owners of older cars when a newer car comes along. Well they may be right. Mercedes has done this before. Going from a W208 to a W209 CLK can hardly be called an improvement. So we shall all see.

Ted

No one is arguing that the E63 won't spank the M5. But, let's see how it does on the E55??


Love!!! Again, no facts, huh? Hehe, I love watching all of you squirm after your bible (Motor Trend, R&T, C&D, whatever) has been questioned. Can't answer the questions, huh? Bash on. Whatever makes you feel good.
Old 07-15-2006, 05:46 PM
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Originally Posted by jangy
No one is arguing that the E63 won't spank the M5. But, let's see how it does on the E55??


Love!!! Again, no facts, huh? Hehe, I love watching all of you squirm after your bible (Motor Trend, R&T, C&D, whatever) has been questioned. Can't answer the questions, huh? Bash on. Whatever makes you feel good.
......smiling, I hope you don't consider my post a bash. I still have a lowly W210 E55. I don't even have a W211E55 let alone an E63. The reason the E63 magazine articles are somewhat significant is that as inaccurate as they are, they usually choose the M5 over its AMG counterpart in the handling dept. So for them to choose the E63 over the M5 in handling is either because it is true or they are all drunk or MB/AMG has finally started buying off magazine publishers like BMW did.

Ted
Old 07-15-2006, 05:55 PM
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looking at photos of the 63 and the inside of my own 55T, it appears the 63 will have the steering wheel and seating of the CLS55. i wish they'd put those ultrasuede shoulder thingies on my 55's front seats, but you can't have everything...

also, looks like the dash gauges have been changed from white to black; the 63's gauges are suspiciously similar to those in the "IWC edition" CLS55, albeit without those $50,000 letters "IWC" (and the "kompressor" wording as well, natch). not just the color, but the typeface of the numbers on the gauges makes it a fair comparison in my opinion.
Old 07-15-2006, 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Ted Baldwin
......smiling, I hope you don't consider my post a bash. I still have a lowly W210 E55. I don't even have a W211E55 let alone an E63. The reason the E63 magazine articles are somewhat significant is that as inaccurate as they are, they usually choose the M5 over its AMG counterpart in the handling dept. So for them to choose the E63 over the M5 in handling is either because it is true or they are all drunk or MB/AMG has finally started buying off magazine publishers like BMW did.

Ted
I hear you, but let's also remember that these same magazine editors picked the HANDLING of the W211 over the 5 series for the first time in the history of the "rivalry"
Go back and look at the articles of the E500 compared to the 545i, so nothing is new.
By the way, there is nothing wrong with a W210, either.
Old 07-15-2006, 05:58 PM
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Originally Posted by vixapphire
looking at photos of the 63 and the inside of my own 55T, it appears the 63 will have the steering wheel and seating of the CLS55. i wish they'd put those ultrasuede shoulder thingies on my 55's front seats, but you can't have everything...

also, looks like the dash gauges have been changed from white to black; the 63's gauges are suspiciously similar to those in the "IWC edition" CLS55, albeit without those $50,000 letters "IWC" (and the "kompressor" wording as well, natch). not just the color, but the typeface of the numbers on the gauges makes it a fair comparison in my opinion.
Nice catch. IWC will be a more integral part of all AMGs in the future. Not that we will be getting the watches with the cars, but there is some marketing synergy.

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