E55 vs. E550
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
E55 vs. E550
I'd like to get back into a MB. Having owned an E36-M3, E39-M5 and C55, I do like some above average performance. However, I do not track cars and live in the Northeast where snow is a concern. In the past I had a Winter car, however I did put snows on the M/AMG cars just in case I had to take it. Now I live in an area where there is no room for two cars, so my question is whether the E55 could be an all year-round car (with snows for Winter) or if I should perhaps consider the E550 4-Matic. Any comments appreciated.
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From: So. Cal
05E55
I agree. Especially if you plan on driving the car in the winter. An e55 would have a tough time making the trip to Stowe or Sugarbush in a snow storm.
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From: Potomac, Md
2006 E320 CDI, 2007 ML 320 CDI, 2008 C63, 2008 G55
E550
The E550 is animal an absolute animal!!! I just picked up an E550 4-Matic and I’m thoroughly impressed. I’ve owned a 2000, 2002 and 2004 E55. The 550 will out run the 2000 and 2002 E55’s.
My car feels like a high 4 second to low 5 second car, and a low 13 sec. quarter mile car. The day I picked it up I raced a Honda 2000 and it wasn’t even close. The Honda 2000 is a mid 5 sec. / mid 13 sec. car. The previous generation E55’s were 349 HP, 391 lb. ft. cars and ran about 4.8 and 13.1. The E550 has 33 more HP and is wrapped in a far superior package. It’s a tremendous value at roughly $65,000 especially when ordered with the Sport and P2 packages. The BMW 550i has 360 HP and 360 lb. ft. and R&T just tested it in 5 sec to 60 and 13.5 in the quarter. With the additional HP and torque the E550 should best the BMW’s times. If an additional $25,000 to $30,000 is worth a few more 10th’s to you go with the 55, if not the E550 represents a tremendous bang for the buck.
My car feels like a high 4 second to low 5 second car, and a low 13 sec. quarter mile car. The day I picked it up I raced a Honda 2000 and it wasn’t even close. The Honda 2000 is a mid 5 sec. / mid 13 sec. car. The previous generation E55’s were 349 HP, 391 lb. ft. cars and ran about 4.8 and 13.1. The E550 has 33 more HP and is wrapped in a far superior package. It’s a tremendous value at roughly $65,000 especially when ordered with the Sport and P2 packages. The BMW 550i has 360 HP and 360 lb. ft. and R&T just tested it in 5 sec to 60 and 13.5 in the quarter. With the additional HP and torque the E550 should best the BMW’s times. If an additional $25,000 to $30,000 is worth a few more 10th’s to you go with the 55, if not the E550 represents a tremendous bang for the buck.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
Originally Posted by rake55
... If an additional $25,000 to $30,000 is worth a few more 10th’s to you go with the 55, if not the E550 represents a tremendous bang for the buck.
Just curious, you also said:
Originally Posted by rake55
I’ve owned a ... 2004 E55..
Last edited by noka; Sep 14, 2006 at 12:15 AM.
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From: Toronto, Canada
540 6spd
The E550 is animal an absolute animal!!! I just picked up an E550 4-Matic and I’m thoroughly impressed. I’ve owned a 2000, 2002 and 2004 E55. The 550 will out run the 2000 and 2002 E55’s.
My car feels like a high 4 second to low 5 second car, and a low 13 sec. quarter mile car. The day I picked it up I raced a Honda 2000 and it wasn’t even close. The Honda 2000 is a mid 5 sec. / mid 13 sec. car. The previous generation E55’s were 349 HP, 391 lb. ft. cars and ran about 4.8 and 13.1. The E550 has 33 more HP and is wrapped in a far superior package. It’s a tremendous value at roughly $65,000 especially when ordered with the Sport and P2 packages. The BMW 550i has 360 HP and 360 lb. ft. and R&T just tested it in 5 sec to 60 and 13.5 in the quarter. With the additional HP and torque the E550 should best the BMW’s times. If an additional $25,000 to $30,000 is worth a few more 10th’s to you go with the 55, if not the E550 represents a tremendous bang for the buck.
My car feels like a high 4 second to low 5 second car, and a low 13 sec. quarter mile car. The day I picked it up I raced a Honda 2000 and it wasn’t even close. The Honda 2000 is a mid 5 sec. / mid 13 sec. car. The previous generation E55’s were 349 HP, 391 lb. ft. cars and ran about 4.8 and 13.1. The E550 has 33 more HP and is wrapped in a far superior package. It’s a tremendous value at roughly $65,000 especially when ordered with the Sport and P2 packages. The BMW 550i has 360 HP and 360 lb. ft. and R&T just tested it in 5 sec to 60 and 13.5 in the quarter. With the additional HP and torque the E550 should best the BMW’s times. If an additional $25,000 to $30,000 is worth a few more 10th’s to you go with the 55, if not the E550 represents a tremendous bang for the buck.
Car & Driver tested an SL550 and they clocked it at 4.9 0 - 60 and 13.5 1/4mile. An E550 4-Matic probably weighs about the same. It might be quicker off the line but it'll post similar times. It'd be a good race against a 210 E55
Last edited by MidniteBluBenz; Sep 14, 2006 at 12:50 AM.
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From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
The E550 is animal an absolute animal!!! I just picked up an E550 4-Matic and I’m thoroughly impressed. I’ve owned a 2000, 2002 and 2004 E55. The 550 will out run the 2000 and 2002 E55’s.
