lawguy

I think I am close to going insane, as I cannot reach a conclusion on the e55/e63 purchase decision...and I'm pulling my hair out.

I like the $10k savings on the e55 car, the idea that its a torque monster, has the vented seats option & keyless, and honestly, I really like the fact that as an '06, its the height of the car's perfection - and all bugs have been worked out earlier. If I have done all my research correctly, the '06 cars also have improved handling over the earlier variants - right? While I'm not a modder or a track guy, I like the idea of a bullet proof long lasting engine. Most of all, I seem to get the itch for something different every 18-24 months, and it wouldnt be as costly to trade in the future.

BUT - i keep worrying I am giving up too much "handling" ability on the e55 from the e63 based on a number of reviews talking about the handling improvements on the e63 car and I really like the idea of the throatier exhast on the NA engine, as well as the paddle shifters. I also like the wheels a bit better too. And yes, the cosmetics of the front facade are great as well.

Honestly, i have read every single link on both yahoo and google for both e55 and e63 cars. I cant drive both back to back, as there arent any of them within 200 miles of here, and even then, there are none in the same city.

This decision is driving me insane....

I want an AMG car NOW! LOL. Ugh.

AMG_RL

honestly, if I had the chance to do it again...I'd opt for a E63. the 6.2L sounds so much meaner, refined gauge cluster, shift paddles, and overall exterior looks are better. you give up a bit of HP/TQ with it but I dont really drive like a manic anyways, just do a few freeways pulls in mexico

lilg210

I would go with the E55 if your into huge amounts of torque, burning rubber, ect. If your only into alot of power and a daily driver and don't intend to do alot of modding I would go with the E63. IMO

B on my Benz

honestly this thread had been one of the most popular thread ive seen. Search is your best friend.
Most people do perfer the e55 with its performance and people choose the e63 for looks. Well your in look, you can get 2 in 1. Our friendly member on board TGOSS is selling his Silver 2004 e55 AMG with a E63 front conversion
Awesome car! pictures just dont do the justice. heres a link FS: 2004 E55 K2

your welcome Tal

lilg210

NCE500

You will be in good shape with either car.

I'd go back and drive them both again, ask for their best and final price and pull the trigger on whichever suits you best. Go with the car you like better, the price delta won't make that much difference down the road.

You'll feel much better after getting one, either one, and having the decision behind you.

jdeastbay

I currently have both, albeit different years. My take assuming mods are not on the agenda:

55 - low end torque is mind blowing. I don't drive it much anymore (wife's DD) but when I do from a dead stop that motor cannot be beat. But that is about it.

63 - better handling, tranny, exhaust, paddles, steering wheel and exterior. Compression of the NA motor is mind blowing. Where the SC motor just wants to keep going, the NA can stop from 80mph to 5mph w/o touching the brakes. Makes the twisties a bit more predictable.

Over all both great cars. In essense the items called out above make the 63 a more refined ride and the 55 more chaotic (in a good way)

tgoss

What these two cats said!

Thanks fellas

lawguy

FABULOUS information.

I'm wanting an incredible daily driver, with a bit of edge. And, since I'm not a crazy guy, guessing the e63 really is the right decision.

Thanks for chiming in...

06MKV

Lawguy

Like you I am also in the market for either an E55 or E63. I am also an attorney. (not that it matters)

I did have an opportunity to test drive an 07 E63 and an 05 E55 the following day. The two cars are fairly similar with some difference. The E63 felt a little more refined, it did handle a bit better. The E55 just did not feel as tight around a corner as the e63 did. The interiors felt very similar. correct me if I am wrong, but I don't believe the E63 have dynamic seats. I really liked them in the E55. On the freeway, when you wanted power it was their in an instance. The e55 had an ever so slight of a delay. I am used to that delay as I currently drive a VW GTI with the 2.0 liter turbo.

The E55 however shined in the torque area. I could really feel the difference in torque between them. The E55 just pushes you back in your seat and does not want to let up.

I have decided on an 05 E55. The key for me was the lower price, the gobs of torque, the fact that in a few years if I got bored of the power I could get a tune and pulley, made my decision easier. With the savings I purchased a 4 year warranty and still have money left over the basic mainteance, ie tires, tires, tires.

Good luck

E55Dimon

Haha, I saw a few threads you made..cant say im sorry about your "problem" as you'll come out a winner in either one

Now aside from all the other advice, which color do you like more?

Sounds like you're leaning towards the 63 anyway. It is, afterall, a newer car. And since you will be keeping it stock, go with the 63.

Enjoy!

lawguy

Interesting points - I thought for sure you were going to say you went with an e63 given your comments.

Its hard, in my mind, not to factor in the $10k or so between an '06 CPO e55 and an '07 e63, given the similarities between the cars.

I am coming from a BMW 550i sport, so I worry a bit more about the handling aspect of an e55 vs. e63.

BTW - what is your area of practice?

220S

If you come from BMWs you'll be more comfortable with the E63, imho.
Handling and steering was improved over the E55. There is a very noticeable difference. You may get accustomed to the E55 if you do get one, but it will be even farther apart from your 550i than will an E63.

