E55 AMG or S55 AMG
 

Thinking of buying one used - 04 or 05. Anyone have any experience with either of these machines you'd care to share?

I've driven an E55 AMG. Never driven an S55 AMG.. E55 is very very quick, lots of power and torque. The ride is stiffer (as to be expected) than the regular E. If you want all out go with the S55 AMG..Of course the price is a difference as well..

I've driven my buddy's dad's E55. Pretty fast going straight, and pretty smooth ride. Why no BMW?

No special reason other than just to try something different. I haven't driven either yet so I don't really know what to expect, but for what I've seen them advertised for, they are sparking my interest. Looks like 04/05 S55s are going in the neighborhood of 50 to 70K and E55s about 10K less. The 469hp sounds pretty interesting too...

Don't think MB is the way to go with their quality problems. In that price range something different, but still very good would be Audi RS4, RS6, S8.

Good points - that's my main concern. I'm guessing these beasts eat up tires like M5's do too. That's why I thought I'd solicit some experience feedback. I suppose I could get my lazy azz over to a merc board too, but I like chatting with you guys way better!

AMG cars are fast, but their handling has something that is left to be desired. Even non-M BMW with sport packages handle better than some AMG cars.

That's another concern, but I guess I wouldn't expect a boat as big as an S55 to handle like an M3 anyhow. Is it really that bad?

True, but I don't think an S55 can outhandle a 745i, especially a Sport model.

MBs are spotty on reliability. And I think the E-class has a brake-by-wire that's prone to malfunction and lacks any sort of linear feel. And think about it........do you really want a brake system that's prone to problems?? It's basically a German muscle car that can only go fast in the straights. I'd opt for an Audi if you don't want BMW.

Got to be honest here, you NEVER want to buy a used AMG, one of my friends bought a used 2006 cls55 AMG, two days later there were 3 malfuntions and with no reputation at the dealer = no loaner cars