SANDOVAL

I got a call from MBNA Engineering department about 6 weeks ago. The lady called to ask if I had received the letter they sent me a few months prior. It was a letter asking if I wanted to be considered for EPA testing on my vehicle. The deal was they give you a loaner MB for 1-2 weeks and an AMEX gift card. They will put less then 100 miles on your car and it will run on a dyno at up to US freeway speeds.

Back to the story, I said yes I did get it but I was busy and forgot to mail my response back. She said they were having a hard time finding a 2003 E55 in Denver, if I was up to it I would be helping them out by participating. They have a 2007 E63 I could use for the week or two. I would also get $1000 on an Amex Gift card. I said sign me up! They scheduled the flatbed exchange for two weeks out. These guys were 1st class all the way. A Silver E63 was delivered it had all of your basic option KG/NAV/Shades/Etc. I love the new Seats and they made the right choice on the steering wheel. The overall interior is a great improvement. I Loved having real cup holders but missed having an arm rest. From the inside it was a very similar car compared to my E55, with the few minor changes. I think they improved in the right areas.

The Transmission is a HUGE improvement the shifts through the gears are just silky smooth. The acceleration was noticeably linear compared to the brute force of the 55K. I really enjoyed the car. It so happened that they wanted to do the exchange the day I was leaving for Phoenix (Holidays). We were leaving early that morning I was unavailable. The Lab was closed until after the 1st so we decided to do the swap on the 2nd. So we had a change of plans we were taking the E63 to Phx.

What a fun car to drive on long trips. 100 MPH and it still has crazy power if needed. The car was fitted with Snows and the weather looked good. We hit a bit of snow going through SF but it was light flurries for a short period of time. The jury is still out on the exterior changes.

It was a great experience, but I am not sold on trading up just yet. My car has every available option so I am a bit spoiled. If they end up running TT's on the 63 engine then I think they will have my number. Until then I HEART MY E55.

PS They did convince me to get a set of Snow Wheels and tires for my car. I I guess MBNA will help subsidize the set lol.

Again MBNA managed the entire program with class. When my car left it was filthy from driving it around after a recent snow. It was returned detailed and polished ready for the show room! On forums you usually hear a lot of the bad ***** about dealers, denied warranty claims, etc. but in this case these MBNA and their staff were a class act. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Timeless

That was a fun read...thanks for sharing!

Blacksport350

Thanks for the write up and your advice on the trunk lip, I ordered one today.

I admire your courage as I have been asked to provide a vehicle a couple of times in the past and never could do it for fear of having it chipped, scratched, scuffed, etc. The last time out, I actually committed and got cold feet on the way to drop it off. Yes....I need a good shrink!

tthoang1

Nice write up. I think I would miss the torque if I traded up. Since my warranty is up in a few months, I'm going to mod it. I've waited almost 4 years. I had a chance to look at one close up this weekend. Nice interior.

RJC

Excellent story. BTW what's a President's Edition E55?

Blacksport350

I'm sure Sandoval will give you a better answer but the President's Edition is an '03 only MB exec car equipped with Nav, CF interior trim, lighted door sills, and some other cool cosmetic bits from the factory.

I would love to have one as I think they are a cool novelty.

KrisKeeney

very cool story.

I agree with what seems to be the major difference b/t the 55 and the 63: Torque.

I just can't see losing any of that "off the line" power. It is too good to ever consider not having. God willing, I will drive my 55 to the grave...uh....I mean, I will die a natural death, at a ripe old age, and still be driving my 55.

SANDOVAL

RE: The President's edition E55 check out this thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...nt%27s+Edition

7 Tectite E55's were made in 03 with every option available at the time including Nav and a few extra special options (i.e. $12K CF interior).

Eric

MB_Forever

Most of the bad stuff you mentioned concerns the dealerships themselves since they are privately owned. But every experience I had directly with MBUSA have been 1st class.

Great write up, thanks for sharing......

RJC

Very nice ...I was not even aware they were made.

360_iti

Let me guess. Hilltop? Park Hill?

SANDOVAL

Great Eye! I live in Park Hill.

Dawson AMG

Do you work with your dad, Dean at Film Video Equipment Service Company in Denver? When I was visiting last year Dean showed me his son's E55 that looks like yours. If not, Good to talk with you.

Denver is a great city my brother moved there, and I had to check it out during snow time. Love your car and the CF inside!

SANDOVAL

That sounds like "Blacksport350" also posting in this thread. He has a Tectite E55 here is Denver also.

360_iti

I saw a convoy of AMGs including a couple of E55s, SLs and S Classes, maybe in the Spring of 06. And I'm sure it was a convoy since there were so many Benzes one after another. Were you one of them.

Blacksport350

Not me...Apparently there are a lot of Tectite E55s in Denver!

KrisKeeney

Yes, there are a lot of Tectite E55s in Denver AND in the rest of the U.S.

However, there is only ONE Maroon E55 in the entire universe, and I have it.

Dawson AMG

Well it's good to see many AMG'ers in Denver. Still for salt road drives the your car looks great.

hkycoldrct

I test drove the 63 and a 55 back to back and liked the 55 better based on the torque it threw out. Much more fun in my opinion. Both got up there fast but that Kompressor makes things a little more fun!