New Hotness...
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,736
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From: DC
BMW is dead... Every new car they put out is ugly as hell and compared to the competition will be/are underpowered. Their old M cars used to have almost s2000 like handling and feedback but are now just soft luxury rides for old men with bad backs.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 501
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From: Manhattan, NY
While I am certainly impressed by the Benz's power, I am curious to hear from someone who has driven recent models from both BMW and MB. Any comments on which one is more fun to drive? Which one provides a more exciting ride on a nice open (and maybe curvy) road?
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 20,840
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From: Come see me after class.
Hehehe, I've driven them all. 
On the freeway, from the traffic light and in between, the E55 wins hands-down. The torque is brutal, and the ability to roast the tires from a 60mph roll always manages to put a smile on my face. Through the twisties, the E55 is still a competent handler, although it's not as organic; it's like you're not actually driving the car.
With the E39 M5, it is definitely more of a driver's car. Although nowhere near as fast or quick, it's nice to give your right hand and left foot something to do; they get bored easily. This isn't to say the M5 is slow - it can still embarrass your top-end sports cars (911, C5, etc.). Handling is much more refined in the M5. The steering isn't numb, and you can actually feel what the car is doing through your pedals, unlike the Benz.
Both cars are remarkably similar, except for straight-line performance, in which the E55 owns.
It's acceleration is surreal, until so rudely interrupted by the annoying 155mph governor. The M5 is equally fun, just not quite as ridiculous.
With that said, the only time I miss not having a manual in the E55 is at the occassional Traffic Light Grand Prix, and on the backroad switchbacks.
On the freeway, from the traffic light and in between, the E55 wins hands-down. The torque is brutal, and the ability to roast the tires from a 60mph roll always manages to put a smile on my face. Through the twisties, the E55 is still a competent handler, although it's not as organic; it's like you're not actually driving the car.
With the E39 M5, it is definitely more of a driver's car. Although nowhere near as fast or quick, it's nice to give your right hand and left foot something to do; they get bored easily. This isn't to say the M5 is slow - it can still embarrass your top-end sports cars (911, C5, etc.). Handling is much more refined in the M5. The steering isn't numb, and you can actually feel what the car is doing through your pedals, unlike the Benz.
Both cars are remarkably similar, except for straight-line performance, in which the E55 owns.
It's acceleration is surreal, until so rudely interrupted by the annoying 155mph governor. The M5 is equally fun, just not quite as ridiculous.
With that said, the only time I miss not having a manual in the E55 is at the occassional Traffic Light Grand Prix, and on the backroad switchbacks.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,582
Likes: 4
From: CA
Originally posted by alexf20c
Hehehe, I've driven them all.
On the freeway, from the traffic light and in between, the E55 wins hands-down. The torque is brutal, and the ability to roast the tires from a 60mph roll always manages to put a smile on my face. Through the twisties, the E55 is still a competent handler, although it's not as organic; it's like you're not actually driving the car.
With the E39 M5, it is definitely more of a driver's car. Although nowhere near as fast or quick, it's nice to give your right hand and left foot something to do; they get bored easily. This isn't to say the M5 is slow - it can still embarrass your top-end sports cars (911, C5, etc.). Handling is much more refined in the M5. The steering isn't numb, and you can actually feel what the car is doing through your pedals, unlike the Benz.
Both cars are remarkably similar, except for straight-line performance, in which the E55 owns.
It's acceleration is surreal, until so rudely interrupted by the annoying 155mph governor. The M5 is equally fun, just not quite as ridiculous.
With that said, the only time I miss not having a manual in the E55 is at the occassional Traffic Light Grand Prix, and on the backroad switchbacks.
Hehehe, I've driven them all.
On the freeway, from the traffic light and in between, the E55 wins hands-down. The torque is brutal, and the ability to roast the tires from a 60mph roll always manages to put a smile on my face. Through the twisties, the E55 is still a competent handler, although it's not as organic; it's like you're not actually driving the car.
With the E39 M5, it is definitely more of a driver's car. Although nowhere near as fast or quick, it's nice to give your right hand and left foot something to do; they get bored easily. This isn't to say the M5 is slow - it can still embarrass your top-end sports cars (911, C5, etc.). Handling is much more refined in the M5. The steering isn't numb, and you can actually feel what the car is doing through your pedals, unlike the Benz.
Both cars are remarkably similar, except for straight-line performance, in which the E55 owns.
It's acceleration is surreal, until so rudely interrupted by the annoying 155mph governor. The M5 is equally fun, just not quite as ridiculous.
With that said, the only time I miss not having a manual in the E55 is at the occassional Traffic Light Grand Prix, and on the backroad switchbacks.
Former Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 1
From: Arlington, VA
Originally posted by s2kpdx01
1.5 bar...hmm....i guess that aint running on 92 then?
1.5 bar...hmm....i guess that aint running on 92 then?
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 936
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From: Boca Raton,Old Folks Ville
They will be special orders only so don't expect to see one at the dealership. Also I heard that they are considering a seven speed auto derived from the f1 cars, anyone have more info on this???
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 35
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From: Redwood City
Benz is indeed working on a 7-speed, although for the time being it's not available on the high-HP cars. 22 PSI is going to be pushing it on 91 octane pump gas, but if you can afford the car you can afford to keep some 5-gal drums of VP Racing 103 around in the garage (I do!) to spruce up the swill that comes out of your local station.
And yes, it'll be heavy. Believe me, it'll still be fast. My fearless prediction: 11.5 @ 124 on drag radials, 11.8 @ 125 on street tires.
And yes, it'll be heavy. Believe me, it'll still be fast. My fearless prediction: 11.5 @ 124 on drag radials, 11.8 @ 125 on street tires.