I just got my C32 today. Hi!
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Cherry Hill, NJ
2003 C32 AMG
I just got my C32 today. Hi!
I just took delivery of my 2003 C32 AMG today. It is Brilliant Silver with charcoal interior. C4, rain sensor, and CD changer. No command. Just wanted to say hi! I am in Cherry Hill, NJ area. Near Philly.
I look forward to beating on the C32 after the breakin. Is it really necessary? Should I take it easy for the first 1000 miles??
Thanks,
Scott
I look forward to beating on the C32 after the breakin. Is it really necessary? Should I take it easy for the first 1000 miles??
Thanks,
Scott
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
Welcome to MBWorld.
My dealership told me there is no need to go easy on the car to break it in, however many people on the forums say it is necessary. I would go easy on the car for the first 1000 miles just to be safe.
My dealership told me there is no need to go easy on the car to break it in, however many people on the forums say it is necessary. I would go easy on the car for the first 1000 miles just to be safe.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2002
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I suggest you always let it warm up well, stay away from drag racing, and keep it below say 100. Even at 100mph the car is literally loafing along.
Also you probably shouldn't run at any constant speed for long periods of time. In other words it would be better to run between 65-100 than to drone along at 70 for a 50 mile stretch. Just vary the revs a bit and don't hold it at redline too long. This means that you can still have quite a bit of fun, just don't overdo it for 1k mi. Sort of a modified break-in process compared to what you are used to doing.
Also you probably shouldn't run at any constant speed for long periods of time. In other words it would be better to run between 65-100 than to drone along at 70 for a 50 mile stretch. Just vary the revs a bit and don't hold it at redline too long. This means that you can still have quite a bit of fun, just don't overdo it for 1k mi. Sort of a modified break-in process compared to what you are used to doing.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2020 GT R Pro, 2019 GT3 RS, 2018 GT3 Touring
Although it's recommended, it's not absolutely necessary. Try to vary the RPMs the first 1200 miles during highway cruising to allow the seals to set in. Otherwise, let her rip!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
The service manager at my dealership said that all AMG engines are run for numerous hours of testing before they are even placed in the actual vehicles, so they are already broken in. I am not sure how much truth there is to this though.
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Member
Joined: Aug 2002
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2002 C32
Welcome to the club. Take it easy for the first 1000 miles or so. Take the time to learn the cars limits, how it handles, how the throttle responds, what the ideal tire pressures are for your driving habits.
I know it won't be easy to take it easy because the minute someone will tailgate you on the highway your natural reaction will be to floor it. And floor it you will. Then you will experience the great rush of the C32 AMG. A glance in the rearview mirror and the car that was just behind you will no longer be there!
Just ask anyone on this forum owns one. The car will never cease to amaze you once you understand what makes it tick.
Enjoy your great new ride!
I know it won't be easy to take it easy because the minute someone will tailgate you on the highway your natural reaction will be to floor it. And floor it you will. Then you will experience the great rush of the C32 AMG. A glance in the rearview mirror and the car that was just behind you will no longer be there!
Just ask anyone on this forum owns one. The car will never cease to amaze you once you understand what makes it tick.
Enjoy your great new ride!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Viña del Mar, Chile
Porsche Turbo Stage 4, Cayenne S ... gone C43, C32, ML55 & Ducati 999.
CONGRATS!,
I did 1,000 miles the day after I purchased my car, I do believe is safe for the engine, and I change the RPM's after 20 minutes.
Today I have 1,222, sounds better, and lauder.
:p
I did 1,000 miles the day after I purchased my car, I do believe is safe for the engine, and I change the RPM's after 20 minutes.
Today I have 1,222, sounds better, and lauder.
:p
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Chicago
Volvo V90 CC
Originally posted by EWCIII2001
My salesman told me to drive it away like I intend to drive it. He said you don't have to break in Mercedes. Now, I'm not being a maniac, but I'm thoroughly enjoying the car. -Ed
My salesman told me to drive it away like I intend to drive it. He said you don't have to break in Mercedes. Now, I'm not being a maniac, but I'm thoroughly enjoying the car. -Ed
BTW: Welcome ! ! !
