My supercharged 318ti just isn’t doing it for me as a daily driver, so it will be up for sale soon. To replace it I’m considering another X308 XJR or possibly a W210 E55 AMG, I’m looking for a little comparison between the two, particularly related to the E55. I’ve owned a 2000 XJR, so I’m well aware of the pros/cons associated with it.
XJR Pros: cheap to buy, reliable, power everywhere with the supercharged V8, engine sounds like it’s ingesting a swarm of angry hornets, excellent slushbox (same as E55), beautiful interior materials, very nice build quality, ultra comfy seats, easy to mod for more power (not like it’s needed), easy to fly under the radar, old school styling, great ride for a daily driver, lots of character
XJR Cons: very long body, small rear seat, potential Nikasil issues on the pre-2000 cars, needs the chain tensioners upgraded to be reliable, only 20 MPG on the highway, a bit more body-roll than I’d like (stiffer sways and springs available), old school styling, supercharger adds complexity
Has anyone owned a W210 E55 AMG? Ever compared the two? Here’s what I see as the pros/cons with the E55:
E55 Pros: Milled from a solid block of steel, great looks, known to be bulletproof, a bit quicker than the XJR, more sport focused, excellent build quality, normally aspirated means less stuff to break, I haven’t owned one yet
, more parts and aftermarket support, slightly better MPG than the XJR (23 MPG highway)
E55 Cons: More expensive to buy, not as “stealth” as the XJR, lacks the instant supercharger torque and cool noises, typical dark and serious German interior, interior materials aren’t quite Jaguar nice, harder ride around town
Before I get the inevitable M5 responses, I’m not buying one. My impression of them after looking at and driving several is that they’re not as well made, not as reliable, and overpriced.