drjay71

Sorry for the broad question across these forums. I am looking to purchase a practical but high performance AMG car within a budget of $30K or less. I need to be able seat 4 people at least. From my basic searches, it looks like I can get an E55 (2004-2008), a CL55 (2002-2003), a CLS (2005), and a CLK (2004-2006). I don't mind either a sedan or a coupe but not a convertible. Just to see I found that I could also get an M5 (2006-2007), an M6 (2006-2007) or an Audi S6 (2006-2008) under budget.

So, my question is what is the bang for the buck? From a style standpoint I find the CL, CLS, and M6 the best looking both inside and out. I don't want a complete gas guzzler either. I know upkeep will be more than a non AMG or M version and accept that. I basically would like to see what you guys think in your option would be the best choice

Thanks!

03'55AMG

Well, you did ask what AMG is best, so obviously here in the W211 forum, you will see E55 a lot. But I wish I had the CLS55... What a dream car. Hopefully Marcus can post pics of his...

AKnight55

CLS or E.. But the CLS is kinda of crammed for the rear passengers.. Cant go wrong either way.. CL or S has very expensive suspension if it breaks..

stockC43

Clk55 = cheapest to maintain but the slowest car in the list

E55 and the cls55 mechanically are the same and are a good compromise of power and reliability. Cls has a slightly nicer interior

Cl55=the most premium feeling 55 kompressor but is not as "sporty" due to the weight. Also most people are afraid of the abc suspension of the cl. For good reason too. A neglected system will give you problems and cost you thousands. Abc systems well maintained (frequent flushes and pumps not run dry) can be fairly reliable. I've only done 2 hydraulic hoses on my s600 in 5 years.

I don't know enough on the v10 cars or the Audi to comment on those, however I've thought many times about a 6 speed m5

dchl21

E or CLS. e if you like lowkey. cls if you like pimp.

m5 is a v10 probally drink alot of gas. i think 5.4v8 is bad enough as is.

viren.89

First you'd need to figure out , you want total practicality or something that will be on the race track (not drag) most of the time.

E55 only came from 2003-2006
Before buying E55 I checked out S6, CLS55, S55, M5, E63 and drove E55, CLS55 and the M5.

The M5 is an awesome car but the ride quality is better in the E55. CLS is cramped in the back.

I wanted something I could make to go fast and E55 was the best bang for the buck. Easiest to mod and so much information on everything here. S6 and S8 were off the list right away cuz they were underpowered.

E55 is good on gas and your right foot dictates how much gas it'll drink since it has forcefed induction (only used once you punch it)
If I could go back I'd get the CLS55 though cuz it's only usually two people in my car lol


Hope this helps

GT-ER

I bought the E55 simply because I could make it way faster than any bmw or audi for less, and it was cheaper to buy as well.

As for the rest:

CL= do not like the interior, kinda outdated and the suspension is overly expensive to fix.
CLK = too slow
CLS = Never liked the looks too much although I saw a modded one the other day that made me pee a little. It's also more expensive.

Darin

E55 or CLS55. You say you want to seat 4 people and if you mean adults stay away from the CL55 and CLK55. The back seats on the 2 door cars are just as small or smaller than the 05 Mustang GT I had before my E55. I looked at all the Mercedes you mentioned and skipped on the BMW's and Audi's because of a mechanics reference.

Get the E55, I have owned more cars than years I have been driving and nothing has put a smile on my face every day like my E55 does.

efiftyfizzle

To make it a bit easier for you... I don't think you want to buy a used M5/M6 with SMG tranny. You won't be able to pick up a 6spd with the budget you stated, so SMG would be your only option and everyone knows about the failures of that transmission and the costs associated with it. With that being said, E55 all the way! If you can, get an 05-06.

OCKlasse

I love my CL55. If you don't need the back seat, and you're willing to spend more on maintenance, I feel you get a step up.

deuce zer0

buy a warranty with whatever you purchase and you will be much happier in the end. it will pay for itself with the first or second time you need something done.

phalen302

I would recommend an 07 E63 or CLS63. IMO 63's are refined and more potent than 55's. 63's looks fresh vs 55's looks dated. You can easily find a good 07 E63 for low 30's.

Please do keep in mind maintenance is the key to these cars; a well maintained (1 or 2 previous owner) clean car would serve you well. I have seen more often enough that 06 55's has an average of 4 or 5 previous owners (YIKES).

Good luck!

03'55AMG

E63s are nice, but the E55 is just SO cheap to mod to absolutely smoke a 63

stockC43

63=many known expensive engine (especially early ones) issues and .9 trans repairs. In my dealer right now (a small one for the area) we have 2 63's one has dropped a valve and one has broken head bolts. However once it's sorted, yes a incredible engine

Peter_02AMG

E63...12.7 mpg city, enjoy!

berti_00

CLS or E all the way...
loveee the CLS and the way the body looks, but than again i love my E

BlueML99

E63 all day, 2007-2009 shoot for a 2008 and up. Approx the same miles per gallon as the E63. If your into modding long tube headers and a tune will prob put ur quarter mile comparable to most modded E55s. I say most cuz there are a few guys in hear with some serious mods. It has newer technology, more refined than E55, looks better and will genereally have less problems and mileage because it is newer. Whatever you decide to go with BMW M, AMG or Audi S make sure u get a great aftermarket warranty as stated earlier because repairs are very pricey.

johnnyblaze

07-08 E63's have the headbolt issue. Its even more problematic than the C63 motors. I've seen a hydrolocked 07 E63 with only 46k on the odometer. Complete nightmare that Mercedes didnt warranty.

BlueML99

Most aftermarket companies I hear do warranty they headbolt issue. Dont know if thats true or not. Have to do a little more research. Most 07- 09 E63 wont be covered my a Mercedes warranty anymore anyway.

ME63AMG07

E55 makes great power plus even more power for less money,but I still love the sound and throttle response from the NA 63!I know imnot fastest on block but damnit I'm not tooooo sloooow either. Bmw handle better... Audi has even more issues than merc from what I understand(hear).. Plus I was looking for more a luxury ride than ulimate handling,and awd not neccesary for me,so of all your stated choices the reg E(55o\r63) will have best backseat room comfy ride.. Otherwise gotta go up to S class and 7series size