let the modding begin 
LOL
welcome btw...
Hello! Newbie C32 AMG owner.
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From: Chicago
02C32AMG
Hello! Newbie C32 AMG owner.
Hello everyone. This is my first post. Last night I purchased a 2002 C32 AMG (silver w/ black interior). This is my first MB and so far, which isn't that long, I absolutely love the car. My previous car was an 03M3 so I can appreciate the C32's power. (I used to hangout on e46fanatics.com). I switched from the M3 to the C32 because I needed 4 doors (for kids) and an automatic (for the wife). Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself. I thank everyone in advance for help answering my newbie questions, and look forward one day to helping others as I learn more about MBs.
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C32 AMG
Originally Posted by Lagunatic
Hello everyone. This is my first post. Last night I purchased a 2002 C32 AMG (silver w/ black interior). This is my first MB and so far, which isn't that long, I absolutely love the car. My previous car was an 03M3 so I can appreciate the C32's power. (I used to hangout on e46fanatics.com). I switched from the M3 to the C32 because I needed 4 doors (for kids) and an automatic (for the wife). Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself. I thank everyone in advance for help answering my newbie questions, and look forward one day to helping others as I learn more about MBs.
I guess it's demographics, but Benz owners do not have the web presence that other brands have. This is about as strong as it gets for Benz info.
Car freaks break down into a few categories, and my focus is performance (legal) driving, so I'm into suspension mods, tires and track talk. You'll find a decent amount of that here.
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From: Chicago
04 C32
Originally Posted by Lagunatic
Hello everyone. This is my first post. Last night I purchased a 2002 C32 AMG (silver w/ black interior). This is my first MB and so far, which isn't that long, I absolutely love the car. My previous car was an 03M3 so I can appreciate the C32's power. (I used to hangout on e46fanatics.com). I switched from the M3 to the C32 because I needed 4 doors (for kids) and an automatic (for the wife). Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself. I thank everyone in advance for help answering my newbie questions, and look forward one day to helping others as I learn more about MBs.
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Hey Lagunatic this is trancein, I also post many times on the M3 forum and e46, but for the last couple of weeks I have thinking about getting a C32 as well. I also have a baby (9mnths) so I need a 4 door. I live in Bolingbrook. But not sure if have seen my posts but I also own a hookah lounge in Schaumburg. Just wanted to say Hi to everyone, as I also will be getting a C32 very soon. 
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2002 c32
The Valeo radiator and intercooler-pump issues are so bad that I can't figure out why they're not recalls (although it's certainly possible that there is a selection effect at work - only people having this problem are posting looking for a solution - people that are NOT having one of these problems, don't come looking, so the failure rate is artificially high).
The seat thing, although it worked out well for me in that I got a new driver's seat out of the deal, is just a harbinger of other quality issues in the car. There's a LOT more issues than that - these are just the ones I've had on my car.
I guess a survey would be a good thing?...
1. Have you had your inter-cooler pump replaced?
2. Have you had glycol contamination of your transmission?
3. Have you had your MAP replaced?
4. Have you had your seat heater replaced?
5. Have you had your Mirror servos replaced?
6. Have you had your Window servos replaced?
7. Have you had disasterous coolant leaks and corrosion of your intake manifold?
8. Have you had suspension parts replaced under 35k miles?
See what you get?
Also, IANA Mechanic, so others perceptions may be different, but I don't think so. Let the board answer your question.
The seat thing, although it worked out well for me in that I got a new driver's seat out of the deal, is just a harbinger of other quality issues in the car. There's a LOT more issues than that - these are just the ones I've had on my car.
I guess a survey would be a good thing?...
1. Have you had your inter-cooler pump replaced?
2. Have you had glycol contamination of your transmission?
3. Have you had your MAP replaced?
4. Have you had your seat heater replaced?
5. Have you had your Mirror servos replaced?
6. Have you had your Window servos replaced?
7. Have you had disasterous coolant leaks and corrosion of your intake manifold?
8. Have you had suspension parts replaced under 35k miles?
See what you get?
