My opinions on the E55 AMG and ///M5 (archive)

Hi,
I know the M5 has an awesome 6 speed manual but on the other hand, the AMG has an awesome driver adaptive automatic. To tell
you the truth, i really have no preference when it comes down to the transmission.
Both cars look amazing plus they are both so exclusive. Also, i have been reading some of the posts on www.bmwm5.com, and it
really seems to me that the M5 has quite a bit of problems. Is that normal for BMW's? I have owned neither Merc or a BMW but i
have heard only great things of both cars.
I understand this is a BMW forum, but if you could please try to be as unbiased as possible in your responses it would be greatly
appreciated.
a '00 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited V8, 993 Porsche TT, and my F355 Spyder (360 Modena on the way!!).
Thank you, i really appreciate your opinions.
Lawrence

Kind of interesting that you would come to this board when (if it is true) you have so many cars and should know a lot about these two already (at least as much as you are going to find out on this forum anyway). Having said that, I was in the same situation a few months ago. I had (still have) a E55 AMG on order and was looking for an M5. Was having a hard time picking one of them. Well, I found a new M5 at a dealer and picked it up in late July. Have driven it 6k miles since then and have enjoyed it. It does not have as much room as the E55 in the front or back. The M5 is more sporty (got the black leather and sportive interior - no wood) and like the way it looks much better inside than the E55. The E55 "feels" faster off the line and all indications from what I hear can keep up with the M5. I changed my E55 order to the 2003 year version as they are re-doing the car after the 2001 year model. Rumor has it that the new E55 will be 450hp or so.

So, if you are going to get the E55 you should wait or it's value will probably go down since this current version is on the way out (if you care about resale at all). If not, the M5 is a fine car, drives well, and is fun to just cruise around in. The transmission is good but has a fairly long throw. It really is not a problem though even in bumper to bumpoer traffic. I went from a LS-400 with an auto trans and thought I would not like the 6 speed manual but after a few hours it was no problem. In fact when I get into the Lexus I find myself reaching for the manual shifter!

Anyway, good luck on your quest for a car. Good news is that they are both great cars.

Larry

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