I have been looking for a car recently. I have found some killer deals on 05 E55's. Are those cars fun to drive? I haven't been close to a dealership with one and I'm not going to drive 200 miles to test drive one without the intent of buying. For the price, it doesn't seem you can buy a better car. I just don't want to be bored with the Automatic transmission. I have also been looking at 07 RS4's, 07 E90 335i's. I want a sedan, but I want something that will be fun to drive. I'm leaning toward an 07 Ibis White RS4 at the moment, but I am still on the fence. Thanks for everyone's input.

Regards,

Wes

 

I LOVE the 211 E55! The only reason I won't buy one now is because of my Porsche addiction. I would take it in a heartbeat as a DD or 2nd car for the wife (if I had one) Just make sure it has a warranty and the I/C pump is replaced or upgraded since they tend to heatsoak.

 

I know I say I want a sedan, but a nice 01 996 Turbo can be had for <$40k now too.

 

It's amazing these 90k cars are going for mid 30's....

Tought to beat for the money, and scary fast....

 

great car for the money...and mods can make it extremely fast..... the thing i love about mine is that it is fast and under estimated meaning that it does not stick out and looks like a regular sedan to law enforcement...... much faster then a rs4 and 335

 

1. Big and Heavy
2. Traction control will always be functioning on accel
3. Great straight line car
4. Room for 4 adults with comfort
5. un-assuming UNTIL you hit the gas pedal!
6. Understeers
7. Price your brake job and tire replacement in advance.


with that said, I would lean more towards the Rs4... But in the end, its going to be YOUR car.

Take the 200 mile drive, but drive an Rs4 first... LOL

Steve

 

I'm kinda in the same boat. Ive been looking at E55s but coming from an E46 M3, I'm afraid the ride would be boring....

 

I think the E55 is a fine car. It has a Mercedes like ride, but has plenty of power to spare. The RS4 is a great car as well. It feels much more "sporty" compared to the E55, and it looks better (To me), but it's going to be a little slower due to the AWD factor. The E55 has the most potential by far. If it were me, id probably lean toward the RS-4.

 

I loved my E55, with out a doubt a fast car, in a straight line. Numb steering, and no cornering ability. If straight line performance is what your looking for then thats the way to go but if you want some handling and driver involvement than get an RS4 or M3.

 

Okay, thanks guys. I figured the E55 was only fun in the straights. I've owned two sti's and an Infiniti G37S. The Infiniti was an auto and became boring, very quickly. I think I am still leaning toward the RS4, unless I can convince myself to get behind the wheel of a 996 Turbo.

 

Fun in the straights and highway overtaking. My '03 was a blast to drive. Great car for the money now too.

 

No, its not a fun car to drive. My m3 was a blast to drive, very involved, high reving engine, great sound, and connected to the road. The e55 is very comfy, cushy seats, nice build quality. Its very quite, and drives very smooth. Cant feel a thing. Very heavy, does not handle well, and 0 driving feel. It will make you fall asleep until you punch it.. Then, you better be awake. It's very fast in a straight line.. Hope this helps.

 

It helped 100%. The last thing I want is another boring car. Thanks a lot!

 

exactly what i experienced after coming from an m3 to an e55 as well...

 

The E55 is not fun to drive by sportscar or sports sedan standards. It's not a car you would use for canyon carving or DE. However, it can put a huge grin on your face when you floor the gas pedal from a stoplight or feel the strong acceleration from a freeway pull. Think of the E55 as a muscle sedan. If you can have fun in a big-block Chevelle or a Buick GNX, you can get the same enjoyment out of the E55 plus great Mercedes luxury and refinement.