AlbertM

Not sure of this topic was already discussed, but I am going to be leasing a new car in the next 1 month and have hard time deciding: MB63 AMG vs M5 (SMG).

I've already visited BMW and MB dealers and got the pricing. MB is offering a good deal, and both M5 and E63 are in the same price range 1300-1400 per month 15K/year, 24-27months.

I really like both cars, but wanted to get your opinion.

I test drove M5 and love it, my dad has 2008 M5 stick.
What are some of the pros and cons for each car? Which one is faster, which handles better and more fun to drive?
How do both rate in reliability and build quality? How is E63's sound system and quality.

Also why are so many disappointed with E63 vs E55? Based on the specs E63 is much better car all around. People talk E55's higher torque, but it does not necessarily translate to better performance. It seems that E63 is able to deliver higher torque at a higher RPM -- hence more HP. What do you guys think?

AMGfan

You will never really appreciate the difference in driving experience between E55vsE63vsM5 until you test drive each one. You could do a search on M5 and you will find various threads regarding the pros and cons of each car ad nauseum. Not to put you off, but this topic has been .

In my simple mind:

E55 = Torque and more Torque, modding potential, stealth bomber looks
E63 = Higher rev manic engine, better twisty driver, upgraded amenities, limited modding options (at this point but VRP should help move the hp/tq up a bit)
M5 = Even higher revving animal, a driver's car, cold interior, exterior looks - love it hate it reaction, I-drive counter-intuitiveness, SMG issues

MB_Forever

All 3 cars are awsome sedans. They each have different feel and different personalities. And like others have mentioned, you'll have to personally test drive each car, and if possible, do it more than once.

If you're ever going to think about modding your next car, then you should go with the E55 hands down. E55 are relatively easy and cheap to mod for some serious HP gains. In addition, E55s will net you the greatest value since they are very easy to find and right now they are much cheaper than the other two (on average).

If you're not interested in modding, then your decision should be between the E63 and the M5. Both cars are very close in performance. The M5 of course has stronger top-end, but the E63 has more torque and power on the low and mid-range. The E63's 7g transmission is very smooth and fun to drive. But then again I've also enjoyed driving the SMG as well . You'll just have to drive both cars over and over until you get a sense of which feels better to you.

skooby

E55 is a rocket and to spend any extra on a 63 is stupid. The E63 looks nearly the same and are a complete waste of money. You buy a e55 & get a car that's ~half off vs a new e63 that is the almost the same.

ESIX3POWER

I cant agree with you here. In other words no body should purchase the 63 because the old 55 is out there for cheaper.. The 63 flat out looks better and is newer and fresher looking. To each it's own I guess.

skooby

Try to get dynamic seats on the new car and blindfolding 99% of the people and asking them to tell the difference. Getting black gauges and a different cup holder on the new one is insanity. I have a 05 and sat in the 2008 and can tell you that the differences are little. Try trading in a 08 as well and you'll feel a $27 K hit right from the start, I'll pass.

The torque on the 08' sucks.

BenzoManNY

AlbertM My personal opinion go with the M5 if you want to have more fun.

E63 is better looking, more ergonomic friendly inside and comfortable and may be faster in a straight line which to me is boring, im not a drag racer I crave apex turns. The Benz also will lease better

Now the M5 when I was interested was horrible on a lease deal and that was one of the key factors in me getting the E63, the payment on the M5 was $500 more/month with $3500 more cash down, coupled with no car in stock that met my desires. BMW also pays all maint on the M5 something you dont get with Mercedes and after owning 30+ cars I still feel BMW is a better company in terms of customer support and build quality. Granted the BMW's today suffer stupid electronic glitches but Il be honest I rather deal with them and get treated right than have mechanical issue with my E63 and not get treated properly.

Blacksport350

I would pick in this order but they are all top choices:

1. E55

A rocket of a 4 door luxo sedan that looks gorgeous and goes like a bomb went off. Plenty of potential for additional power.

2. E60 M5

A very homely but extremely capable 4 door sedan with plenty of power and fantastic chassis dynamics so it is fun to canyon carve with.

3. E63

A very smooth and very powerful 4 door autobahn stormer with plenty of refinement. Still on my top 3 list but it lacks the drama of the E55 (be it good or bad) and the handling of the M5. Easy to drive, great looking interior/exterior, and a minimum of annoying electronics unlike the E60 M5.

Looking at the above choices, someone would have to be nuts not to love each one of them or own all 3 at the same time!

Drive them all and pick for yourself...that's what I did and bought an E55.

oldgixxer

On the same hand one could say that buying a used E55 is stupid

ItalianStallion

Don't lynch me...but I'd choose M5 just because its a little more aggressive and SMG makes it worth it. I love the E55 because of its modding potential but its getting old now and the E63 has already replaced it. So its more like E63 vs M5 and idk, the E63 may be slightly faster but the M5 just seems younger and more badass to me.

enzom

Except mine. Of course.

No wrong or right answer. Just different choices depending upon what you want to do with it. Is it a daily driver? What roads do you drive on? Will you be able to wind a motor out to 8,000 rpm to enjoy it, or are you squirting between cars in light traffic on secondary roads? Do you want to have a smooth automatic, or would you rather pull a lever to switch gears?

