Got My E55- comment
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 974
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From: fremont, ca
04 E55
Got My E55- comment
Picked up my E55 on 10/31/03.
300 miles later. I am still kicking myself as too why I bought E55.
The power is great. But that's about it.
I wish that the suspension would be stiffer.
But what really kills me is the steering and brak response is so unlinear.
The steering response varies from super light to heavy in matter of a split second. Never knows to maintain a constant feedback or a much smooth transition. It's either super soft or heavy and the change is sudden. Same with brakes. The brake requires such a heavy foot and travel is too short.
I miss my M5. E55 is a great car, the feature would put my E39 M5 to shame. BUT I HATE THE CAR!!!!
300 miles later. I am still kicking myself as too why I bought E55.
The power is great. But that's about it.
I wish that the suspension would be stiffer.
But what really kills me is the steering and brak response is so unlinear.
The steering response varies from super light to heavy in matter of a split second. Never knows to maintain a constant feedback or a much smooth transition. It's either super soft or heavy and the change is sudden. Same with brakes. The brake requires such a heavy foot and travel is too short.
I miss my M5. E55 is a great car, the feature would put my E39 M5 to shame. BUT I HATE THE CAR!!!!
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2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
W211 E55
It all depends on what you look for, I truly enjoy the 2004 E55 I picked up two weeks ago.
The suspension is just right for me, not too harsh like the RS6.
The suspension is just right for me, not too harsh like the RS6.
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From: Washington D.C.
2024 GLE63s / 2016 GLE63s (traded) / 2016 E63s / 2002 E55
Originally posted by Bilal
Jeeze, in situations like this one question comes to mind...
WHAT THE HELL IS A TEST DRIVE FOR?
Jeeze, in situations like this one question comes to mind...
WHAT THE HELL IS A TEST DRIVE FOR?
krispy - you probably really miss the 6-speed manual!
Last edited by E55 KEV; Nov 13, 2003 at 05:43 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Manchester, UK
Mercedes-Benz A170 CDI
Why not wait until one does become available? jeeze, you guys have the cheapest petrol in the world, no worries about gas mileage, and insurance, and yet they don't allow test drives?
While here, we get a test drive, however long we want, and our government screws us over by charging £0.74 a litre!
While here, we get a test drive, however long we want, and our government screws us over by charging £0.74 a litre!
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Boston, MA
Thanks for the comments krispy. I was afraid I'd have the same reaction as you, thats why I didn't go through with my E55 allocation last spring. I went through the same thing with my C32... the engine was fantistic, it kicked the M3's *** with ease in a straight line. Other wise, the car was a disappointment. I suspected it would be the same with the E55.
I think if I am going to get a high powered Benz, it'll have to be an 03+ S600. No way to confuse that with a "sports sedan"...
I think if I am going to get a high powered Benz, it'll have to be an 03+ S600. No way to confuse that with a "sports sedan"...
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: fremont, ca
04 E55
Normally, you would do almost a complete stop. So you will have time to allow the steering boost to change.
I first notice the problem (not really a problem), is when i pull into my drive way.
My driveway is on an incline, and the street lead to my drive way is straight, flat and almost no traffic. So i tend to speed a little and do a sharp turn on to the drive way. However, because of the odd way the steering feedsback, i found that i have to constantly adjust the steering effort making that turn. Especially when speed drops off quickly the steering all of the sudden becomes amazing light and i have to correct myself of making too sharp a turn. Then as you stomp on the gas to go up the drive way, then the steering response tightens (heavy) so you have a hard time correcting the overly sharp turn.
Even with a test drive, i do not think i will found this because no sales would allow me to drive it hard.
I first notice the problem (not really a problem), is when i pull into my drive way.
My driveway is on an incline, and the street lead to my drive way is straight, flat and almost no traffic. So i tend to speed a little and do a sharp turn on to the drive way. However, because of the odd way the steering feedsback, i found that i have to constantly adjust the steering effort making that turn. Especially when speed drops off quickly the steering all of the sudden becomes amazing light and i have to correct myself of making too sharp a turn. Then as you stomp on the gas to go up the drive way, then the steering response tightens (heavy) so you have a hard time correcting the overly sharp turn.
Even with a test drive, i do not think i will found this because no sales would allow me to drive it hard.
Last edited by krispykrme; Nov 13, 2003 at 06:51 PM.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Houston, TX
Sorry to hear about your disappointment. I have found the E55 to handle similarly to my old E39 5 series with sport suspension. The handling is not nearly as sharp as an M3 or 911, but it is not meant to be. Keep in mind it may take a couple of weeks before you start to feel a "connection" with the car.
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From: SoCal - SaMo & West SFV
2011 C63, 2004 S500, 2013 E350, 2013 Ody Elite
I think you need to get used to the car...just give it sometime. I find my C32's steer doesn't have the sharpness of BMW's, and same goes to suspension, but after few weeks of exploring, I have no complaint what so ever...after all its made for autobah.
Saw your complaint at GPRS website, just can't believe you hate this car this bad...wanna trade??
Saw your complaint at GPRS website, just can't believe you hate this car this bad...wanna trade??
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: mercer island, seattle
Originally posted by sf49ers79
congrats on the car and enjoy!!
congrats on the car and enjoy!!
krispykrme: yup the most annoying thing driving W211 is the steering response become heavy(why) and sensitive as the speed up. I prefer M5 sharp handling all the way.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: fremont, ca
04 E55
Originally posted by DL_AMG
I think you need to get used to the car...just give it sometime. I find my C32's steer doesn't have the sharpness of BMW's, and same goes to suspension, but after few weeks of exploring, I have no complaint what so ever...after all its made for autobah.