Also, IANA Mechanic, so others perceptions may be different, but I don't think so. Let the board answer your question.
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From: Aurora
c32, 190e 16v turbo
dont let Biff scare you,i dont think these, minus the trans, are REAL problems
the radiator/transmission are usually related to each other radiator will leak and cause glycol contamination, doesent happen to all c32s- a tech at mercedes of naperville told me it was a batch of bad valeo radiators and he hasnt seen this happen in a while. he was very professional and when he found out i used to be a mechanic at golf mill ford he took me in back of the shop and went over a bunch of things i needed to know about the car.
intercooler pump, probably will go out at some point. if you have a warranty no issues it will get replaced, if you dont i would replace it with one from a ford lightning and not worry about it anymore
seat- headrest motor. mine went out but was replaced under warranty seems to be common on c-class for some reason
These cars are pretty stout i too had an m3(e36) before this car and it also had its quirks. you will always have some issues but the companies figure it out and fix it.
Look at what was going on with the e46 M3 and the ENGINES BLOWING UP. BMW figured it out and fixed the problem.
the radiator/transmission are usually related to each other radiator will leak and cause glycol contamination, doesent happen to all c32s- a tech at mercedes of naperville told me it was a batch of bad valeo radiators and he hasnt seen this happen in a while. he was very professional and when he found out i used to be a mechanic at golf mill ford he took me in back of the shop and went over a bunch of things i needed to know about the car.
intercooler pump, probably will go out at some point. if you have a warranty no issues it will get replaced, if you dont i would replace it with one from a ford lightning and not worry about it anymore
seat- headrest motor. mine went out but was replaced under warranty seems to be common on c-class for some reason
These cars are pretty stout i too had an m3(e36) before this car and it also had its quirks. you will always have some issues but the companies figure it out and fix it.
Look at what was going on with the e46 M3 and the ENGINES BLOWING UP. BMW figured it out and fixed the problem.
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From: Aurora
c32, 190e 16v turbo
Originally Posted by trancein
Thx for answering those questions Rossi. Are you also from Chicago/suburb area.
and if you are looking try to find an 03 or 04. i always buy a car after its been out a couple of years
Last edited by p rossi; Jun 8, 2006 at 12:37 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Chicago
02C32AMG
Thanks for making me feel welcome
Great to hear from everyone, I already feel at home here. 
Many of you asked some questions/comments, so here are my replies:
"p rossi" : I purchased the car at Mercedes of Westmont on Ogden Ave.
"jgsx" : 40K miles, $29.9K
"FrankW" : I know the C32s come with 17s standard. What is your recommendation for a wheel upgrade? Any nice 18" AMG wheels?
"trancein" : I haven't been to e46fanatics.com in many months. My initial impression of the C32AMG (coming from an M3) is that the MB has similar performance characteristics, but is more refined. My M3 was pure performace and not very practical... which means it ranked low on the 'wife factor' scale.
"Bif powell" & "p rossi": Thanks for the list of things to look out for. I purchased a 2 year MB warranty. I'm realistic and understand these kinds of cars will have issues. The car passed CPO inspection (which may not mean much). My M3 had a recall/TSB list a mile long too, so it doesn't surprise me much the C32 is any different, thus, the 2yr warranty.
Many of you asked some questions/comments, so here are my replies:
"p rossi" : I purchased the car at Mercedes of Westmont on Ogden Ave.
"jgsx" : 40K miles, $29.9K
"FrankW" : I know the C32s come with 17s standard. What is your recommendation for a wheel upgrade? Any nice 18" AMG wheels?
"trancein" : I haven't been to e46fanatics.com in many months. My initial impression of the C32AMG (coming from an M3) is that the MB has similar performance characteristics, but is more refined. My M3 was pure performace and not very practical... which means it ranked low on the 'wife factor' scale.
