E55 vs. E39 M5 - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

TiSiBeast · 9th March 2006, 03:04

Due to my recent unfortunate dealings with BMW NA and the unprofessional way that they have handled themselves I am seriously considering a move away from BMW. If I were to move to a 2003+ E55 what differences am I looking at in performance? I know the E55 has more torque and HP, but also has an automatic. Has anyone subjectively driven both cars and do they have a firm idea of what the tradeoffs are? I haven't decided for certain yet, I love my M5 but am appaled at BMW's service.

EnthuZiast · 9th March 2006, 03:09

I do believ ethe E55 has the edge in a str8 line but thats where it ends as far as performance is concerned.

Garissimo · 9th March 2006, 03:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiSiBeast

Due to my recent unfortunate dealings with BMW NA and the unprofessional way that they have handled themselves I am seriously considering a move away from BMW. If I were to move to a 2003+ E55 what differences am I looking at in performance? I know the E55 has more torque and HP, but also has an automatic. Has anyone subjectively driven both cars and do they have a firm idea of what the tradeoffs are? I haven't decided for certain yet, I love my M5 but am appaled at BMW's service.

I'm interested too. I love my M5 but the E55 would be on the short list when it comes time to replace it. Also, suffering a groin pull this week and having to drive my M5 in traffic got me thinking an automatic wouldn't be so bad once in a while.

Whizzkid11 · 9th March 2006, 03:36

Straight line the E55 will beat the E39 M5 - different league altogether based upon being different generation cars. You are comparing 500 odd (i think) horse with 400 - BUT - performance wise the 55 and 65 engines should be pitched aginst the E60 M5.

Handling wise, I believe there are different settings on the E55, and when I test drove a 2005 model I may have been set at the "Normal" mode, as I was VERY disappointed with roadhandling of the car - it is a powerhouse, was doing doing 135mph, before the salesman had to tell me thats what I was doing - just no response through the wheel.

One thing to remember is there is a new facelift model of the W211 being sold later this summer, although minor exterior changes, I would certainly look into this and its impact if any on pricing and a possible deal.

the new E class being launched in 2009 is one definitely to be going for.

Another point worth remembering, is that AMG are now discontinuing the 55 and 65 Kompressor/turbo based engines and replacing them with the AMG63 which is a normally aspirated engine. So which ever car you buy, it will need to be decided how long you plan on keeping it etc.

Just my thoughts...

SteveHI · 9th March 2006, 03:43

I drove a 2004 S55 this weekend and did not care for it. The MB auto trans leaves much to be desired. (Although these are adaptive units, I also found my old CLK430 very unwilling to kickdown promptly even after months of spirited driving.) In daily driving, these slow downshifts feel a bit like turbo lag. With 493 hp and 516 lb/ft on tap, I don't think you should have to wait so long for the car to get in correct gear. To me, the MB transmissions are totally unsuitable for a car in this class. My Infiniti (and previously my A6 2.7T) is automatic and its shifting is worlds better.

I know the E55 is 213 lbs lighter than the S55, but also has 24 less hp. I'm sure it feels more nimble than the S, but I would bet it's a far cry from what you're accustomed to with your M5. Unless you really WANT to drive an automatic, be prepared to be disappointed. Just my $0.02.

GLASIG · 9th March 2006, 05:51

well I have to say that the E55 is much faster, but the M5 is much more fun to drive. The M5 has the perfect feel for the weight, power, suspension etc. The E55 is a great car as well, probably more comfortable ,but doesn't handle as well. its more of a straight line car. I thought the tranny shifted pretty quick for an automatic. The only reason why I have'nt bought an E55 yet is because there are too many electrical toys, and when the warranty is up ???

E55AMG2 · 9th March 2006, 07:11

The E55 handles perfectly fine, so long as you drive it properly (like they teach you in racing school). It doesnt like being tossed around or muscled into corners (ESP kills the fun there) and the auto kinda takes away from the involvement a little. Give it a month, and you wont even think about your M5 anymore though....

EnthuZiast · 9th March 2006, 07:15

I would have gotten it but I care too much about handling.
I have had alot of time behind the wheel of a CL55 AMG

Cant part with the 6 speed as well.

palantirion · 9th March 2006, 07:26

The E55 is an awesome musclecar, the M5 is an awesome sports sedan. Which car do you want?

The M5 also has better build quality and reliability, and fewer electronic nannys, if that matters.

In either case, I'd plan on finding a good independant shop so you can get good service.

TiSiBeast · 9th March 2006, 07:27

I want a sports sedan but I want a company that cares about their customers and takes care of them......