E55 vs CLS55
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 9
E55 vs CLS55
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
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,759
Likes: 96
From: NH
2012 C63 BS & 2014 E63 Estate & 2008 CLK63 BS
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..
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
E55 AMG, 72' Toyota Carina, 63' Ford F100, 72' Mercedes 250c, 15' Harley Davidson Softail
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 681
Likes: 4
w212 E63 / 996tt
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.
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.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 856
Likes: 0
From: palm beach
CLS55 & CL CK60
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/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14214143@N05/5087867864/http://www.flickr.com/photos/14214143@N05/5087867864/
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 2
From: Maryland
a Rivera...via a Custom 24, Strat and Les Paul
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
) 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 belowI 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...
IMG_0564
IMG_0564
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 856
Likes: 0
From: palm beach
CLS55 & CL CK60
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...
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...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,217
Likes: 6
3-five-five/ TUNDRA/ 07 997 cab
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!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,759
Likes: 96
From: NH
2012 C63 BS & 2014 E63 Estate & 2008 CLK63 BS
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!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 13
From: Abu Dhabi
C218 CLS63TT PP Edition1, W213 E63S
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.
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 10
From: Southern Cali (Ontario)
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 681
Likes: 4
w212 E63 / 996tt
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 567
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
2012 Armada
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.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
06 E55 / 13 C63
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver BC
Flying Spur
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
Either car its a win win situation. Good luck
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,575
Likes: 8
From: BC
Haters crazy
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
If you want a sleeper e55 if you want a head turner cls55 either way it will be a quick sedan
