E55 vs E63 (or CLS?)

[VinceV8]

Hello

First post on here. Apologies if this subject has been done to death in the past I just couldn't find anything overly relevant...

Currently own a very nice Monaro VXR with a supercharger that I've had for 3 years or so but I'm getting the urge to change to something else, I'm liking the look of the E55 or E63 or the CLS alternative. Interior space is a consideration but it's a second car so not a daily driver, but I do have 2 small children who will be in the car with me on occasions. The Monaro is difficult in this respect.

I've been to look at 2 cars albeit briefly, both very nice in their own right, I'd need to sell the Monaro first which I would hope would get around £15k.

First car I looked at was a 2007 E63 with 71k and performance pack. Very nice condition, has been standing a while but fired up ok but idle was not totally smooth although a massive improvement over the LS1 in my Monaro.

Second was a 2004 E55 which sounded nicer in my opinion but the fit and finish inside wasn't as good as the above car.

Overall I'm leaning towards a 55 because of the supercharger, but is a slightly more modern 63 a better bet? Also like the CLS, but not many about.

One comment for all variants is most seem to be silver but ideally would like black and under 100k.

Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[AMGeed]

Welcome to the forum Vince.

Good idea to try both cars before deciding. The E63 is a step up from pre 06 cars in that that was the year of the facelift for the W211 and the SBC brake pump was dropped for the traditional set up. Each car has a different feel and coming from a s/c car you may find the E55 more suitable.
If you don't mind a silver one, a forum member is selling a very well looked after example that may suit you.
2004 E55 for Sale

Anything you need to know about either model, ask away. Plenty of owners of both models are members here.

Don't discount the CLS either. A very "pretty" car but only two seats in the rear if that makes a difference.

 

[Abb]

Welcome

Aside from throwing the preverbal hand grenade into your first post (55 vs 63 debate), I echoe the sentiments posted above. There is a wealth of info on here on pros & cons on both engines, the one major factor to assist in narrowing model (CLS/E) will be the rear seats. They are getting on a bit now, but still fantastic machines and a lot of metal for the £££.

Use the search bar up in the top left and you will be surprised to see the wealth of info on here, from failed SBC pumps to upgraded engine mods and everything inbetween.

I used to own a black CLS 55 with cashmere interior, very few mods, but absolutely loved it.

Find a decent one of either model will be your greatest challenge, but one you will definitely not regret!

 

[VinceV8]

Thanks for the replies. I've looked around and seen some of the issues already but good to bear in mind. I think the CLS is a good looking car and one I'd rather like as with 2 kids seats the E will only be a 4 seater anyway.

Unfortunately not in a position to seriously look yet I'm just trying to see what's what at this stage.

 

[whitenemesis]

The CLS never gets mistaken for a taxi ...


More seriously the CLS has a much stiffer body and IMHO is quieter inside when cruising and (in standard form) much gruffer under acceleration.

 

[robparker]

Those who have owned both a 55k and a 6.2, if you had none and had to buy one back now, which would it be and why?

 

[DavidL]

Pros and cons. Both are old enough to though up big bills.
I don't feel the 55 has a great sounding engine but the 63 is better. Brakes are pricey on the 63 but as AMGeed says SBC isn't on the 63. Both have airmatic so potential bills there. 211 63s are all 805 build (read newer) whereas some 55 are 804. The 805 is supposed to be a bit more reliable electronically. There are a few 212 6.2 63s which are more expensive but newer - 09-11 ish
55 are much more tunable, 600 or 700 bhp is not that hard. The 63 NA car is a harder prospect.
CLS is a great looking car, slightly less practical and there is no cls55 estate.
Personally as a fairly regularly used car they would be great but as weekend car for 4 I might be looking at a maserati 4200 or a gransport, even a granturismo with budget creep (am I allowed to say that?)
Get a good one and you'll love either

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Although the 55 v 63 debate has been done to the point of exhaustion on the forum, to me, it’ll come down to one thing - do you prefer forced induction or naturally aspirated?

I’m a FI guy and the two N/A cars with over 400bhp I have owned - a S211 E63 & Maserati Quattroporte - whilst being special (the QP in particular sounded out of this world) I just couldn’t gel with them the same way I did with my two E55K’s and XFR (which I’d throw into the ring with the AMG’s too)

So, in order, I’d go for:

1. E55 or XFR
2. CLS55
3. E63

But any one of those four would be a cracking ownership experience, whatever your choice.

 

[E55BOF]

55K every time - I prefer masses of low down torque to high-rev power. I also prefer more, shall we say 'discreet', cars, and the 6.2s tend to be louder than the 55Ks.

