W211 AMG Discuss the W211 AMG's such as the E55 and the E63

E55 vs. CLS55... Help me decide

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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 02:08 PM
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E55 vs. CLS55... Help me decide

I've been waiting for the CLS55 AMG to get down into the Low 40's and started looking to purchase one... The local MB dealership has a 22,000 mile 2006 E55 AMG for sale at a decent price (which I test drove today). I'm considering buying it but don't know much about the E55.

Could someone explain to me what the differences are (besides the obvious aesthetic differences)?

Thanks so much-
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 03:26 PM
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Less rear room for passengers in the CLS vs. the E. The E has a bigger boot as well. The CLS according to magazine tests outhandles the E as it pulled much higher skidpad numbers vs. the Es. The CLS's interior runs mineral glass for it's guage cluster. The CLS seats 4 while the E seats 5 as the CLS has a rear mid console that runs up to the seats.

The E is more sleeper in comparison to the CLS, if you do love the attention however, get the CLS.

Both are amazing cars, get the car that you like best not what anyone else would state. Do you love the E's look and package better or the CLS's? Ask yourself that question and it will help you come closer to a decision.

Both cars are rockets, both will command attention and respect, and both IMHO are two of the best ever made.
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 03:46 PM
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Thanks- that is helpful. I always thought the CLS was one of the most beautiful cars I'd seen, but it's a bit "look at me!" for my tastes. Even with the stock wheels, it's just so... noticeable.

I'm a younger guy, and always thought of the E class as an old man car. The E55 AMG I drove today has got me thinking otherwise- It has the large AMG wheels and looks fairly sexy (nothing like the CLS of course, but still very nice).

Basically, it's the same engine and suspension... Just a different look?

Thanks again.
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by fshrking
Thanks- that is helpful. I always thought the CLS was one of the most beautiful cars I'd seen, but it's a bit "look at me!" for my tastes. Even with the stock wheels, it's just so... noticeable.

I'm a younger guy, and always thought of the E class as an old man car. The E55 AMG I drove today has got me thinking otherwise- It has the large AMG wheels and looks fairly sexy (nothing like the CLS of course, but still very nice).

Basically, it's the same engine and suspension... Just a different look?

Thanks again.
Pretty much, the CLS came with wider rears which attributed to the better skidpad numbers. I love the E55 for what it is, a beautiful, comfortable, spacious rocketship that can get noticed by those who know about it and be kept under the radar as a "regular E class" in the eyes of many. Something I have no issues about and actually I prefer that stealth rocket look. The E has that rare blend of class, respect, power, and space in one car; a combination that's quite hard to beat.

The W211 E55 AMG is one of the best looking cars I've ever seen hands down. I love it's subtle lines and the way it flows. The CLS has a more more pronounced and aggressive look and looks beautiful as well. It's all about preference.

Given what you said it seems like the E has the edge, you drove a 2006 which is the last model year for the W211 E55, if it's Certified Pre-Owned and if you can get a MB/Starmark Extended Warranty on it by all means go for it and enjoy it.
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 05:24 PM
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CLS55 AMG
CLS without question, just look at it.

Last edited by Full Throttle; Jul 13, 2009 at 05:26 PM.
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 05:28 PM
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a toy
Cialis.
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 05:31 PM
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I'd pick the E55....something's seriously cool about fast, luxurious sedans.

imo...

S65>CL65
M5>M6
you get the point
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 05:39 PM
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Cialis.
Concur...

because its ready when you are.
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 06:27 PM
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If youre going to do any amount of driving around corners fast, and dont need the rear room, go for the CLS. It is one of the coolest shapes going around. I love my e55 to bits and have had 0 regret but if I didnt need to shove 3 kids under 5 in the back on the weekends I would have bought a CLS. good luck!
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 06:56 PM
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Originally Posted by transferred
I'd pick the E55....something's seriously cool about fast, luxurious sedans.

imo...

S65>CL65
M5>M6
you get the point

although I do consider the CL65 a true 4 seater due to it's rear leg room being greater than a usual coupe.

Last edited by E55AMGFan; Jul 13, 2009 at 07:09 PM.
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 07:16 PM
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to me the CLS shape is already dated. I loved it when it came out and now I have lost the love.