My car feels like a high 4 second to low 5 second car, and a low 13 sec. quarter mile car. The day I picked it up I raced a Honda 2000 and it wasn’t even close. The Honda 2000 is a mid 5 sec. / mid 13 sec. car. The previous generation E55’s were 349 HP, 391 lb. ft. cars and ran about 4.8 and 13.1. The E550 has 33 more HP and is wrapped in a far superior package. It’s a tremendous value at roughly $65,000 especially when ordered with the Sport and P2 packages. The BMW 550i has 360 HP and 360 lb. ft. and R&T just tested it in 5 sec to 60 and 13.5 in the quarter. With the additional HP and torque the E550 should best the BMW’s times. If an additional $25,000 to $30,000 is worth a few more 10th’s to you go with the 55, if not the E550 represents a tremendous bang for the buck.
My car feels like a high 4 second to low 5 second car, and a low 13 sec. quarter mile car. The day I picked it up I raced a Honda 2000 and it wasn’t even close. The Honda 2000 is a mid 5 sec. / mid 13 sec. car. The previous generation E55’s were 349 HP, 391 lb. ft. cars and ran about 4.8 and 13.1. The E550 has 33 more HP and is wrapped in a far superior package. It’s a tremendous value at roughly $65,000 especially when ordered with the Sport and P2 packages. The BMW 550i has 360 HP and 360 lb. ft. and R&T just tested it in 5 sec to 60 and 13.5 in the quarter. With the additional HP and torque the E550 should best the BMW’s times. If an additional $25,000 to $30,000 is worth a few more 10th’s to you go with the 55, if not the E550 represents a tremendous bang for the buck.
M
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Posts: 2,489
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From: SoCal
AMGs
The E550 is animal an absolute animal!!! I just picked up an E550 4-Matic and I’m thoroughly impressed. I’ve owned a 2000, 2002 and 2004 E55. The 550 will out run the 2000 and 2002 E55’s.
My car feels like a high 4 second to low 5 second car, and a low 13 sec. quarter mile car. The day I picked it up I raced a Honda 2000 and it wasn’t even close. The Honda 2000 is a mid 5 sec. / mid 13 sec. car. The previous generation E55’s were 349 HP, 391 lb. ft. cars and ran about 4.8 and 13.1. The E550 has 33 more HP and is wrapped in a far superior package. It’s a tremendous value at roughly $65,000 especially when ordered with the Sport and P2 packages. The BMW 550i has 360 HP and 360 lb. ft. and R&T just tested it in 5 sec to 60 and 13.5 in the quarter. With the additional HP and torque the E550 should best the BMW’s times. If an additional $25,000 to $30,000 is worth a few more 10th’s to you go with the 55, if not the E550 represents a tremendous bang for the buck.
My car feels like a high 4 second to low 5 second car, and a low 13 sec. quarter mile car. The day I picked it up I raced a Honda 2000 and it wasn’t even close. The Honda 2000 is a mid 5 sec. / mid 13 sec. car. The previous generation E55’s were 349 HP, 391 lb. ft. cars and ran about 4.8 and 13.1. The E550 has 33 more HP and is wrapped in a far superior package. It’s a tremendous value at roughly $65,000 especially when ordered with the Sport and P2 packages. The BMW 550i has 360 HP and 360 lb. ft. and R&T just tested it in 5 sec to 60 and 13.5 in the quarter. With the additional HP and torque the E550 should best the BMW’s times. If an additional $25,000 to $30,000 is worth a few more 10th’s to you go with the 55, if not the E550 represents a tremendous bang for the buck.
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From: Seattle, WA
'09 911 C4S
I think the E55 will be a better choice if you can find low mile CPO. I personally don't have problem driving my E55 with snow tires in the winter. However, if you have a family that you really care about and want them to be as safe as possible, the E550 is a no brainer. Add a set of snows, lower it a little bit, and it will basically out run anything in a blizzard.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
Thanks for the replies. I expected mixed responses, of course. This will take some careful thought. I am older now ... mid-50's, so the practical side might take over (i.e. E550), but the youngter in me says E55. 
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Frederick, MD
'72 Suburban
What about this option...
- buy an E55
- buy a winter beater
- store the winter beater in the summer
- store the E55 in the winter
Problem solved. 3 seasons drive the E55, 1 season drive the beater.
- buy an E55
- buy a winter beater
- store the winter beater in the summer
- store the E55 in the winter
Problem solved. 3 seasons drive the E55, 1 season drive the beater.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
Originally Posted by noka
Now I live in an area where there is no room for two cars, ...
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 801
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From: California
ML350 '06
Hey noka!
Just curious to see if you've made a decision yet re: E55 or E550? I just picked up an '05 E55 one week ago today and I absolutely LOVE it!!! Owning a C55, it's a big step up, mostly the roomy interior. Of course power too!
Also curious to see if you sold your C55 privately or to a dealer as I'm trying to sell mine right now. How long did it take you to sell it if it was private buyer and did you list it on the web? I have 2 offers and am hoping to sell it soon.
Thanks,
Nick
Just curious to see if you've made a decision yet re: E55 or E550? I just picked up an '05 E55 one week ago today and I absolutely LOVE it!!! Owning a C55, it's a big step up, mostly the roomy interior. Of course power too!
Also curious to see if you sold your C55 privately or to a dealer as I'm trying to sell mine right now. How long did it take you to sell it if it was private buyer and did you list it on the web? I have 2 offers and am hoping to sell it soon.
Thanks,
Nick
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From: SoCal
AMGs
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From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
I'd like to get back into a MB. Having owned an E36-M3, E39-M5 and C55, I do like some above average performance. However, I do not track cars and live in the Northeast where snow is a concern. In the past I had a Winter car, however I did put snows on the M/AMG cars just in case I had to take it. Now I live in an area where there is no room for two cars, so my question is whether the E55 could be an all year-round car (with snows for Winter) or if I should perhaps consider the E550 4-Matic. Any comments appreciated.
