mdwac

Please help. I have an E55 AMG on order (Tectite over Black) and would be transferring from a 996 C4S. I had never driven the e55 when I placed the order 5 weeks ago and last week I drove by the dealer to see that they had one that was not sold. I was able to drive it (only about 10 min and on a misty cold day).

While the straightline performance was incredible, the handling and traction were spooky. Handling seemed like there was 300lbs too much weight in the front and that the power was too much for the suspension and brakes (much worse that a 211 E500 Sport that I have put about 1000 miles on). Now I am a little concerned about whether I will like. Anybody else have this feeling?

For comparison, I did go drive an Audi RS6 -- great handling and good power -- but I can't get too excited about an out of production car and those suckers depreciate way too much for me.

Thoughts?

Thanks

amg55

I'd love to be able to reassure you and tell you that your test drive was just a fluke experience.
But it wasn't.
Handling characteristics are the E55's weakest attribute, and arguably the strongest attribute of the C4.
You'll have to either accept this and focus on the other great attributes of the E55, or move on to something else to be happy.
My .02.

vraa

IIRC, CAR magazine had said in their PCOTY shootout that the engine was just too much for the E55. Take that however you want it, but for me, going 0-60 in speeds faster then some pure-bred sportscars is enough of a thrill for me.

Bring an extra pair of pants when you go pick up the car.

Poursha

If you're used to Porsche handling, you're not going to be satisfied with the E55's handling. I went from a '02 Carrera to a '03 E55 and ended up selling it after 4 months, and buying a '04 Carrera. The E55 has many great qualities, but handling and brakes are not on the list IMHO.

jkrutch

I agree with everyone's comments so far. I own a 996TT and a E55. The E55 handling is non-existent compared to a 996. The power, comfort and quietness are awesome, but don't attempt to toss it into a turn...

The new M5 might be better suited for you if you need a sedan. It will offer the best combo of power, comfort, and handling. The looks may be controversial, but I will go out on a limb and say it will be the best overall, least compromise car out there when it hits.

IluvS500

I think the only thing that steers me away from the BMW, is no auto, or atleast before there wasnt, and when I drive (i know i dont have my liscense) I tend to have things on my mind like what is going to go on when I reach my destination or what happened that day what I should have done different, not to mention traffic here, I would never get used to the clutch.

IluvS500

I think the only thing that steers me away from the BMW, is no auto, or atleast before there wasnt, and when I drive (i know i dont have my liscense) I tend to have things on my mind like what is going to go on when I reach my destination or what happened that day what I should have done different, not to mention traffic here, I would never get used to the clutch.

IluvS500

I think the only thing that steers me away from the BMW, is no auto, or atleast before there wasnt, and when I drive (i know i dont have my liscense) I tend to have things on my mind like what is going to go on when I reach my destination or what happened that day what I should have done different, not to mention traffic here, I would never get used to the clutch.

jkrutch

Driving a stick requires no more attention than driving an auto. It becomes 2nd nature. The E55 is the first auto tranny I have had in many years.

zoink

Not sure how different '03+ E55 handling from '01 E55... but yes, C4 handling should be a lot better than E55..... also the brakes and suspension, IMHO....

But I like E55 a lot better when driving long distance on highways or commuting... comfy and quiet....

W210

Totally agree. To me, quietness, comfort and absolute power are important factors. I can't stand rattles or squeaks so the Porsche and Audi are out of the question.

The M5 is ugly, with cheap interior pieces and has poor ergonomics. I hope the high revving engine will not be too harsh and noisy. Taking a wait and see approach.

EDWARD CONROY

I thought the new M5 was going to have an automatic option. At any rate, if what you came away with after the test drive were doubts instead of a satisfying feeling that you were getting a great car, you're better off canceling the order. Unless you're filthy rich you don't spend this kind of money on a car hoping you'll learn to like it.

Vic

I have to agree with the others. The E55's handling will be a disappointment if you are coming from a 996.

I traded my 996 cabriolet for the E55, and while its sheer power impresses me everyday, its body roll and lack of steering "feel" make me miss the 996, also.

If the acceleration, creature comforts, and seating for up to 5 make a big difference to you, you can probably live with the decision comfortably, but if these are not concerns, I'd consider sticking with the C4. Of course, if you can do without the creature comforts and extra seating, you may want to consider making the move up to a 996 turbo, which will give you very comparable (better?) acceleration also.

