IS THE E55 A FUTURE CLASSIC?
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 511
Likes: 2
From: Orlando, FL
04 E55 AMG, 03 350z Track Built/Single Turbo
The W210 E55 was a beast when it came out in 1999 and is still a very respectable Beast 10 yrs later.
The W211 with its FI motor was just the next evolution for the E55 motor/car - The W211 motor is based on the W210 E55 motor - if you FI a W210 E55 you will get 450 + HP easy.
The W210 was much more than a body kit and wheels - do your research before you post.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,127
Likes: 4
From: Chicagoland
AMG
I think it will be a somewhat memorable car, but not to the extent of the Elenore or the Hammer. I just love all the records Mercedes is currently responsible for. Not to mention Mercedes made the first supercharged engine in 1921..
Records (pertaining to cars, not trucks, suvs, vans.):
highest torque per liter diesel engine- 2008 C class @ 172 ft lbs/liter
highest HP per liter diesel engine- 1993 E300 @ 44.8 hp/liter
first multi-valve diesel engine with 4 valves/cylinder- 1993 C class
first supercharged car in 1921
first turbocharged diesel car- 1978 300SD
first 7-speed automatic trans- 2003 7G tronic
first electro-hydraulic brakes- 2002 E class
First ESP/DSC/VSC- 1995 Merc CL class
first night vision assist- S class
Records (pertaining to cars, not trucks, suvs, vans.):
highest torque per liter diesel engine- 2008 C class @ 172 ft lbs/liter
highest HP per liter diesel engine- 1993 E300 @ 44.8 hp/liter
first multi-valve diesel engine with 4 valves/cylinder- 1993 C class
first supercharged car in 1921
first turbocharged diesel car- 1978 300SD
first 7-speed automatic trans- 2003 7G tronic
first electro-hydraulic brakes- 2002 E class
First ESP/DSC/VSC- 1995 Merc CL class
first night vision assist- S class
Last edited by 03'55AMG; Mar 25, 2011 at 12:32 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,336
Likes: 8
Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
I think it will be a somewhat memorable car, but not to the extent of the Elenore or the Hammer. I just love all the records Mercedes is currently responsible for. Not to mention Mercedes made the first supercharged engine in 1921..
Records (pertaining to cars, not trucks, suvs, vans.):
highest torque per liter diesel engine- 2008 C class @ 172 ft lbs/liter
highest HP per liter diesel engine- 1993 E300 @ 44.8 hp/liter
first multi-valve diesel engine with 4 valves/cylinder- 1993 C class
first supercharged car in 1921
first turbocharged diesel car- 1978 300SD
first 7-speed automatic trans- 2003 7G tronic
first electro-hydraulic brakes- 2002 E class
First ESP/DSC/VSC- 1995 Merc CL class
first night vision assist- S class
Records (pertaining to cars, not trucks, suvs, vans.):
highest torque per liter diesel engine- 2008 C class @ 172 ft lbs/liter
highest HP per liter diesel engine- 1993 E300 @ 44.8 hp/liter
first multi-valve diesel engine with 4 valves/cylinder- 1993 C class
first supercharged car in 1921
first turbocharged diesel car- 1978 300SD
first 7-speed automatic trans- 2003 7G tronic
first electro-hydraulic brakes- 2002 E class
First ESP/DSC/VSC- 1995 Merc CL class
first night vision assist- S class
Then there's all that safety stuff. Like first crumple zone design, front air bag use blah, blah, blah http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv0ZPyj7S6M
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Mercedes E55 AMG (2006), Mercedes 560 SEL (1991)
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Mercedes E55 AMG (2006), Mercedes 560 SEL (1991)
Auto, Motor und Sport, Germany, volume 6/1968, on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3: “We took delivery of one of the closely guarded first units, a vehicle not yet even fitted with the “6.3” designation. The lack of model badge seemed to cause confusion to many a Porsche 911 and 911 S driver, normally accustomed to being kings of the motorway and who now suddenly found themselves being left looking flat-footed by the distinguished and relatively harmless-looking Mercedes. Should any of them be reading this, we would wish to point out that they have no cause to return their vehicles to the factory on account of deficient performance.”
I can't be certain whether the e55k will attain similar classic status but I do know that the e55k does (stock for stock) blow away the 911 turbo of its day, the 996, on the autobahn. I believe it is also faster, on the autobahn, than the Ferrari 360 of its day. Stories abound on the internet of 'kills' of all kinds of traditional exotics who ‘should have no cause to return their vehicles to the factory on account of deficient performance’. I would therefore like to think some sort of 'legend' has developed around the e55k.
