Thoughts on this c32

[ice643]

Hi
what are your thoughts on this c32.It has high mileage.
What kind of price should it be at.

Thanks in advance

Mercedes-Benz C Class 3.2 C32 AMG 4dr

 

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Unless you have deep pockets I wouldn't recommend a c32.

 

[Mrhanky]

Unless you have deep pockets I wouldn't recommend a c32.

Agreed, you need deep pockets and a calm disposition.

 

[ice643]

would a be better off buying a w220 or c320?
Thanks

 

[GAV105N]

Shame about the mileage as it looks pretty tidy on the body unlike most of these now , I would say around the 3k to 3.5k mark tops

 

[gunning]

would a be better off buying a w220 or c320? Thanks

if you want performance and better reliability I'd go for the clk55 amg w208

 

[ice643]

I just sold my c43 a couple of days, iam regretting selling it now

 

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I just sold my c43 a couple of days, iam regretting selling it now

 

[french]

I must be extraordinarily lucky is all I can say, mine has been perfect mechanically over the past the 20 mths I have owned it.
When I bought it I heard all the 'horror' stories but no such thing...I replaced the s/Charger pulley for a smaller 65mm one a remap, the I/cooler pump had been upgraded before I bought it. The car in the ad is well over priced considering the miles it has on it, mine has 97000 & in good condition , I would value mine @ approx £5300...the one in the ad should take £1200 off IMO.

Not sure how many of you who have commented have owned one but if you all have & have had severe problems then I must be very very lucky... clk55 amg ...not in the same performance wise.
Average Mpg 24 27 M/way 16/17 pressing on, loads of fun & not much slower than my E55K...they are good value IMO .

 

[ice643]

Thanks for all the replies.
I asked the owner about the service history there isnt much.
Also its had 11 owners including him.
I will only be doing 3k in it a year.
Its had its secondary air system changed.

The current owner only had it sibce last year.

 

[NDFR]

Thanks for all the replies.
I asked the owner about the service history there isnt much.
Also its had 11 owners including him.
I will only be doing 3k in it a year.
Its had its secondary air system changed.

The current owner only had it sibce last year.

Don't do it. Just the 11 owners is telling you something.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I had a C32 and it was incredibly reliable, but it was maintained on the button, and even then it didn't cost a lot. That car seems over priced to me. I probably sold mine at an all time low in terms of values, and I think like many unusual cars have seen values firm or increase in the last 6-8 months. Keep looking, a good one at the right price will come along.

 

[french]

Bobby is right prices have gone up slightly but IMO its still a performance bargain that is often over looked either because people views on auto boxs are not fast or it needs a V8 to get it going or all the unreliable stories etc. This is actually helpful if you really want a fast ,reliable car...which they are IF maintained properly. My only thing I do moan about is the car feels heavy in the bends but I must admit I have gotten used to it & coming from a light Cerbera I think I was expecting to much, I think fitting a larger Anti roll bar at the back ONLY would take care of the understeer but could show you your limits pretty quickly Lol. I have to say that pulling away smartly is an 'art' in these cars as the wheels like to spin to easily or ESP flashes like a christmas light, same in the E55, so you have to adapt ,all part of the fun & yes they are really fun! I still marvel at how reasonable the Insurance on these are My C32 is £190 per year F/comp & my E55 is £230 F/comp ...Just get one, but a well looked after one, same as any car. I dont think 11 quick owners fall into that remit though ?

 

[gazz]

Bobby jumped ship, but I still have my jasper blue estate. Must be rare now, one owner car, still under 70k miles? My lovely wife refuses to part with it!

Mileage and owners would scare me off that one

 

[ice643]

yeah 11 owners is a bit too much,there is an estate on the trader for a b it less with similar mileage.
Are the engines reliable?

What should I look for when I go to view one.
I like forced induction cars I I have had Subarus in the past.
But my last 2 AMGs have been great .

 

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Floor it, lots (see if it goes into limp mode)
Check for judder through car under acceleration (possible gearbox/torque converter issues)
Heated seats pack up, check base and back on both seats.
Battery drain, unfortunately you can't really check for this but is common.
Suspension knocks under heavy breaking/uneven road.
Leave the xenon lights on and make sure they don't flicker.
Clicking from behind the dash for 30 seconds after starting the car (dash out to fix)
Usual brakes/tyres and a good service history, I'd walk away if there was little or part history.

 

[french]

Bobby jumped ship, but I still have my jasper blue estate. Must be rare now, one owner car, still under 70k miles? My lovely wife refuses to part with it!

Mileage and owners would scare me off that one

Must admit since I now have the E55 I have been considering selling my saloon to get a C32 Estate ...they do look good & practical with two dogs etc.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Bobby jumped ship, but I still have my jasper blue estate. Must be rare now, one owner car, still under 70k miles? My lovely wife refuses to part with it!

Mileage and owners would scare me off that one

Ten years wasn't a bad stint was it??

I really miss that car, nothing comes close to the blend of performance and subtle looks, combined with low running costs and purchase price.

They're bargain. All IMHO.

 

[gazz]

Ten years wasn't a bad stint was it??

I really miss that car, nothing comes close to the blend of performance and subtle looks, combined with low running costs and purchase price.

They're bargain. All IMHO.

Yup, ten's a fair stint. Ours is twelve years this month. The only car I've kept longer is the SLK. That'll be sixteen in March. It's been SORN since 2009 though. Damn kids...

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Buy the best you possibly can: low owners, low mileage and enthusiast owned are exactly none of the things I did when I bought my C32 and it cost me roughly £5k in less than six months. Having said that, I loved it, they do get under your skin.

Fantastic Q-Car, deceptively quick and brilliant £ per bhp.