KyAl1013

I am currently looking into purchasing an E55. I currently have a 1997 E320 and was wondering how the E55 rides as compared to the "regular" 320 or 430?
I'm sure it's firmer, but how much? Does it provide a firm but still comfortable ride or do the 18" wheels and suspension upgrades make it somewhat harsh?
In other words, does it keep somewhat of a Mercedes sedan ride or does it become something more like a Corvette or Porsche ride? Also, how about tire and road noise? Does that increase as well also? Thank you in advance for your opinions.
Kyle

richard brown

I just purchased a 2002 E55, it's definately firm but not Porsche firm, I was driving a Lexus GS430 before with eibach's and I wanted firmer and less body roll, I certainly got that! There is some tire noise but not objectional.

KWiK

I don't have an E55, but I did put the E55 springs/shocks/sways on my E320. This improved the ride greatly! It is not harsh! You will love!

Have you test driven an E55 yet?

KyAl1013

No, I haven't test driven one yet. I am considering the purchase of one that I can get for a good price on Ebay. I really like my 1997 E320, but I am really interested in the performance of the E55. I would really like to maintain a decent ride (not Porsche or Corvette stiff), but don't mind if it is a bit more stiff than the E320. I'm trying to decide if I can justify to myself spending $46,000 on a E55 when I can only get $23-24k for my E320.
Kyle

E55 KEV

I don't know how many miles you have on your 97 E320 or exactly what options but if you can get $24k for it take it now! ww.kbb.com lists a 97 E320 with 60k miles and CD changer with a trade-in value of $18,570 in excellent condition.

If you are looking at 1999 E55 they can go close to $40,000, however, I recommend the 2000+ model because of the boat-load of upgrades. If you get the chance to upgrade do it. Going from the E320 to E55 will make you smile each time you drive it. The car is stiffer and and suspension is tighter but not very harsh. Go from just driving transportation to driving a LEGEND! Good Luck!

KyAl1013

Actually I don't know if I can get $24k, I haven't actually tried yet to sell it. I was thinking between $23-$24 because the low Kelly blue book is $21,545 and the private party is $25,895. The car is absolutely immaculate and only has 35,000 miles on it.

The E55 I am looking at is a 2000 with 29,970 miles on it. I can get the car for $45,000 and then have it shipped here for about $1,000, making my total investment $46,000. That price is almost 2 E320's, so it is quite a jump up. But then again, the performance is very attractive to me, especially since it will be a part-time fair weather driver. I have a Jeep for commuting and snow, etc.

E55Kev, How do you like your E55 compared to your old E430? Is it really an amazing upgrade? Is the E55 interior seats and interior more comfortable? Am I thinking too high a value at $23-24k on my E320? Thanks.
Kyle

JohnAMG

I had a 1998 E430 Sport and traded in for the E55. Let me tell you the E55 is one amazing car. The only regret I had is I didn't buy it the first place and went with E430 instead. The ride is firmer but civilized and it won't jar your bones to pieces. With stiffer suspension, rattle and noise is non-existence. The Nappa leather is far superior than the regular E-class leather and the bird eye maple looks great also. Take the plunge and you will not regret it.

John

tendons

I thought my 01 E 55 was too floaty at speeds above 75 and so did two friends with porsches, subaru wrx and ferraris. All car dealers, not trying to sell me anything. I put in hr sport springs and bilstein sport shocks, which I thought made the car feel more hunkered down with much less float. However, on some of the rotten roads in new orleans I wish for a button to push to go to soft. I'm not sorry I did it. The car corners much flatter with for me and with a much greater sense of security.
The shocks which come with the car, according to the bilstein people are slightly modified comfort shocks. \

With four people in the car I find myself apologizing for the bumps. Two is fine.

schvetkaaks

Wonder what changes in ride will come about with the new E55 (W211) electronic assisted suspension - might be the best of both worlds, adjusting to tight and soft...

