Question from an M3 owner
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,905
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From: Atlanta
03 C32 AMG
Question from an M3 owner
Alright, lets dispense with the smack talking, here's my deal. I have an M3, found out that I need to move to New York in a year, so im trying to sell the M3 before the new one comes out and kills is resale value. So, im looking to get something cheaper and retail on C32 looks fantastic right now. Any recommendations on what to look for/avoid? I know my old CLK squeaked like an old flight of stairs and they have transmission issues. What should i look out for in a C32?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
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try and look for a CPO c32 preferably 2003 + up. A lot of aftermarket warranty companies do not offer plans for the C32. Minor issues like power seat not working,noises coming from vents, and suspension issues. Earlier models had glycol contamination but was fixed in later years. And the most important one change your intercooler pump.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,146
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From: L.A., CA
'08 M5, '10 Land Cruiser
Alright, lets dispense with the smack talking, here's my deal. I have an M3, found out that I need to move to New York in a year, so im trying to sell the M3 before the new one comes out and kills is resale value. So, im looking to get something cheaper and retail on C32 looks fantastic right now. Any recommendations on what to look for/avoid? I know my old CLK squeaked like an old flight of stairs and they have transmission issues. What should i look out for in a C32?
Changing cars you always lose money so I'd hold on to what you have. However, if you're set on changing the C32 is a great place to go. Make sure the IC pump has been changed and it is a CPO with only one previous owner. That way you know it has been looked after properly.
Oh yeah, if I lived on the east coast I'd go with awd for sure. S4?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,239
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From: San Jose, CA
ML63
Alright, lets dispense with the smack talking, here's my deal. I have an M3, found out that I need to move to New York in a year, so im trying to sell the M3 before the new one comes out and kills is resale value. So, im looking to get something cheaper and retail on C32 looks fantastic right now. Any recommendations on what to look for/avoid? I know my old CLK squeaked like an old flight of stairs and they have transmission issues. What should i look out for in a C32?
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 828
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From: Atlanta, GA
SLK32
Nice M3.
Don't worry too much about the Intercooler pump. Yes they do go out but they are a cheap easy fix (as long as you don't go to the dealer).
Make sure you get a repair history on the car - take the VIN to the dealer. That will give you an idea of the reliability of the individual car you have. Also make sure you check carfax.
Don't worry too much about the Intercooler pump. Yes they do go out but they are a cheap easy fix (as long as you don't go to the dealer).
Make sure you get a repair history on the car - take the VIN to the dealer. That will give you an idea of the reliability of the individual car you have. Also make sure you check carfax.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,342
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From: PA
S600, GL450, GLC 43
Alright, lets dispense with the smack talking, here's my deal. I have an M3, found out that I need to move to New York in a year, so im trying to sell the M3 before the new one comes out and kills is resale value. So, im looking to get something cheaper and retail on C32 looks fantastic right now. Any recommendations on what to look for/avoid? I know my old CLK squeaked like an old flight of stairs and they have transmission issues. What should i look out for in a C32?
Stay away from HIGH mileage, IMHO. Common problems, heated seats don't work, IC pump failure, about $100.00 DYI, Some have sqeaky bushings, although I haven't seen this issue.
The radiators, valeo if I remeber right, leaked anti-freeze into the tranny cooler. This would wipe out the tranny PDQ. Again, just check the MB maintance sheet. If you can't get one for the car, WALK AWAY!
See yeah
PS: I too came over from the M side, you are going to LOVE the low end torque
