CWS_AMG?

Bottomlime which one? Seems like a used 07 E63 P2 package for low $70s and loaded 06 E55 for the $60s.

I probably value handling more than straightline performance. Is there an advantage with the 7 speed versus the 5 speed? It does not look like there is a huge performance upgrade with the E63. Which model is more reliable? Whose owned both, and which do you like better? Looking at resale it seems the E63 is just as bad as the M5, can't go with the M5 with no CPO or what seems to be a major concesssion with the six speed for NA.

I would appreciate your help. I know this is an old story but with the E63 being out there for over a year I think the opinions might be a little stronger.

Thanks

blume

having never owned either, id go with the newest, lowest mile and most warrantied car you like. if that helps you....

i.e., late 07, less than 10k, with keyless and pano!

SolidGranite

I for one enjoy the design and look of the 63 over the 55. The 55 is just too bland while the 63 was spiced up a bit with a more agressive look and stance.

However, it appears the 55 is a faster car in a straight line. Although, you mentioned this is not an issue so do not let that discourage you. Also keep in mind the E-Class is due for a redesign in 2009.

If you don't mind spending the extra cash go with with the 63, it looks better has more warranty and will be worth a bit more down the road.

Blacksport350

The 63 is a great car as is the 55 and there are advantages to both. I personally prefer the blown 55 motor to the 63 motor which is strong but doesn't have the explosive power band of the 55. The 7 speed tranny helped to make up some of this. In my mind, the 7 speed tranny with the 55 motor would be ideal but that is a discussion for another day.

Cosmetics are a mater of personal taste and there are some things about each body that I really like and some that I don't so for me it is a toss up.

Long term reliability is probably also a toss up. With the 55 you have a complex SC system and on the 63 you have a large displacement motor that is overall a less complex package. The 7 speed tranny is fairly new while the 5 speed is proven.

From a depreciation and value perspective, there is no argument for the 63, especially if you buy a 55 right. ALL AMG's plummet like lead bricks so the later you buy them in their depreciation curves, the better off you are.

Bottom line, you are going to have to drive both and buy the one that you like the best.

For me, it was the 55 over the 63 (and I do like to go around curves).

I have owned 4 AMGs, 3 blown and one not. I really wanted to buy an SLK55 and CLK55 based on styling and the fact that they are smaller 2-door packages but the lack of the blown motor ruined the package for my tastes. Otherwise they were outstanding cars. I am really hoping that the C63 is what I hope it will be as I look forward to owning one.

Good luck in your decision and have fun test driving....this is the only way to really solve your debate!

BlackHammer

All points well taken from others.
I am not a fan of the gauges in the 63's (prefer the white gauges in the 55's).
Silly, I know but since you drive inside the car (Captain Obvious!) it is something to consider.
Many have said the 63 is much nore refined (there is value to that).
The Kompressors have been known to be troublesome.
Looks are in the eye of the beholder.
The 55 is a beast and the tourque is addicting.
The 63's seem to have a more aggressive exhaust note.
Whatever you buy get an extended warrantee!
Good luck!

BTW, what do you drive now?
Oh, BTW, since you like "handling" there are some other sport sedans that handle better the the 63 or 55's (and have a great sounding V-10)!

TK

ProV1

reasons to get the 63 over 55:


no SBC
7 sp
improved/upgraded interior
more freshened styling (55 doesnt look much different than regular E)
NA motor
improved reliability for 07+ MB cars
updated suspension/steering rack

NickyBlack

Get the 63 besides from all the stated reasons above. It's the newer modlel, more warranty, and imo better looking. .01-.02 seconds difference to 60 m.p.h is not very material in the 99% driving we do in the real world.

MB_Forever

If you prefer handling over straight line performance, having tried both on the track, I can tell you that the 7 speed is 10 times more fun on the track. The new paddle shifters on the 63 feel and operate better and the shifts are slightly faster. Also, the E63 has all the updated handling parts: suspension, steering rack, brakes, etc... (also available on 2006 E55 but not on 2003 to 2005 models).

On the other hand, if you ever consider to even think about modding the car, then go with the E55 all the way. There is no worthy mods for the E63 yet, and there may not be any for a long time. But the E55 can be made much faster relatively cheap with just an ECU and a pulley

Aside from that, both cars are great. They are very close in performance and both look really nice. It's just a matter of personal preference. The E55 has that brute force, low-end torque while the E63 has more of a linear power distribution with very strong top-end pull.

As others have suggested, you should drive both cars (preferrably more than one time) and decide which feels better........

NGS_E55

I like the 63 styling but the 55 with sprintbooster scares the @#$% out of me. (and I came from M3, M5) I swear it feels like it will take off into the air.

jangy

Jrocket

I cant see how some of those reason's are even close.

jangy

I love the E55, but I would always say get the newest thing out. I would ONLY say get an E55 if you really plan to mod the crap out of it (like me). I'm planning on about 100HP and 100TQ to the floor for under $10K . From there, the miles add up and who knows? Other than that, get an E63 for sure.

Why not go get a new one for $1000 a month? It's the sweetest deal around.

Yacht Master

No question lease a 63.

If you have to ask, you are not a 55 guy.