I would like to get some feedback especially from current/previous owners of these cars. I know E63 should have slightly better performance numbers, but is there a significant difference in feel when you drive it? Does it make more sense to get an E55 and modding it compared to getting a new E63? What about reliability issues with the E55?

 

e55 modded would be my choice, I wouldnt get the 63 unless it was a CLK63 convertible or ML63

 

since u mentioned, the real world experience behind the steering wheel is u will feel the 55 to be faster.

 

Ive heard that too, The 55 S/C engine is great, Ive tested a friends CLS55 what an amazing car

 

second that...

 

u don't get the ''kick'' in the 63. in exchange u get a much more refined car due to the 7 speed tranny. the power delivery is much smooth compare to 55. it shines on higher rev/speed - typical NA. both cars are great as they shine in different ways. who doesn't want the newest thing on the market that's why i keep looking at the 63. but end of the day the 55 might just be a better choice for what AMG really is - the massive torque. i like the idea of NA engine but if i have to pick a NA car in that price range i'd go for M5. at least it handles better & more fun to drive.

 

Blown cars always do better on the "***" meter tests.

-p

 

Has anyone toyed with the idea of a blown 63? Wouldnt that be the ideal set up? More displacement + blower? OR is there a reason you couldn't do this?

 

it's the tranny that's been holding MB back. the bi-turbo 65 motor is great but it's still mated with the old school 5 speed tranny.

 

I've only test driven both and hands-down prefer the naturally aspirated motor.

-Smoother drive
-Sounds better
-Car looks better with the to me not so subtle changes to the aeros

 

just buy a 55 and do the 63 front bumper on it.



also, the 6.3 badge on the side of the 63 is really lame

 

My friend just got his E63, he said he regrets trading in his E55 for it. IMO, if you're gonna modify it, get E55. If you want stock speed and refinement, go for the E63.

 

E63 has a smoother power delivery across the rpm range and the CLK63 in really good to drive. The 7 speed tran on the 63 is close to being maxed out so adding power via FI will be very expensive.
The 55 is a whole different animal because a simple chip and pulley is good for 50 HP more, and K2 for around $8K will give you a whole new kick in the ***, as well as a boost to the exhaust note under acceleration.

 

Sorry, But it doesnt sound better, Ive heard both and the 55's exhaust note is meaner than the 63. the 63 loses the machinegun's firing note from the 55.

 

I would like to thank everyone who responded. Very helpful information. I test drove the E55 about two years ago and I felt that it accelerated similarly to the stock 996 tip I had at the time. I test drove the E63 about 3 weeks ago and it seemed faster(again, this is in comparison to the car i drove two years ago!) than the E55. Overall, the E63 felt smoother and more refined if I recall correctly. It actually felt pretty good even when compared to the F430 which is saying a lot for the E63.