I do not for one minute suggest the e55k is as rare as a 300sel 6.3 but consider this. Fantasycars.com says 1839 300sel 6.3 cars were shipped to the US between 1968 and 1972. This would average roughly 460 per year. Figures quoted on mbworld give 7937 as the total sales, in the US, of the e55k between 2003 and 2006 - an annual average of 1984 or so. Given the increase by over 110% (according to the US Bureau of Transit Statistics) in the number of motor vehicles in the US between 1972 and 2006, the e55k is not really, in terms of rarity, quite as far behind the legendary 'tyre shredder' as some would think.
The e55 as a classic…perhaps we’re in with a shout?
Brgds
P.S. According to Wikipedia, 448,445 Toyota Camry cars were sold in 2006 alone.
I can't be certain whether the e55k will attain similar classic status but I do know that the e55k does (stock for stock) blow away the 911 turbo of its day, the 996, on the autobahn. I believe it is also faster, on the autobahn, than the Ferrari 360 of its day. Stories abound on the internet of 'kills' of all kinds of traditional exotics who ‘should have no cause to return their vehicles to the factory on account of deficient performance’. I would therefore like to think some sort of 'legend' has developed around the e55k.
I do not for one minute suggest the e55k is as rare as a 300sel 6.3 but consider this. Fantasycars.com says 1839 300sel 6.3 cars were shipped to the US between 1968 and 1972. This would average roughly 460 per year. Figures quoted on mbworld give 7937 as the total sales, in the US, of the e55k between 2003 and 2006 - an annual average of 1984 or so. Given the increase by over 110% (according to the US Bureau of Transit Statistics) in the number of motor vehicles in the US between 1972 and 2006, the e55k is not really, in terms of rarity, quite as far behind the legendary 'tyre shredder' as some would think.
The e55 as a classic…perhaps we’re in with a shout?
Brgds
P.S. According to Wikipedia, 448,445 Toyota Camry cars were sold in 2006 alone.
Last edited by OK55; Mar 25, 2011 at 07:27 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 882
Likes: 11
From: Oldsmar, FL
2005 E55 Wagon, 2017 C63S Cab, 1986 560SL
In what way does the E55 blow away the 996TT on the autobahn? I own both and love my E55, but overall performance, including top speed, is clearly greater on the 996TT.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 32
From: Florida-Germany-New York
2004 E55,1969 300SEL6.3,2011 ML350 BlueTec Diesel,2005 ML400 CDI
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Germany
c200k
I think it will be a somewhat memorable car, but not to the extent of the Elenore or the Hammer. I just love all the records Mercedes is currently responsible for. Not to mention Mercedes made the first supercharged engine in 1921..
Records (pertaining to cars, not trucks, suvs, vans.):
highest torque per liter diesel engine- 2008 C class @ 172 ft lbs/liter
highest HP per liter diesel engine- 1993 E300 @ 44.8 hp/liter
first multi-valve diesel engine with 4 valves/cylinder- 1993 C class
first supercharged car in 1921
first turbocharged diesel car- 1978 300SD
first 7-speed automatic trans- 2003 7G tronic
first electro-hydraulic brakes- 2002 E class
First ESP/DSC/VSC- 1995 Merc CL class
first night vision assist- S class
Records (pertaining to cars, not trucks, suvs, vans.):
highest torque per liter diesel engine- 2008 C class @ 172 ft lbs/liter
highest HP per liter diesel engine- 1993 E300 @ 44.8 hp/liter
first multi-valve diesel engine with 4 valves/cylinder- 1993 C class
first supercharged car in 1921
first turbocharged diesel car- 1978 300SD
first 7-speed automatic trans- 2003 7G tronic
first electro-hydraulic brakes- 2002 E class
First ESP/DSC/VSC- 1995 Merc CL class
first night vision assist- S class
Mercedes also owns the record for being the last manufacturer to spec tape decks in their cars.
Records are great and all, but it doesn't have any bearing on the driving experience, considering everything on these cars fails prematurely.
Last edited by sknight; Mar 25, 2011 at 12:34 PM.
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
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Mercedes E55 AMG (2006), Mercedes 560 SEL (1991)
1. The superiority of the Ferrari 360 Modena and the Porsche 996 turbo over the e55k is not in doubt in the twisties and therefore the track.