THe E on the other hand I think has a classic look. I came from a 2 Gen Lexus GS that I also feel as a classic look. Both cars have great lines.
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 10:03 PM
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Was going through the same choices but I A) like to go unnoticed (unless you know ) B) like the utility of the larger trunk and back seat (this weekend had to chauffer around 4 of my wife's friends with her for a wedding - four women can fit in the back seat) C) hit my head the first time getting out of the back seat of CLS - that pretty much sealed the deal for me.
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 10:10 PM
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a Rivera...via a Custom 24, Strat and Les Paul
Oh yeah - the Cialis comments have a special place in my heart - I use to work for the Bio tech that invented it - I'm sure the old marketing team will be happy to know that they accomplished goal of replacing Viagra in everyday lexicon

. . . and no I don't have any left over free samples . . .
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 10:11 PM
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i love my e but like the looks of the cls
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 02:09 AM
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C218 CLS63TT PP Edition1, W213 E63S
the CLS shape is dtill going for 2 years more

but the E has already been changed

so it is up to your taste and money

if i have to choose noe

i will choose the CLS

although i don't regret buying the E
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 02:49 AM
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CLS.
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 07:07 AM
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Good points all the way. For me it came down to sitting in each all be it I went with E63. I'm 6'1" and hit my head on exiting the CLS. I love the look of the CLS but felt uncomfortable trying to look out the windows in the rear from the drivers seat. My 2cnts.
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 09:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Full Throttle
CLS without question, just look at it.
I would love to diagree with you. But the truth is, I can't... Love my E55 for my small family, but if I was still making my bachelor moves, it would be in a cls55, no questions asked..... The Design and handling does it for me..
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 01:28 PM
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e55,-if it has a engine or hair- i'll drive it
Originally Posted by fshrking
I'm a younger guy, and always thought of the E class as an old man car. The E55 AMG I drove today has got me thinking otherwise- It has the large AMG wheels and looks fairly sexy (nothing like the CLS of course, but still very nice).

.
i was in your shoes exactly a few months ago. i decided to go with the E because it's a "old mans car" - i thought it would make me feel a little more mature...... didn't work. bench seat in the back- need i say more?????
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Old Jul 17, 2009 | 11:16 PM
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I went with the E55. O.M.G.

I cannot believe this car. I absolutely love it. If anyone is thinking of buying an E55 (or a CLS55), run don't walk to your local dealer and get one. I bought a used 2006 E55 AMG with 22,000 miles. I finally, finally have the crazy ridiculous make-my-wife-scream acceleration and torque that I've always dreamed of.

I can't believe I gave serious consideration to a C350 (new) and a G37 Sedan (new). This thing is the most awesome machine I have ever touched. Can you tell I'm giddy? I'm taking it to a High Performance driving school at VIR in September and I can't wait. The torque. Oh my G. The torque from the time you mash the pedal is absolutely insane.

More later.
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Old Jul 18, 2009 | 12:44 AM
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Originally Posted by fshrking
I cannot believe this car. I absolutely love it. If anyone is thinking of buying an E55 (or a CLS55), run don't walk to your local dealer and get one. I bought a used 2006 E55 AMG with 22,000 miles. I finally, finally have the crazy ridiculous make-my-wife-scream acceleration and torque that I've always dreamed of.

I can't believe I gave serious consideration to a C350 (new) and a G37 Sedan (new). This thing is the most awesome machine I have ever touched. Can you tell I'm giddy? I'm taking it to a High Performance driving school at VIR in September and I can't wait. The torque. Oh my G. The torque from the time you mash the pedal is absolutely insane.

More later.
Good stuff, man. Glad you are happy, get those pics up. Any mods to follow?
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Old Jul 18, 2009 | 01:33 AM
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Congratulations, sounds like you made the right choice...
Speed = Tickets = Be Stealth Young Man, Be Stealth

Enjoy your new baby!
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Old Jul 18, 2009 | 02:24 AM
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Originally Posted by motorkas
Was going through the same choices but I A) like to go unnoticed (unless you know ) B) like the utility of the larger trunk and back seat (this weekend had to chauffer around 4 of my wife's friends with her for a wedding - four women can fit in the back seat
I know exactly what you mean! I had 4 scantily clad young women in the back of my E55 before. It was fun to say the least. But, almost impossible to keep your eyes on the road if you know what I mean.

They each weigh about a buck and some change and looked comfy for the 20 min ride. Not one complaint... Made me a believer.

Sorry, I got sidetracked.

Congrats on your new ride fshrking!

Last edited by Max.H; Jul 18, 2009 at 02:45 AM.
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Old Jul 18, 2009 | 02:43 AM
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I had 4 scantily clad young women in the back of my E55 before. It was fun to say the least. But, almost impossible to keep your eyes on the road if you know what I mean.
They each weigh about a buck and some change and looked comfy for the 20 min ride. Not one complaint... Made me a believer.
Now that's a Cialis ad if I ever heard one

Congratulations, sounds like you made the right choice...
Speed = Tickets = Be Stealth Young Man, Be Stealth
+1000 - had two tickets drop off my record with in one week of each other - dropped my insurance premium by $1400.00 I have the Escort 9500 and the Laser Interceptor sitting in my office waiting to be installed
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Old Jul 18, 2009 | 03:53 PM
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LOL GOOD posts guys!
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