Here is the run down, I am in the process of searching for a new car. I am torn between the W211 E55, E63 and dont flame me for this but the E60 M5 or M6 (convertible). Looking to spend $17K- $26K, probably the most 28K. I have been lurking on both this site and M5board for quite some time now. I finally paid off huge credit card bills and now I can actually afford to finance a car. Dilemna is as stated (IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE):

E55: Absolutely love the E55s but they are older cars which usually means more mileage and the technology will be outdated. Love the Kompressor whine lol but kind-off scared of having a supercharger with a lot of mileage. Most mod friendly but will be a decade old in the next 1-3 years. Best bang for ur buck in terms of power but has oldest and most oudated tecnology.

E63:I like this car because of the newer technology and the exterior design is so sick and yes I know the E55 can be modded to look like it. I love that the N/A V8 can compete with the E55 stock. I love the exhaust note. I dislike the fact that some posts that I have been reading say that they have head bolt problems and other mechanical issues more so than the E55. Of course I know this is subjective and that majority of people who own a E63 haven't had this issue.

M5 & M6: I love the V10 N/A. I love their is a 6 speed option , which is the only type I would buy (even though SMG is faster). Probably one of the last of its kind in high reving naturally aspirated motors. I love both the exterior and interior designs. To be able to drop the top in the summer (priceless). I abolutely hate the gas mileage but I guess it comes with the territorty. I like that they can beat a lot of cars past 80mph but here in NY we rarely go much past that anyway lol. I love that they handle well but I know down the track they cant mess with W211 AMG Benzes.

I know this discussion has been beat to death . I have read the threads on them already but I wanted to start my own and to see some current thoughts from board members. These cars are very expensive to fix if something breaks so I will definitely be getting a non-exclusionary warrany from Fidelity or any other warranty that I find to have a good track record of honoring AMGs or M class Bimmers. I know this site may be a bit biased to Benz but I will post on M5board to see their views. Any input and points of view would be appreciated cuz I know ultimately it will be my choice. Thanx in advance everyone, I really appreciate it.

 

Can you even get a decent E60 M5 for $26k?? If so its going to be pretty high mileage. Need to remember the maintenance on these vehicles is still that of a $90k car.

I think the supercharger is about the last thing you have to worry about on the 55k cars. They have seemed to hold up to the mileage pretty well.

 

M5 and M6 are still very expensive, I don't think you can find a decent mileage under $35K. AMG always depreciate more than M series and that's why I only buy used AMG. Plus, used M5 or M6 will cost more in repair, maintenance and insurance.

 

You definitely won't find a manual M5 for less than 40k... Unless the mileage is stupid high.

 

Having owned an E60 M5, I can say I like my E63 Benz MUCH more.

Yes, the v10 in the M is amazing, but the E is a more personal car.

 

how so is the technology of the e63 much better than the 55?

 

I agree with this... there isn't much more the E63 has over the E55 in terms of technology... I would love to have the real paddle shifters though.

 

Also curious about wha technology is old regarding the E55. Are you referring to audio/communications/navigation or engine?

 

I have to ask. If you had a mountain of credit card debt and are not considering financing an 8 year old car, then I think your focus should be on something a lot cheaper. You're just digging a new hole.

Cars of this age should be when you can pay cash and have adequate resources for the cost of ownership. The upkeep is for a $100K car, not a $26K car. Unless you have a few thousand a year to burn, buy something more practical.

Heck, my 996TT costs less to maintain than my E55. The gas tank problem alone cost me $2k this year.

 

I have own my car for almost 4 years and never have any issue so far only wear items like tires, engine mounts and it has 93K miles now. Now if you compare a M5/M6 in repair and maintenance bill is even worse than 55K. Alone with insurance E55 is way cheaper and better MPG.