2. In a straight line and from a standing start the Porsche 996 turbo is quicker up to circa 125 mph (owing largely to superior traction from its 4WD transmission system).
3. Above 125 mph or thereabouts in a straight line (i.e on the open autobahn) the e55k is more accelerative than the 996 turbo.
With its drag coefficient of just 0.33 the 996 turbo is drag limited to 189 mph. Derestricted, the SL55k and E55k (with superior drag coefficients of 0.29 & 0.28 respectively) are capable of well beyond this.
Brgds
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Mercedes E55 AMG (2006), Mercedes 560 SEL (1991)
According to Evo Magazine: 'A derestricted SL55 with essentially the same 5.4-litre supercharged V8 made monkeys of a bunch of supercars at a Nardo test organised by Auto Motor und Sport magazine, topping out at 202mph.'
With a higher power-to-weight ratio and less weight the e55k should top out in the same range with marginally less power.
Brgds
With a higher power-to-weight ratio and less weight the e55k should top out in the same range with marginally less power.
Brgds
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Mercedes E55 AMG (2006), Mercedes 560 SEL (1991)
Generic figure of speech...what I meant was an open stretch of reasonably straight multi-lane roadway without speed limits. Increasingly utopian, of course.
In reality, most of us are happy with just the legend, and never derestrict our cars. Nor do we do anything anywhere near the basic 155 mph limit...!
Brgds
In reality, most of us are happy with just the legend, and never derestrict our cars. Nor do we do anything anywhere near the basic 155 mph limit...!
Brgds
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Germany
c200k
Yeah, because I see that referred to here, as if people think the Autobahn is free of curves, speed limits, traffic, rough, unmaintained surfaces, morons that pass at 40mph in the left land, directly in front of speeding cars rather than waiting, and general caution at higher speeds. Most cars, even those capable of doing over 150, will never, ever be able to attain those speeds on the autobahn, no matter how long the uncontrolled stretch was due to the above reasons (outside of speed). In short, the autobahn is way different than a track.
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 511
Likes: 2
From: Orlando, FL
04 E55 AMG, 03 350z Track Built/Single Turbo
Auto, Motor und Sport, Germany, volume 6/1968, on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3: “We took delivery of one of the closely guarded first units, a vehicle not yet even fitted with the “6.3” designation. The lack of model badge seemed to cause confusion to many a Porsche 911 and 911 S driver, normally accustomed to being kings of the motorway and who now suddenly found themselves being left looking flat-footed by the distinguished and relatively harmless-looking Mercedes. Should any of them be reading this, we would wish to point out that they have no cause to return their vehicles to the factory on account of deficient performance.”
I can't be certain whether the e55k will attain similar classic status but I do know that the e55k does (stock for stock) blow away the 911 turbo of its day, the 996, on the autobahn. I believe it is also faster, on the autobahn, than the Ferrari 360 of its day. Stories abound on the internet of 'kills' of all kinds of traditional exotics who ‘should have no cause to return their vehicles to the factory on account of deficient performance’. I would therefore like to think some sort of 'legend' has developed around the e55k.
I do not for one minute suggest the e55k is as rare as a 300sel 6.3 but consider this. Fantasycars.com says 1839 300sel 6.3 cars were shipped to the US between 1968 and 1972. This would average roughly 460 per year. Figures quoted on mbworld give 7937 as the total sales, in the US, of the e55k between 2003 and 2006 - an annual average of 1984 or so. Given the increase by over 110% (according to the US Bureau of Transit Statistics) in the number of motor vehicles in the US between 1972 and 2006, the e55k is not really, in terms of rarity, quite as far behind the legendary 'tyre shredder' as some would think.
The e55 as a classic…perhaps we’re in with a shout?
Brgds
P.S. According to Wikipedia, 448,445 Toyota Camry cars were sold in 2006 alone.
I can't be certain whether the e55k will attain similar classic status but I do know that the e55k does (stock for stock) blow away the 911 turbo of its day, the 996, on the autobahn. I believe it is also faster, on the autobahn, than the Ferrari 360 of its day. Stories abound on the internet of 'kills' of all kinds of traditional exotics who ‘should have no cause to return their vehicles to the factory on account of deficient performance’. I would therefore like to think some sort of 'legend' has developed around the e55k.
