My father is going through the mythical mid-life crisis and he recently cashed in some Broadcom stock options (yeah, it's not exactly the right time to cash anything but he's getting antsy) ... after getting a 55" HDTV and HT set-up and upgraded bay windows for the house, he's hankering for a beamer or a benz.

I've tried to talk him into getting a Porsche 911, but to no avail. I've also tried to talk him into giving me a $25,000 loan -- but to no avail.

Trying to pick between an MB AMG 55 or a BMW M5 has proven to be quite difficult. He's already got an 1999 M3, so should he swear allegiance to M, or should he jump for the AMG? Are there really any performance or quality difference between the two?

 

///M5!!

 

I'd get the m5 for sure

the only reason i'd get the e55 was if i couldn't drive standard!

sanjay

 

But how about all the leather and luxury associated with the AMG? None of those things matter?

 

take your dad to the dealer and let him see for himself. i'd go for the 6 speed ///M5 all the way.

 

moving to car talk...

 

My dad picked up his 2nd M5 last week. The last one, which was 2001, was very nice (haven't seen the new one, but it is the same). It is every bit as luxurious as the E55. Very fast and handles great. Since your dad had an M3, it is a natural step up.

I would get an M5, spec it the same as my dad

LeMans/ Black
M Audio (2 10" subs, upgraded speakers)
sunshades
Dinan Chip
I would get the Exaust too, sounds nice

 

Driven both, I prefer the E55.....but if it was my only car, would get the M5. If I had a toy on the side, would get an E55.

 

Gots to be the M5 ... having had a 540, I think the M5 would be the logical choice (for me anyway) ... same for your Dad since he has an M3 ... hey ... suggest he get both and then you can drive the one he leaves in the driveway ...

 

I have driven both cars, I love both, but theres just too many M5's around! I guarantee anyone I can easily spot 2 M5's in one short day. E55!!!!

 

This can't edit rule drives me nuts......meant to say Driven both, not Diven both (I like to acknowledge my spelling mistakes). Ok, I'm done.

 

why does your dad need 2 m5s?!

 

i'm sure both cars are well worth the prices they command, but i'd pick the e55 any day. i love mbz and bimmers are kinda "blah" to me when i see them. i'm sure the m5 is a spectacular sedan, but all that hype just bugs the heck out of me. if it's good, it's good! and i really don't care to have a manual transmission either.

 

Notice I said "last one" His 2001 model flooded in June. Remember how bad Houston was, his friends 2000 model flooded a few feet away.

 

fixed!

 

I also drove both for a few weeks too. The E55 is well a Benz. It's very quiet, & tons of luxury. I would pick the E55 if I wanted more Luxury. The E55 I think looks better too. The M5 is more sport. It's a little harsher ride, & is alot more fun to drive with the 6 speed. MB has also had the problem of being more towards Luxury. And BMW is more towards sport. The only thing that would push me to the M5 would be the 6 speed. If only the benz had that, & I had the $75K to spend.

 

I dont know where the hell you live, but im lucky if i see an M5 once a month....as a matter of fact, i think ive seen like 5 ever on the road, and i know ive seen like 3 E55's.

 

I would go with the E55...lots of power and tons of luxury...that's what's important for that kind of money in that class of car....to me at least