E63 Disappoints again
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Potomac, Md
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2006 E320 CDI, 2007 ML 320 CDI, 2008 C63, 2008 G55
E63 Disappoints again
Earlier in the week I posted a review of an SLK55 out accelerating an E63. I’ve been baffled and confused ever since. The E63 I’ve ordered is in and I’ve been holding the dealer off as I deliberate whether or not I should trade my SLK55 for the much anticipated E63. I previously owned a 05 E55 and loved the power but hated the breaks and transmission. The E63’s transmission and breaks seem to be a huge improvement over the E55’s.
Today I went my dealer in Germantown, MD and drove the actual E63 that I ordered. I met up with a friend of mine who took out a new E550 4-Matic. We met up on Rt. 118 in Germantown for some experimentation. At 3 red lights the E550 just simply jumped out in front of the E63. Keep in mind that this was a completely different E63 than the one I tested against the SLK55 last week. The E63 experienced some wheel spin but none-the-less it just seems to be lacking the low-end grunt of the E550. The E550 jumped off the line (I know all-wheel drive) whereas the E63 seemed to need some time to find it's stride. It’s almost like the E63 suffers from a major case of turbo-lag (Minus the turbo). We then took the 2 cars onto Rt. 270 where the E550 felt incredible. As speeds exceeded 100 MHP the E63 was able to over take the E550 but the E550 certainly put up a good fight. Rt. 270 is a hot spot for Maryland State Troopers so we had to choose our bursts of speed with great caution and keep them brief, well within a straight-line field of vision.
I’m really torn about what to do with the E63 that I ordered. I think 07 E63 is going to have a similar fate to the 2002 and 2003 S55’s that were naturally aspirated. They were great cars that received a major boost in HP in 2004 with the addition of the Kompressor. The 02 and 03 S55’s were very expensive and after only 2 model years they were made obsolete by the 5.5 Kompressor. Could you imagine spending $120,000 on a 2003 S55 with 350 HP and about a year later the car gets a 100+ HP boost at a minimal price increase. I really feel that AMG is going to introduce a high-capacity twin turbo system to the 6.3 in the 2008/2009 time frame that produces over 600 HP.
I’m feeling like the E63 is simply not worth the $30,000 to $40,000 premium over the E550.
Today I went my dealer in Germantown, MD and drove the actual E63 that I ordered. I met up with a friend of mine who took out a new E550 4-Matic. We met up on Rt. 118 in Germantown for some experimentation. At 3 red lights the E550 just simply jumped out in front of the E63. Keep in mind that this was a completely different E63 than the one I tested against the SLK55 last week. The E63 experienced some wheel spin but none-the-less it just seems to be lacking the low-end grunt of the E550. The E550 jumped off the line (I know all-wheel drive) whereas the E63 seemed to need some time to find it's stride. It’s almost like the E63 suffers from a major case of turbo-lag (Minus the turbo). We then took the 2 cars onto Rt. 270 where the E550 felt incredible. As speeds exceeded 100 MHP the E63 was able to over take the E550 but the E550 certainly put up a good fight. Rt. 270 is a hot spot for Maryland State Troopers so we had to choose our bursts of speed with great caution and keep them brief, well within a straight-line field of vision.
I’m really torn about what to do with the E63 that I ordered. I think 07 E63 is going to have a similar fate to the 2002 and 2003 S55’s that were naturally aspirated. They were great cars that received a major boost in HP in 2004 with the addition of the Kompressor. The 02 and 03 S55’s were very expensive and after only 2 model years they were made obsolete by the 5.5 Kompressor. Could you imagine spending $120,000 on a 2003 S55 with 350 HP and about a year later the car gets a 100+ HP boost at a minimal price increase. I really feel that AMG is going to introduce a high-capacity twin turbo system to the 6.3 in the 2008/2009 time frame that produces over 600 HP.
I’m feeling like the E63 is simply not worth the $30,000 to $40,000 premium over the E550.
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 4,330
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'09 911 C4S
The E63 will probably not get turbo until the debut of the next E-class chassis. If the 63 engine is getting turbo charged, it will probably appear in the CL, SL, and S before the CLS and E will get it.
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Salt Lake City (but not Morm)
Posts: 7,092
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes
on
10 Posts
2003 E55 & 2014 GL550
![EEK!](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif)
This all just doesn't seem real.
If this is all true, (obviously seems like the case), this is basically "life as we know it" until late 2008 at the earliest (2009 W212 rollout)
I hate to say it, but perhaps it's time to make a statement of our dislike of this new setup. Breaks my heart to say, but perhaps if sales plummet, some meetings....FIRINGS, and changes will be rushed ahead.
Still kinda holding out hope for the 9/15 meeting. If we get some nice 12 sec numbers, I will feel a lot better.
