mbprince

I'm smiling in dreamland and thinking about all that extra power!!!!

kaneman

Unfortunately they can't get a dyno on the E55 because they can't get the car into dyno mode yet... the car detects the speed difference between front and rear and shuts down.

JLBMERC

Congrats Kaneman,

I'm sorry I did not get the chance to see your car---I know you'll enjoy the mods.

AMG Fan

Can you tell me how your E55 (stock) felt compared to your 02 M5 in terms of acceleration, handling, braking, and anything else you might add. I am in the process of deciding between the two cars and wanted your impressions. Thanks!

kaneman

Well, the M5 was an '00 so I'll have to dig deep down in the memorybanks... it was a very different driving experience. Funnily enough I like the way the E55 handles BETTER than the M5. Perhaps it's the Airmatic but to me the E55 takes a better set although it doesn't turn in quite as well. Acceleration is no contest. The M5 isn't slow at all, but the E55 is in a different league entirely. The M5 does have the benefit of being a 6 speed and is VERY strong in 1-2 and 3, but above about 100 it begins lagging a bit (although still respectable). The E55... well... it just doesn't stop. Up to about 130 it's relentless, even above that it gathers speed quickly right up to the limiter.

JLBMERC

AMG Fan


I owned an ‘02 M5 and really enjoyed it. IMHO--the M5 makes you feel more connected to the road---you're more involved in the driving while in the E55 you're a bit more isolated. Bottom line, the M5 is a better track car----but--the '03 E55 has a new body, interior and is very much faster in a straight line. It is also more comfortable to drive. Not to mention, it is cheaper and easier to modify----the performance mods on an M5--assuming Dinan is used---are much more expensive ($/hp). However, a low miles '02 M5 is at the right price would be tough to beat from a value perspective.

AMG Fan

Thanks both of you guys! If you had to drive one for the next five years and couldn't sell/trade it in, which would you choose?

kaneman

For me, E55 without a doubt. If for no other reason than not having to replace the damn M5 weak clutch multiple times over that five years!

BTW I'd put more stock in JLBs opinion of the M5 than mine, he owned his much more recently.

JLBMERC

AMG Fan,

Assuming I going to drive one car for 5 years, and picking btwn a stock M5 and E55---I would probably go with the E55. The E55 is the newer generation of car, so it would be less dated over this time, it is faster, it is cheaper to mod, and it is more comfortable.

AMG Fan

Thanks guys! I'm going to go with the E55.