act1v3x

Hey guys I'm fairly new to this forum, actually just registered.. I've been reading over a lot of threads on this forum and others as well as articles that compare the two models. I know this topic has been touched too many times and it really comes down to what one has in mind for the future of the car meaning that E55's are great for modding and a little rougher as far as torque delivery goes and the E63 is kind of a more grown up and laid back car that doesn't really compromise on handling and performance either.

As you might've guessed I'm out on the market shopping for one of those and I initially came across a '07 E63 and started reading about those cars and MB AMGs in general as I've never owned one. What I found out was the lawsuit on the E63's engine that kind of worried me as well as the airmatic suspension issues. Overall I'm not sure if there are any other major problems with this car but those two definitely raised my right eyebrow.. Then I started reading about the E55s and that's when I came across all those threads comparing the two but did not really find any issues with those besides possibly the SC failing and again the airmatic.

Also a lot of the threads that I looked over were from 07-10 so that was when the E63 was fairly new and coming out so possibly a lot of the issues were still unknown but people commented more or less on the track and drag performance of it in comparison to the E55. Now, in 2013, it's been a little longer and maybe some more issues have come up. Can someone with more extensive knowledge of the two cars compare the engines, airmatic (is it the same or different?), and other general issues that either car has? Was that lawsuit on the E63 really anything to worry about and are the failed SC on the E55 a common thing too?

Don't get me wrong I don't want to talk about the performance here I know they're both great and fairly close when it comes to performance just like I said in the beginning of the thread. I want this to be more or less over-time comparison of these cars. A lot of you have probably moved to newer models and wouldn't be able to comment but those that still have the cars or have recently purchased one of these might be able to give a little more information.

EDIT: Oh yeah if anyone can possibly compare the 5 vs 7 sp transmission that would be nice too. My understanding is that the 5sp can handle more 7 sp.. can... give you better MPG ?

Thanks,
Nick

VegasHruby

Drive/Buy and and enjoy either one and stop reading into so much information on BS. Put the pedal down.

sufyaanahmed

^ agreed there is a lot of bs. I have 2005 e55 107,000 miles supercharger has not failed my car is moded I often drive my car hard no issues with the engine or tranny but I maintain my car. I've had airmatic issues but what mercedes doesn't. I took out my airmatic switched to coilovers my opinion airmatic was a weak point in my car so now I don't ever have to deal with that anymore. I love the Tq on my car compared to a e63 most people would agree the engines on the e55 are pretty much bullet proof. Most of the guys are heavily moded and the engines still running strong. Both car suck on mpg I average 13 city 19 hwy good luck!

Arnee

This probably the best advice I've seen, even for E63 owners. Life is short - enjoy the drive while we can.

act1v3x

Thanks for the replies. I know they're both fun cars to drive with lot's of extras and luxury. Of course MPG would suck but being about a kilometer and a half from work wouldn't be a problem. It would more or less be a weekend driver anyway. So just get one and let the fun begin huh... that's what I've been thinking but also didn't want it to turn into "get one and let the repairs begin". I guess I might just have to do a ppi before I buy it just to make sure all if not most of it is working properly. With all that said I think I have my eye set on a 06 E55 with about 48k miles for $25k. Do you think that's a good buy ? My other options are a couple 07-08 E63s for about $30k. The price difference is not that great and the readings on the odometers are about the same that's why I'm so split between the two and wanted to make an educated decision before actually buying one. That's the only reason why I read so much into both of those.. I should've probably just tossed a coin from the very beginning..

ArmoE55

MPG and AMG should not be used in the same sentence. AMGs have a huge thirst for fuel.
If you want MPG, buy a Prius Hybrid

48K miles and $25K for an 06 is an outstanding deal if the condition is mint (no accident history etc.) & maintenance is up to date.

act1v3x

Haha true story. But like I said I'm not looking for fuel efficiency at this point

Here is the car fax I"m not sure if you guys are in the States or somewhere else but there is this system that should have every service ever performed on the vehicle if it was input by the shop.. Seems like it doesn't have very many service records...

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...&partner=ATD_W

Let me know what you think..

