DRGREENTHUMB - Info on C32 AMG

[Bobby Dazzler]

Welcome to the forum. A nice choice of chariot you're considering too.

I started a new thread as the one you created is in the Gallery and replies are restricted in that forum.

If a MOD reads this, any chance you can combine the threads please?

If you're looking for a black one, take a look on Pistonheads - there's one for sale right now, and there's a thread on here discussing it. Read more here:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/spotted-ebay/77113-mint-c32-sale.html

A snapshot of my thoughts on the C32 AMG:

The Intercooler pump is very common and very very very easy to diagnose. With this problem it is only a matter of time. Expect them to last 40,000 miles - any more is a bonus. Easy DIY job though (apparently), and the same part is used on the Ford Lightning at a much lower cost (about $70 IIRC) - there's even a how to guide on a US forum.

The supercharger bearing can fail making it noisey, although this is very rare. If you hear that a supercharger fails you can be fairly confident it's probably the bearing. Dealers replace the whole unit, but US owners have found the correct bearing for the job, and is apparently not difficult for an experienced mechanic or engineer (about $20 IIRC).

Heated seat base will fail on the drivers seat, as the integrated element gets damaged. Again only a matter of time on this one. Expensive fix is a new seat cover at about £300 or about £100 if you insert a separate pad from a different model.

Air injection relay (and air injection pump) were both recall and items and should have been replaced. Not strictly necessary as it's only required to pass stringent LA smog tests AFAIK.

Purge valve can audibley 'tick', if it irritates then the bracket can be adapted to isolate the noise from being transmitted. Nothing to worry about.

"Jerk" at 1500rpm, although it seems all cars suffer with this and seem to be a combination of the adaptive settings and the torque converter locking up. Not noticeable and no fix - it's just the way they are.

Lumpy idle in a 10 second burst after a cold start, but only when stationary at about 2 minutes. Bizarre set of circumstances! Just another quirk, no fix.

The Valeo radiators (cars built pre 09/03 IIRC) can leak and cause glycol contamination. At worst can require a new transmission, albeit uncommon. Can be replaced with a later Behr radiator to ease concerns. There's lots of info on this. Other models are affected too - not just C32 or W203.

Suspension bushes can be noisey, but there's a replacement part 'with boots' to prevent re-curring problems.

Near side tilting mirror can fail, albeit not exactly common!

Rust - not really heard much on the C32 but Andy (CYP) had a successful claim for his bonnet IIRC. Watch out for this though as the earliest examples will now be 8 years old.

On balance it's not that bad. The two dead certs can be fixed cheaply DIY. The other problems with be a PITA if you get them, but could affect any car.

I hope this is of some use...

 

[DrGreenthumb]

Thanks for the advice, Im assuming your the C32 Guru on here
Really appreciate it. I've heard abou the radiator problem and am hoping if im buying a used one it will have been replaced by a Behr. That one was worrying me and also the heated seat base..

the more I read about this car the more im falling in love with it.. How long have you had yours and is it really as quick as everyone says, and what do you think of the handling?
I sold my s2000 (2004) earlier this year and man that was a scary car in the rain.. if you put your foot down it would just go sideways..

And would a C32 with higher miles 90.000 be reliable ?

 

[Smatt]

Was the C32 available as a facelift?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I've heard abou the radiator problem and am hoping if im buying a used one it will have been replaced by a Behr. That one was worrying me and also the heated seat base.

If all other things are equal, I'd go for one with a replacement rad, but usually all other things aren't equal so I'd aim for car that had been cared for the most. They're not actually that expensive to run given the performance on offer, and so you don't really want a car that has had corners cut.

The one big thing that would worry me though is the reason that a rad had been replaced. A minority will do it because they know there's a problem and love they're car so much they'll do preventative maintenance. The majority will have it replaced after a problem. This may not be an easy thing to find out.

the more I read about this car the more im falling in love with it.. How long have you had yours and is it really as quick as everyone says, and what do you think of the handling?
I sold my s2000 (2004) earlier this year and man that was a scary car in the rain.. if you put your foot down it would just go sideways..

And would a C32 with higher miles 90.000 be reliable ?

I've had mine just about four years now and loved every minute. It suits my driving perfectly. They are incredibley quick, and the handling is pretty good but it's not as sharp as say an M3. It's very much road orientated - not track - which is the way AMGs have always been until very recent times.

I would say if it's been looked after, there would be no reason to avoid a 90,000 miler, but do make sure the maintenance has been spot on.

Was the C32 available as a facelift?

It was a semi-facelift. I call it a phase 1.5!! Some bits were facelifted on the very last cars (mine is one of them), but it was still fundamentally a pre-facelift W203 car. For example the last of the line models got the bi-xenons, repositioned first aid kit, repositioned rear seat release, ect but still have the pre-facelift tailamps and dashboard.

 

[Dizwen]

Thanks for the advice, Im assuming your the C32 Guru on here
Really appreciate it. I've heard abou the radiator problem and am hoping if im buying a used one it will have been replaced by a Behr. That one was worrying me and also the heated seat base..

the more I read about this car the more im falling in love with it.. How long have you had yours and is it really as quick as everyone says, and what do you think of the handling?
I sold my s2000 (2004) earlier this year and man that was a scary car in the rain.. if you put your foot down it would just go sideways..

And would a C32 with higher miles 90.000 be reliable ?

mine has just passed 70K. One thing I'll say, get a warranty on the car. Some warranty companies won't touch a car with AMG on the boot but I played warranty direct and warranty wise off each other and got a good deal. My Secondary air pump failed and the car failed it's MOT because of it. £385 for the pump and £260 labour at an indie. The car still has a charge air pump problem, but it's more of a irritation than a problem. I've just been unlucky. And yes, they are as quick as people say!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Tesco will offer a warranty on a C32 AMG, at an affordable price. Different levels of service depending upon age and mileage - finest down to value.