mrkbbd

Is the E55 worth the money or just go with an E500 AMG Sport?

ThemisN

What kind of answer are you expecting from E55 owners?
Personally...If you are honeslty considering the E500 with sport package, then thats teh car you should go with.
E55 is for people who want a car that sets itself apart, not only in looks, but in performance. If you are not concerned with having one of mercedes' fastest cars, and it doesnt seem you are, then get the E500. If you are concerned with having that and a limited production car, then yes its worth the money. Thats why I paid it.
The E500 was never a consideration for me. It was E55 or M5. That's it.

Hussain

From the responses of most of the people on this board you will hear E55 as this is a forum for enthusiasts of said vehicle. The hp difference is 167 for around $23,000 dollars. But it isnt just the hp and price that are the only factors. E320 and E500's are a dime a dozen while it is still a rare occurence to see an E55. The drive feel is much different and you need to test drive both cars to get a good feel. Also, there have been several members of this board who have previously owned E500's and converted to E55 enthusiasts, its a whole different ballgame IMO. But as always, different strokes for different folks. There will always be a naysayer among the group.

M6toE55

If you cannot rationalize paying the difference to step up to the AMG, then consider going with a pre-owned e55 - this might help you with your decision. If you're still not convinced, then the AMG concept probably isn't really speaking to you...

tjcMBE55AMG

Is the E55 worth the money

Yes

or just go with an E500 AMG Sport?

What's that?

AMGfan

Bruce Banner vs. The Hulk...nuff said.

MB Fanatic

Couldn't have said it better myself.

EWCIII2001

It all comes down to the need for speed. I had a guy ask me last week, is all that power necessary? I said, no. He said, at least you're honest. End of discussion. Because what the E55 does for someone who values it is not up for discussion. Logic and reason is not part of the equation. If you look at a wide variety of cars, most offering different powerplants, you see that power always commands a premium price, and obviously, many people are willing to pay for it. If you are a person who doesn't put a premium on acceleration, don't waste your money. If you are, the E55 will pay you that extra money back, a little bit each drive.

cntlaw

In HK, E55 AMG W211 base price is USD 160K. The fuel is USD 1.7 per litre. Our speedlimit is average 70kmh and max. 110kmh.

So, I had made a 'sensible' descision to go for the C55 at USD 108K.
Above may not be too big issues in your case.

Before I heard about the birth of C55, E500 W211 had been my 'dream car'.
( it is still my dream car now even C55 is faster )

With a E class over a C , you enjoy many more luxury options and the E is a much newer model. You will never find panomatic sunroof , Airmatic and 7G Speedtronic gearbox on a C but only the E.

Not choosing a E55 and go for a E500 means:-

PROS:-

- Put the money saved from getting E55 for more luxury options on the E500 such as designo leather seats, special paint.
- More quiet engine
- 306hp is still a very big engine
- E500 is still a top MB luxury car ( at least in my country )
- Much better fuel economy
- More comfort with less stiff suspension
- Who really cares you drive a AMG or not except the racing maniacs

CONS:-

- Not getting an AMG you will not be 'one of them' here i.e. a sense of proud like the Porsche owners
- Probably you will miss the biggest joy to drive like a rocket on a freeway.
- This might be your last thought to get a AMG or never.

BTW, I am doubt you really need a Sports package on the E500. Why not enjoy all the comfort from the original E500 ? Stiffer AMG suspension on a E500 gives less comfort and it is not appropriate. So long the E500 is on a 18" wheels , it is enough good looking.

MBE55AMG

E55. What else?

ThemisN

The thigns you list as pros towards getting an E500 are things that the typical E55 owner isnt worried about. Do I like not having good mileage? No, but it sure as hell didnt stop me. Did I want more comfort? No, the E55 has enough. Do I want a quiet engine? NO..I just want one that doesnt sound like a honda civic with a tin can exhaust. And finally..306 HP just isnt enough for me . As someone else said...the power isnt necessary, but we just want it there. And we pay the premium to get it.

cntlaw

E55 owners surely have unique characters and taste to pay a fortune for it. Besides, who has said E55 owners are 'typical' ?

eagleeye

I'm tempted to say if you have to ask, then no. However, since you have probably never driven an E55 then the question is legitimate. That being said, I felt that it was definitely worth it because of things that matter to me, such as exclusivty, and ungodly power with refinement and luxury, a combo that has no rival at this price.

E500's are a dime a dozen; an E55 is a very, very special automobile that rewards me every time I turn the key.

If you have the extra cash lying around doing nothing, it is a no brainer; get the 55. It will cost you the same amount over time no matter which one you get.

My .02$

cntlaw

go for E55 for exclusivenss!
yes, even mine is C55 but you are right:-
"....very special automobile that rewards me every time I turn the key''"

AMG

zoink

Couldn't agree more..... just when I was considering between 540i sport fully loaded vs. E55 not so fully loaded (M5 was out of question..... too much mark-ups )

When I tried E55, amazingly 540i was out of my mind..... I fell in love with E55

Vetluver

I traded an 03 E500 for my 05 E55 and all I can say is it is a bargain. They are two completely different cars. The E500 is a very nice luxury car but the E55 is a monster. You would spend $30K to get what you get from the factory from AMG.

The only advantage of the E500 is the gas mileage. I used to get about 19-20 MPG in town and 24 on the highway and now get 17 in town and 19 on the road. The extra kick is easily worth it IMO.