Bones

I am on the verge of purchasing a new vehcle either a 2003 M3 SMG or a 2002 MB E55. As you all know they are discounting the E55 hard now a days, and the deal on the table right now for the E55(black/ black, pretty much fully loaded, no Nav, 200 miles) is $62,000. I am planning to get the the new E55 when it comes, so I figure I drive the 210 E55 for a couple of years and trade in. I figuring I might be able to get either a good trade in value or good selling price considering I am getting a10k off the sticker price. I have driven the SMG M3, and it very fun car to drive.

I am 29,(single) so I do not really need the extra room the E55 would provide, but I always liked high performance sedans.

I am leaning towards the M3, but the E55 (especially at that price ) is hard to pass up.

Any thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated.

drdave

I had that same choisce 4 months ago or so...

I ended up going with the e55.

for me the cost savings was too good to pass up. If you are leasing, then the e55 is hard to beat

for myself, the torque and straight line thrust of the e55 is more important for the kind of driving I do every day.

the handling and performance of the m3 is also fantastic, but to be able to almost the same things in a full sized four door is the best of both worlds.

get the e55.

drdave

Bones

Thanks drdave for your thoughts. I have driven the E55, and it has awesome power. You definetely feel the weight and size of the car when driving,(I guess I am not use to such a big car), but it is rock solid. Most of my driving will be normal everyday driving, taking advantage of the times where I can stretch it's legs. The E55 would be much more comfortable for 99% of the driving I will do. Tough decision.

Well, thank you for your thoughts and enjoy your E55.

E55 KEV

Keep us posted of whichever choice you make. Good Luck.

JamE55

Yes good luck and keep us posted!

CLK 69

I don't know if this applies to the '03 M3... hope not.

Engine Failure Archive

mikE55

Both are fantastic cars. I've test driven the M3 several times now as I'm toying with the idea of getting one. But not as a replacement for my E55, which I currently plan to keep for quite a while. My view:

For E55:
- Great value now (as stated above), and it really feels like it's worth the $70+K MSRP price.
- More luxury and comfort
- V8 torque and growl (music to one's ear), M3 has a great engine note too, but a little to raspy for me.
- Very reliable (M3 engine failures have me spooked a bit)
- Better daily driver
- An E class is still more impressive than a 3-series to the general public at large, as is a Benz vs. a Bimmer.

For M3:
- Better performance, especially in the handling department. But once you get use to the heft of the E55 it's really not that far behind.
- Better transmission for the enthusiast. 6-speed stick is great, but I really like the SMG.
- Sporty muscular style of the exterior
- Very entertaining driving experience

Frankly, if I was 29 and single again, I'd pick the M3. But the down side is the ride is quite harsh, and the realiability seems quite suspect. I'd always be afraid my engine might blow up some day. On the other hand, if you like sport sedans and if you like the style of the E55 (as I do), now is the best time to pick one up.

Caliz_Finest

if ur doing daily driving i think u should go with the E55 cause its more comfortable

larkave

Bones, Where are you located?

Bones

I would like to thank all of of you for your thoughts and comments with regards to my post. Special thanks to mikE55 for breaking down the pros and cons of each car (I to came up with very similar thoughts when comparing the benefits of each car). I have had my eye on the E55 since 1999, but just felt I was a little too young. One of the aspects of the E55 that appeals to me most is that it is undrerstated, yet has a very significant presence to it.

I will keep the board posted on my decision. Once again thanks to all who posted.

Enjoy your E55's, I might just join the club.

MarcusBenz

I know that we are on a MB forum and I work for a MB dealer and drive a MB myself, but I have to say that if I were faced with the decision it would be a no brainer!!! E55 all the way!! The M3 is a great car, don't get me wrong, but when you take everything into consideration...ie...Everyday driving, room to take people if you would like, sleekness & the ability to fly under the radar. The E55 is tops in all category@!@!@ If you have not guessed it by now the E55 is my favorite car in the AMG line. This is not even taken into consideration the tremendous savings on the car at the moment!!!!!

DSMIT

E55 is a great car,,,the CL500,HAPPENS TO BE THE SLEEKEST AND BEST LOOKIGN CAR THAT THEY MAKE NOW ,,IN MY OPINION

jefrose55

hey bones
I own both cars, a 02 M3 (6 speed conv) and a 01 e55. The M3 drives more like a sports car and has more "curb appeal" to the public. People ask questions every time i get gas! The e55 is more stealthy.

The cars drive completely different. The e55 is a great cruiser. When i want power....instant G-force. One of the best sedans

The m3 is more a sports car...take a turn at high speed..no body roll..have more control than the e55.

Both have more power than i probably need..

jeff

Bones

Update Guys

I now have two dealers at $62,000 for a 2002 E55 Black/Black. One has 130 miles and the other 200 miles. I briefly test drove the new one I found (130 miles) today, and it was quite impressive. Loads of power, comfort, it has it all. I like the fun factor of the M3 SMG, but the E55 no slouch either in that department. The best part of this is, I know I can get this car for $60,000. He wants to move it, and I know he wants to move it. I remember about 9 months ago, I walked into a dealer and they were asking about $9,000 over MSRP, would not deal at all. Times have definetely changed.

I am going try work the other dealer and see what he will do for me. So far both dealers have been real professional with me, no complaints at all.

I will make my decision soon, at these prices the E55 looks better and better to me.

Thanks to all, enjoy your E55's

larkave

Bones, What city are your dealers in? Good luck!