I can’t make up my mind between these two cars, so I need your help. Which is the best all around big power sedan? The car will be a daily driver that will also double as a taxi for my kids.

I am not considering the more attractive CLS55, because its back seat is much too small for adults and there are times I need to seat 3.

Here are my thoughts after brief test drives of both cars:

2006 E55: ($97k MSRP)

• Tons of torque. The Benz leaves the M5 for dead out of the hole. I am assuming the M5 would catch up eventually.
• I find the E55’s appearance much nicer and better balanced than the M5.
• The car I am looking at has every option available including Panoramic roof and Distronic. It is a very luxurious car.
• I prefer the interior of the E55. The M5's look kinda of weird in my eyes, though the quality of materials is top notch.
• Modability of the supercharged V8 is a plus though expensive

2006 M5 V10: ($92k MSRP)

• I LOVE the sound of the M5’s V10. It sounds so sweet and exotic.
• The M5 feels gutless down low when compared to the E55. It does not run quickly unless you wind it out hard, but once you pass 6k it screams to redline.
• The handling is more accurate and direct than the E55. No contest here.
• The brakes are better on the M5, with much better feel.
• According to threads I have read on other forums, the M5 should pull away from the Benz after 120. However, most of my driving does not exceed 120, but it is nice knowing a delimited car can go 200.

I also plan to start modding either car, so more power potential is a big plus. I love how the E55 just launches ahead when you punch the throttle. I can only imagine what this car can do modded. However, handling is also very important, since I do drive aggressively in corners on my commute and plan to attend 2 or 3 HPDEs a year.

Reliability is very important to me as well, even though both cars are warranted for several more years. I have heard the M5’s SMG transmission ocassionally fail and leave you stranded. Is this true and does it occur often?

It really is hard to get a feel of cars from a brief 30-minute test drive, so I am hoping some of you have much more experience with both cars. This E55 is selling for $63k and the M5 for $67k. Both cars have under 20k miles.

I know the M5 is the car of choice for the hardcore enthusiasts, but is it the best choice for an enthusiast’s daily driver, family car, stoplight dragger and occassional track car?

Your feedback is greatly appreciated

Thanks
Rob

 

I would go for an E55, its just me definatley if it was with the panaromic roof and very very fast with upgrades.

 

From what you described as your "ideal" car, its got to be the M5. I don't have an E55 but I've driven my mother in laws car. Great acceleration, sounds awesome! But, the E60 M5 is the best car I have driven. Now, I'm not a profesional driver, but the main difference I have noticed is the steering. M5, very reactive, and intuitive. Not overwhelming, or scary, it just goes where you point it, effortlessly. The E55 corners well and turns in but it seems to take a lot more effort to do so. I'm not saying that it turns like an F150 but its "heavy". Very hard to explain. Check out the videos in you tube with the M5 on track against gallardo's, nsx's and even the lighter M3. It holds its own. So if stop light racing is what you want, short burst of speed e55. Track car with 200mph + ability and haul kids... M5. Good luck.

 

i had to make the same choice last month. went with the E55. The transmission on the M5 is hard to enjoy in traffic, ive driven both cars on the track and yes the M5 does feel more "direct" but the weight is still there and the tourque on the 55 made it more fun to drive. You cant go wrong with either car they are both amazing machines...i just felt that for a daily driver/monster the 55 was the better choice.

 

Go with the e55. I've heard nightmare stories about the smg.