"Bif powell" & "p rossi": Thanks for the list of things to look out for. I purchased a 2 year MB warranty. I'm realistic and understand these kinds of cars will have issues. The car passed CPO inspection (which may not mean much). My M3 had a recall/TSB list a mile long too, so it doesn't surprise me much the C32 is any different, thus, the 2yr warranty.
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Posts: 1,239
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From: San Jose, CA
ML63
Welcome! I am pretty much a newbie too. You seem to be in a similar situation. I had a 330i and wanted more power. I have two kids so 4 doors is a must. I bought my C32 last year and have been loving it ever since.
I may have stayed with BMW but they don't make a 4 door with power that I can afford. I hate the old M5's body style and can't afford a new M5 so.. here I am.
My wife also won't drive a stick.. so the auto is perfect.
See ya around!
I may have stayed with BMW but they don't make a 4 door with power that I can afford. I hate the old M5's body style and can't afford a new M5 so.. here I am.
My wife also won't drive a stick.. so the auto is perfect.
See ya around!
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Originally Posted by amgmark
Welcome! I am pretty much a newbie too. You seem to be in a similar situation. I had a 330i and wanted more power. I have two kids so 4 doors is a must. I bought my C32 last year and have been loving it ever since.
I may have stayed with BMW but they don't make a 4 door with power that I can afford. I hate the old M5's body style and can't afford a new M5 so.. here I am.
My wife also won't drive a stick.. so the auto is perfect.
See ya around!
I may have stayed with BMW but they don't make a 4 door with power that I can afford. I hate the old M5's body style and can't afford a new M5 so.. here I am.
My wife also won't drive a stick.. so the auto is perfect.
See ya around!
Since last year, has the car been to the dealership for repairs. How reliable was yours.
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From: Houston, Tx
2003 C32 AMG
C32 Reliability??
All,
I am also new to MBWorld and the C32 forum in particular. I have just recently gotten in the market for a C32, but if I read between the lines, it seems that several owners feel these cars are not reliable. Is that the case or are there a few bad ones out there that we keep hearing about? Have previous generation AMG cars been reliable long term?
Thanks,
George.
I am also new to MBWorld and the C32 forum in particular. I have just recently gotten in the market for a C32, but if I read between the lines, it seems that several owners feel these cars are not reliable. Is that the case or are there a few bad ones out there that we keep hearing about? Have previous generation AMG cars been reliable long term?
Thanks,
George.
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C32 AMG
Originally Posted by SSDaytona
All,
I am also new to MBWorld and the C32 forum in particular. I have just recently gotten in the market for a C32, but if I read between the lines, it seems that several owners feel these cars are not reliable. Is that the case or are there a few bad ones out there that we keep hearing about? Have previous generation AMG cars been reliable long term?
Thanks,
George.
I am also new to MBWorld and the C32 forum in particular. I have just recently gotten in the market for a C32, but if I read between the lines, it seems that several owners feel these cars are not reliable. Is that the case or are there a few bad ones out there that we keep hearing about? Have previous generation AMG cars been reliable long term?
Thanks,
George.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,239
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From: San Jose, CA
ML63
Originally Posted by trancein
Since last year, has the car been to the dealership for repairs. How reliable was yours.
I have had my car in the shop at least once a month since I bought my car, and it was in the shop for 2 1/2 weeks of May. Now my last issues were the dealer mechanic/tech issues. I had my tranny rebuilt under warranty and they didn't hook up my shifting linkage properly so I had to take it back. My heated seat was also broken (common) so they fixed it but forgot to hook my passenger seat back up, another oops by the tech and another trip back to the dealer. Had to take it back yet again cause the mechanic didn't hook up my crank shaft sensor when he did the tranny.. oh brother..
I had to replace my front sway bar bushings and thrust arms, all covered under warranty. (Common) Had my seat control module replace at least 5 times now. They finally figured out the wiring harness under my seat had a short. (DUH)
Motor mounts have also been replaced.. There is actually a list 5 pages long of replairs at the dealer.
