sheefo2k

I searched and didn't come up with anything. If it's a repost then my bad.
I might be in the market soon for a pre-owned E55 or a CLS55. If I decide to go with the E55 then it will have to be 05 or 06 because of the reliability issues with the earlier models. Now on to the CLS, what years should I be looking at?
How are they for reliability? Is modding in the same price range? or more expensive?? etc


Just fill me in with some info that would help me learn more about either chassis...

Thanks

AKnight55

Well if your looking at the CLS, then im almost positive they only made them for one year (2006), they then went to the 63 engine. Its really a matter of opinion on which to chose. CLS has a more unique look with the E look more subtle.. E might be a bit faster (few hundred pounds lighter) but not sure its noticeable. I went with the E because its a bit less expensive, but hope to get into a CLS one day..

Vic55

CLS55 = one year = 2006

E55 faster, CLS55 better looking (subjective of course).

tgoss

If I were to choose again I would go with the CLS. It's such a gorgeous car.

snail45

I have wondered the same thing. Did not know the CLS was heavier. Why is that? For some reason I thought it would be lighter. Good info.

AMG_RL

+1. Honestly if A CLS was in my price range I would have definately chosen it over My E55.

Roseylv

Earlier this year, I purchased a 2006 CLS55 after exiting my 2006 E55 after 3 years of ownership.

The CLS is has a lot more character (in the looks department) then the E and I feel like it will always retain a wow feel. It is a very sexy car. Versus when I owned my E, I seemingly got rather board of the look really quickly.

As for performance, that is TBD. The E would get the nod in corning capabilities although I did have an LSD in my E and have yet to install on in my CLS.

beauphus

I drove a stock e55 for 3 years and have had my CLS for almost 2 years. The E was more of a sleeper, slightly faster (stock), and will always have a special place in my heart. The CLS is gorgeous, fast, and all around a head turner. Although I will always respect the E, it just doesnt compete as far as looks go and is virtually the same car under the hood on both. Enjoy either cause they are both amazing in their own right...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14214143@N05/5087867864/http://www.flickr.com/photos/14214143@N05/5087867864/

motorkas

It was all about the back seat for me - needed the bench (and I got more than a little bit annoyed at hitting my head exiting the back seat of my cousins CLS). A little carbon fiber and paint go a long way to making an E stand out (look at Vic's sig's (seriously if he can make a 212 look good...) and some of the other seriously SICK E's that are on this board. That being said I think the CLS is a stunner - all you have to do is look above or below

MB_Forever

I agree with everyone on this one: CLS for better looks (subjective of course) and E for slightly better performance - although I have a feeling soon we'll see a CLS into the 10s

A few more factors to consider:

- The CLS has less leg space in the rear than the E.
- The small rear windows of the CLS makes it a bit difficult to see cars when looking over your shoulder before lane changes.
- The CLS doesn't have the extra bench in the rear seats as mentioned previously.

Karlson

my buddy owns cls63 with brabus kit.. no matter how much money he wasted on that car, I don't feel cls, I just don't.

beauphus

some more pros and cons:

e55 is a total sleeper. most people dont think its as fast as it is (which i always loved)
cls55 allows for more aggressive offset/wheel fitment
cls55 has slightly more room for larger front intercooler
e55 is more affordable
cls55 is harder to see out of nearly all windows - especially when tinted because of significantly smaller windows
e55 is more mod friendly due to higher ownership, longer lifespan, more R&D
cls55 was only made one year which could be a negative or a positive
cls55 has more aggressive sounding exhaust from factory due to different muffler design

thats about all the minor differences that might matter that i could think of...

emoving

IF you are looking for a car that handles go get a M5. I have had both the CLS and a few E55s and I think they handle the same which lets face it, not gonna set records. But get that M5 at a light in either 55 and nighty night! IMO, the CLS is just awsome. The questions people come up and ask is amazing. No one looked twice aat the E unless they were car guys. Personally, around Columbus anyways, every kid is out buying an E55 because the 03s are so cheap. I love em both for different reasons but the CLS is pure sex when done right!

AKnight55

This guy knows what hes talking about.. Im sure some of you guys dont like hearing this, but the E55 is becoming a kids car.. The CLS is just way more elegant.. If its a toss up (not sure how it could be unless your really set on the E) go with the CLS..

Ali_E55

my friend has an IWC also, and it has from factory a LSD. you better check your car before installing it. the easiest way is to jack it up from behind and by your hand rotate one rear wheel and if the other one rotates the same direction than you hav LSD.

if you rotate one to forward the other should spin forward = LSD

if you rotate it forward and the other one spins backwards = no LSD.

TopGun32

I have 3 little boys, ages 8, 5 and 1. Can't use the CLS.

But if you can get a CLS55 with the P30 package.. I would get it.


If you can wait.. a new 4.6TT E class is just around the corner and CLS revised.

Not AMG's but can be just as fast with just a simple ECU tune.


The new 5 series is not really catching my attenting.. the new E 212 body is classy and just need the twin turbos to be a total package.

Roseylv

This was debated in a thread a while back. Trust me, I don't have a LSD. The US bound IWC didn't ship w/ the performance package. At least mine didn't. Thanks for looking out though!

jbaker1121

I love the CLS but would get the E.....price range and speed haha

930chas

+1!! Could not agree more!

jayhawkblk

I to toyed with this notion when looking for a new car. I went with the E because of the back seat now I realized that I did not need to fit 5 in my car. I find that when the fam goes anywhere together we take the wifes car. So I may be back on the hunt for a CLS55 and putting the E up for sale.

transferred

My vote is the E55....just a subjective choice as is everyone's opinion on this choice...

ELITE_KOV

Wow, I didn't know there were many CLS fans.

I personally think the car doesn't look good at all, but that's my personal preference.


My .02 and the only reason I bought the E was because of the better looks/faster/ and I've become a fan of having 4doors/backseats ...damn, talk about going against the majority.

ssonss1

I've driven both cars extensively, I would say the cars are pretty much identical when your driving, minus the blind spots for the CLS. I felt that the CLS did handle a bit better around corners but again it is no M5. You will essentially be getting identical cars all you need to decide is which looks better and 5 vs 4 seats. Either car its a win win situation. Good luck

alextaylor29

The E55 is Ms. America, rolling art.
The CLS55 is Ms. World, rolling pornography.

It's allot like the Masserrati Quatroportte (SP?), just damn goregous!

tbal

I would say they are both identical regardless of the weight advantage. At the track my 06 e55 was running pretty consistent with what my bros cls55 was running. Cls55 has a tuned exhaust hence better flowing? Wonder if that gives it a better edge than the e55?

If you want a sleeper e55 if you want a head turner cls55 either way it will be a quick sedan