CLS55 or CLS500?

[rockits]

Is the 500 a better more comfy daily though as that is what it will be used for 99% of the time?

Just deciding if day to day I would see much benefit from the 55 over a 500 as don't drive for a living and only do about 6k miles per year in this one.

Is the newer 388 7 speed 500 that much better than the older 306 5 speeder? I am guessing it will be.

Are there other changes or just engine & gearbox change?

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Yes the 55 amg has the 5 speed, too much torque for 7 g tronic I believe.

Common misconception; I had the 7G box in my ML420 CDI which had the exact same torque figures as the '55K.

It was more than likely the '65 AMG.

 

[C240Sport97]

Common misconception; I had the 7G box in my ML420 CDI which had the exact same torque figures as the '55K.

It was more than likely the '65 AMG.

I think it was when 7G box was first introduced (when 55K was near end of life), it was not able to deal with the 700NM of the 55K engine. Subsequently, the 7G box was strengthened.

 

[Howard]

Is the 500 a better more comfy daily though as that is what it will be used for 99% of the time?

Just deciding if day to day I would see much benefit from the 55 over a 500 as don't drive for a living and only do about 6k miles per year in this one.

Is the newer 388 7 speed 500 that much better than the older 306 5 speeder? I am guessing it will be.

Are there other changes or just engine & gearbox change?

All 500's have the 7g , my 55 plate 500 with the m113 has the 7g

Only the 55's have the 5 speed.

 

[whitenemesis]

Yup, the 7g couldn't handle the torque from the 55k

 

[texasjohn]

There is quite a difference between the 306hp and 388hp motors, from my experience in the W211. I much preferred the more powerful engine (well you would)!

You will struggle to find a 388hp registered prior to the tax increase. I have only ever seen one car that falls into this category, a 06 plate W211 Sport facelift estate.

I haven't driven the AMG but what I would say is that, assuming the ride is 30% stiffer as posted above, it will still be comfortable with the airmatic in Comfort and possibly in Sport1 as well.

I used to avoid Comfort on the E500, just too soft, and found Sport2 was about right. I am very picky when it comes to ride quality too!

 

[rockits]

Thanks all for your info & advice. Seems like either the 306 or 388 CLS would be fine and a CLS55 seems a little superfluous for what I need or would use it for on a daily basis.

Good to know the 7g was standard in both though. My E240 drives very well but engine is just slightly lacking in a smidge of power to allow the 5 speed auto to work at its best. The same 5 speeder in the R129 SL500 works so much better.and so well. A really good and almost perfect combination.

I was going to sell the SL500. After driving it for a week I think I am going to keep it. It drives so well.

Seems like a later 388 CLS500 with 7g box and later brakes that will be non-SBC presents the best option to me. Although I can't belive the earlier 306 is underpowered & going to be lacking.

 

[Howard]

I haven't encountered a situation in the last year I have owned mine where I've thought 'bugger , I needed a bit more power'

Obviously there is quicker stuff around , but 60 in six point something seconds is fine for me.

 

[TheFoX]

I haven't encountered a situation in the last year I have owned mine where I've thought 'bugger , I needed a bit more power'

Obviously there is quicker stuff around , but 60 in six point something seconds is fine for me.

I agree. There are things quicker than me on the road, but I can't complain on how quick I can hit sixty should the urge take me.

If I wanted a rocket, I'd have to spend a lot more cash, then even more cash running it, so I have picked a happy medium.

The rule of thumb is simple. Can you live with it on a day to day basis, without wishing you'd gone one better?

 

[rockits]

I think my SL500 is plenty fast enough to be honest which is a later M113 engine with 5 speed box. I don't think I am too fussed at the moment if it is an earlier 306, a later 388 or a CLS55 if I'm honest.

Far too many things on my plate at the moment and this is really just a daily tool to be able to do my job. I still have the SL500 have the Maser 4200 tucked up in the garage and the E240 as well so have plenty of variety there.

I have made an offer on an E55k Estate that could replace the E240 Estate so the decision becomes less of an issue if the Estate was swapped around.

An earlier 2005 05/55 plate 306 CLS500 seems cracking value for money. You need to add a few k more for a 388 and a few k more again for the CLS55. Those few k mean a great deal at the moment as my cash is being demanded from all angles at the moment!

 

[StuartK]

Given the choice why wouldn't you take the flagship 55 over and above the 500. It's just common sense really.

The added torque will make it more relaxing to drive too.

 

[rockits]

If one pops up at a decent enough price I have no issue going for a 55. I am sure it will be a much nicer drive & a little bit more special.

Just have enough money tied up in cars already at the mo to have another £5k or so on top of any early 500 added to that.

 

[Howard]

The 500 is plenty relaxing to drive , hardly lacking in torque with around 430nm