Styling is subjective. You either like it, or you don't.

If I had to choose between the E63 and the M5, I would choose the E63 because trundling along at 40 mph @ 2,000 rpm would be unfair to the M5. The M5 needs to rev.

KrisKeeney

This is a very good point.

I feel the same way about my E55: like a thoroughbred horse, it needs to run, and run fast, and often.

I live in your typical suburban sprawl scene, in Richmond, Virginia. Luckily, there are hundreds of miles of what I would call "horse country farm land roads" all around this area, and minutes away. One minute, I am fighting traffic lights, and 5 minutes later, it is circa 1950 and horses/farms everywhere. AND, there are plenty of new/safe highway miles nearby as well, AND importantly, certain times of day/night/weekends when the highway miles are not well traveled.

What does this mean? Well, while my daily driving has its share of "commute to work and back" miles, at least twice a week, I take the Animal out and run her hard, in both "moderate" twisties around the horse farms, and on the interstate/highway "run her to a buck forty for a few minutes" pavement. It is great.

ramosw15

Get a E55 and slam an E63 front end!!!!!! best of both worlds!!!!

05VENOM

For me the SMG was an absolute deal breaker. For me it was the E63 or M6. My car is a daily driver and i use it for everything and the M6 I felt would just frustrate me in traffic and 'normal' driving. Believe me the 63 is plenty fast. As far as esthetics...beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Cylinder Head

iTrader: (1)

Learn to use the SMG and it works well both in traffic and normal driving. Like any stick car you need to know which shift points are smoothest and which out of the 1,000 possible setting combinations fits your style.

hkpooh

just remember that the M5 has low torqe, you don't get any power at low rpm which means their "sudden acceleration" sucks.

ItalianStallion

One argument I've always had though is, when you want instant acceleration wouldn't you just downshift so that you are in the proper power band? If you are in the right gear with the M5 I can guarantee you will have decent acceleration.

Cylinder Head

iTrader: (1)

Learn to shift dummy. The SMG only lags off the line, after that it's the driver's responsibility to keep it in the powerband.

kipper215

I've been in all three cars and they are all different. in saying that, it is your preference that will makethe decision. the M5 is a topend car. so, you won't be able to drive the car in it's comfort zone to often. 4500 - 8200 rpm. the M5 is a techy car. if you like it simple this is not the car for you. the shifts are not smooth but jerky even in automatic mode. the car is not an aotumatic. your passengers will have a headache after a while. the handling is superior, but at the sacrifice of ride comfort.

the 55 is a bottom end car that is quick off the line and the power bleeds off nicely as you get to the higher rpm range. and mods will keep you up with the jones. the down side is you need a good extended warranty. the 55 is not getting any younger. the shifting is very smooth and the ride is comfortable, yet it is still a capable car.

the E63 is true refinement. the power is linear. but not too many mods available.

I chose the 55 for price, responds good to mods, and comfort. I will move to an M6 convert when the price comes down a little more. better service plan and I want to really hear that engine scream without being muffled.

if you are going to track the car go with an M5. mostly freeway driving M5. long distance and surface srteet driving, MERC is the way to go.

E55 KEV

Yo, if the poster wants a new 2008 model and needs a lease then it is really moot to discuss pros and cons of a model you can not buy new anymore.

drop997stop

I have probably read a hundred of the same post but I feel your frustration.

I ended up with a 08 e63 for a couple of reasons. First the car was new. I am a new car guy, I dont want someone elses abused toy. I like the smell and feel of a new car. The power is great, the interior is new and advanced and it just looks better than the e55. Plus I need the write off so I leased a new car. Leasing a used old car is just plain stupid. Also take in mind your warranty,


Why I didn't go with the M5! Never like the look of the 5 series. Never liked the interior also. At the time, BMW didn't really want to work deals, the best I got was around 1500 a month compared to the 1100 I was getting for the e63. The bmw sales manager told me for the price, to buy a e63.
the M5 gas mileage is the worst out of all the three cars. Brakes are Ok, nothing to get excited about like the MB amg brakes.

When it comes down to it, pick what puts a smile on your face when you drive it. I must of test drove the e63 over 10 tens and the m5 7 times to make a decision. I am pretty sure in the end you wont be disappointed with any of the cars.

Yacht Master

You drive an SL 55 now, Daddy has a new 08 M5. Get the M5, why **** off daddy by getting a better car than he has.

>>>"why are so many disappointed with E63 vs E55?"<<< We all wanted much much more and the E63 was expected to come in twin turbo from AMG.
It did not. So many 55 owners did not view the 63 as an upgrade.

05VENOM

I am sure it does work well but working well does not necessarily translate into smooth shifts. I have spent a good amount of time behind the wheel of one, a colleague of mine owns one and every single magazine article I have read agrees it is just not smooth. I am sure some people find it suitable to drive daily but for me it wasn't ideal. The 63 better fit my needs and in my opinion is the better daily commute.

AMGfan

...if you are in NYC or any metropolitan area with traffic issues I would definitely go with E63 or E55...

E55 RUSS

Btw E63 and M5...I would choose M5 !!! Much more fun to drive, if you are not agrressive driver then E63...