Re-animator

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.

Itzkirb

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

yetis

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.

Sanjeevan

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.

evo_333

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

ltc

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.

Re-animator

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.

1AS

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

Re-animator

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...

Shark

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).

lexpilot

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.

Shark

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?

Signal-9

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..

Re-animator

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.

Eli K

An S500