Anyone with MB E-class?

tiger740 · 13th January 2009, 00:08

Hello,

I have been in the market for my first M5 for awhile now. Then, a friend of mine has pointed out to me that I should not buy the M5 since it's quite similar to my other car, MB E430. Granted, M5 is much more powerful with superior handling, but I saw his points as well.

My other choice would be an E46 M3. I previously owned the E46 M3 for several years. So, I know that car very well, but I have never owned the M5.
Now, I am wondering whether having an M5 would be redundant to the E430 other than the fact that it has more power and better handling (and is more special). They are similarly sized, probably gave similar weight as well.... Please do not get me wrong. The E430 is not a fun car to drive by any means. It's more of a luxury cruiser.

Should I just go back to the E46 M3?

E55AMG2 · 13th January 2009, 00:54

My dad had an E430 Sport...It handled pretty well. Very stable and predictable on backroads (but useless on an autocross course due to excessive body roll). The W210 Eclass is a fair bit lighter (and consequently sprung softer) than the E39 M5. The E39 is smaller (interior wise) in terms of usable occupant space. Also the E430's trunk is a lot bigger and more useful. Im also inclined to say (much to my chagrin) that the E430 is a better built car. It just feels more solid than the E39. Not to say the M5 is like a wet noodle...the W210 is just that solid of a chassis. The W211 is even better.

In terms of power, its not even close. The M5 is in a totally different class of car. Also, the driving experience is totally different between the E430 and M5. The M5 is most certainly more high strung, and has a manual transmission. No more loafing along (ok, well some but not the same) like in the E430.

The E46 M3 is a totally different animal than either of these two cars.

Blue Angel · 13th January 2009, 01:39

No offense, but in my opinion after driving the E55 the M5 is a drivers car.

tiger740 · 13th January 2009, 01:42

Thanks for the reply. So, you don't think that having two similarly-sized sedans would be redundant since the driving experience of the M5 is so different from the E-class.

I guess that I should keep on searching!

Blue Angel · 13th January 2009, 01:49

Ever driven an E39 M5?

IslandS62 · 13th January 2009, 02:40

A good friend of mine just bought a 2000 M5, and passed along his E430 to his wife. Judging by his enthusiasm for the M5 I'd say he doesn't feel they are the "same" car in any way, shape or form. Another buddy just picked up a 2001 E55...I am looking forward to a test drive. I'll post driving impressions when I do. I was shocked to find out these are lighter than the E39.

E55AMG2 · 13th January 2009, 05:24

They are proportionally lighter than the E39...ie the power:weight ratio is the same, just with less HP and more TQ

Flavoade · 13th January 2009, 08:11

You can never have too many fun cars!

tiger740 · 13th January 2009, 15:54

Hi, yes, I have driven several, but only for 20-30 minutes and I did not push hard. Yet, I was impressed with its power and composure and felt that it was very different from my E46 M3.

Seisup · 13th January 2009, 15:58

Go for the M5 man...you won't regret it...