JamE55

Would highly recommend doing a test drive first and see if you like it (once you discover the torque you'll buy it!!)and then after that start upgrading like crazy!!

tendons

the car is wonderfully surprising, with sudden acceleration, occassionally faster than you'd like. The transmission occassionally hunts for a quarter of a second and then slams you into another gear. I've gut 25000 miles on the 01 and it's really a kick, on a daily basis. Leaving the car in either 2 ,3 or 4 and running up to 5-6000 rpm is really fun

allenjdmb

I have a 2000 E55 in the same price range, (actually just a trace higher), but with Comand and only 26k. Also has new pilots and has just been thru the dealer for several small warranty items; also was a late delivery 2000 so has lots of warranty left.
Just FYI, the best description I can give the stock e320 is "numb", as opposed to "perfectly, but not too, involved" for the 55. There's nothing quite like the feeling of knowing that there are very few folks on the road who can keep pace with you. My car or not, the 210 E55 is a terrific car.

pocholin

If you are in or around Houston, you are more than welcome to test drive mine. I've only once driven the E430, but all i noticed was the speed difference, I only drove it a couple of streets and said "I don't want it"

KyAl1013

allenjdmb,
How much are you asking for yours? I'm pretty stuck at $45k since that seems like a good deal to me, although the one I'm looking at does not have Comand. What color is it? Why are you selling?

pocholin,
Thanks for the offer!! That is very kind but unfortunately I live too far away to take advantage of it (I live in Reno, NV).

pocholin

I was there last year in June for Autorama (Impala SS car show). I drove my Impala SS for the show, it was a lot of fun being there.

E55 KEV

The Luxury market is over saturated. It is difficult to sell a car at used retail. I tried to sell my E430 for 10 months and few serious looks. I finally traded it for much less. V8's are harder to sell than V6. I traded it in March 2002 and the dealer still has it with 39k miles. They actually priced my old 98 E430 for $42k - that is why it has not moved. StarMarked cars fetch more money.

The E55 suspension could be a little lower and a little tighter in the turns. The Nappa leather is softer but may not wear as long as the standard leather.

KyAl1013

Well guys, I've decided to purchase the E55 and it is on it's way to me now (from Florida). Hope the shipping goes well! Anyway, the E320 is up for sale in the local paper at $23,900. We'll see how that goes. Thanks for all the advice everyone!!! I appreciate it!
Kyle

stephens

Congratulations and welcome to the club. I'm sure you won't regret your decision.
Regards

E55 KEV

KyAl1013, congrats on your new E55! Way to go!

What are the detail on the E55 - Year, Color, Interior, Nav etc? Thanks.

KyAl1013

E55 KEV,
It is a 2000, silver with dark gray (black?) interior, CD changer, no navigation. 29,970 miles. It was $45,000 plus $900 to ship from Florida to Nevada. I can't wait to get it!! Thanks again to all for your advice!
Kyle

pocholin

Good price and good buy! Congratulations and enjoy the car!

allenjdmb

00, Obsidian/charcoal, COMAND, changer, new Pilots, just turned 27k, late delivery 00, still has service and warranty until 5/04, neat as a pin inside and out. $47,500 or something close. I'm in the ATL area. Thanks for your help.

akinder

I have a 2001 E55 with the stock Dunlops (9000's?). They handle amazingly well. You will notice a big difference in ride quality depending upon how you inflate the tires though.

My dealer has a habit of setting the tire pressure at 33lbs, which I believe is the E320 tire pressure, not the 44lbs recommended on the door sill.

33 pounds provides a more comfortable ride. 44lbs makes the car a bit darty and hard riding, but uber-responsive. I compromise and put 40 in.

I have also found my tires to be VERY loud on the concrete interstate highways. Almost can't hear my radio or cell phone over it.

I'm probably going to switch to Michelin Pilots next go around in the hope they are quieter. I'll sacrifice a tad of performance for a little comfort. Just a tad tough.

JamE55

akinder

When i ordered mine i told my dealer i wanted to get the Michelin Pilot Sport tires instead of the Dunlops 9000. The quality and grip on the Pilot Sports are much better than the 9000 imo.