Tony

Im seriously thinking about selling my 04 GX470 and getting an 05' E55 or GS430 or GS430H what do you guys think of the E55? I know I am taking a big chance on reliability, but the hp and handling on the E55 is awesome. I finally have made it financially to afford either car even though one is 30k less. If money was no problem which would you guys for? Not to mention the E55 looks just incredible.

TYPEII

iTrader: (5)

I would get the E55 or wait for the new M5, those 2 cars are really not in the same class as the GS, both $$$ and performance wise.

yaro1

Well. It depends really on many factors.

IF you want a carefree drive of luxury go for the Lexus.
IF you want to BE SEEN, then go for the E55
IF you want the whole package go for the Lexus
IF you want the performance and prestige go for the E55.

Personally, I would go for the Lexus and hold onto the extra money and either mod it (if you are into that kind of stuff) or go buy some property as an investment with the money.

Either way you win.

But, I think you will win much more with the GS.

In 5 years (will you have it for 5 years?) you will like the GS much better since it just ages better. But if you plan on getting rid of this car in 2-3 years then the Benz would be just great.

Remember though that you are taking a risk that I personally will never take again! Too many times I kicked myself in the butt goign back to Mercedes. I felt like an Alzheimers patient making the same dumb mistake again. But it really is all about you.

beemreatr

Man I love Lexus (I have 2) but if I could affored the E55 I would be all over it! My wife considers her new GS a "stepping stone" to the benz she wants. I personally think they are the next level, kinda like Omega and Rolex.

DrewGS4

I agree...

The E55 is a no brainer here. Get it as you will not be dissppointed!
But I would wait for the new M5 as that will have a very hot resale and will be the new bad boy on the block.

EmeraldLexuSC3

Even if money was not an option, I would not spend +$80k on a 'E' class.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Tough call, sort of b/c I told myself never will I buy an MB again. But that raw power and handling is very tempting. Let's put that aside because you are financially ready for an MB.

However, if I was to get any MB, I would still stick to the 04 just because of their last year for the free maintenance. Believe me, I'd rather be safe with a used 04 with free maintenance than a new 05 with maintenance covered by my own wallet

Like what yaro, mentioned, yes the E55 will give you speed, power, and prestige.
Have you test driven the 430 to see if you like it?

Go for it because in the back of your mind, it's already made up. We shouldn't be the one to convince you "not to."

Tony

Keep the opinions coming I appreciate it. The new M5 will be a mechanical nightmare. I haunt the E60 forums and the guys over there are having major software problems, squeeking problems in the interior, weather stripping problems and transmission problems on their 5 series cars. Several of their members have dumped the new 545 after only owning them for 6 months because of the stupid I Drive controls. If you go on autotrader there are so many new 5 series for sale. Not to mention BMW locally has the worse customer service for repairs.

I was seriously thinking of the M5 but the I Drive is to much work for me. I think Acura and Lexus have the best controls with touch screen. MB has the old school buttons and joysticks but their electronics is no match for the Japanese brands. MB still does not have universal Bluetooth or rear back up cameras.

I wish Lexus could make a 400-450hp GS that handles like ther Germans.

lexuslover

wow! nice problem to have. i'd go for the E55 for sure if i had absolutely no use for the money. but like yaro, i can't bring myself to spend 90k (yes, it's 90 once you add the same options the GS has) on that car. i don't think i'd love it $30-$35k "more" than the GS... i'd rather spend that money on something else, like an amazing vacation (or 2, or 3 or 4!)

LEXUS FAN!

do you want the GS430 or GS450h????

i would personally pick the Lexus, but i'm biased, and I don't think it is worth $30,000 more

my guess is that the GS450h will go from 0-60 in about 5.3 seconds, so it will be fast too...not as fast as the E55 AMG though

EmeraldLexuSC3

lexuslover, nice garage set-up! I am also a Snoopy fan!!

spwolf

If you think M5 is bad, 2004 E-class was rated as least reliable car in the US by CR, completly awful reliability, we are not talking about minor stuff either...

UptownGS

personally I'd get the GS430 and mod it w/ the extra money! much more of an eye popper for me atleast..... but in stock form the E55 pwns the GS in almost all aspects IMHO except for reliability and its debatable over the interior (i prefer lexus interior)

just look at a GS430 dropped w/ 20's..... its to die for!

kb2yza

I would go for the Lexus... However if money is no problem, go for the the MB but make sure your money will be no problem after you buy the car too because you will need it for repairs. Plus I am loving my GS.

fireballs gs400

new gs and a kick *** supra!! seriously, how long you keeping this car, the benz will fall through the floor compared to the gs, in money value, and resale, and reliability has not truely been tested on the 5.4 s/c motor..i mean its a 2003 release, but miles and wear and tear...who knows good luck.