Fifth Ring

Is it true that the C32 has an "open" differential? If so, I have to confess that I'm disappointed. It does not seem likely, though, given the way the power seems to be put down. I would think 350HP in the rain, with an open differential (even with ESP off) would be a wheel-spinning mess.

Not to be bitter (b/c I love the C32), but here are my disappointments:

1. Open diff. (if true of course).

2. Lame emergency brake pedal.

3. Bland steering wheel -- should have been an AMG upgrade.

4. Suspension too high (esp. in front).

mk2tmr2

Yes. The C32 has an open diff. It doesn't take much effort to get one rear wheel to burn up while the other stays put. This is a major beef of mine, as well, since I autocross.

I actually don't mind the parking brake being a pedal instead of hand-operated. It's not like you need to e-brake in order to initiate a drift. That can be done with your right foot and a little skill

I can see what you're saying about the lack of interior appointments that set it apart from the standard model. The only "AMG" that is visible from the front seats is on the gauge cluster. (Can't see the one behind your head on the seatback) It would have been nice to have a few more sporty touches.

At first I was completely blown away by the fact that the C32 seemes to sit much higher than the C230. Heck..it doesn't just seem to...it does sit much higher. But after having driven them back-to-back on many occasions it's clear that the AMG guys didn't have their head in the sand. The C32 does handle much, much better. If looks are more important than performance, however, this can be a disappointment.

m3_eater

The LSD problem has been solved. Use the handy "Search" button with the term "Quaife LSD".

The ride height problem has also been solved (see: RENNtech, PSS9, H&R, others).

vic32amg

i wish it had LSD.......

Fifth Ring

Oh I'm sure all my complaints are solveable. I'm just bummed out that I have to do it!

mk2tmr2

Yah...that's the whole point. The car should have come with LSD - just like any good performance-oriented car should.

Trekman

how much am I looking at to install LSD I live in the bay area and I dont know anyone here who know how to do this?

Fifth Ring

I have not been able to find the Quaife list price, but I 'm assuming it is about $1,400 for the part. I think I saw a labor estimate of 7 hours (really???) so that's another $500.

I'm not seriously considering it at this point.

AWDman

increasing grip will somewhat nullify need for lsd. try the R compounds 1st.

m3_eater

Good advice, at least until he turns up the wick. Fifth Ring, why not? too much $$? It's the best mod I've ever bought, for any car. The C32 should've came with one, for sure.

Fifth Ring

It's all about priorities. For the price of an installed LSD, I could have springs/shocks and better tires. And that's not even considering all the possible expenditures I could make on my wife's TT or on my boat. And then, of course, I need to account for my wife's investments in home remodeling! Price is always an object.

PS: What "wick" are you suggesting that I turn up? If there's one thing I don't foresee doing it's bumping the HP. I did that on my last car, but it was a $450 chip that added 60HP. To match that in the C32, I'd be spending 10X that! 350HP is good enough for now.

m3_eater

Looks to me like you have your head on straight. Most people here are interested in bumping output first, then sorting the handling. There always has to be a cost-benefit analysis going on when modding, and for the average MB enthusiast that translates to "I just wanna go faster cheap". I respect your approach!