buying new c32

[rachyal]

I am going to see a c32 amg today,any advice or tips would be helpful.It's 2002 with 79000 miles on it

 

[Alfie]

I am going to see a c32 amg today,any advice or tips would be helpful.It's 2002 with 79000 miles on it

Ask if the supercharge has been serviced. They are prone to fail, i'm told by a leading Mercedes specialist!

If you can stretch to it, get a C55 instead. Much smoother car, facelifted and a wonderful sound from those four exhuasts!

 

[Lukey baby]

love the c32 k, the way it puts down the power,and breaks the speed limit so easily!

 

[Uncle Benz]

One or two known problem areas with C32s. Radiator issues with valeo rad leaking coolant into transmission on models prior to 9/2003. Check there are no vibrations from gearbox whilst driving. Ask if rad has been replaced.

Intercooler pump gives out about 40k miles (less if chipped) Look for power tailing off after 5 mins of hard driving (car will lock in high gear with no kickdown).

Supercharger problems limited to squealing/grinding clutch (similar to ogura clutch on aircon compressor), but not that common.

I would definitely choose C32 over C55 if you are looking for performance. See Jan issue of Mercedes Enthusiast. C32 is most certainly the faster car, despite what MB try to tell you with the figures, and much easier to modify!!

Check that every electrical item in the car works correctly (it will take you a while) One or two electrical issues exist on the earlier cars. I believe there was a loom change part way through 2002, so if the car you are viewing is late 2002 you should be slightly better off.

I think you may notice I am a bit of a fan of these cars!! I love mine!!

 

[pao17]

re-check everything.. (radiator,clutch,brakes,pump) see if its in good condition.. good luck..

 

[Alfie]

One or two known problem areas with C32s. Radiator issues with valeo rad leaking coolant into transmission on models prior to 9/2003. Check there are no vibrations from gearbox whilst driving. Ask if rad has been replaced.

Intercooler pump gives out about 40k miles (less if chipped) Look for power tailing off after 5 mins of hard driving (car will lock in high gear with no kickdown).

Supercharger problems limited to squealing/grinding clutch (similar to ogura clutch on aircon compressor), but not that common.

I would definitely choose C32 over C55 if you are looking for performance. See Jan issue of Mercedes Enthusiast. C32 is most certainly the faster car, despite what MB try to tell you with the figures, and much easier to modify!!

Check that every electrical item in the car works correctly (it will take you a while) One or two electrical issues exist on the earlier cars. I believe there was a loom change part way through 2002, so if the car you are viewing is late 2002 you should be slightly better off.

I think you may notice I am a bit of a fan of these cars!! I love mine!!

I agree that all the reports I've heard suggest the C32 is the quicker car. However the C32 is based on the pre-facelifted W203 which had all sorts of gremlins electrically and steering issues. These were all sorted on the facelift and those who have a facelift all report far better steering and reliability.

I would also suggest that with those quad exhausts the C55 certainly looks the better car and sounds it too. The V8 5.5 litre will certainly out last a supercharged V6 320 engine also.

Still, they are both lovely cars and a joy to drive.