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: In my garage
Posts: 8,631
Received 1,085 Likes
on
872 Posts
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
I think 07 E63 is going to have a similar fate to the 2002 and 2003 S55’s that were naturally aspirated. They were great cars that received a major boost in HP in 2004 with the addition of the Kompressor. The 02 and 03 S55’s were very expensive and after only 2 model years they were made obsolete by the 5.5 Kompressor. Could you imagine spending $120,000 on a 2003 S55 with 350 HP and about a year later the car gets a 100+ HP boost at a minimal price increase. I really feel that AMG is going to introduce a high-capacity twin turbo system to the 6.3 in the 2008/2009 time frame that produces over 600 HP.
![wwf](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/chairshot.gif)
Last edited by BlownV8; 09-09-2006 at 04:15 PM.
Trending Topics
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
07 SL550; C32 (sold)
so the e63 was only able to pass the e550 at speeds over 100? that's sad. looking at the specs of the e550, it does 0-60 in 5.4 secs. that means the 0-60 times for the e63 is nowhere close to what amg is stating. that's like 1 sec off which is a big difference!
perhaps there's bugs in the first batch of cars or maybe they installed wrong parts, etc. i can't see why there can be such a big difference between the manufacturer times and real life. i know it's not broken in yet but come on now, will a broken-in 63 make that much of a difference to shave .5 to 1s? the e550 was broken in either!
it seems like amg is going back and forth here. first they make a car with great acceleration but poor handling. now they have a car w/ not so great acceleration but good handling. can't we just get one that does both at the same time? it's like you have to pick which one is most important to you, acceleration or handling.
perhaps there's bugs in the first batch of cars or maybe they installed wrong parts, etc. i can't see why there can be such a big difference between the manufacturer times and real life. i know it's not broken in yet but come on now, will a broken-in 63 make that much of a difference to shave .5 to 1s? the e550 was broken in either!
it seems like amg is going back and forth here. first they make a car with great acceleration but poor handling. now they have a car w/ not so great acceleration but good handling. can't we just get one that does both at the same time? it's like you have to pick which one is most important to you, acceleration or handling.
Last edited by amgme; 09-09-2006 at 04:29 PM.
#12
Super Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Monroe, Louisiana
Posts: 791
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SL 65 AMG and E63s AMG
I think you should ask yourself if you want a 4 door family car or a 2 seater. Ignore the hype and motors. What do you really need?
My guess is that you should keep the SLK and your money and bide your time.
Rob Allen said that a turbo for the E won't happen, it will definitely be a twin turbo. I'm waiting.
My guess is that you should keep the SLK and your money and bide your time.
Rob Allen said that a turbo for the E won't happen, it will definitely be a twin turbo. I'm waiting.
#13
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Potomac, Md
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2006 E320 CDI, 2007 ML 320 CDI, 2008 C63, 2008 G55
E63 seems to be on Ritalin
E63 seems to be the story of a transmission as opposed to the story of an engine. I think the 6.3 is a great engine and if the engine were allowed to operate at its full potential it would scream but AMG seems to have given the 6.3 a healthy dose of Ritalin in an attempt to de-tune it in order to make it play nice which it’s new 7-speed sibling. Why not unleash the beast in the 6.3 and mate it to the 5 speed until the 7 speed grows up and gets strong enough to hold its own? To me the E63 is like Mike Tyson on anti-depressants. He may behave better in public but his performance in the ring suffers.
#14
Super Member
If you want to trade the 2 seater for a 4 door sedan, maybe just get the E550 4-matic and use some of the cost savings (compared to the E63) for aftermarket engine upgrade and a nice body kit ? You can add nice HP & TQ to the 550 engine without breaking the bank, and it won't stress the transmission. Or you could look for a bargain on a 2006 E55.
By the way AWD isn't such a bad thing to have in MD/DC/VA area, I grew up and went to med school there. Extra traction is nice with freezing rain and snow, and of course it helps on the launch too.
I always thought that the AMG 55 series cars were well worth the extra coin over the MB 500 cars. But I'm not sure if this is the case any longer with the 63 over the 550. MB really upped the ante with the 500>550 engine, and AMG seems to be making a side step going from the 55K / 5sp combo to the 63 / 7sp combo. When I first read about the 550 and 63 cars arriving in 2007, I thought to myself that AMG would lose a lot of sales to the MB versions.
By the way AWD isn't such a bad thing to have in MD/DC/VA area, I grew up and went to med school there. Extra traction is nice with freezing rain and snow, and of course it helps on the launch too.
