Just an idle question.

Is it possible that the E500 is detuned for more mass consumption?

I agree about the E55 version. Somewhat similarly, I know someone who is now kicking himself regularly for not being patient enough to wait the year it took to get a BMW M5. Because he was impatient, he bought a 540i with as many bells and whistles as he could get - a year later, he has conceded that it clearly isn't an M5. The M version cost only $8000 more than he spent on his 540.

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David

His:
2003 Dodge Durango SLT
2002 BMW E39 530i Sport
1988 Mercedes 300TE
Hers:
2003 Chevrolet Suburban
1999 E430