Reliability of C32 Amgs?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
1996 Mustang Cobra
Reliability of C32 Amgs?
Hey,
I'm thinking about picking a C32 up for a daily driver. My biggest concern is how reliable they are. What issues has anyone had? What mileage does everyone have on their C32's?
Also, how is the gas mileage on these when not floored? Highway/ City?
Thanks, and anyone who can share their experiences would be greatly appreciated.
I'm thinking about picking a C32 up for a daily driver. My biggest concern is how reliable they are. What issues has anyone had? What mileage does everyone have on their C32's?
Also, how is the gas mileage on these when not floored? Highway/ City?
Thanks, and anyone who can share their experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
2003 Mercedes C32 AMG
my car is an 03 with 27000 and its runs perfect, the only problems i have had have been electronic ,most likely due to it sitting for a few months. i had the sunroof recalibrated and the seat heater on the drivers side changed under warranty. i would recoment getting an 03 or 04, with low miles and maybe an extended warranty.....just in case.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 830
Likes: 1
From: New Hampshire
2003 C32 AMG, 2003 E39 M5
+1 on the seat I have 32K on my 03.
my car is an 03 with 27000 and its runs perfect, the only problems i have had have been electronic ,most likely due to it sitting for a few months. i had the sunroof recalibrated and the seat heater on the drivers side changed under warranty. i would recoment getting an 03 or 04, with low miles and maybe an extended warranty.....just in case.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 612
Likes: 2
From: NY
'12 Mustang 5.0, '89 Supra Turbo, C55,
I was researching C32's before I bought my E500 bec. of space requirements. From my limited reading, the Achille's Heel of the C32 is the stock radiator (Valeo) leaking coolant into the tranny, which is a $$$ repair. U can verify what type of radiator the C32 u're looking into has (search for that tip).
Actual C32 owners will chime in I'm sure with more detailed answers, but that's something to start off with, and search is your friend.
U'll also read that the C32 when properly maintained, is one hell of a car. Good luck!
Actual C32 owners will chime in I'm sure with more detailed answers, but that's something to start off with, and search is your friend.
U'll also read that the C32 when properly maintained, is one hell of a car. Good luck!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 11
From: PA
S600, GL450, GLC 43
Hey,
I'm thinking about picking a C32 up for a daily driver. My biggest concern is how reliable they are. What issues has anyone had? What mileage does everyone have on their C32's?
Also, how is the gas mileage on these when not floored? Highway/ City?
Thanks, and anyone who can share their experiences would be greatly appreciated.
I'm thinking about picking a C32 up for a daily driver. My biggest concern is how reliable they are. What issues has anyone had? What mileage does everyone have on their C32's?
Also, how is the gas mileage on these when not floored? Highway/ City?
Thanks, and anyone who can share their experiences would be greatly appreciated.
I average, lifetime 17.6
St Louis home 23.4
Work rides 22.8
Track 7.2
See yeah
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
I'm at 53,000 miles (I think) and have had the seat heater, and the bearing on the supercharger go bad. Both warranty claims. Neither would be very expensive if I had to pay.
As to the radiator, you can't just go by the brand. There are Valeos that go bad and Valeos that don't go bad. Some here have had their Valeos replaced for fear of a leak, only to find that the new one is Valeo.
As to the radiator, you can't just go by the brand. There are Valeos that go bad and Valeos that don't go bad. Some here have had their Valeos replaced for fear of a leak, only to find that the new one is Valeo.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
i never had any problems with my valeo radiator. 85k miles and strong 2002 March built. been there done that with the seat heater, seat memory module, and clutch bearing. valve cover gasket also replaced.
15k mile and 1 more year to go before extended warranty goes.
15k mile and 1 more year to go before extended warranty goes.
Trending Topics
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Columbia ave.
C32 Amg
My trans is slipping. Bogs down occasionally. Dealer can't find anything wrong. No fault codes, no glycol in the fluid and no ecu upgrades. Going to take it to an indy mb repair shop. Maybe a double flush?
Seat module and door pops.
Seat module and door pops.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
Can you give more info on slipping/bogging. What are the actual symptoms. Slipping and bogging are kind of opposite symptoms. I had my trans fluid changed at about 40,000 miles.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: nottingham / uk
silver 2002 c32 amg
I had problems with the tranny slipping,
turned out that it was low on oil due to a leaky plug on the gearbox and was easily cured.
I also had the radiator changed at about 50K miles after the original Valeo cracked and dumped coolant/oil all over the road about a hundred miles from home.
I was pretty worried that the tranny would be damaged but it was ok, so even if the radiator does go bad it's not a guarantee that the tranny will go too. + mine was replaced with another Valeo
also had the heated seat go bad on several occassions + the s/charger clutch bearing and a few other minor faults along the way, still hasn't stopped me enjoying my car though
turned out that it was low on oil due to a leaky plug on the gearbox and was easily cured.
I also had the radiator changed at about 50K miles after the original Valeo cracked and dumped coolant/oil all over the road about a hundred miles from home.
I was pretty worried that the tranny would be damaged but it was ok, so even if the radiator does go bad it's not a guarantee that the tranny will go too. + mine was replaced with another Valeo
also had the heated seat go bad on several occassions + the s/charger clutch bearing and a few other minor faults along the way, still hasn't stopped me enjoying my car though
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Columbia ave.
C32 Amg
Here it is in a nutshell.
Jerky 1st to 2nd when light on the throttle (occasionally)
I can deal with that, but a severe loss in power at highway speeds.
Example shooting it up to 60 - 70mph let it idle for a few (foot off the pedal)
foot back on the pedal. Rpm's go up, but she really isn't moving.
Same thing happens occasionally from a stop going up hill.
Jerky 1st to 2nd when light on the throttle (occasionally)
I can deal with that, but a severe loss in power at highway speeds.
Example shooting it up to 60 - 70mph let it idle for a few (foot off the pedal)
foot back on the pedal. Rpm's go up, but she really isn't moving.
Same thing happens occasionally from a stop going up hill.
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: ID/RI
fj-60 Land Cruiser
This valeo radiator problem, it sounds like a huge pain in the ***. Is there a link to a specific thread someone can give me, so I can better understand this? I've read about it a lot, but dont really understand it.
Last edited by Kirby; Mar 4, 2008 at 11:23 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: nottingham / uk
silver 2002 c32 amg
This is a problem which seems to afflict a few of the earlier cars although some people have reported problems on later ones, personally I don't believe its as bad as it's made out to be with very few cars actually being affected,
But if this is something that concerns people my advice would be do a bit of preventive maintenance and just replace your rad with a the latest version
it won't cost the earth and will take away a worry
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: South FLA
C32 AMG
Search is your friend. A few minutes will save thousands of $$. Here is one...
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c55-amg-w203/146457-1fastc32-s-cheep-intercooler-pump-replacement.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c55-amg-w203/146457-1fastc32-s-cheep-intercooler-pump-replacement.html