I always thought that the AMG 55 series cars were well worth the extra coin over the MB 500 cars. But I'm not sure if this is the case any longer with the 63 over the 550. MB really upped the ante with the 500>550 engine, and AMG seems to be making a side step going from the 55K / 5sp combo to the 63 / 7sp combo. When I first read about the 550 and 63 cars arriving in 2007, I thought to myself that AMG would lose a lot of sales to the MB versions.
Earlier in the week I posted a review of an SLK55 out accelerating an E63. I’ve been baffled and confused ever since. The E63 I’ve ordered is in and I’ve been holding the dealer off as I deliberate whether or not I should trade my SLK55 for the much anticipated E63. I previously owned a 05 E55 and loved the power but hated the breaks and transmission. The E63’s transmission and breaks seem to be a huge improvement over the E55’s.
Today I went my dealer in Germantown, MD and drove the actual E63 that I ordered. I met up with a friend of mine who took out a new E550 4-Matic. We met up on Rt. 118 in Germantown for some experimentation. At 3 red lights the E550 just simply jumped out in front of the E63. Keep in mind that this was a completely different E63 than the one I tested against the SLK55 last week. The E63 experienced some wheel spin but none-the-less it just seems to be lacking the low-end grunt of the E550. The E550 jumped off the line (I know all-wheel drive) whereas the E63 seemed to need some time to find it's stride. It’s almost like the E63 suffers from a major case of turbo-lag (Minus the turbo). We then took the 2 cars onto Rt. 270 where the E550 felt incredible. As speeds exceeded 100 MHP the E63 was able to over take the E550 but the E550 certainly put up a good fight. Rt. 270 is a hot spot for Maryland State Troopers so we had to choose our bursts of speed with great caution and keep them brief, well within a straight-line field of vision.
I’m really torn about what to do with the E63 that I ordered. I think 07 E63 is going to have a similar fate to the 2002 and 2003 S55’s that were naturally aspirated. They were great cars that received a major boost in HP in 2004 with the addition of the Kompressor. The 02 and 03 S55’s were very expensive and after only 2 model years they were made obsolete by the 5.5 Kompressor. Could you imagine spending $120,000 on a 2003 S55 with 350 HP and about a year later the car gets a 100+ HP boost at a minimal price increase. I really feel that AMG is going to introduce a high-capacity twin turbo system to the 6.3 in the 2008/2009 time frame that produces over 600 HP.
I’m feeling like the E63 is simply not worth the $30,000 to $40,000 premium over the E550.
Today I went my dealer in Germantown, MD and drove the actual E63 that I ordered. I met up with a friend of mine who took out a new E550 4-Matic. We met up on Rt. 118 in Germantown for some experimentation. At 3 red lights the E550 just simply jumped out in front of the E63. Keep in mind that this was a completely different E63 than the one I tested against the SLK55 last week. The E63 experienced some wheel spin but none-the-less it just seems to be lacking the low-end grunt of the E550. The E550 jumped off the line (I know all-wheel drive) whereas the E63 seemed to need some time to find it's stride. It’s almost like the E63 suffers from a major case of turbo-lag (Minus the turbo). We then took the 2 cars onto Rt. 270 where the E550 felt incredible. As speeds exceeded 100 MHP the E63 was able to over take the E550 but the E550 certainly put up a good fight. Rt. 270 is a hot spot for Maryland State Troopers so we had to choose our bursts of speed with great caution and keep them brief, well within a straight-line field of vision.
I’m really torn about what to do with the E63 that I ordered. I think 07 E63 is going to have a similar fate to the 2002 and 2003 S55’s that were naturally aspirated. They were great cars that received a major boost in HP in 2004 with the addition of the Kompressor. The 02 and 03 S55’s were very expensive and after only 2 model years they were made obsolete by the 5.5 Kompressor. Could you imagine spending $120,000 on a 2003 S55 with 350 HP and about a year later the car gets a 100+ HP boost at a minimal price increase. I really feel that AMG is going to introduce a high-capacity twin turbo system to the 6.3 in the 2008/2009 time frame that produces over 600 HP.
I’m feeling like the E63 is simply not worth the $30,000 to $40,000 premium over the E550.
#15
If I were to speculate, I would say that MB has included a load limit in the ECU for the break-in period. I believe BMW did some similar antics with the M5. Didn't the Bimmer need something like 1200 miles before you could really romp on it?
If there is a load limit, I don't think it's there for the transmission. The 7-speed has enough beans for the E63's output and is an excellent match for it. It's big torque down low that breaks driveline parts, not big HP. The E63 makes it torque up high, so there should not be a transmission concern.
If there is a load limit, I don't think it's there for the transmission. The 7-speed has enough beans for the E63's output and is an excellent match for it. It's big torque down low that breaks driveline parts, not big HP. The E63 makes it torque up high, so there should not be a transmission concern.
