What is the better companion family sedan to the 996?

My choices are an '05 E55 AMG or an '03 RS6. I have had an E55 in the past as a personal vehicle, but it was to big and mushy for me as primary transportation. However, the C32 needs to go and I have an opportunity to procure either listed. I am leaning to RS6 and wanted to know if my tastes gelled with other 996 owners.

RS6's are nice...either way you can't lose. I'd personally pick the RS6.

Hah, that funny. I saw the title and instantly thought RS or E55 something. I am on the "list" for the new RS4 right now. Not sure if I am going to take it. I am really loving the 996 these days and owning two cars and living in NYC is just a waste. The family car I also REALLY like is the E55 AMG Wagon. That is one hot car. Its a special order only wagon, but man is it pretty! I would say the Rs4 is more to the liking than an RS6, when compared to the 996, if such a thing can be done.

It's a tough call, but I have to say the RS6...audi's fit and finish is exemplery,...you feel like a million bucks sitting in these cars....but the e55 amg from what I hear pulls like a freight train all the way to 6th gear. You really can't go wrong either way, but my vote goes to the audi. Good luck.

why not M5 (e39 or e60)? That would be my choice...

Wait for the 4 door sedan from Porsche in 2008. The only drawback for an RS4 or RS6 (I would prefer an Avant for overall convenience and better balance) is Audi service. I had an S4 and sold it primarily due to quality of service.

Funny, poor service is why I am leaning towards Audi over Mercedes. 2 C32s in 6 month killed dead. One engine and one tranny. After 40 cars, these were the only 2 to ever strand me. Service was appalling through both scenarios. Luckily, the local Audi Service Manager is pretty cool.

The RS6 is super nice, but it is currently a dated chassis, and will soon be replaced. Also Audi depreciation approaches the speed of light. I'd go for the E55 with the hope the AMG engine will be a star on both performance and build quality. Our new A6 has not been very good on electrical gremlins so far. Two trips in for MMI malfunctions (Multimedia interface), so MB isn't alone. AS

Thanks, for the input. You guys are making me think of driving the Infiniti M45. Am currently overnighting a '02 CLK55 AMG. Can't find any trouble codes or faults so far. Does a family car really need 4 doors? Hmm...

Have driven the E55 AMG twice. Very fast (whips my C5 Corvette all to hell), yes pulls like a freight train. The first time I floored it, not only did it bark serious rubber, but the g-force was such that it pulled my lips back like the space shuttle (I used to be a mechanical engineer at the Shuttle simulation training facility). Now I will say the rest of the car didn't do a thing for me, looks just like every other MB. If you want a really distinctive coupe, I suggest looking at a Maserati. Damn fine, the interior makes you feel like a king. And the back seat fit me great (6' 1" 215 lbs). And the depreciation is such that you can buy a '04 (sticker $100k) for $70k. If you want something lower priced, the Cadillac CTS-V is a blast to drive (400 hp 0-60 in 4.6 sec) and an '04 can be had for $38k, and they all come fully loaded (Nav, Satellite radio, heated seats, xenon lights).

Considering reliability is a must in your family sedan. Lexus GS 430. Very low depreciation and best reliability on the planet. The dealer treatment is the best I have encountered. You've already got your hotrod. Having said that my buddy has an 04 RS6 which is much faster than his 03 M3. He loves to ride me about how the RS6 will kick my 1999 Carrera butt.

lex, Previous editions of the GS depreciated like hell and since they didn't improve this version seemingly at all I don't see how it can compete in the class anymore. Yeah reliable but underpowered and boring. The $50k class of sedans just isn't what it used to be. MBs falling, poor BMW design, Lexus not moving forward, A6....is there an A6 anymore?

I have an 04 E55 AMG and cant speak highly enough about them.. they are great companion cars to porsches. Mine looks like an evil grim reaper driving down the street, and you can hear the throaty exhaust on throttle several blocks away. the comfort is unmatched, and there is far more room in it then either the Audi RS4, or the C32. RS6 I would say is a good alternative, but if what I read is correct, you will have issues with the turbos dying after about 50k miles, and its still not as quick as an E55. My service experience at my dealer has been awesome.. They pick the car up from my house, and leave me a nice E class, or S class, and then return it to me when its ready. Of course I never pay a cent either and the car is washed, and cleaned and has a full tank. just my thoughts..