Good luck!

Lindross

I currently have a 2002 M5 and a E55 on order. I test drove the E55 and was impressed with the power (even compared with my M5) but it definitely didn't have the tight feeling of the m5 when cornering. However, the E55 interior is something that really impressed me. I can't say I like much about the lines on the new 5 series (shame they ruined a good thing) and the interior is something you'd find in an inexpensive American sportscar. I did test drive the 911 Turbo which is the car I really want but with two young kids and my practical voice (my wife) barking in my ear, the E55 is definitely the best sports sedan on the market. My two cents.....

Vic55

Lindross I am in the same boat well kind of... getting married, kids coming soon and I too wanted a 996 TT. I got rid of my M5 last week and my E55 is supposedly at the port right now. I had to be practical and since I have an M3 for messing around the big beast seemed like a better solution instead of no large sedan. Maybe there are some good suspension upgrades (sways??).

tendons

there was alot of stuff on this board about the increased handling ability with 19 inch wheels and non-continental tires, and someone suggested just changing the standard contis for anything else.
Has anyone who did these things checked lateral g differences, or just seat of pants would be interesting. I think Stephens said he had to modify the front fender to accomodate the 19s.
04 e55 in june; current 01 e55 with hr springs and bilstein sport shocks.(oem too soft)

norb

Man, of course its not going to handle as good as a 911, its a 9 freaking 11! Most sports cars don't handle as good as a 911, so stop comparing the handling to a 911.

Now if you compare it to other sports sedans, it holds its own quite well. You guys make it seem like the E55 can't handle at all which is false. When you factor in the power, comfort, design, and build quality (yes it has some problems, but the structure is tight as a drum and all the controls have a nice feel to it), then the E55 is the current King of the sports sedans.

AMG Fan

I've owned numerous sports cars and sedans. Unless you plan on bringing the E55 to the track, the handling is MORE than enough for aggressive street use. Like my E39 M5, I can easily push my E55 to the limits when necessary. Contrary to what magazines and others think, I honestly think my E55 handles better than my old M5. You must keep in mind that an E55 and a 911 are completely different cars.

zed

Suggestion: find a cherry pre-owned W210 E55 and you'll be very happy. And if you do some suspension mods I dare say that car would be very near to a C4S in performance and way ahead in comfort. I took my car to the track recently and was very pleased with the handling, especially as compared to the vehicles belonging to the racing school.

Wanted to post a couple of track photos but am being blocked for some reason.

Zed

amg55

Norb, since the OP is coming from a 996 he can't do anything but compare the E55 to the 996.
That was his original question.

norb

Well duh, does it take a genius to figure out that the E55 will not handle as well as a 911?

That's like saying, I'm thinking about trading in my E55 for a Toyota Prius, but I'm worried that the Prius won't accelerate as fast as an E55. Can you guys comment on this?

DMan

are the brakes really that bad? based on the size of those things, that's rather surprising....

W210

Brakes are perfectly fine. Stops the car well the only thing you have to get used to is to step on it a little harder than the non-SBC brakes.

I was driving a couple of out of town guests in the past few days in the E55 and must say, the E55 is absolutely functional and practical. The elegant interior, useful navigation, solid chassis (not a single squeak or rattle), nice stereo integrated well with telematics, even the trunk closer was deeply appreciated!

The best attribute was the drivability and engine smoothness at low speed, passengers could not picture the 500 horses and I totally freaked them out flooring the car.

EX-BEEMER

I've owned my E55 for a little over three weeks and I've really only pressed it hard a couple of times but I can say it handled every bit as well as my '01 BMW five series. I was running hard and I can't imagine pushing it past it's limit of traction.

98% of the rest of my ownership has been rocketing onto onramps at warp speed and passing cars so fast they didn't even know I was back there.

ONLY in the E55 can you share the same grin with four other passengers as well.

russjr

everybody, we're talking about cars driven on the street, aren't we? if so the e55 handles plenty good for anything short of insanity. also it is so much more enjoyable than slogging through the gears in a tt, that i bet you'd find yourself choosing the e55 over the tt in most circumstances. i know i did. on the track it might be another matter, but then there are a number of much less expensive cars that would humble either the e55 or the tt.