#16
Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Posts: 216
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2006 E55
This is all very interesting. I have been contemplating getting a new E550 and this pushes me even more in that direction. With that said I may elect to either sell my 2000 E430 or possibly my 2006 E55. If I do sell the 55 I am not sure what I could get for it. It has 9000 miles on it and all options except trunk closer, park tronic and pano roof. Any ideas? My guess is that I would take a total bath and it probably wouldn't be a wise move.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
07 SL550; C32 (sold)
If I were to speculate, I would say that MB has included a load limit in the ECU for the break-in period. I believe BMW did some similar antics with the M5. Didn't the Bimmer need something like 1200 miles before you could really romp on it?
If there is a load limit, I don't think it's there for the transmission. The 7-speed has enough beans for the E63's output and is an excellent match for it. It's big torque down low that breaks driveline parts, not big HP. The E63 makes it torque up high, so there should not be a transmission concern.
If there is a load limit, I don't think it's there for the transmission. The 7-speed has enough beans for the E63's output and is an excellent match for it. It's big torque down low that breaks driveline parts, not big HP. The E63 makes it torque up high, so there should not be a transmission concern.
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
This is all very interesting. I have been contemplating getting a new E550 and this pushes me even more in that direction. With that said I may elect to either sell my 2000 E430 or possibly my 2006 E55. If I do sell the 55 I am not sure what I could get for it. It has 9000 miles on it and all options except trunk closer, park tronic and pano roof. Any ideas? My guess is that I would take a total bath and it probably wouldn't be a wise move.
i bring this up because we're all local to the chandler area and it could be an easy deal. i will of course be expecting a brokerage fee.
![Wink](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#20
MBWorld Fanatic!
If I were to speculate, I would say that MB has included a load limit in the ECU for the break-in period. I believe BMW did some similar antics with the M5. Didn't the Bimmer need something like 1200 miles before you could really romp on it?
If there is a load limit, I don't think it's there for the transmission. The 7-speed has enough beans for the E63's output and is an excellent match for it. It's big torque down low that breaks driveline parts, not big HP. The E63 makes it torque up high, so there should not be a transmission concern.
If there is a load limit, I don't think it's there for the transmission. The 7-speed has enough beans for the E63's output and is an excellent match for it. It's big torque down low that breaks driveline parts, not big HP. The E63 makes it torque up high, so there should not be a transmission concern.
#21
If there is a load limit, I don't think it's there for the transmission. The 7-speed has enough beans for the E63's output and is an excellent match for it. It's big torque down low that breaks driveline parts, not big HP. The E63 makes it torque up high, so there should not be a transmission concern.
.......you know, I think you maybe on to somethig here. Maybe the specifics are different, but as I read these E63 stories I haveeen thinking to myself tht this sounds like the new M5.
Ted
#22
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 3,220
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
6 Posts
W203 slightly modified
In the rest of the world AMG cars are quite rare. Since the USA is the largest market for AMG / Benz cars then its no surprise there are so many octane V8 and V12 there.
You should be thinking diesel and looking at the V8 diesel.
Overall I dont see what the point of drag racing. You don't really prove anything by pulling so hard ?
#23
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,855
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
S600TT, R350
If I were to speculate, I would say that MB has included a load limit in the ECU for the break-in period. I believe BMW did some similar antics with the M5. Didn't the Bimmer need something like 1200 miles before you could really romp on it?
If there is a load limit, I don't think it's there for the transmission. The 7-speed has enough beans for the E63's output and is an excellent match for it. It's big torque down low that breaks driveline parts, not big HP. The E63 makes it torque up high, so there should not be a transmission concern.
If there is a load limit, I don't think it's there for the transmission. The 7-speed has enough beans for the E63's output and is an excellent match for it. It's big torque down low that breaks driveline parts, not big HP. The E63 makes it torque up high, so there should not be a transmission concern.
#24
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sin City
Posts: 2,731
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
12' C63 P31, 06' Supercharged Range, 08' BMW 550i
This is all very interesting. I have been contemplating getting a new E550 and this pushes me even more in that direction. With that said I may elect to either sell my 2000 E430 or possibly my 2006 E55. If I do sell the 55 I am not sure what I could get for it. It has 9000 miles on it and all options except trunk closer, park tronic and pano roof. Any ideas? My guess is that I would take a total bath and it probably wouldn't be a wise move.
![smash](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smashfreak.gif)
#25
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 3,220
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
6 Posts
W203 slightly modified
It is running to spec - it's just that everyone with an AMG car wants to blackout every time the light turns green and then wake up at home without knowing how they got there, only to hear the sonic boom of their arrival several minutes after going inside the house.
There is a culture of guiltless car thrashing on car forums as if to say life is somehow better if you destroy tires.
![crazy](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/crazy.gif)
Last edited by benzmodz; 09-09-2006 at 06:36 PM.