Discussion
I don't believe you would, the E55K's are solid cars, albeit, my own had engine failure at a young age, replaced under warranty, but this is very rare to hear of, generally considered very reliable and also that can be made to go faster quite easily, without additional issue's. The airmatic suspension is expensive if it fails, as is the SBC braking unit, does happen, but not hearing of it day in day out, and the electric's on the early models were troublesome, but believe, these issue's were ironed out by mid 04 onwards. I love my own 06 E55, had it nearly 8 years, previuous longest time I owned 1 car was 2 years, and still enjoy it every time I drive it. Best of luck with your search, hopefully you will find a good one
Hi
I had an e39 m5 for nearly 3 years - and it was a fantastic car to drive and own. it was very fast in the twisties and really impressive all-rounder.
I have had an e55k for the last 8 months or so, and I have to say its in a different league in terms of performance - particularly when underway. the torque is astonishing relative to the m5. In fact, there really is not that much in normal day to day driving that will beat it - esp. for the price.
I will admit that the gearbox is a little ponderous in comfort but in sport its pretty good. so thats where mine stays.
In the corners, BMW people would tell you that the M5 is far superior, and i guess it is on the limit from experience, but in any other drving conditions, its give and take in my experience, and the e55 will be mich quicker once the raod straightens out. Plus with the airmatic suspension set to Sport 2, the difference is a matter of commitment to the corner and quality of tyres..
When you dont fancy it, put the car into comfort setting on the auto box, comfort setting on the airmatic and enjoy a very relaxed cossetted ride surfing the enormous wave of torque at your disposal.
Also, (knock on wood) the E55 feels more heavily engineered than brittle race car, so there has been a lot few trips to the dealers with mine than i had in the same period with my e39. I would highlight that both had impeccable service history (from BMW and MB) and low mileage and were well cared for by me.
your timing is good as you can be choosy on the E55 and wait for agood one with high spec to come up -while the vales of E39s seem to have started to pick up for really tidy examples, so you may find yourself with a faster car and some change in your pocket!
Good luck and let us know how you get on. I'll be honest enough to say that if i had my time again, i'd consider a CLS55 just for the looks and the lack of 'german taxi' claims from my mates, so you may want to do that, but the E55 is such a sleeper (mine is de-badged) that its brilliant fun embarassing others.
Finally, i am so convinced by the AMG approach, that i will probably buy another one when i finally decide to move the E55 on, but given it has only just covered 50k miles, and is a great laugh, i dont expect this will be any time soon!
I had an e39 m5 for nearly 3 years - and it was a fantastic car to drive and own. it was very fast in the twisties and really impressive all-rounder.
I have had an e55k for the last 8 months or so, and I have to say its in a different league in terms of performance - particularly when underway. the torque is astonishing relative to the m5. In fact, there really is not that much in normal day to day driving that will beat it - esp. for the price.
I will admit that the gearbox is a little ponderous in comfort but in sport its pretty good. so thats where mine stays.
In the corners, BMW people would tell you that the M5 is far superior, and i guess it is on the limit from experience, but in any other drving conditions, its give and take in my experience, and the e55 will be mich quicker once the raod straightens out. Plus with the airmatic suspension set to Sport 2, the difference is a matter of commitment to the corner and quality of tyres..
When you dont fancy it, put the car into comfort setting on the auto box, comfort setting on the airmatic and enjoy a very relaxed cossetted ride surfing the enormous wave of torque at your disposal.
Also, (knock on wood) the E55 feels more heavily engineered than brittle race car, so there has been a lot few trips to the dealers with mine than i had in the same period with my e39. I would highlight that both had impeccable service history (from BMW and MB) and low mileage and were well cared for by me.
your timing is good as you can be choosy on the E55 and wait for agood one with high spec to come up -while the vales of E39s seem to have started to pick up for really tidy examples, so you may find yourself with a faster car and some change in your pocket!
Good luck and let us know how you get on. I'll be honest enough to say that if i had my time again, i'd consider a CLS55 just for the looks and the lack of 'german taxi' claims from my mates, so you may want to do that, but the E55 is such a sleeper (mine is de-badged) that its brilliant fun embarassing others.
Finally, i am so convinced by the AMG approach, that i will probably buy another one when i finally decide to move the E55 on, but given it has only just covered 50k miles, and is a great laugh, i dont expect this will be any time soon!
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