C32

[Ronnie Adams]

Hello there

Just got my c32 back from MB after 2 months, star diagnostics is fine and they say everything checks out. But I am experiencing intermittent bursts of normal C32 power then gutless acceleration. Worried the S/charger has had it, sometimes its there and other not.
MB fitted a new gear selection module and are happy with it, i'm not.

Any help would be gratefully received .

All the best

R.

 

[Uncle Benz]

Sounds like the intercooler pump to me. When the problem occurs, if you drive like a granny for 10 mins does the power come back?? Dealers don't seem to know about this common failure. Generally the pumps fail at 40K, but mine only made 29K. Mind you, it is modified.

Many people seem unaware that the C32 does not have a MAF sensor.

Star machine should show 'intake air temp implausible' if you have a pump problem, although you may need to drive the car to get the fault. It seems to clear each time you restart.

 

[type49]

Sounds like the intercooler pump to me. When the problem occurs, if you drive like a granny for 10 mins does the power come back?? Dealers don't seem to know about this common failure. Generally the pumps fail at 40K, but mine only made 29K. Mind you, it is modified.

Many people seem unaware that the C32 does not have a MAF sensor.

Star machine should show 'intake air temp implausible' if you have a pump problem, although you may need to drive the car to get the fault. It seems to clear each time you restart.

Also known as "charge air pump". Fitted in front of the OSF wheel on E & SL - never done one on a C32. I think there is a mod/recall which includes a new relay + poss software. I believe you lose about 100bhp on the 55s when they fail, so unless it's driven quite hard, some owner's don't know they have a problem.

 

[Uncle Benz]

There was a relay mod, i believe, as they used to stick on, meaning pump would run all the time and wear out prematurely. Part of the problem seems to me to be that the pump is designed to run mounted vertically. In the merc there is no room, so it is mounted horizontally. This leads to one brush wearing out, whilst the other brush looks brand new.

There is much discussion about this problem on the American sites. http://www.mbworld.org seems to have plenty on the subject.

 

[Ronnie Adams]

Yep, had the relay mod during the recent works, this explains an over run experience I had before xmas. Pump ran for 20 mins before cutting out.
I have tried the car again and it seems that, if i acelerate from below 2500 revs normal thrust is fine and the thing goes. But from above, there is no lift there, gear shifts down and speed creeps up painfully slowly. I will get them to check the intercooler pump, thanks. Would you recommend I get the car set up outside the MB network, nice guys, but they don't fill me with much confidence?

R

 

[Uncle Benz]

To be honest, there are so few AMGs, particularly C32s that some dealers don't have that much experience with them. The parts that are standard C class they are OK with, but enthusiastic AMG owners seem to know more about their cars particular foibles. I only know a few things as I have maintained my car myself since purchasing it at one year old. Call me paranoid, but following a bad experience, I decided to forego the warranty on my car and look after it myself. It is a small advantage that I own a garage!!!

 

[Ronnie Adams]

Are you local and would you assist me in keeping my much loved C32 in tip-top condition??

R

 

[Uncle Benz]

Sad to say I have a closed list at the moment, but I make a point of not coming on here to fish for clients anyway. Sorry! If I can help out with advice please do not hesitate to ask.

 

[Ronnie Adams]

I appreciate your position and the advice has been great. I have asked the dealership to order in the 'intercooler pump.' Hopefully this will get me back up to full performance again.

Thanks again.

R.