asaavedra78

I am getting rid of my 2006 e500 and I am going to upgrade! I have a limited budget of $35K. I am thinking about a 2008. but I would do a 2007.

I would be buying it with semi-high mileage at 50,000+ mi.

I wanted to ask you which AMG model is best, I love the E class body, I just don't know which years were better, let me know your opinion and why you think.

Thanks.
Alex

MAN55LE

04 e55 , I like the smokey burn outs, and the armrest is better. In my opinion. Some people try to stay away from the E 63's cause the head bolt issue and some other potential problems I'm not just saying 04 because I have one. I try not to pick the old threes because of the coolant leak into the transmission but good luck on your decision I'm sure this thread will stir up a lot of drama.

1cerberus4u

When I was looking (just bought an 07 E63), I repeatedly read that the 63's seemed to be a bit more refined than the 55's (not disrespect to any 55's).

It seems that if you want the raw, stump pulling acceleration and the ability to make huge horsepower from the car, then the 55 may be a bit more for you. This site clearly shows how much aftermarket potential is being down with 55's. However seeing just how many 55 owners look to put the 63 front bumper on their cars would indicate the 63 has more visual appeal.

I also read repeatedly that in stock form, although both cars are effectively the same speed on acceleration, the 55 drove with more gusto, or some would say with less poise.

In the end, I would give you the same advice one hears about Ferrari's and Porsche's. they are all great cars, but always buy the newest possible one you can afford, as the companies are always trying to make the product better.

At a budget of $35K, you should be able to pick up an 80/09 with few miles

Good luck!

G_Money

I think it all comes down to what you want? A car that costs a little less, is a little older, but is much easier and cheaper to pull bigger horsepower numbers from? Or a car that is a little more expensive, a little newer and slightly more refined, but doesn't have quite the horsepower potential without spending $10-$15k?

Yacht Master

Best advise, save your money for a W212 E63 5.5TT Drive your 500 for one more year then you will be able to afford a real upgrade.

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ml#post2183185

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...8-defects.html

55fanatic

you think the 5.5TTs will be 35k next year?

1cerberus4u

If so, I'm in for one......

SterlingE55

The one you own.

asaavedra78

I'm really not going to be upgrading too much. I just want an AMG that is better built than the others which will last me through the next 5-6 years.

Bigtickets

Youve opened a huge can of worms here my friend!!! This time tomorrow there will be 1000+ opinions and preferences. The 55 if you want flexibility and 63 if you like them out of the box. My 2cents

Exotic-metal55

04-06 E55 and always better to have BOOST!

biggking

+1 for boost. E63 is dads cars. E55 is raw power.

CharlyE500

Try to find CLS55 ! something different than E class with good power and better looking. From my understanding, 07 and 08 E63 has serious engine issue. I used to have 04 E500 and upgrade to 06 E55 almost 5 years ago. The build quality is about the for the E class except Engine and tranny.

55fanatic

my opinion is that the E55 is better for the if you are going to mod, the E63 is better if you are not. My ideal E55 would a facelifted E55 with the ESP system of an early 04 but have the brakes and sound from a 63 with the motor from a 2012

G_Money

What's different about the ESP in the 04 cars?

55fanatic

I believe 03 as well but in the early W211s you can do a burnout with out going in to dyno mode. I believe parts changed after that to eliminate it

BagMan

I have an early 04 and mine doesn't burn out. Traction control puts the kaibosh on it immediately

55fanatic

you hit ESP so it turns off, it doesn't let you do a burn out?

Bigtickets

My construction is February of 2004 and it most definitely does a burnout with the esp off!! It will break the tires loose shifting into 2 and 3 as well with the esp off under wot.

Are you planning on tracking your car or are you just planning on street driving?

mb_21

Get yourself a nice 2006 e55. You can pick a fully loaded well under your limit. The 55 motor will put a smile on your face every time you you hit the gas pedal but then again the front-end of the e63 is aggressive and the Bi-Xenons are great! You could always do a conversion with all the money you save on a e55! No matter which car you go with, they are both amazing cars!

asaavedra78

Bigtickets... thanks!
I think that's what I needed to hear. I don't plan on modifying the car. And secondly I would love an '04 e55, but every single one is well over 100K mi. And every Benz I've had starts to suck my wallet dry at the mechanics when the miles get up there. Are the AMG engines better than the regular models, will the newer e63 last me for the long run without hurting too much in the wallet. I know I am buying a fine machine that will need TLC but I don't want it to be breaking down every other month. And it will be my every day car.

It's sounding like e63 might be the way I should go..?

Is the a huge difference between '07, '08, '09? Is a particular year better?

I really appreciate everyones input.

BagMan

Nope. Spins the tires and then cuts out before smoke ever develops.

biggking

YUP 06. Most likey will have low miles and new interior goodies.

211.070

The lower mileage cars are out there. You will have to be a little more patient, and wait for the right one to show. I would much rather have an E55. The M113K engines are quite durable in comparison to the M156. I have seen many more catastrophic failures of the M156. The M113 engines have been around for many years, and are less expensive to repair. If you plan on getting a 63 though. I would definitely find an 09. This was the last year of production, and they had most of the kinks worked out.

To play devil's advocate though. A clean 55 with the left over money to spend on it would be a far superior vehicle.

asaavedra78

And now I'm indecisive...again.

As a kid I always dreamed of the e55, I assumed the e63 was "better". But modifying it could make it worth it...