CLS 500 or 550i
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,102
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From: Northern NJ, USA
My Ride: 2011 M3 Convertible, Alpine White/black, 6 speed
2011 535xi Tasmin Green, Venetian Beige
Originally Posted by Roleez' post='279265' date='May 8 2006, 03:08 AM
I have driven both. Both offer more than adequate V8 power. However, I prefer to shift gears on my own without a computer deciding that task for me, which is why I chose the 550i. Torque response is MASSIVE vs. the CLS500. You get over 50 hp more with the 550i. You also get 5 seats in the 550i vs. 4 in the CLS500, therefore the 550i is more practical. Don't get me wrong, I really did like the CLS500 due to it's awesome head-turning design. But the ride in the CLS was too 'cushy' and wasn't as connected/planted to the road like the 550i (with sport package). And Mercedes will never offer a 6-speed manual transmission in that car, or even their E-class ... that was the main thing that drove me to BMW. There's nothing quite like the ride/experience/thrill of driving a manual transmission 5-series hooked up to a mean V8! 
Ditto: TOTAL agreement.
Senior Members
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 0
From: sofia / london
cls 
it now comes with 388bhp/530nm and 0-60mph in 5.1s
DOH ! 5.1s
more horsepower than the old one, and the torque arrives earlier as well, plus
it will soon have shift-paddles behind the wheel , so it will definitely be better than
the old one
oh and a 7speed gearbox which actually works really well (unlike the previous ones found on the slk55 amg)..
they finally moved past the 5-speed auto.
And on top of everything the e60 will be facelifted next year... cls wont change till 2009
it now comes with 388bhp/530nm and 0-60mph in 5.1sDOH ! 5.1s
more horsepower than the old one, and the torque arrives earlier as well, plus
it will soon have shift-paddles behind the wheel , so it will definitely be better than
the old one
oh and a 7speed gearbox which actually works really well (unlike the previous ones found on the slk55 amg)..
they finally moved past the 5-speed auto.
And on top of everything the e60 will be facelifted next year... cls wont change till 2009
Members
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, British Columbia
My Ride: Currently a 2000 540i 6spd
Originally Posted by lilhit' post='279261' date='May 7 2006, 11:58 PM
I am having a bit of a delimma on which car to purchase, i am just curious about what you guys think is the best overall package, luxury, appearance, performance etc. Anybody that has driven both's opinion would be appreciated.
If I had wanted to spend that much, I would have gotten the M5.
Members
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
My Ride: 06 550 SMG |Comfort seats | sport, premium sound and cold weather packages | active steer | Navigation |comfort access | rear seat heat | rear seat fold down| sirius|
Driven both definitelly 550 more responsive and a bit more comfortable....
Looks are better on the 550
It also seems like the low end torque on the 550 is a bit more...
Looks are better on the 550
It also seems like the low end torque on the 550 is a bit more...
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