Thanks for the thoughts. I just returned the CLK55 AMG and was very impressed. I drove the RS6 and found it a bit large. They flew in a tranny from Germany for the C32. I may keep it and wait for the Panamera from Porsche. Thank you all for your input.

An S500

e55

all wrong - the new CLS 500 AMG. http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/bm/06cls500.htm

why only one other suggestion for the new V10 M5? I guess it also depends of you like NA, SC or turbo (M5, E55 or RS6) I would go for the M5 everytime

One word; Chris Bangle aka the anti-christ. This is more like it.

i have a B6 S4 avant. nice comfy fast car. but bores me to tears.

M5 would be my first shot !

you know, i hate the z4, but the new '3' looks great, and in the right colour wheel combinations, the '7' and '5' look pretty cool, maybe not conventionallly beautiful but still hot the V10, launch control and chassis brilliance would override any issues with the looks Just my 0.02 cents

And the winner is....... MTM Stage 2 tipped the scales.

Yup, I am too old to appreciate the new design direction from Munich, the E46 and E39 are most beautiful to me; not flamboyant, but classic. Then again, I still listen to Heavy Metal and don't know what Hip Hop is.

So, how do you like it? Give us a detailed description of how it drives compared to teh c2...

Well, it is a hulk. On the highway, it is simply astounding how quickly it picks up speed; very similar to my ex-996 TT. In the twisties, it hides its weight well and you can here the pneumatic suspension operating as it shifts position on diagonal axises. The brakes are phenomenal. It is much more of an all around driver's car than my ex-S8 and E55 AMG. It is not mushy at all. The acceleration with the 520HP MTM upgrade outclasses the E55 and my stock ex-996 TT. The Carrera with the suspension upgrades is much more deliberate and balanced with higher limits. If I had to compare RS6 to Carrera, then it would be like a battle axe to a hunting arrow. Both are killer.

An 00 M5 and a 99 996 are proving to be an excellent combo in our five person household. I have owned my M5 since new (5 years next week) - it has been reliable, inexpensive to maintain, and I look forward to driving it every day. I tried an E55 when I ordered the M5, and while it has an awesome engine, I found the transmission to be impotent, to put it politely. Uber 00 M5 99 996 76 930 64 356C race 64 356C street

Do you also have a SUV/people carrier of some type? The M5 is the complimentary car I was also thinking of having but I got shot down by the wife for lack of space?

Yes, to be honest, my wife uses a 98 E320 wagon to haul groceries, and I have a diesel Excursion for weekend trips and towing race cars. The Excursion is very reliable and gets fair mileage (16mpg). The Benz always needs some kind of minor attention, but is comfortable, utilitarian, and is downright amazing in snow (4matic). yes, by my wife's calculations we have too many cars. My opinion on this matter differs dramatically from hers, but we have agreed to disagree Uber the M5:

uberXY, love the M... Re-animator, if not the M5, what about the Maserati Quattroporte? Just some food for thought...

Considered it, but I want reliability. My personal experience with Ferrari motors is not in that realm. Sweet looking car, though. Another twist in the story. Now, my wife doesn't want the RS6 because it is too much car for her. (Is there such a thing?). So, after an overnighter with the RS6, it is going back to the dealer. On the bright side, since I've been playing competing dealerships against each other for my business by being upfront and honest; the Mercedes dealership has stepped up. They have some kind of deal with Renntech that keeps the warranty honored. They will give me all the power goodies from Renntech at their cost + labor. Methinks I will explore that route first. Power Gains (CA 91 Octane): - +3 lbs Boost (0.2 bar) -Improved air flow - 435 HP (+75-85 RWHP) - 420 FT-LB (+70-80 RWTQ) The power/weight ratio is too sweet to walk away from without trying it out first. Besides, a brand new tranny should be able to handle it.

My wife has an LS430 and I guess (no offense to 430 owners) that if you like the concept your car feeling like a couch on wheels with very little road feel and pretty hugh body sway, that is the car for you. I for one can't stand getting in that car after driving my 996.

My wife has the RX-330, add terrible engine lag to the above description. Car is a sponge on wheels, terrible F.

Was the RS6 modded where it was "too much car" for your wife? Cause the renntech e55 is not slow by any means! 435RWHP/420RWTQ is no joke!

Yup, it was a Stage 2 MTM. My ex-E55 was stock, but real heavy and mushy in the turns. Just dropped the RS6 off.