Member
Joined: Sep 2002
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04 E55
Thanks much. You know, I debated which Benz to buy. And of course, the bigger and fancier the model the more I'd have to go with less hp or maybe buy used. I'm so glad I got the C32. It gives me the type of performance I've gotten used to with my 911(well, almost), plus so much more. -Ed
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 20,081
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From: Chicago
Volvo V90 CC
Originally posted by EWCIII2001
Thanks much. You know, I debated which Benz to buy. And of course, the bigger and fancier the model the more I'd have to go with less hp or maybe buy used. I'm so glad I got the C32. It gives me the type of performance I've gotten used to with my 911(well, almost), plus so much more. -Ed
Thanks much. You know, I debated which Benz to buy. And of course, the bigger and fancier the model the more I'd have to go with less hp or maybe buy used. I'm so glad I got the C32. It gives me the type of performance I've gotten used to with my 911(well, almost), plus so much more. -Ed
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2002
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02 c32
My dealer (and friend who is an expert mechanic) also said that it was not necessary to "break in" this car. As a matter of fact, the rumor is that if you drive the car hard (once it's warmed up) and vary the speed (not excessively fast for awhile...), it will make the car faster...
Don't know if it's true or not, but my new c32 is a blast to drive!
Ross
Don't know if it's true or not, but my new c32 is a blast to drive!
Ross
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,080
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From: San Diego, CA
C32 AMG
A know a lot of E46 M3 cars have been driven HARD very early in their life because they became demo cars and were later sold to customers. The BMW dealer encourages you to open the car up, even if you have already ordered your car (therefore, this isn't some sales pitch). This probably happened to a few C32 examples as well. I don't think anyone really knows if the engines in these cars have been reliable over time. Most likely, the safest thing to do is break it in. Over the years, I see the amount of people not breaking in their engines increase, but I hear very little in the way of complaints.
I think people have e-mailed AMG before, but I don't remember the response. These hand built engines are bench tested before being released, I can't comment on the non-AMG engines. At Porsche they run the engine at redline for five minutes before putting it in the car (that is what I remember). What does that say about the break-in period?
However, this leads to another question. What needs to be broken in? Is it the engine or the transmission and related parts? I think it is actually the transmission, which would explain this "no going over 100 mph" business. Engine break-in, if needed, is mostly a matter of engine RPM and throttle load.
I think people have e-mailed AMG before, but I don't remember the response. These hand built engines are bench tested before being released, I can't comment on the non-AMG engines. At Porsche they run the engine at redline for five minutes before putting it in the car (that is what I remember). What does that say about the break-in period?
However, this leads to another question. What needs to be broken in? Is it the engine or the transmission and related parts? I think it is actually the transmission, which would explain this "no going over 100 mph" business. Engine break-in, if needed, is mostly a matter of engine RPM and throttle load.
Last edited by JustinTRW; Sep 13, 2002 at 11:31 PM.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
just a little story to go with what Justin said about dealers let their customers open up the car.
in my case it wasn't the customer who opened up my car. It was my sale. On the day of my car's arrival i went to check out the car (a week before i actually pick it up) it was still in plastic wraps. After i check out the car, my sales told me that he is going to park the car on the other lot, so that other sales won't get to the car and sell it. It was kind of early still, so i went to the BMW dealer next door to get some M5 info for my brother. As i was standing in the BMW showroom, i saw my sales blast down the street in my car. I was like wat da hell? about two mins later he walks back down the street and saw me still at the Bimmer dealer and told me that he guess i saw that. We just laughed. I wasn't worried because he has a silver C32 of his own (lowered, 19' rims, etc). He knows what he was doing.
btw he has E500 on order, which will be at the dealer next month. he's going to mod that car with everything AMG got. Can't wait to see his car.
in my case it wasn't the customer who opened up my car. It was my sale. On the day of my car's arrival i went to check out the car (a week before i actually pick it up) it was still in plastic wraps. After i check out the car, my sales told me that he is going to park the car on the other lot, so that other sales won't get to the car and sell it. It was kind of early still, so i went to the BMW dealer next door to get some M5 info for my brother. As i was standing in the BMW showroom, i saw my sales blast down the street in my car. I was like wat da hell? about two mins later he walks back down the street and saw me still at the Bimmer dealer and told me that he guess i saw that. We just laughed. I wasn't worried because he has a silver C32 of his own (lowered, 19' rims, etc). He knows what he was doing.
btw he has E500 on order, which will be at the dealer next month. he's going to mod that car with everything AMG got. Can't wait to see his car.
