E55 Differences from 2003 to 2006
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Buick T-Type, 70 cuda, S65 and a very FAST Truck!
E55 Differences from 2003 to 2006
Howdy, I am new to the E55 world and am looking at purchasing one soon. I read about how the options changed over the years but what else mechanically changed through out the production run. I did several searches and found little bits and pieces but no complete list. Were the options the same every year except 2003 with the NAV?
If anyone has a list of changes through out the years I would appreciate it.
I have taken a couple E55's out on test drives and now just need to find the color I want, with the right options. But before I buy I want to know what to look out for and what is available with all the years.
Thank you!
If anyone has a list of changes through out the years I would appreciate it.
I have taken a couple E55's out on test drives and now just need to find the color I want, with the right options. But before I buy I want to know what to look out for and what is available with all the years.
Thank you!
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From: The Magic City
C63
No changes in the mechanics of the car. There are changes in the cosmetics, though. Not sure what they are exactly, but i think that the older models were missing the aluminum Pedals & steering wheel shift buttons, i could be wrong though. Maybe someone else here will be able to give you some better info.
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From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
E55 2003 to 2006 Model Differences
2005 and 2006 models had the following changes:
- Upgraded Navigation with BIGGER screens
- 200 mph speed gauge as opposed to 160 mph
- Better suspension parts, mostly from CLS
- Better steering rack, also from CLS
- Slightly different supercharger clutch for smoother engagement.
- Slightly different IC pump (this one I'm not sure about?
) - Aluminum Paddles
- Sliding Center Console
- 2004+ E55s equipped with 'always ready' transmission buttons at the steering wheel. On the 03s, you have to press the transmission M/S/C button before the steering wheel buttons work ???? not sure about this one
Last edited by MB_Forever; May 9, 2007 at 01:23 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: The Magic City
C63
2005 and 2006 models had the following changes:
Upgraded Navigation with BIGGER screens
200 mph speed gauge as opposed to 160 mph
Better suspension parts, mostly from CLS
Better steering rack
Slightly different supercharger clutch for smoother engagement.
Slightly different IC pump (this one I'm not sure about? )
Upgraded Navigation with BIGGER screens
200 mph speed gauge as opposed to 160 mph
Better suspension parts, mostly from CLS
Better steering rack
Slightly different supercharger clutch for smoother engagement.
Slightly different IC pump (this one I'm not sure about?
)Interesting, other than the speedo, i had no idea about the other changes.
Thread Starter
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Buick T-Type, 70 cuda, S65 and a very FAST Truck!
Thank you so much. That is the type of information I am looking for. I have heard mention the 2005+ had an oil cooler, is that also true? Were the computers the same for all years?
Thank you very much for your time.
Thank you very much for your time.
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1989 Toyota Tercel EZ - dyno'd @ 70whp/77wtq
2005 and 2006 models had the following changes:
- Upgraded Navigation with BIGGER screens
- 200 mph speed gauge as opposed to 160 mph
- Better suspension parts, mostly from CLS
- Better steering rack, also from CLS
- Slightly different supercharger clutch for smoother engagement.
- Slightly different IC pump (this one I'm not sure about? )
- Aluminum Paddles
- Sliding Center Console
- 2004+ E55s equipped with 'always ready' transmission buttons at the steering wheel. On the 03s, you have to press the transmission M/S/C button before the steering wheel buttons work ???? not sure about this one
- Aluminum paddles are not standard for early part of '05 (build date 11/04 or 10/04 or before).
- I think same case also for center console. Very early part of '05 (build date before 8/04???) still has clam shell ('03-'04) center console.
- If equipped w/ pano roof, no solar panel for '05-'06.
- All '03 don't have NAV (no option), except for Presidential series.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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1989 Toyota Tercel EZ - dyno'd @ 70whp/77wtq
REST is RESidual ... 
(not sure about the "T") 
It basically allows the blower to pass the engine heat to the cabin for - I think - 30 minutes after you turn off the engine. It is only useful during the winter.... I almost never used it when I still had my W210.
(not sure about the "T") It basically allows the blower to pass the engine heat to the cabin for - I think - 30 minutes after you turn off the engine. It is only useful during the winter.... I almost never used it when I still had my W210.