Saw your complaint at GPRS website, just can't believe you hate this car this bad...wanna trade??
I think you need to get used to the car...just give it sometime. I find my C32's steer doesn't have the sharpness of BMW's, and same goes to suspension, but after few weeks of exploring, I have no complaint what so ever...after all its made for autobah.
Saw your complaint at GPRS website, just can't believe you hate this car this bad...wanna trade??
Like everyone said, may be all i need is some time to feel connected to the road.
But so far, I still dislike it. Perhaps in couple weeks i will feel different.
On the side note, clear bra is being installed this saturday. I will post pictures once it's done.
I also kind of ticked off my friend on the M5. It turns out one of behsoff's owners actually is a childhood friend of my dad.
He was able to swing a deal for me with mckenna on a new E60 M5 that will be delivered to my door in nov 04 with $1k off sticker (token for the 1k i over paid on the E55).
According to him, the new E60 M5 will be orderable in aug 2004 for delivery in nov 2004. I need help. I am such a hopeless BMW addict.
One thing i want to make clear, I am not bashing E55. It's just not what I expected it to be. I was willing to accept the soft steering, but unlinear steering just kills me.
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It sounds like you shouldn't of sold your M5. Drive the E55 for another two weeks and try to fall in love with the car. If you don't then sell it. If you want a pure driving experience that any M5 or E55 can provide, I'd look into a 911 Carerra or a Turbo. The E60 M5's styling is terrible so I don't recommend it. However, if it's your cup of tea-buy it.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: fremont, ca
04 E55
Originally posted by AMG Fan
It sounds like you shouldn't of sold your M5. Drive the E55 for another two weeks and try to fall in love with the car. If you don't then sell it. If you want a pure driving experience that any M5 or E55 can provide, I'd look into a 911 Carerra or a Turbo. The E60 M5's styling is terrible so I don't recommend it. However, if it's your cup of tea-buy it.
It sounds like you shouldn't of sold your M5. Drive the E55 for another two weeks and try to fall in love with the car. If you don't then sell it. If you want a pure driving experience that any M5 or E55 can provide, I'd look into a 911 Carerra or a Turbo. The E60 M5's styling is terrible so I don't recommend it. However, if it's your cup of tea-buy it.
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Krispy, you need an aftermarket mod
Perhaps adding a keel to your E55 will improve weight distribution during cornering. Seriously, I've owned 2 E39 M5's, an RS6 for 3 months and now an E55. IMO the E55 is easily the class of this group. If you're into road feel then the RS6 is the clear winner. The only thing the M5 brought to my party was throttle response. otherwise the handling was nothing to rave about and they had plenty of body roll.
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From: Washington D.C.
2024 GLE63s / 2016 GLE63s (traded) / 2016 E63s / 2002 E55
Originally posted by krispykrme
I would buy a porsche if i can fit in it. From my nick name, its not hard to figure that i am fat.
I would buy a porsche if i can fit in it. From my nick name, its not hard to figure that i am fat.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: fremont, ca
04 E55
Re: Krispy, you need an aftermarket mod
Originally posted by ajoe
Perhaps adding a keel to your E55 will improve weight distribution during cornering. Seriously, I've owned 2 E39 M5's, an RS6 for 3 months and now an E55. IMO the E55 is easily the class of this group. If you're into road feel then the RS6 is the clear winner. The only thing the M5 brought to my party was throttle response. otherwise the handling was nothing to rave about and they had plenty of body roll.
Perhaps adding a keel to your E55 will improve weight distribution during cornering. Seriously, I've owned 2 E39 M5's, an RS6 for 3 months and now an E55. IMO the E55 is easily the class of this group. If you're into road feel then the RS6 is the clear winner. The only thing the M5 brought to my party was throttle response. otherwise the handling was nothing to rave about and they had plenty of body roll.
As far as body roll goes, the M5 is not that much worse than RS6. RS6 grip is better because of all wheel drive. However, RS6 is too nose heavy. Plus, I have no intention to own a turbo car.
in addition, the problem that I encounter has nothing to do with weight distribution. It has to do with the super sensitive power steering. What does weight distribution has to do with unlinear steering response.
I am not complaining about the handling. Please read carefully, I am complaing how unlinear the steering response is. I just found myself doing a lot of minor correction just making a turn. Something that I never experienced in my E39.
This holds true for the brake. The brake power is good, but I don't like how it feels when pressed.
If you want to rag on someone, perhaps it would be suited if you read it correctly.
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SL500
It is truely unbelievable to me is that there are still car enthusiasts out there that don't know the differences between BMW & MB. Bmw is geared more towards sport while MB is more luxury. C vs 3, E vs 5, S vs 7 all you have to do is drive them to experience this. AMG has made it crystal clear that they do not want to alter the traditional MB ride, just build upon it.
I have driven a number of AMG cars and have found them very well balanced. I've also driven a number of BMW models, as well as their M series and would not consider one at this point. I also recently test drove a Porsche 911 with Tip, and can not see myself driving this automobile on a daily basis.
Having said that, I have the utmost respect for both BMW and Porsche and in the future would reconsider them both. It all depends on your taste but to expect an MB to drive like a BMW is just naive.
I have driven a number of AMG cars and have found them very well balanced. I've also driven a number of BMW models, as well as their M series and would not consider one at this point. I also recently test drove a Porsche 911 with Tip, and can not see myself driving this automobile on a daily basis.
Having said that, I have the utmost respect for both BMW and Porsche and in the future would reconsider them both. It all depends on your taste but to expect an MB to drive like a BMW is just naive.
