I agree.

I kept going back and forth between Cayenne TTs, C/E63's, and even the CTS-V, but they all cost at least $15k more than a clean E55 does. For my purposes, I simply can't justify paying the extra $$.

 

Scott-
Have you looked at the 7 series BMW's? I gotta tell you, by far the best aoutomobiles I have ever owned. Might be worth at least crossing it off the list....

 

I haven't yet, but I will today. Are they somewhat quick at least?

I want a torquey family hauler that will make me smile when I put my foot down. I know a E55 will do that, but I have no idea if a 7 series will.

 

I dunno bro. It "feels" fast for a huge sedan; but I'd bet the real world numbers aren't that hot. I'd bet 0-60 is gonna be 5.5-6.00. They do have 8 speed tranny's though so the power is always there. The 760 is a 12 cylinder motor.

The thing that sold me, believe ot or not, was the quality of the build. I actually put the power down the list. In my opinion at least, the car is built to standards even Benz can't do.....the Li is the long wheel base.

 

My father has a sterling gray 750Li that is SUPERB. Like $ said the build quality is top notch. They are pretty fast even carrying around over 5000lbs. of weight. Excellent vehicle.

 

Good choice with the 55 Scott. I still plan on grabbing up a RS6, only because I want a year round DD and need the quattro up here, but the E55 is my 2nd choice, because it is only RWD.

 

Mike - Good choice. The RS6 is definitely a great option for a year-round DD. In my case, I've got a 4x4 truck for winters.

 

I have my Duramax too, and it's probably almost as fast as a stock RS6, but not as nice a ride.

 

I would avoid the RS4 due to the carbon build up issues and the DRC issues. My vote is for either a Land Rover, any of the C series sedans or E60 M5.

 

Scott,
I don't wan't to complicate things for you but I would suggest getting a CPO vehicle or and extended warranty with the benz. If the E55 has the airbag level ride type suspension that the sl has then it has shown some issues and is VERY expensive to repair off of warranty. I have never owned one but was researching sl55's and this was something that made me a bit nervous. The E's may not have this. I agreee that these cars are awsome and would love a new e63 and maybe even the e63 convertable as a family fun alternative. Good luck and let us know what you think. By the way the exhause in the sl55 even stock had an awesome sound to it.
John

 

Another option: 335Xi with tune, intake and downpipe = inexpensive 400awhp DD.

 

Scott, do you know of 60-130 times for the 335 modded or unmodded?

 

If the CTS-V is an option, I'd get that.

 

Ryan - with intake, tune and downpipes, they're running low 9's. 997TT territory.

With Nitrous, high 6's.

 

I would skip the XI and go for the rwd, I have had both. The problem is not traction (with snows) on either car, its ground clearance. I had a 335 as a DD for 3 winters, and a 335XI for one. I got stuck in the same places in both. You can really feel the extra weight of the XI and the steering is not a precise as a sport package 335.