This is long, but I am a true enthusiast and need the input of the guys that know best - you people, haha. If everything works out, I will be picking up an AMG of some sort within the next month (everyone keep your fingers crossed for me!). I've been doing some reading on the 208 clk55's as well as the older 202 c36/43. Some of the clk guys were saying they either know first hand or have seen/read that the w202 was the most reliable and long-lasting AMG to date. I want (more towards need, haha) a high-performance car, but also don't want to have it in the shop once every other month spending hundreds of dollars on bs parts and labor that cost less than $50 for other cars with similar performance (03/04 Cobra/ Lightning/ etc). I understand AMG's require more upkeep to keep them running superbly, which is FINE, but I don't want to worry about the power this and that going out and spending thousands to fix it once a year. The most problems I've read about from Google searching were w/ the 209 clk55's. There were quite a few horror stories with that one, even though I'm sure only the bad experiences were posted and the good ones never do (you know, kinda like the media in this country).

So lets hear it. How long have you had your car? How many miles on the car? Any major issues with the car? Are higher-mileage cars dangerous to consider (if all maintanence records, etc, are available)? Electrical problems that actually affect the driveability of the car? (I don't really care if the side bolster function suddenly stops working one day, chances are I will never touch it again once I have it where I want it. But I read a horror story where the passenger seat got stuck in the forward position, so the headrest was resting against the damn windshield. I've never heard of that with any other car period!)

 

Bought my '03 C32/AMG in November of last year. Had 40k miles on it at the time and I'm up to 54k now. Not a single mechanical problem yet but I have had the "normal" electrical issues with the drivers side seat. I think it's going to result in replacing the seat control module... Loving the car though. Comfort and power, it's great!

Good luck to you

 

Well, thanks for the 1 response!

I went and drove one yesterday that a local guy is selling. I was amazed at the power those cars have. There's really no need for much more power in a little sedan. It got me thinking though: I can only imagine what it's like to drive a 04-06 E55, let alone the new 63. It kinda makes me want to just get something cheaper for now until I can pick up a cheaper, used E55 instead.

 

Youre welcome for the 2nd response.

Had my car for 1.5 years (appr). 72000 miles on the dial currently. 3rd owner.
No major issues.
Minor issues include:
1. Front strut linkage....replaced under warranty.
2. Seat module went bad.....replaced under warranty
3. Dead battery due to seat module......had to pay but then reimbursed
4. I/C pump.....replaced under warranty
5. New rear pads and rotors
6. Need new front rotors and pads

Good, solid, quick car. Prices are falling like dresses on prom night. Under $20000 for 2002/ 2003. For $1500 hit 12.9 in the 1/4. I get roughly 25 MPG driving carefully. Had the car up to 176 or 178 cant remember.

I love it.

 

Thanks for the 2nd response haha! Yea the car really surprised me. My truck makes 463/551 at the wheels, so I am no stranger to torque. I'm even looking at 00-01-02 E55's as well. I did feel a little cramped in the c32 when I drove it. It may have just been that I needed to work with the seat a little though. I don't appreciate people getting in my car and moving the seat around, so I try not to do it in other people's cars either, unless I absolutely have to. (like getting in my 5'3'' girlfriend's car when I am 6'1)

 

I'm about the same height as you, and I find there to be plenty of room in my C32. If you adjust the seat, you'll find it to be a comfortable fit. When I was looking at the C32, I also looked at an 01 E55 AMG, as well as a CLK55 AMG. The CLK is a gorgeous car, but I guess it depends if you're looking for 2 or 4 doors.

 

Well, I'm going to have to recomend the C55. I had the C43 and it required much more warranty service than my C55. The C55 warranty work is as follows: 1) two front seat heater replacements; 2) front thrust arm bushings replaced; 3) the command was reprogrammed and a sensor in the trunk was replaced along with the trunk weather seal gasket; 4) a valve cover gasket was replaced; and 5) the e-brake sensor was replaced Other than that, I've only had the normal maintenance items and my modifications to pay for. 37k miles so far, great car!! very fast, still looks good (interior is much better than the C63 IMHO), still handles great and is rather reliable.
The C43 was more annoying, burned oil (1.5 quarts between changes -- which is within spec), rattled and required more electrical replacements (don't remember them all at the moment), but I kept the car till 110k miles.

Regards,

 

alright mate,brought my 2002 c32 a few months ago,its a one owner with 28tho miles,only had the air pump replaced under warrenty,its a great car,with solid build quality and power,but i also think that after you get used to the power you will want more...good luck mate

 

If you go the C32 route first off you will remain happy...buy one with warranty or atleast check that the common issues have been addressed....buy what you really want and not something else cause it makes more power. The engine has been like a bullit to me and once electrical issues where corrected they never reappeared.

 

The most reliable AMGs were the 00-02 E55 & CLK55, rock solid reliability & build quality, if hassle free AMG ownership is what you want, thats the way to go. If you want more power and forced induction you have to go 03+ C32 or E55k.

 

If you get into the pre 02 C32, they were dogs. An 08 c350 would blow away a c43/36.

I'm trying to sell mine, but I'm 6'2 250 and I fit better in a C than the E class. I found that in the e class, when i got comfortable in the seat/pedal/wheel placement, I was too far away from everything else. Like the door when open, I couldn't reach it? and the tranny channel to rest leg on. I don't have these problems in S type Jag or BMW 530, which i drive all the time. not sure why

Also personnally I have very few maintenance problems. Normal stuff is more money, like rotors, (pretty much that is all I have ever done), but not too bad.

 

Kind of OT, but out of curiosity and just in case for the future, what happened that led to the replacement?

 

i bought my c32 in dec of 07 at 66k. Now the car is 76k. Yes i drive a lot.

Only issue were the seat modules and dead battery.

 

MY ML55 (2001) has been rock solid and reliable, normally aspirated though!!


I do not believe that AMGs as a group are any more or less reliable than std Mercedes. I believe they are much better cars than the std Benzes. Wheels, suspension, brakes, amenities (they are typically loaded) and most of all, engine. Don't be afraid to look at any AMG.

 

[QUOTE=gerardgolf;2930935]If you get into the pre 02 C32, they were dogs. An 08 c350 would blow away a c43/36.

I'm trying to sell mine, but I'm 6'2 250 and I fit better in a C than the E class. I found that in the e class, when i got comfortable in the seat/pedal/wheel placement, I was too far away from everything else. Like the door when open, I couldn't reach it? and the tranny channel to rest leg on. I don't have these problems in S type Jag or BMW 530, which i drive all the time. not sure why

Also personnally I have very few maintenance problems. Normal stuff is more money, like rotors, (pretty much that is all I have ever done), but not too bad.[/QUOTE]

BUT an 02-04 C32 will blow away a 08 C350, so do you want new and nice or do you want older, NICE and FAST!!!! I'd look at a C32 or a 55. There's a LOT of 55's on the market now and they dropped like a rock.