RedBaron

Krispy, If you're concerned about linear steering, make sure you check out BMW's new Active Steering. It's getting flogged as much as MB's sensotronic brakes.

mikE55

I agree, if you think the E55's steering is off, you maybe in for a shock with the new M5 too. I recently test drove the new 5 series and it was a very mixed bag. Terrific handling was its best feature. But the active steering takes some getting use to, it's kind of weird. The sports seats were very uncomfortable for me (and I'm of thin build), which off set the enjoyment of the handling. The biggest turn off is still the styling, inside and out. My wife hated the interior, she'll be keeping her e39 5 for a few more years I think.

amg55

MBZman took the words right off my keyboard.

It's no secret that in the general opinions of a broad cross section of drivers, BMW, MB and Porsche have different fortes and characteristics to which their engineers try to stay true over time.

One classic area of difference between MB and BMW is handling and steering. BMW has it all over MB. Consistently.

And that's OK. MB wins out in other areas, most recently styling, luxury and solid feel in the sedans.


If KrispyKrme thinks his E55 doesn't provide feedback or steer like his prior BMW, even if he's comparing with a 7 year old BMW design, he would actually be in the majority.

I've never driven an M5 but owned a 5 series for a few years in the late 1990's. I've never driven an MB which handles as well. But handling isn't as much of a priority to me as some of the other benefits I get from my MB.
It all depends on one's priorities.

D-5

krispykrme,
Can you go into detail on the brakes that you mention?

I also don't like how it feels when pressed, unlike my clk, the brakes on my e55 are not as "sensitive" and it is impossible to do a comfortable stop. I've tried pulling back on the brake peal when comes to a complete stop so that the weight of the car doesn't shift forward, but it doesn't seem to work on the e55.

krispykrme

Let me clarify one more thing. I had owned two mercedes before. SLK320 and and C320. Both had none of the characterstics that my E55 has.

I did not expect the E55 to drive like an M5. I was thinking that it would be similar to my prior two MB. But it's not. This thing is just an odd ball.

E55 KEV

Sorry, but Uma is not beautiful nor sexy. She was cast as the Ugly Unattractive Crazy sister in Final Analysis with Richard Gere and Kim Basiner (1992). She could not have made that casting call if she was stunning.

FIXEDupW209

sorry you are dissapointed...
i have heard that the active steering is getting some very mixed reviews for the new 5 series. if they add this feature in the new M5, i believe you are going to have the same problem as you do with the E55

Bilal

Kim basinger and michelle pfeiffer, now you're talkin!

dNA3D

Surprised.. That is honestly, the first time I've heard someone say AMG's vehicles handle better than BMW's fabled M series. I am not doubting you, but 99% of sources have claimed that the handling from BMW's vehicles is far superior to that of MB's vehicles, largely due to the different target markets of the two aforementioned behemoths.

Rave E55

I used to be until Chris Bunghole F'ed up the new designs.

Dinan330ic

true dat.

I wonder if the design really turned potential buyers away.

jkrutch

Now you know why I kept my '02 911 Turbo ('04 on order)...I took delivery of my E55 on 10/31 and I absolutely love the car. I drove it for 11 days straight and then drove the 911 and I realized why I have always said the 911 Turbo is my favorite car period! It's a blast to drive!!!

The brakes take some getting used to on the E55...especially the very end of braking just before the car stops...it still feels strange. The steering is typical of a luxury car. By no means should anyone looking for a sports car consider the E55...it simply isn't a sports car, and while the power and acceleration best many sports cars, the handling will leave many drivers disappointed. You can't toss a 4,100lb car around like a 911 and get the same result. MB has hit a home run with the new E55 when one considers their target market. I like apples AND oranges! BTW...I do have a deposit on the new M5 and I still like the looks of the new 5 after seeing several on the road. I think the new M5 will look better just as the new E55 looks better than an E320 IMO. Can I get a dozen glazed please?

E55JBC

Well, I own a 1991 M5 and I have a 2003 E55 with 2200 miles on it. All I can say is that IMHO the E55 is head and shoulders above the BMW for street driving. Now, if I were to go to the track and went head-to-head with racers, I would enjoy the harsh, taut, noisy ride of the bmw more while I had the adrenaline pumping. But in the real world of stop and go commuting, cops, insane and inane fellow drivers, I'll take my E55 for a spin almost any day.

WishforE55

e55 kev have you seen kill bill yet? If Uma isn't sexy in that I'll eat my shorts... depends if you want luxury and straightline speed over the more sporty and handling biased M5.. auto vs manual only in the M5..

AMGB

I have had my 04 E55 for about 2.5 weeks now and just past 1200 miles. All I can say is the car is amazing. I know coming from a Lexus GS400, the E55 should be. And it is. The car is everything I need it to be. I take clients and co-workers out during the day, but when I am alone, I can let the throttle loose and have fun. Nobody has complained about the harsh ride, instead they have been very impressed with the interior. My friend has a 540 Sport and has received comments about how harsh the car rides from his clients.

In any case, I am afriad that I am slowly getting spoiled with 516 lbs of torque. The GS had 310 and now I am already planning on saving my money for at least 700-800 lbs of torque on my next lease. I haven't done a WOT yet because of the break in period, but next week, watch out!!!

P.S. The car is not perfect... but it sure is very very fun to drive.

amgB

W210

I personally find the steering response much better in the W211 E55 than in the W210 E55. I find the latter slightly over assisted.

When I enter into a corner and turn the steering wheel, I do not yank it based on the amount of resistance. I find the steering ratio to be perfectly linear (that the car consistently follows the amount of steering dialed in), it is the amount of power assist that may vary based on your speed.

The brakes are fine as far as I'm concerned. They take some getting used to but the 2004 SBC is miles ahead compared to the first batch of SBC when first introduced in 2003 in the SL500.

absent

To make everyone here feel better,read the January issue of Sports Car International.
Quote:"The Audi(RS6) never fails to make you grin when the boost kicks in,like other Audis it will turn in all the right numbers.But that only makes the shockingly good E55 seem that much better because you constantly can't believe how fast it truly is,nor how satisfying it is to throw into a corner."

E55JBC

I know what you are going through, after a dozen years in my M5, but give it a little time. When I first drove the E55, the steering gave me an eery feeling because it was so light and seemed twitchy. After a couple of weeks I went back to the bimmer and the steering was heavy. I am now at the point where I just adjust immediately to each car. Needless to say, my driving style in the bimmer is completely different, i.e., keep the revs about 4000, feathering the throttle in traffic, brakes used sparingly, etc. In the AMG, I can enjoy the stereo much more (and the ride), and really love launching a vehicle with such massive torque.

vietsb

Are you back in town or something? Hiding out here now?

Rave E55

It did for me.

krispykrme

i am in town. been hiding here since all my e39 are gone. hehe