Check the reviews that came out in 2007. Most of them spoke about the handling and steering improvements and the transmission.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/mercedes-e63-amg/

http://www.insideline.com/mercedes-b...z-e63-amg.html

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...e63_amg_page_3

But like everyone says, if you want to mod, have that big torque, and basically are looking for a brute then go with the 55. A better handling car with a NA motor that's probably better off being left stock, and the 7-G Tronic tranny, then go with the 63.

But I'm personally just bias towards driving dynamics and not so much the straight line stuff. So maybe don't listen to me......

tscales

For me it is easy. I love torque. E55 all the way.

I was surprised at the earlier comment about a delay in reaction on the E55. My guess is the car had a problem. It's supercharged, not turbocharged. Can't compare it to the VW. The boost is always available on the E55.

My 996TT, however, has a noticeable lag. Love it, but actually enjoy driving the E55 more. Had a friend in the E55 yesterday -- his first time. He kept raving about how he liked it more than the Porsche.

I'd drive them as back-to-back as possible. Then I'd save $10K and buy the E55.

Full disclosure -- never driven an E63. I'm sure it is amazing. Just love me E55 wagon and will never part with it.

Jakpro1

The only thing I think you might be a tick off on is the power difference between the 2 stock to stock.

While the 55 will win most drag races between the 2, the 63 sure is no slouch on power. It's not like you are gonna buy the 63 and be getting smoked by Jettas. 12 flat in the 1/4 for a N/A 4 door luxury car is

Once you remove that issue, I think the choice is clear. 63 all the way.

If it's really eating you up, I do have an idea. Take a weekend and fly down to the Famoso or MIR GTG coming up in a few weeks. The guys on either coast are about the nicest you will ever meet and will take you out in both of them.

Max.H

I was in a similar situation. I wanted the power of the 55 but loved the 63 looks. So, I got the 55 and did the front and back 63 body conversion. Problem solved.

5280 Busa

+1 more on the E55

I have an 06 with the E63 front end. the features that make the 63 stand out can be added to the 55 for less than the difference in price. as mentioned, you have much more performance potential with 55

Infiniti

Its almost like this same kinda thread is posted every week. so the truth is this man, if your trying to get somewhere close to the sport feel of a bmw then get a M5 and then you have a better car than a E63 now if you want something that has brute force then you buy a 55.

cahiil55k

I'm biased towards torque and straight line acceleration since I've been a big city boy all my life. Your surroundings and opinion might vary, but I would get the E55 and then spend the extra 10K on a modded Miata for the rare stretch of twisties.

chawkins2001

get the 55K man, actually buy TGOSS's and you have the best of both world for a boat load less money. It will eat any 63 for lunch and dinner.

lawguy

Well, it appears I am about 95% decided, and I think I'm going with the e55.

In the end, the difference in cost between similarly equipped '06 e55 and '07 e63 is $10,600, which buys a lot of warranty, and hell...maybe even a few mods. LOL. Final asking price on e55, certified, 27k miles, (vented seats, keyless go, rear and side shades, P1 package) is $39,800.

Plus, on top of that, the dealer with the e55 emailed me the invoice for the new brakes [including pads, rotors & the whole 9 yards and tires (plus alignment)] which he installed as part of the CPO, which totalled $2,400. I realize he didnt pay himself that much, but knowing I'm saving $10,622 on the e55 car, as well as coming out a couple of thousand bucks ahead in future maintenance with the new brakes and tires pushes the total difference well over $12.5k between the cars. Hard to turn that down, especially since the e55 is a fabulous car in its own right.

Final decision making tonight. Thanks to all for your thoughts throughout...

Kev04C320

That's a pretty good deal considering the mileage on the car. I picked mine up with 53K miles for low 30s in the summer. It's an '06 with Premium + Pano, Lighting, Parktronic, trunk closer. I'm driving it much more than the M3 now since it's more comfy for my commute, though the drive is not as invovled as the M3.

220S

You did drive both, yes?

Jakpro1

Long as you have good warranty, you are good to go. Congrats!

Moxxon

I love my 2007 E63. I bought it 5 months ago with 13K miles and it still smells new. The N/A engine is wonderful, high-revving, and sounds amazing. Truth, an E55 most likely will pull on an E63 providing they both have good starts, but the E63 handles better, I love the paddles (especially in M mode), and I like the minor facelift over the E55. Also, the E63 engine (M156) supposedly is the first engine designed and built entirely by AMG. I also don't have to worry about supercharger pulleys, belts, intercoolers, etc. My service advisor told me these E63's hardly have any problems. I am hoping the engine will be bullet-proof and provide many years of trouble free fun. I put the suspension in "sport 2" and took a freeway exit around 65-70 MPH and there was not even one squeal from the tires. I think the car performs amazing for a 2-ton sedan. Gas mileage is terrible, but since I don't drive much, it doesn't really bother me.

I owned a supercharged C32 before I bought the E63 and had to change out the intercooler pump, radiator, drive pulley and a bunch of other things. I loved the car but I am very happy to be driving an N/A 6.2 Liter engine now.