I'm really considering buying a new 2001 E55 (possibly an M5 or even the new M3). I favor the E55 for several reasons. However, I'm told by several people that I'm too young (I'm 31) to drive either the E55 or M5, and particularly that the E55 is "an old mans car." That I should buy the M3 as it is more appropriate for my age. I'm not really interested in the CLK55, but would rather have the E55 or even the 2001 M3 over it.

Any oppinions?

As a poll, what are the ages of the E55 owners?

Thanks,

MDW

I'm in my early 30s with a E55.

My recommendation is to pay more attention to the other differences among the cars you're choosing than the image they give you, really.

The M5 is a good choice if you prefer the control of a stick shift at all times but require 4 doors. The new M3 will most likely handle better than the M5 on the track due to its lighter weight but will probably not be as quiet and relaxing on the highway.

The E55 is the best choice out there if you want to have a high performance automatic sedan. It's much roomier than the M5 especially in the back and with its automatic transmission, it carries a most practical dual personality. You can drive it like a limo or have some serious fun with it.

The performance difference between the M5 and E55 is so insignificant that non-professional drivers can extract more out of a E55 in real world situations.

As far as the image thing goes, the E55 is perfect for speeding given its old man's car conservative image in front of the cops, that's what matters more to me.

Yep, the E55 sure is an old mans car. At my ripe old age of 42, those 40 YO women at the geriatrics center are amazed at how spry the car and I are! The E55 is a performance oriented sport/family car.
First, you really need to think about the type of car you really want. You can compare the E55 and the M5, but the M3 is in a different class-and that's not just cost. A test drive of all serious contenders in in order.
Decide how much you want to spend. In the 80K range, you have the E55, M5, XJR, A8. All have their good and bad points. I bought the E55 because of the rear seat room for the kids and the automatic tranny. My wife refuses to drive a manual with 3 kids in the back seat in NY traffic.
This old man, his E55, family and friends can be in the car and all witness the old mans car blow away almost any sports car out there (except 4 Michael's 500E, which I think is a bit stronger than other examples )
The M3 costs less, and while it handles and brakes really well, will be left in the dust by any of the cars listed above on the straights. If I didn't have a wife, 3 kids, 3 BIG dogs and a cat, I probably would not have bought the E55. Porsche, Corvette, Z8 all come to mind before the E55. I had a Cadicrap STS which was a fairly quick family hauler, but quality was non-existant and it was in the shop all the time. WE LOVE THE E55-it's FAST, comfortable for a family of 5, safe, handles and brakes like a sports car and it's stealthy.
I have some magazine articles posted to the E55 Registry home page-check em out if you want...Choose wisely.
Gary

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http://clubs.snap.com/mercedesbenze55registry/index.lhtml
00 AMG E55
96 DCM Impala SS
94 ZR-1
81 Corvette Cpe

although i dont drive a E55 i do drive a C36. I'm in my early 20's. From what i have experienced from BMW's stick shifts is that they are a little vague....personally i perfer the stick of a porsche, much more direct feeling. (please i'm not knocking the BMW's but really i do find their stick shifts lack some soul and feeling. But then again when it comes to automobiles i am very finicky). As for the E55 it does not matter what age you are, after all if anyone laughs at you all you have to do is to shove 391lb/ft of torque in their FACE! And if that does'nt shut them up do a few tire burnouts! But if you do decide to go with the new M3, perhaps the way to go is the steptronic?

Once again these are my opinions so please dont flame me....

Whatever your decision is the choices are awesome... Happy motoring and hope to see you on the long twisting road (aka. my version of heaven)

Hi guys,

I agree with all the other members' comments. As long as u feel comfortable with the car than it is right for u. I'm 25, BTW.


Happy motoring,

ET

I am in my 30's, and I would love to have an E55. I think of it as a "walk softly, and carry a big stick" car. I am hoping that I will not be an old man by the time I get that really, really,...really, big stick!