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 153
Likes: 1
From: Walnut Creek, CA
2003 E55
2005 and 2006 models had the following changes:
- Upgraded Navigation with BIGGER screens
- 200 mph speed gauge as opposed to 160 mph
- Better suspension parts, mostly from CLS
- Better steering rack, also from CLS
- Slightly different supercharger clutch for smoother engagement.
- Slightly different IC pump (this one I'm not sure about? )
- Aluminum Paddles
- Sliding Center Console
- 2004+ E55s equipped with 'always ready' transmission buttons at the steering wheel. On the 03s, you have to press the transmission M/S/C button before the steering wheel buttons work ???? not sure about this one
I wonder about the bigger screen. I got in a 2007 e63 yesterday and the screen and NAV were exactly the same as mine. I did not measure but I was looking for any difference and did not see it.
Personally I like the clamshell armrest much better as it's really an armrest. The sliding center console does provide more room though.
The 'always ready' paddle shifters would be cool, but if they were always on I would have up or down shifted by accident a few times.
Out Of Control!!
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From: San Diego
2015 S212
It also circulates cool air.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
I have a 2003 Presidential Edition. One to add is the 2003 e55 does not have a spare tire. It comes with a can of goo and an electric air pump. If you have a blowout you're just screwed and have to call for a flatbed tow.
I wonder about the bigger screen. I got in a 2007 e63 yesterday and the screen and NAV were exactly the same as mine. I did not measure but I was looking for any difference and did not see it.
Personally I like the clamshell armrest much better as it's really an armrest. The sliding center console does provide more room though.
The 'always ready' paddle shifters would be cool, but if they were always on I would have up or down shifted by accident a few times.
I wonder about the bigger screen. I got in a 2007 e63 yesterday and the screen and NAV were exactly the same as mine. I did not measure but I was looking for any difference and did not see it.
Personally I like the clamshell armrest much better as it's really an armrest. The sliding center console does provide more room though.
The 'always ready' paddle shifters would be cool, but if they were always on I would have up or down shifted by accident a few times.
I've had an '04E500, '05E55, and an '06E55 and all three had the same size screen.
I like the clamshell as well and miss it.
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From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
2003 to 2006 E55 Model Differences
Thanks for everybody's replies, this is a good thread for reference between the model year differences. I updated the list based on your responses, so it'll be easily summarized in one post....
2003 and 2004 E55 Models:
2003 and 2004 E55 Models:
- All 2003 models have NO NAVIGATION except for Presidential Series.
- All 2003 models have NO Spare Tire.
- The AC "Rest" feature left after the 2004 - 2005 transition.
- 2004+ E55s equipped with 'always ready' transmission buttons at the steering wheel. On the 03s, you have to press the transmission M/S/C button before the steering wheel buttons work ????
- If equipped with pano roof option, 2005 and 2006 have no solar panel.
- 200 mph speed gauge as opposed to 160 mph.
- Better suspension parts, mostly from CLS.
- Better steering rack, also from CLS.
- Slightly different supercharger clutch for smoother engagement.
- Slightly different IC pump (this one I'm not sure about? ) .
- Aluminum Paddles.
- Sliding Center Console.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Posts: 8,137
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
RESidual Temperature, maybe? Makes sense.
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Posts: 412
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From: Bay Area
03 E55
Guys some of the '03 did come with nav. Many of the earlier ones came with the non-nav ready COMAND, that's what he means by smaller screen. All of the NAV-COMAND systems in the 211's are the same. Also, 03s come with puddle lights in the mirrors, the TPMS changed in 06? and there was mild decontenting each successive model year.
Thread Starter
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Buick T-Type, 70 cuda, S65 and a very FAST Truck!
What year did the Satellite radio option (SIRIUS) start? If it has satellite radio is it easy to see the antenna on the trunk, or is it integrated with the other antenna?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
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2004 E55
I believe in 2004. The antenna should be on the truck or on a long shot in the truck. It is not integrated with another antenna.
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Posts: 412
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From: Bay Area
03 E55
Any model year with the COMAND that has a SAT button (all U.S. COMANDS) can have the factory SIRIUS setup. In some cases there is wiring necessary, I think in the 2006 w/pano.
