bo0osted

Hey guys,

Does anyone know where I can find the maintenance schedule for the C32? I'd really be interested in seeing one alongside average prices for the major services. Maybe even get a list of common problems with the car.

I've always loved the look and am thinking of picking one up early next year but would like to know what I'm getting myself into!

Thanks!

jturkel

i dont have the maintenance schedule, but I can tell you that the 02's were supposed to have the most problems. I have an 02. I have the infamous tranny jerk. and other random stuff. i'd probably go for an 03 or 04.

bo0osted

Thanks for that bit of great advice. Do you have anything else to share?

jturkel

i may have made it sound like i have a lot of problems. i really dont. the transmission jerk can easily be fixed and it really isnt that bad on my car. i believe most of the guys on this forum, or at least some, have gone into the dealership where they fixed it (i dont recall how, but if you search the forum, it should come up).

the other problem that occurs with C32s in general is after a period of time, the IC pump goes out. i think usually they go out every 30K (someone correct me if im wrong) but mine just went out at 60K. not expensive to replace, though some guys here are replacing the OEM IC pump with others.

Fun to drive. Fun to mod. More moddable (performance wise) than a C55 unless you cough up a lot of money on a s/c or turbo kit for that.

bo0osted

Yeah. I'm basically looking for a car that's more appropriate when working at a firm. Right now, I'm between a 2002ish 530i, 2000 M5, or c32. Would prefer to spend around 20-25k with the M5 being at the high end.

The C32 seems to fit my bill and I wouldn't mod it. I have another other car for that. My main concern at this point is reliability issues since I've heard mixed reviews from different friends.

After your comment on the 2002 model, I noticed that all the C32s sold in my area on Craigslist are 2002 models. Coincidence? Is there a particular year that's better than others?

jturkel

hmm. well if you get a C32, i would probably stay away from the 02s just in case. that is quite interesting that all of those on craigslist are 02s. I think that for the most part, the 2000 M5 is comparable to the C32. Stock for stock, the M5 is slightly faster. The C32 is probably gonna get you slightly better gas mileage. Not sure if you would have people in the back seat when working at the firm, but the M5 certainly has a more spacious backseat. Both have nice interiors. AH. Here is the dividing point. C32 is only going to be auto (tiptronic). The M5 you can get manual.

Obviously, the 530i is going to be a different type of car as compared with the M5 and C32. Obviously its going to get better gas mileage. It's not going to be as quick, though i guess that is not your primary concern. They do handle well though from what I remember.

If its just a daily driver to and from the firm and you have another car to mod, the 530i could be your best bet, unless you are trying to make a statement.

Reliability? Some guys will argue here there car is reliable. Others not. I hear reliability issues on both cars. Sometimes it is just luck; you just choose the right or wrong car.

Not sure if that helped....i kind of rambled on there...

fivepointfivev8

I’ve recently picked up a C55. Before doing so, I looked at an ‘03 C32, ’02 M5, ‘07 335i. The best thing you can do right now is read and research these cars. I came to the conclusion that the C32 is junk. Speedometer is ugly. The M5 is awesome (like a 4 door Corvette), but be careful which years you pick, I believe you want to be ’02 and on (engines were made better and more reliable) and went to 400hp. I couldn’t go stick with the wife so I went for the C55 which has been great. The 5 series is larger and can accommodate adults better in the back seat. Warranty on these cars are key because the nickel and dime effect is 1000 fold. Add another $2.5K to $3K for a “good” extended warranty. Oh, if resale value is important to you, factor in the resale value as part of the cost of ownership. Of all these, the C32 will cost you the most in the long run. Happy hunting!

Al Bundy

I wouldn't call the C32 'Junk', at least mine isn't.

Scheduled maintenance is pricey. I haven't done a Service A yet, but the Service B (every 15,000 miles) costs about $550 at the dealer, although you can get it done for less through an independent.

Parts are very expensive, so definitely get a warranty.

fivepointfivev8

Sorry Al, didn't want to call your junk. Everyone keeps referring questions to the search tool though...

"C32 Problem" = 1000 hits
"C55 Problem" = 470 hits

This would tell me the C32 has more problems.

MRAMG1

WHOA where did this come from fivepointfive?

I have owned ALOT of cars in my day, from a 73 pantera, 70 boss 302, M roadster, etc, etc, and I can say that the C32 is HANDS down my favorite stock car. I have raod raced my little C, dragged it, and have had NOTHING but fun with it.
Did someone take there CRANKY bill late in the day

Okay, I did replace my I/C pump, BIG DEAL warrenty work, ie freebie.

