C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

'02 or '03 C32

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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 07:28 PM
  #1  
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'02 or '03 C32

I too am also looking to pick up a c32 in the next couple of weeks of so. Were any of the reliability issues with the 02 fixed in the 03 or if its just worth it to dish out 10 more grand for a c55?
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Old Feb 6, 2008 | 05:12 PM
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From: New Hampshire
2003 C32 AMG, 2003 E39 M5
I believe the 03 had less issues than the 02's. Just like anything each year things get better.

Bottom line if you want a car you can mod the heck out of and get real power for not a ton of cash go with the C32.

If you want something that comes with a lot of power and TQ and the sound of a V8 the C55 is the answer. I bought the C32 because of the ease of modding and price. But the more I look at the C55 wow it is a nice car. I myself have always loved the V8's anyway. They do not work as hard as the 6 especially when you are at higher speeds.

Originally Posted by bsuba8
I too am also looking to pick up a c32 in the next couple of weeks of so. Were any of the reliability issues with the 02 fixed in the 03 or if its just worth it to dish out 10 more grand for a c55?
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Old Feb 7, 2008 | 08:06 AM
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C32
My 02 was perfectly OK, heard that some 02 have problems with electric seat, leaking out charges from the battery
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Old Feb 7, 2008 | 08:20 AM
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From: New Hampshire
2003 C32 AMG, 2003 E39 M5
There is a post in here somewhere that lays out the issues with each year the car was manf. I just can not seem to find it right now.

All in all with it being an AMG I do not think there was a ton of issues any year. If you find the doc before me post a link. I really need to go through it and get waht may need to be done, done while I have a warranty still

Originally Posted by bsuba8
I too am also looking to pick up a c32 in the next couple of weeks of so. Were any of the reliability issues with the 02 fixed in the 03 or if its just worth it to dish out 10 more grand for a c55?
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2008 | 10:54 AM
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2013 C63 AMG P31, 2014 GMC Sierra (6.2)
If you opt for a C32 (any year) I would get a glycol test done as the last thing you want to do is have to replace the transmission due to contamination. Also, some C32s have a problem with busted intercooler cores. This problem can be manifested through "disappearing" coolant in the reservoir or having to add coolant more often than you should. The solution can be costly to fix. Fortunately, mine was under warranty when it happened........
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Old Feb 7, 2008 | 11:03 AM
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2003 C32 AMG, 2003 E39 M5
How many miles did you put on the C32 with the ASP pulleys? Was it just pulleys or a tune also?

Thanks

Originally Posted by wawy
If you opt for a C32 (any year) I would get a glycol test done as the last thing you want to do is have to replace the transmission due to contamination. Also, some C32s have a problem with busted intercooler cores. This problem can be manifested through "disappearing" coolant in the reservoir or having to add coolant more often than you should. The solution can be costly to fix. Fortunately, mine was under warranty when it happened........
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Old Feb 7, 2008 | 12:25 PM
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Originally Posted by bud4ya
How many miles did you put on the C32 with the ASP pulleys? Was it just pulleys or a tune also?

Thanks
Pulleys with no tune. 42253 miles with about 5,000 with the ASP Pulleys.
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Old Feb 7, 2008 | 12:33 PM
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From: New Hampshire
2003 C32 AMG, 2003 E39 M5
So you put 42K miles on the car and 5K of those miles you had the ASP installed with no tune, correct? So you ran your car about 37,000 miles with the engine in stock form?

Originally Posted by wawy
Pulleys with no tune. 42253 miles with about 5,000 with the ASP Pulleys.
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