(if I am, I just hope that my legs won't be too arthritic to hit the gas and brakes like most of the ORF's down here)

Age 30 and E55 looks fine to me. 98% of my friends think I am 10 year older when driving my car....imagine this: A 21 year-old-punk(me), in a W140......you got the picture.

E55 is a fine cruiser, and you will love it if you are looking for performance sedan, yet practical family car. M5 gives more control with shifter, but to me, it's more a car-nuts' toy then family car. It has less rear legroom(I have to bend my legs in the back seat like a cooked shrimp to fit).

If you want elegance, maybe consider Jaguar XJR....

Here's what I think,

Practical, capable 4-door sedan yet not too big, go for Audi S4

Mean looking, no-optional-auto-tranny, yet has large enough room to carry 2 mid-size adult, M5 is the only choice you have now.

You want PURE elegance, move in style, above average performance, then XJR is definitely hard to beat.

If you want a luxury/comfy cruiser, which will save your left foot some hassles during traffic jame, yet, still want the top notch performance, E55 AMG is the BEST.

Andy Kuo

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• 1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
  
• Pearl Grey/Black Leather
  

ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://akry.web.com

JMAN, while I haven't driven either, I heard the M series BMW stick shifts are much better than the regular BMW sticks..

I'm 28 and bought my 1999 E55 last year. I don't think its an old man's car at all.
Everything that has been said above is also how I feel.

two additional factors, if your thinking of the M5 :
1. There are rumors that the M5 engine has problems. Seem to be true after looking on the M5 boards.
2. A lot more M5's out there than there will be of E55's.

E55Jesse is right about the problem with M5s and BMW is aware of it.

It's the VANOS, which after let the car sits for a period of time, will have trouble getting lubricants up. Thus create a loud operating noise ala Desiel Engine.

Also, M5s seem to have trouble with minor defects with aluminum trim used on shift knobs, which tend to flake after some using.

Other then that, it's still a fine automobile.

Andy Kuo

------------------

• 1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
  
• Pearl Grey/Black Leather
  

ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://akry.web.com

dude..
E55 is a complete beast!
the only aftermarket stuff needed is maybe some suspension work to make it a true world class performer...

best of luck!!

whan
1995 Artic White C36

Drive all the cars on your list for as long as you can (as close together as possible as well) See which one appeals to YOU the most. From there start weighing your priorities. If you are going automatic there isn't a good alternative to the E55. Its more stealthy appearance will attract less attention from the cops, insurance, etc as well.

Hope this helps...Lee

Thanks everyone for your reply!

I'm still undecided, but will make a decision within the next month.

Although, in regards to a "test drive," of the different models?? This is essentially impossible where I live.

I've only seen two M5's (other than in pictures); both were on the local (New Oleans) dealer show room - brand new - but for sale at $10k over MSRP by individuals!

The dealers attitude... give us a down payment; wait 9 months, then you can drive it. You couldn't possibly dislike one. No test drives available.

As for the E55, it is a similar situation. None are ever available to drive. In fact, I've never seen one at the local dealer or being driven about town. I've only seen one and this was in another state. The local dealers simply say, give us a down payment, wait 9 months to a year, till it comes in. No test drives.

So the only option is buy a $70K + car without ever driving it. Plus, having to wait months for this. Sure, each could be sold later, but this seems ridiculous. I'm left with trying to get opinions from people that actually drive or have driven both.

Thanks again,

Mark

E55, an old man's (or woman's) car? Bah! That stereotype is nothing compared to what they give to Volvos--and I love Volvos! I'm in my 20's and I would love to drive a Volvo T-5R, 850R, or the S70 T5. My friends, who are more into "younger-looking" cars, think I have no taste. Well, I don't care what they or the public might think, but I'd drive a Volvo any day! Or a W140 S-class, for that matter. Anyhow, thought I'd share.

I am 25 years old and I have both 2000 E55 and an 2000 M5. E55 is by no means an old man's car. Both cars are just AWESOME, with different personalities, if you want a sportier feel and stick shift go with M5. I like M5 interior much better. However E55 gets a lot more attention on the street. It is a tough choice for me to choose between two cars since both are incredible.