dcfsf

E55 (99-00) or ML55 - I can’t decide!

I am having trouble deciding what to get – I currently have a C43 and need more room for a growing family. I like driving fast but live in San Francisco and rarely get a chance to.

OK - don't hate me But . . . .I don't know why -- but I have never been a fan of the W210 -- it has always strick me as kind on an old-man's car and the body style has been around for nearly 9 years, now.

So I am currently trying to choose between an E55 and an ML55. FYI our other car is a BMW 3-Wagon.

OK – lets hear what you think!

Fast55

No one mistakes my 55 for an "old man's car". IMHO, the W210 is a better looking ride than the W211. I don't dislike the W211's, but to me, they look too much like a "S" class, and that, looks like an old man's car to me. The W210's are lighter and better handling as well. In a few years, I'm sure I'll need a W211 as the look grows on me. The W210's are very rare in this country, only about 500/yr were made, so there is another reason to own one for me (not that there is an abundance of W211 E55's, but several times the number of 210's). The 2000 and up models have the newer body work and would be more desireable. Most are silver or black, with a few rare white or grey examples (my tectite grey '02 is one of 86 made!) I've driven a couple of ML's (not a ML55), and they don't do a thing for me. Maybe a big injection of HP would be a plus, but if a sport ute were my next purchase, I think the Toureg or GX470 thoroughly destroy the ML. Good luck,,,,,,,,,,,,,,gotta love car shopping!!

MikeE55

"I don't dislike the W211's, but to me, they look too much like a "S" class, and that, looks like an old man's car to me. The W210's are lighter and better handling as well."

I don't really consider the handling traits of my '01 to be all that great. It has 62k miles and I have a set of OEM replacement Bilstein's ready to go in so maybe this will help. If I could adjust the struts I'd want a little more rebound dialed in, the compression is okay.

I'm curious to hear what w211 owners have to say about the handling of their cars especially in the two Sport modes. I'm tempted to buy a nice used w211 but if owners think it handles worse than a w210 then I'd probably wait for the new E-class AMG or even consider the new M5. Although the idea of the M5 v10 possibly blowing up on me isn't too appealing! Poor old BMW doesn't exactly have a stellar reputation for the durability of it's M3 engines, maybe the v10 will be different....

Fast55

Mike, I'm surprised. What tires are you running? I test drove an '04 E55, and while I don't find it to handle "badly", my '02 is stuck like velcro in comparison (Michelin Pilot Sports). The '04 on the stock Continentals (yes, I know, pure junk), did ride a little better, but didn't have the "planted" feel of my car on the same test roads. I'm sure better tires would change the feel and pretty much every W211 owner is happy with ANYTHING other than the Contis, but the '04 was still a little "wallowy" regardless of suspension settings. I do wish I had the updated DVD based nav, and the panorama sunroof is really cool.

M6toE55

why attempt to sell yourself on something that is not immediately appealling?

I've never personally been a fan of the ML, so would never consider it myself. However, if you're tossed up between a mid-size sedan and a mid-sized sport ute, I'd consider the newly redesigned Range Rover.

In any event, I would NOT consider buying any car that I'd "never been a fan of..."

If it's the growing family you're trying to accomodate, dump the wagon for a truck and keep your c43 [or trade it in, too, for a c32/c55 - certainly no risk of confusing either one of those for an old man's car...]

JamE55

W210 old mans car? Damn! I guess i'm really old then. If you know how to properly mod the 210 then you'll understand how old man car it is! but seriously i've driver the 211 E55 and it handled pretty well. I just didn't like the interior because it looks like it has a lot more plastic than the 210. Get a 210 55 and use kleemanns suspension along with 19"s and you'll see how old man car that is! :p I'm using SO-3's and they're not bad. Next set of tires i'll most likely get PS2's.

Rev It Up

Both nice, but to totally different vehicles. Car vs.truck. Who needs a 4 wheel drive vehicle in San Fran? With nice whether all year around you have to go with the E55. If you don't like it today, I gurantee it will grow on you after a couple of times in the passing lane. Enjoy shopping!

mike82y

My experience with ML was real BAD... Maybe I am just not a jeep man
But i really dont like the cars with short axel-distance(not sure how you call it in english) and are BUMPY! BUT i am sure your kids will love off-road cars better!

I have to say its one of the worst MB that i have driven...

Mike

dcfsf

I wonder if I should consider a C32 or C55?

Do you think that it is a little bigger than my ole C43?
And I do like how they look!

dcfsf

the c55 is way too much for my budget.