Please define your word JUNK my friend? As you are REALLY are off target on this one.

See yeah

Oh well to each his own, just don't let one opion sway you

gkstar

C32 has been around for twice as long and the cars we discuss are a bit older than the C55 bunch. Frankly, with no S/C and I/C issues, I expected the C55 to have even less hits than that

ScottW911

True. In addition, I believe that in 2002, MB sold more C32's than both years of the C55 combined. More cars=more hits for problems.

fivepointfivev8

fellas please (sorry if I offended)... ok, "junk" was probably not the best adjective. bo0osted asked the question as to what he'll get himself into "My main concern at this point is reliability issues..." -I was in the same situation a few months ago, then again I was in a different budget bracket. Just sharing what I've concluded.

alchang32

Well i was pretty luck with mine which is an 02.

i think C32 will be a better choice over the M5...think about the long run...

C32's look is more new compared to the M5 ....

C32 comsumes less gas..then M5 (i think)...

People already have solutions here on the forum for the most common issues...they have even come up with cheap ways to fix it!

Also C32 is easier to park compared to M5...hahaha...

well as for maintanance i think it varies for different locations..

hopefully you will find a car that you LOVE!!!!
That is the most important part when your looking for a car...

Good luck!

///Mpressive

I have had the normal issues, IC pump, seat heater, tranny jerk, etc., but it was all covered under factory warranty. I do have an aftermarket warranty, but have never filed a claim. I sure as hell wouldn't own either an e39 M5 or a C32 without a warranty.

Servicing this car has not been expensive at all. PM me if you want to see my service spreadsheet over the last 21 months covering 41k - 56k in mileage.

Bottom Line: Of the 9 BMWs I have owned, my C32 has been the most reliable in the nearly two years I have owned it. I am very pleased with it.

bo0osted

Thanks for all the replies everyone.

From the sounds of it, many of you love your C32 as long as it's under extended warranty. Do you guys plan on selling your C32 once warranty is over? I ask because the one's I've been looking at are nearing the end of their warranty.

I lean towards the C32 because it's an automatic. After driving manual all these years, it'd be a nice change. I also love the way it looks. My friend a few years back owned a C320. By simply lowering it and getting rims, the car just looked amazing.

Code3 Performance

I love my C32, and I have no warranty at all. Never have since I owned the car. I do all of my own work, which basically keeps costs down. I think the C32 is one of the best values around right now. Plus, its a great time to own one, with so many new performance parts on the horizon. I woul dnot hesitate to recommend the car to anyone. By the way, I almost have 120k on the car now...It purrs like a kitten, and pounces like a tiger

jturkel

Once my warranty is up (Sept '08), I am planning on selling it and looking into getting a 335i coupe or the new Audi TT (they look sick).

ScottW911

My warranty expired last April. I still love my car every time I look at it, sit in it and, most of all, drive it.

I'm not sure what I'll think about it if I have to shell several thousand dollars out for some dumb-a$$ repair. Until then, I'm keeping it.

neihouma

Just last year ago I bought my 02 C32 with 88,205 miles, as
of this morning I have 95,532 miles and no problems at all.
No warranty whatsover...

pointman

Nice. Cause I see your 86 glorified VW as garbage.

fivepointfivev8

lol... when I was shopping for a C32, I discovered this forum to be very helpful and is loaded with lots of helpful info. I remember doing a search, I simply typed in "C32 is a piece of junk" and was surprised to see there were some results. I read the first thread, "Hello! Newbie C32 AMG owner" and once I got to post #21, I said forget it. Decided on a NA car and have been very pleased. As for insulting my aircooled 911, (and after 3,400 posts as an enthusiast??) you'll never get the beauty about that car. Your racetrack is the GSP going straight. Click it or ticket Jersey boy.

pointman

Aircooled 86 Carrera.. could be Diamond cooled as far as I am concerned. Still a low end 21 yr old pile o' ****. Glad to see I made your sig, at your garbage cans expense.

fivepointfivev8

...probably the funniest ricer comment I've ever heard!


Dude, get a girlfriend.

m444

I have had a 2003 C32 since Feb 2004. A few things have been done in warranty, which elapsed, last year. The Intercooler went out last January.

The C32 has been reasonably reliable, even without a warranty. The reliability is about typical for a high performance car. My old 911 Porsche had less problems, but parts were still very expensive.

Fortunately most of the C32 weaknesses are well documented in this forum, so the forum is an encyclopedia of C32 repair knowledge.