 

Thanks a lot for all your feedback guys. With the new M5s the prices of these E60s have gone down a bit and I have been seeing a few in the upper 20s and many in the lower 30s. That being said I plan to purchase my car through a dealer who will purchase it for me @ a delear's auction and we all know they buy them for approx. 1-5 grand less than they will sell them for so that they can make a profit. However I hear what u guys r saying about the maintenance of the E60s. I heard it can really add up and thats what I am trying to avoid, as much as I can at least. However the more I hear about the price to up keep the E60s the more I realize that I dont want to take on that type of bill. I am heavily leaning towards the E55 or E63 now especially since I already been a benz guy for the past 4 yrs and my pops has been one for the past 15 yrs.
In terms of technology I was reffering to how old the navi looks, I know some may not have bluetooth if I am not mistake, no ipod port., etc.... You know all the things that most 2010 and up luxury cars come with standard.
I am pretty much torn between E55 and E63. I know there isn't much difference between these two aside from the platform (v8 kompressor vs. n/a v8) and the exterior design. Guys with the E63 have any of you guys experienced any motor issues that I have been reading about? Using the search has lead me to believe that they arent as reliable as the E55 or were those just a small few out of the bunch?

 

No matter which car you can get for your price range, remember most of the vehicles you're mentioning here once had $85-$110K price tags and the maintenance on them is in line for people buying these cars off the showroom floor. I don't know where you're finding E60 M5s for less than mid 30s unless it's an 06 with 80K+ miles.

I've owned the E60 M5, the E63 M6, and the W211 E55. I would pick the E55 over the M5 and M6 for driveability, character, and overall driving experience. I get more pleasure from the E55 than I ever did from the BMW M counterparts.

Good Luck with your search!

 

I don't talk about it very often, but I will tell you that my CLK 63 Cabriolet is a remarkable little beast. It's considerably lighter, great looking with the open top or closed. Handles like a dream and it is really fast. I know it isn't in your budget, but it was just a thought.

 

I chose the E55 over E63 simply because of the research and development that has gone into the M113K motor. There are several mods that can be done to push this motor and get significant power gains. You don't really see many E63s running in the 10s to mid-11s in the 1/4 mile unless someone is breaking crazy money out of the bank.

Also, you may want to look into the price of rotors on an E63!

 

If your thinking about a MB or BMW, here is you answer from a person that's owned both.
Next will be shopping for one, and if you check out the classifieds lately you'll see some decent prices. Some have decent milage and some already have some mods.
A modded "E" you'll actually get better gas milage than stock. Just make sure you have $ for maintenance.

GL

 

I drive an 07' E63 and love my car. For the first time in my life I am actually excited about driving. That being said I went all out and loaded it up with extended warranties. I mean loaded!!!! On top of that I did purchase wheel and tire protection for obvious reasons. I have a coworker that has an E55 and I have to say it is a beast! But I like the way my 63 sounds. Trust your gut, drive both of them and see which one you like better. Any vehicle you buy should be the one that you want, your opinion is the only one that matter. Good luck with the search and purchase!

 

I love CLK63's, and would own one in a heart beat. But you are incorrect in saying that it is lighter in any way. Your CLK is heavier than my E55 is for reasons beyond my comprehension...lol. About 100lbs more.

 

As for the sound of the exhaust on E63 vs an E55. IDK I have long tubes with an xpipe and stock mufflers, and sitting idle most people wouldn't even know the LT's are on the car, but wot it goes the other way - most people know it's not a stock exhaust, and I love the sound.
So you have options.

 

CTS-V should be on your list as well. Performance stacks up as does price. Maintenance costs are far lower to say nothing of the inconvenience of being in the shop all the time.

 

Thanx man. Funny that u say that because their is a dude on M5board that says the same exact. The he has owned them both and says the E55 is stupid fast but he picks his M5 because he gets more pleasure from it. I know in the end, its all about the preference. I realize ultimately the final decision is mine.

The CL63 would be a great choice if it were in my price range.

And this is why I am loving the E55. Can easily get high hp/tqs. I know they can be found for a fairly cheap price cuz I have been looking for quite a while now.

I am curious to know which warranties and how much did they cost you. Did they pre inspect your car, or give you a hard time because of the car being a mileage/year/ amg and do you think you can get away w/ modding?

I was actually looking into 2009 and up cts-v and audi s5 but the 2009 and up cts-v is still expensive in the E60 M5's price range and the audi s5 just doesnt have enough power for me. Even though it would be nice w/ these harsh NYC winters.

 

The Cadillacs are holding their value pretty good. The 2009 is 5 years old now and it's tough to find them under 40k. Considering a new one can be bought at 65k-75k, that's pretty outstanding compared to the depreciation of most high end niche cars.