X55 AMG

[Eski1991]

After rolling around in the Saab for 6 months (I wanted to give it a chance to grow on me, but it hasn't really) I think it's time for a change and have seen quite a few MB (insert class) 55 AMGs going for sub 5k.

Now I realise that although the engines will go on for a good while, the bork factor on the suspension and various other areas seems quite, or very, high.

What would be the best class to go for to A) Avoid a bill that would write the car off, and B) return somewhere above 20MPG day to day driving, which would mainly consist of 20-50 miles of twisty B roads (I wont be commuting in it a lot as I will be on the bike 9.9 times out of 10 but I would still like the option).

The car will mainly be used to drive to restaurants and evening excursions (not that sort of excursion) and the odd trip away for the weekend, as the girlfriend doesn't like riding pillion.

So, would you go for C, E, S or ML? (I don't want a convertible as I'm almost 7 foot tall and can't be bothered to clamber in and out, also I'd rather not look like a dick), no offence meant to convertible drivers they just aren't my thing.

[anonymous-user]

For me it would be a CLK55 if you don't need four doors, if you do then E55. The ML55 I'd personally avoid as it's not a great car (apart from the engine). The problem you'll have on Mercs of that era is the old tin worm. I looked for ages for a good CLK55 but they all had rust to varying degrees. Ended up in a B3 Alpina instead

[Eski1991]

I have looked at various BMW/Alpina options but there is very little in the way of a V8 unless you go down the barge route, which I don't mind but if I'm doing that then I might as well stick with the Merc.

The CLK might be a little to low ceiling height wise as I don't want to wear the roof as a hat.

[griffin dai]

Have you remapped the 9-5 yet?

[Eski1991]

griffin dai said:

Have you remapped the 9-5 yet?

At the moment I'm torn on keeping it so I've not really felt inclined to spend £100 or more on a remap.

[ikarl]

I'm not 7ft tall... but am 6'6" and found the CLK55 to be very comfortable with great adjustment of the seat/height/steering wheel etc and found that with the seat all the way down and all the way back I was a long way away from the steering wheel/pedals/roof

At least go and grab a seat in a CLK and see how it fits... I absolutley loved mine!

[5678]

I'm looking at CLK55s at the moment too. I'm amazed at how rare they are!

[griffin dai]

Eski1991 said:

At the moment I'm torn on keeping it so I've not really felt inclined to spend £100 or more on a remap.

Well worth asking Karl for a remap in the link below if you decide to keep it:
http://www.noobtune.co.uk

[Eski1991]

griffin dai said:

Well worth asking Karl for a remap in the link below if you decide to keep it:
http://www.noobtune.co.uk

I have looked at noobtune and various other options, but I'm really not looking to spend out on more bits for it if I then sell it a month later, also, as it's already on 120k miles (I know it's meaningless but still) I don't know if I'd trust it after an uprated map was applied.