C32 amg

edgemar · 03-03-2009, 12:41 PM

Thinking about picking a 2002 up with 60k miles and original owner. Seems well cared for. Does anyone have any experience with these cars? It seems like a nice cheaper alternative to a E46 M3 and very fast as well.

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Matt? (onewhippedpuppy)

edgemar · 03-03-2009, 02:33 PM

doesn't he have a C43?

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Thought he had the earlier version. But you can be sure he's researched the snot out of any and all models.

quaz · quaz's Garage

One of my good friends has one and I was strongly considering one before I bought my GTI. They are very fast, fairly comfortable and have some questionable quality. These were built in the era when Merc was building crap. So the controls on the supercharger have issues, the suspension bushings have issues, the drivers seat breaks, the center console falls apart and they seem to develop more squeaks and rattles then I would expect from a Merc.

That being said the later C55s are much better and they are pretty cheap right now. If you are seriously considering a C32 drive a C55 as well. You may want to spend a bit more and get the later car.

edgemar · 03-03-2009, 06:06 PM

thx... been researching C32 seems like they often need some pricey fixes... but the engine trans are strong...

quaz · quaz's Garage

The other thing to note is the dash on the C32s look kinda funky with the tach inside the speedo. I never really warmed up to it. The C55s have a conventional looking instrument cluster that is much nicer.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-04-2009, 07:00 AM

You guys give me too much credit. But yes, I've done some reading.

The C32 is like an Audi. Solid powertrain but everything else goes to crap. Quaz hit it pretty well. Lots of electrical gremlins, lots of quality issues. In general the W203 was known for being a very unreliable car, especially through 2005 or so. That was during the Daimler-Chrysler years, where MB had very much lost their way. If it were me, I would avoid it.

As suggested by others, the C55 is a much better car for not a lot more money. If the C55 is too pricey, consider a W210 E55 or W202 C36 or C43. The W210 and W202 are rock solid cars, built when MB held themselves to a standard instead of a price point. You can find very nice E55s for under $15k, you'll get a better car that's just as fast for less money. The C43 is also a very nice car, and even cheaper yet. Myself, I've really enjoyed my C36, and they're dirt cheap.

edgemar · 03-04-2009, 08:59 AM

Thx for your input. The MBZ boards have a lot of info but are a bit biased b/c they own the car. I think I will pass on the C32. I've never seen so many problem posts on a board for a car. There are a lot more for the C32 vs C55.

Rick V · 03-04-2009, 12:15 PM

My W203 has been a rock, 105 on the clock, not a single rattle, only thing that has ever gone wrong with it is a set of front swaybar end links. It is just a C240 though, nothing fancy. I would not hesitate to buy another one. Mine sees about 70 miles a day.

Palum6o · Palum6o's Garage

Most C32's are now out of warranty. Issues with glycol contamination lead to notorious tranny jerk problems. It's suggested to have the tranny fluid checked for glycol contamination, not sure which years had more problems. C32 has a V6 super charger compared to a normally aspirated V8 in the C55. Both are very powerful and fast enough, you'll find that out when you see your tread wear disappear. I have about 35K on my C55 and is under extended warranty to 100K or 2012. Its a very pleasurable car to drive. Some replacement AMG parts are ridiculously expensive so I suggest making sure a warranty is there.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-05-2009, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palumbo

Some replacement AMG parts are ridiculously expensive so I suggest making sure a warranty is there.

The directional vented front brake rotors for my C36 are nearly $300 each, dealer only.

phoenix_iii · 03-05-2009, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

The directional vented front brake rotors for my C36 are nearly $300 each, dealer only.

Lol.

Raybestos and Centric both have rotors for your car, in stock, 100 and 111 each (for the fronts). ACDelco 134. Centric was vented...

Rears were about 105. Looked up a 2004 C32 AMG...

I also get 5% off of those prices.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-05-2009, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoenix_iii

Lol.

Raybestos and Centric both have rotors for your car, in stock, 100 and 111 each (for the fronts). ACDelco 134. Centric was vented...

Rears were about 105. Looked up a 2004 C32 AMG...

I also get 5% off of those prices.

I took a quick look at the Raybestos site, those aren't the same as OEM, though they would probably work. The OEM AMG rotors are directional, there's a different PN for the left and right side. The internal fins are actually curved to better cool the brakes. They were also 1995 only, 1996 and later they went to a more conventional rotor. The rears are nothing special.

phoenix_iii · 03-05-2009, 06:51 AM

There is no C32 AMG in 1995.... you mean a C36?

phoenix_iii · 03-05-2009, 06:52 AM

Wagner has $40 each for the Fronts for a C36 AMG in 95... you don't need vented brakes to keep the brakes cool, you aren't tracking your car all day. I bet you could do a few runs before having issues... =)

onewhippedpuppy · 03-05-2009, 07:29 AM

I don't believe I wrote that I had a '95 C32, or that such a car existed.

No doubt I don't NEED the correct vented rotors for daily driving. But replacing the cool AMG bits with aftermarket parts defeats the purpose, doesn't it? Personally I think it's impressive that the car not only has brake cooling ducts from the front facia, but that the rotor vents are curved to increase airflow with rotation. If I wanted Wagner brakes I would have bought a C280.

993bug · 03-11-2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

You guys give me too much credit. But yes, I've done some reading.

The C32 is like an Audi. Solid powertrain but everything else goes to crap. Quaz hit it pretty well. Lots of electrical gremlins, lots of quality issues. In general the W203 was known for being a very unreliable car, especially through 2005 or so. That was during the Daimler-Chrysler years, where MB had very much lost their way. If it were me, I would avoid it.

As suggested by others, the C55 is a much better car for not a lot more money. If the C55 is too pricey, consider a W210 E55 or W202 C36 or C43. The W210 and W202 are rock solid cars, built when MB held themselves to a standard instead of a price point. You can find very nice E55s for under $15k, you'll get a better car that's just as fast for less money. The C43 is also a very nice car, and even cheaper yet. Myself, I've really enjoyed my C36, and they're dirt cheap.

I have both - and they're way fun.

Actually Phil (backdate project) is the PO of my W210.

poorsche930 · 03-11-2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

The directional vented front brake rotors for my C36 are nearly $300 each, dealer only.

Not true. I have a 95 C36 as my DD. Any repair shop can get them, Zimmerman makes them. Shop cost from world pac is around $60ea. Cross drilled were like $80

What they sell them to you for is a different story. I have worked in and out of euro repair shops for the last 11 years.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-11-2009, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poorsche930

Not true. I have a 95 C36 as my DD. Any repair shop can get them, Zimmerman makes them. Shop cost from world pac is around $60ea. Cross drilled were like $80

What they sell them to you for is a different story. I have worked in and out of euro repair shops for the last 11 years.

Link? I believe you, but I'd be willing to bet they are the non-directional rotors.