My car has 93k miles so I expected that there would be issues. I bought the car with 86k on the clock.
Like I said, many of my issues have been with dealer technician quality. Many of these trips wouldn't have been necessary if the dealer did the job right the first time.
I don't regret buying my car.. I am actually considering buying another C32 or C55 with lower miles when my 100k warranty expires.
Good luck!
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 64
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From: Chicago
'03 C32
Welcome. I have had my C32 for a month now. I'm in Lake Zurich and have been barnstorming Rt 53 every day. You have to realize that you are not buying a honda accord. These are highly complicated engines, trans, electronics. The more complex the more that can go wrong. You've got to pay to play so if you know that going in, you shouldn't be surprised unless you get a bad example. There are a few minor and common problems to work out. Pay the money for the peace of mind of a warranty. Since I have only had mine a month, please disregard this message if mine turns bad on me....
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Aurora
c32, 190e 16v turbo
well amgmark dont take this the wrong way but you bought it with 86k on the clock, unless you knew the previous owner i would expect some problems with a high mile car. when i bought my M3 it was a high mile car and i had to fix/replace so much stuff but it wasnt due to the fact that the car is a piece of junk it was because the car had some usage on it.
You have to take this into consideration, when giving someone who is looking to buy the same car, advice about that car dont just tell them about all your problems with the car because the previous owner had the car for 86k miles before you.
You have to take this into consideration, when giving someone who is looking to buy the same car, advice about that car dont just tell them about all your problems with the car because the previous owner had the car for 86k miles before you.
Originally Posted by amgmark
Oh boy.. where do I start.. Let me first say that I really enjoy driving my car and it looks perfect.
I have had my car in the shop at least once a month since I bought my car, and it was in the shop for 2 1/2 weeks of May. Now my last issues were the dealer mechanic/tech issues. I had my tranny rebuilt under warranty and they didn't hook up my shifting linkage properly so I had to take it back. My heated seat was also broken (common) so they fixed it but forgot to hook my passenger seat back up, another oops by the tech and another trip back to the dealer. Had to take it back yet again cause the mechanic didn't hook up my crank shaft sensor when he did the tranny.. oh brother..
I had to replace my front sway bar bushings and thrust arms, all covered under warranty. (Common) Had my seat control module replace at least 5 times now. They finally figured out the wiring harness under my seat had a short. (DUH)
Motor mounts have also been replaced.. There is actually a list 5 pages long of replairs at the dealer.
My car has 93k miles so I expected that there would be issues. I bought the car with 86k on the clock.
Like I said, many of my issues have been with dealer technician quality. Many of these trips wouldn't have been necessary if the dealer did the job right the first time.
I don't regret buying my car.. I am actually considering buying another C32 or C55 with lower miles when my 100k warranty expires.
Good luck!
I have had my car in the shop at least once a month since I bought my car, and it was in the shop for 2 1/2 weeks of May. Now my last issues were the dealer mechanic/tech issues. I had my tranny rebuilt under warranty and they didn't hook up my shifting linkage properly so I had to take it back. My heated seat was also broken (common) so they fixed it but forgot to hook my passenger seat back up, another oops by the tech and another trip back to the dealer. Had to take it back yet again cause the mechanic didn't hook up my crank shaft sensor when he did the tranny.. oh brother..
I had to replace my front sway bar bushings and thrust arms, all covered under warranty. (Common) Had my seat control module replace at least 5 times now. They finally figured out the wiring harness under my seat had a short. (DUH)
Motor mounts have also been replaced.. There is actually a list 5 pages long of replairs at the dealer.
My car has 93k miles so I expected that there would be issues. I bought the car with 86k on the clock.
Like I said, many of my issues have been with dealer technician quality. Many of these trips wouldn't have been necessary if the dealer did the job right the first time.
I don't regret buying my car.. I am actually considering buying another C32 or C55 with lower miles when my 100k warranty expires.
Good luck!
Last edited by p rossi; Jun 9, 2006 at 10:19 AM.