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

I only have experience of the CLS and have owned mine as a daily for about a year now. It's a very capable cruiser, refined if a little stiff on the 19 inch alloys. Will happily pootle through town quietly and then, when you do grab it by the scruff all hell breaks loose. The torque is absolutely immense.

That's what I love most, that Jeckyll & Hyde character. It makes you grin like a loon every time. Also has a capacious boot which comes in handy.

 

[whitenemesis]

As Jeremy called it "A thug in a silk dressing gown". Perfect description of the CLS55

 

[350cls]

Here we go again .

At the end of the day they are both great engined/ cars. I have experience of the cls only in straight six form which was a lovely car and awesome power plant. Standard 4 seated car works for most not all.

55k: my experiences, 04 model black on black rather basic spec I had. The only real mis would be the pana roof. Had heated cooled seats front only. No big trouble only a pully bearing/water pump failure. The power of the car is emmence does throw you back into your seat sounds great to with the basic exhaust mods. The wafting drive is what I liked so much about it. And you can adjust the ride quality at the press of a button. The seats were extremely comfortable. An amazing car. Will never ever forget my time with mine.

E63 w212. Never owned the w211 equivalent.
E63: W212 only owned the car a few months in. No problems thus far thank god . Spec wise it's really well kitted out pana roof heated / cooled seats. night vision. Auto closing boot. Quite basic stuff really compared to what's available spec wise nowadays. The handling of the car puts the 55 into touch for me can really guide the car much better around the lanes. Like many say you don't feel all that shove in the back at once like the 55k gives but the 63 is by know means slow or feel slow. It keeps pulling right the way until you let off the accelerator. I personally don't feel under powered driving the 63. Obviously the technology is much advanced on the w212. I can't comment on the w211 63. The engine is my favourite thing about my car though. It just floats/ glides around but at the press of the pedal or AMG button it transforms the car into a better more growling beast. I have to put this in the 6.2 sounds amazing it really does. In sport sport + or manual the exhaust really does bring the sound to life.

Test drive both and decide for yourself. You won't regret either in my opinion.

 

[Neiltodd]

I have to put this in the 6.2 sounds amazing it really does

Got to agree with that.

 

[E55BOF]

Just wait till you try a 5.5 Biturbo. It makes the 55K feel slow...

 

[350cls]

55K every time - I prefer masses of low down torque to high-rev power. I also prefer more, shall we say 'discreet', cars, and the 6.2s tend to be louder than the 55Ks.

I think you mean sounds better than the 55 and I prefer the 6.2 just pulls all the way up .....

 

[DaveE320CDI]

Hi think that when we are talking about 0.5 seconds to 60 or even 1 sec difference,and even mid range comparisons pound for pound performance figures you cannot beat a E55 kompressor engine even compared to todays best performance saloon cars! no history of head bolt problems, camshaft problems, i like to sleep at night not worrying about my engine blowing up and costing thousands for a rebuild! my m113 is bullit proof and is proven so! M113 engine all day long, higher the engine revs the sorter life span fact! and to be fair who rates themselves to get the the so called manufactures figures for performance??
most owners cannot drive these cars to there full potential!
and in the long term sound is one thing but engine reliability and cost of ownership comes first in my book, time will tell but id put money on that there will still be a lot more M113 engines about than m156 in 10 years time! only my opinion of course

 

[rockits]

I'm a S/C fan and have had a couple of E55K's and an SL55 so love the powertrains. I would suggest a CLS55 from what you have said if only needing 4 seats. More likely I think to get a black CLS55 than a black E55K I would suggest.

I've currently got an XJL SuperSport which is again a S/C motor. Epic rare comfy rocketship for not much cash.

Just sold a 4200 and they are awesome VFM if you want something rare and special.

 

[DaveE320CDI]

E55 saloon all day long before a 4 seater cls! why would you? please dont say cls are better looking? there bloody ugly in my opinion and more chave, E55s are the sleepers that surprise so many so called performance cars,

 

[Skd884]

Those who have owned both a 55k and a 6.2, if you had none and had to buy one back now, which would it be and why?

M156 you will know why once you experience it.

 

[Teego]

FWIW I can't think of a better Grand Tourer than my CLS55, especially after the custom remap and derestrict. Now running about 520bhp and 770n/m.
Just back from a German road trip. Long cruising runs on the autobahn @ 24mpg.
Quicker cruising at 120 - 140 when traffic was light.
170 ish on a clear stretch but not maxed out. I'm not that clever, it's the car.
All this with my wife and her luggage on board.