I do not for one minute suggest the e55k is as rare as a 300sel 6.3 but consider this. Fantasycars.com says 1839 300sel 6.3 cars were shipped to the US between 1968 and 1972. This would average roughly 460 per year. Figures quoted on mbworld give 7937 as the total sales, in the US, of the e55k between 2003 and 2006 - an annual average of 1984 or so. Given the increase by over 110% (according to the US Bureau of Transit Statistics) in the number of motor vehicles in the US between 1972 and 2006, the e55k is not really, in terms of rarity, quite as far behind the legendary 'tyre shredder' as some would think.
The e55 as a classic…perhaps we’re in with a shout?
Brgds
P.S. According to Wikipedia, 448,445 Toyota Camry cars were sold in 2006 alone.
My first encounter with an E55 happened back in 2006, when I was rolling around in my freshly turbo'd 350z, which was making about 412whp with the stock motor and bolt on turbo. I happened to roll up on a guy in a white E55 and I had heard of their rep. I let him hear the turbo a bit to get his attention, and we rounded a corner side by side to an open stretch of straightaway for about 1/2 mile. As if on queue, we both floored it from about 25 and by the time we hit 110 we were nearing a 4-way ahead, we broke and stopped. By the end of that run, I had about 1/2 fender on him, and it was very even. I gave him a thumbs up and kept on my way. I was amazed a 4000lb~ with luxury heated leather seats, air ride suspension, and an automatic tranny kept up with my 3100lb Z with me power/speed shifting through a solid 6 speed manual. I think from that point on I was in love with w211 E55, and gave them much respect when I happened to see them.
Now, I don't endorse street racing, but I used to do stupid sh*t that could have put me in jail when I was younger. I've graduated to an AMG and put the Z aside in "toy" status. The E55 fits me quite nicely now since I've matured to appreciate luxury, but also love having a little punch when I need to. Now if a kid in a toy car revs on me, I just laugh and roll by at the speed limit.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Mercedes E55 AMG (2006), Mercedes 560 SEL (1991)
AgSilver:
Just seen your excellent post on the other thread and thought it might help here: 'The E55 may well go the way of the 1968-1972 W109 6.3. These were, by far, the most advanced and fastest sedans of the day. The 1968-1969 109's were the most powerful and are capable of 1/4 mile times in the 12's. I should know. As the 109's aged and filtered into the used car market at greatly reduced prices many of the owners could not afford the maintenance expenses. The 109's maintenance costs were considered to be 6.3 times the cost of any other Benz. Eventually the vast majority ended up in backyards on cinder blocks and overgrown with weeds or in the graveyards of the rusted automobiles. Today a properly restored W109 brings big money, especially in Europe. I suspect the E55 awaits a similar fate in the not too distant future.'
Just seen your excellent post on the other thread and thought it might help here: 'The E55 may well go the way of the 1968-1972 W109 6.3. These were, by far, the most advanced and fastest sedans of the day. The 1968-1969 109's were the most powerful and are capable of 1/4 mile times in the 12's. I should know. As the 109's aged and filtered into the used car market at greatly reduced prices many of the owners could not afford the maintenance expenses. The 109's maintenance costs were considered to be 6.3 times the cost of any other Benz. Eventually the vast majority ended up in backyards on cinder blocks and overgrown with weeds or in the graveyards of the rusted automobiles. Today a properly restored W109 brings big money, especially in Europe. I suspect the E55 awaits a similar fate in the not too distant future.'
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 32
From: Florida-Germany-New York
2004 E55,1969 300SEL6.3,2011 ML350 BlueTec Diesel,2005 ML400 CDI
Yeah, because I see that referred to here, as if people think the Autobahn is free of curves, speed limits, traffic, rough, unmaintained surfaces, morons that pass at 40mph in the left land, directly in front of speeding cars rather than waiting, and general caution at higher speeds. Most cars, even those capable of doing over 150, will never, ever be able to attain those speeds on the autobahn, no matter how long the uncontrolled stretch was due to the above reasons (outside of speed). In short, the autobahn is way different than a track.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 32
From: Florida-Germany-New York
2004 E55,1969 300SEL6.3,2011 ML350 BlueTec Diesel,2005 ML400 CDI
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 93
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
C63, SL55, E55, CLS55, ML63, C55
Happily unmarried for 6 years. lol. I never new that about tje lugs. Maybe when i got wheels for the C they had new lugs that worked with the DR