DVC

+1 Enjoy the drive!

sufyaanahmed

Ya 06 with 48k for 25,000 is not bad pretty good. Also depends on the cars condition make sure and get a ppi.

sufyaanahmed

[QUOTE=ArmoE55;5852314]MPG and AMG should not be used in the same sentence. AMGs have a huge thirst for fuel.
If you want MPG, buy a Prius Hybrid

^ + 1 made my day lol agreed !

E55Greasemonkey

The 55 engine and transmission are far more reliable than the 63.

p30amg08

How do you figure? I would think the E63 would be more reliable, no SC no heat issues etc..

Just like the tranny in the E55 is BULLET PROOF, where the E63 tranny is a little quirky and my not be as bullet proof? 7 gears...more **** to go wrong.

Disclosure: I own an E63.


OP- If you want to mod get an E55. If not get an E63..keep in mind the 2009 E63 has the new COMAD unit, and the maintenance cost on the E63 is higher then the E55...ie Brake job.


Either way I agree with the above comment. Life is short enjoy it I kept looking for the "perfect" financial time to buy my AMG, theres never a perfect time. If you find a clean car. Get it and enjoy. These things are amazing.

AMG E Power

both are great ! e55 if u wanna race

stockC43

and when they do have a issue its usually much cheaper.

E55Greasemonkey

12 years as an MB dealer tech, that's how I figure. I see 63's in here on a rotating basis for engine noise (looking at one right now), misfires,coolant consumption,oil consumption, transmission issues...55's never seen an engine apart since 2003! Transmissions,same except for the common fluid leaks.

ArmoE55

So, because the E55 has a blower and heatsoak issues, it's unreliable?


Yea ... I follow your logic there...

act1v3x

Thanks for everyone's input. Please don't start fighting over which is better now I think I've settled on the E55 now. Are there any common issues that could be found by driving/looking at the car ? I'm getting it from a MB dealer and they said that it passed their inspection but for some reason I'd like to do a PPI somewhere else just to be sure. They're offering me a 12m/12k miles warranty for $1800. Do you think it's worth it ?

p30amg08

Not what I said. I was simply just asking a question, How do you figure?

Either way, OP cant go wrong with either car, great choice on the E55, your really going to enjoy it man! Good Luck.

act1v3x

Forget about the common issues question I've actually successfully utilized the search button functionality

60nomad

E55greasemonkey...HE-IS-A-BENZ TECHNICIAN...Just listen to him and I agree with him as well. The 63 engines have had major problems. I recommend the e55 or the 2010 e63 as I believe they solved the heads issues. greasemonkey can chime in on that but I know the 2010 now gets more expensive...etc. Get a good e55 and you will love it...trust me!

Crissus

Yes the 63 engines are not good. I would skip them, unless $$$ is not an issue for you :-)
Get a 55 and mod it to a fair bit.
More feelable power and torque than the 63 can ever get (without adding a SC or Turbo to it)

stockC43

Exactly. 10+ here as a MB dealer tech.

Don't get me wrong, I love the 63's. but I wouldn't recommend one for someone else. In fact, I'm working on trying to buy a ml63 that blew a piston ring land and damaged the block. Can't say that I've seen that on a "stock" 113 engine.

Come to think of it, I wouldn't recommend a s600 either but I love mine.

act1v3x

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm in ATL and got a friend that works at RBM of Atlanta. He also recommends the E55 over the E63. I was thinking of getting an extended warranty from some company. I asked for a few quotes online and the first one that responded was carchex.com for about $3800 for 3year/30k miles pretty much bumper to bumper. That's their Titanium plan. Has anyone heard anything about this company and do you recommend them or anyone else for extended warranty. FYI: Their rating on the BBB site was A+.

Max.H

Great advise… Stop reading so much and hypothesizing. They are both great cars just choose, buy and put the pedal down!

phalen302

E55 is "more" reliable than E63 but e55 has it own issues i.e. fuel tank etc...

At the end of the day - to me - e55 looks like a gradpa (looks tired and dated) compared to e63 - which is still past its glory days but still stands out.