2002 C32 AMG reliability?

[LyonEU]

Just looking at a few 2002 C32’s ranging from 100k miles - 150k miles, can anyone shed light on the reliability situation on these? Any personal experiences would be appreciated

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

There are lots of scare stories but well looked after examples are remarkably reliable. I had one for around ten years and it was an excellent car. I maintained it well and it rewarded me. I wish I still had it.

 

[Jobsworth]

Still have mine, and it's sixteen years now! I maintain it scrupulously, but it can be a little high maintenance at times. I have a handle on most of its foibles now. Just replaced the aux air pump for the second time after the relay stuck again. To be fair that seems to be every eight years. I'm putting the relay as a B service item now!

 

[Neiltodd]

Had one for about 8 years, only problems were air con condenser and front springs needed replacing but had less than 100K when I sold it.

 

[clk320x]

Go get one, you won’t regret it.

 

[LyonEU]

There are lots of scare stories but well looked after examples are remarkably reliable. I had one for around ten years and it was an excellent car. I maintained it well and it rewarded me. I wish I still had it.

What sort of scare stories mate? Im just worried I’ll need to dump a couple grand in to one on 100k+ miles to get it to run properly, the cars seem to be really cheap after all..

 

[clk320x]

What sort of scare stories mate? Im just worried I’ll need to dump a couple grand in to one on 100k+ miles to get it to run properly, the cars seem to be really cheap after all..

Once you drive it you will justify spending the money on it, speaking from experience.

The engines are pretty solid, mines been pretty spot on. The main thing I spent money on was bodywork. It is a beefed up version of the M112 (an incredibly bulletproof engine) with a supercharger on top.

 

[markjay]

As with all Mercs of the era... rust is a potential issue, so check well, especially under the car.

 

[merc85]

i heard of 2001 2002 cars the camshafts broke, Water usage issues too going from threads on here in the past.

Think the cams were redesigned in 2003, Buy FSH car and low owners if you can. Id have one anyday but id try and find a 2003.

C32 camshaft failure

Camshaft Potential Problems for 2002 C32's - MBWorld.org Forums

C32 AMG seems to be using coolant :(

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

What sort of scare stories mate? Im just worried I’ll need to dump a couple grand in to one on 100k+ miles to get it to run properly, the cars seem to be really cheap after all..

Typically rust, coolant in the transmission, and intercooler pump come up but buy the right car and these can be avoided.

Alternatively you could buy at the right price and take steps to do preventative maintenance and/or fixes. At the age and mileage you’re looking at expect you should expect to have to replace some wear & tear items like bushes and suspension.

My own experience was that it was thoroughly reliable and very good value to run. There should be no reason to cut corners on these cars as service/maintenance and repair costs are very reasonable, even for parts from the Mercedes main dealer.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Take a look at this thread for my thoughts on the car and what to look out for: C32 AMG - Buying advice please...

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

If you are interested in service and repair costs then take a look at this thread which details them all over a 10 year period: FS: 2003 C32 AMG with FMBSH owned by me since 2005

 

[Deleted member 149005]

Any 18yr+ old car with more than 100k on the clock is likely to have some issues, especially if it has had multiple owners, some of whom may have thrashed it and neglected it.

 

[merc85]

Any 18yr+ old car with more than 100k on the clock is likely to have some issues, especially if it has had multiple owners, some of whom may have thrashed it and neglected it.

Exactly this.... Why people skimp on cars, especially these sort of cars is beyond me, If you cant afford to maintain one properly don't buy one in the 1st place.

 

[Jobsworth]

I've owned mine a long time (sixteen years!). It has just turned 80,000 miles, literally last week. It's had a few things on top of regular servicing. I own a German car specialist garage, and have maintained the car from new myself. It has never been to Mercedes dealers for anything. I change the engine oil every 5000 miles, and it never wants for anything. Above and beyond regular service items, it has had...

Intercooler pump (died)
Intercooler core beneath supercharger (leaking)
Crank sensor (died)
Aux air pump, twice (relay stuck and burned out)
Waterpump (noisy)
Alternator (noisy)
Number 2 fuel injector (died)
Radiator (precautionary)
All springs (one front, one rear broke, but I fitted four)
Cam cover gaskets and breather box reseal (leaking)
Left hand steering wheel switch pack (faulty)
Multifunction stalk (faulty)
All window scraper trims and windscreen side trims (faded)
Numerous parking sensors (died)

Sure, that looks like quite a list. I am a little bit of a perfectionist and as a time served mechanic my eye is perhaps a little more critical and tuned in than the average owner. The alternator and waterpump bearings were not bad, but I could hear them