C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

About to buy C32, a few questions for you experts

Old Jun 26, 2008 | 05:55 PM
  #1  
whatisreal7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, California
2002 C32 AMG, 1998 NSX-T
About to buy C32, a few questions for you experts

Guys,
I'm about to pick up a 2002 C32 AMG w/ 50K miles. I am also going to buy a 3 year/36K warranty from a local bay area dealer for $3K. I am a little concerned about the maintenance costs on this car. I guess the warranty doesn't cover service A or B, but only things outside of basic maintenance? Aside from service A and B, are there other upcoming major services that will be a money drain? Looking through the service record, the electricals are notorious! Any advice for a potential buyer?

thanks.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2008 | 06:00 PM
  #2  
greasybenz's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
W203 C32 AMG, W124 E300D
Thats WAYYYYYY to much for a 3yr/36K warranty. I work at a dealership, at cost the warranty should run you about $1500 for a 10yr/100K warranty. I bought it at that price for my C32.

If you like getting screwed hard by dealers dont go in for service A or B. Do it yourself or find an independent. Depending on where in the Bay Area you are i can refer you to my mechanic in San Carlos. As far as electricals go dont worry about them, these cars are fairly reliable. Just take care of what needs to be taken care of.

Also if you need any work done on that NSX i can hook you up on dealer service at the honda dealership i work at.


Ruben

Last edited by greasybenz; Jun 26, 2008 at 06:03 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2008 | 06:00 PM
  #3  
Gramma_Benz's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 20
From: East Bay, Bay Area
2002 C32, 2012 S550
Originally Posted by whatisreal7
Guys,
I'm about to pick up a 2002 C32 AMG w/ 50K miles. I am also going to buy a 3 year/36K warranty from a local bay area dealer for $3K. I am a little concerned about the maintenance costs on this car. I guess the warranty doesn't cover service A or B, but only things outside of basic maintenance? Aside from service A and B, are there other upcoming major services that will be a money drain? Looking through the service record, the electricals are notorious! Any advice for a potential buyer?

thanks.
My advice.....DO IT!!

Repair bills are highly likely to go over the $3k you'll have to initially spend. Do find out who the insurer is as some aftermarket insurers have lots of fine print exceptions.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2008 | 06:02 PM
  #4  
Gramma_Benz's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 20
From: East Bay, Bay Area
2002 C32, 2012 S550
Originally Posted by greasybenz
Thats WAYYYYYY to much for a 3yr/36K warranty. I work at a dealership, at cost the warranty should run you about $1500 for a 10yr/100K warranty. I bought it at that price for my C32.
What company is that warranty from? I'd possibly like to invest in a plan myself.

TIA!
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2008 | 06:04 PM
  #5  
greasybenz's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
W203 C32 AMG, W124 E300D
Originally Posted by Gramma_Benz
What company is that warranty from? I'd possibly like to invest in a plan myself.

TIA!
GE warranty services.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2008 | 06:20 PM
  #6  
whatisreal7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, California
2002 C32 AMG, 1998 NSX-T
Originally Posted by greasybenz
GE warranty services.
The dealership closest to me is Smythe European, on Steven's Creek in San Jose. Anybody have any experiences with them? I forget the name of the insurer, but it is someone who they primarily go with. Will GE Warranty work at Smythe? I guess I have to call.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2008 | 06:41 PM
  #7  
whatisreal7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, California
2002 C32 AMG, 1998 NSX-T
Called GE Warranty, but they only sell dealerships, and to people who buy the car at this particular dealership. Doesn't work for private parties.

Anybody else in the bay area that can help?

thanks.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2008 | 07:57 PM
  #8  
hammertime21's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
2002 C32 AMG
Aftermarket warrenties are a joke, and that is way to much money for it! They find ways to not pay for repairs all day long. The customer reps there get paid more to talk their way out of paying for repairs. I work on mercedes benz everyday, that is all I do. And when I have to deal with aftermarket warrenties, they are the BIGGEST hassle and end up paying for very little. My opinion is Dont do it.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 26, 2008 | 07:59 PM
  #9  
hkycoldrct's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
2002 C32 ///AMG
Originally Posted by whatisreal7
Guys,
I'm about to pick up a 2002 C32 AMG w/ 50K miles. I am also going to buy a 3 year/36K warranty from a local bay area dealer for $3K. I am a little concerned about the maintenance costs on this car. I guess the warranty doesn't cover service A or B, but only things outside of basic maintenance? Aside from service A and B, are there other upcoming major services that will be a money drain? Looking through the service record, the electricals are notorious! Any advice for a potential buyer?

thanks.
Your in CA and have no choice but to buy the warranty through the dealer you purchase the car from -- trust me on this. 3K is worth the warranty especially if your looking at early model C32's with the issues that are well documented (do a search).

Yes there are companies that will sell you a warranty that are out of state and all they are doing is collecting your money. Once you have a big claim they will deny you and refund you a pro-rated amount and your left with absolutely no recourse.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2008 | 08:39 PM
  #10  
bud4ya's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 830
Likes: 1
From: New Hampshire
2003 C32 AMG, 2003 E39 M5
The car looks in great shape. I do like the de badge of the C32 and v6 on the side.

Extended warranty are a crap shot if you will use them or not. The other issue is getting one from a good co. These are far and few between. I have had extended factory warranties that worked well but the 3rd party ones seem to deny every claim.

Would you mind PMing me and let me know the price range you paid? I have had little interest in my 2003 in exc cond that has 35K on it and another year MB extended warranty & $21,900. I am just curious to see if my price is in the ballpark of what they are selling for.

Thanks

Originally Posted by whatisreal7
Guys,
I'm about to pick up a 2002 C32 AMG w/ 50K miles. I am also going to buy a 3 year/36K warranty from a local bay area dealer for $3K. I am a little concerned about the maintenance costs on this car. I guess the warranty doesn't cover service A or B, but only things outside of basic maintenance? Aside from service A and B, are there other upcoming major services that will be a money drain? Looking through the service record, the electricals are notorious! Any advice for a potential buyer?

thanks.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2008 | 09:37 PM
  #11  
m444's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 538
Likes: 2
From: Silicon valley
Audi C7.5 S6
Smythe European, on Steven's Creek in San Jose is where I did all my warranty work, when I had a warranty. The service advisors are not too trustworthy. The mechanics are fine, though.

Smythe European in San Jose and Park Motors in Palo Alto are owned by AutoNation.

Another local dealer is Beshoff MotorCars in San Jose. They have a huge property and lots of room in the service bays. I do not know how good they are for service, since I don't like to go to that side of town.

Personally I would buy a 2003 or 2004 C32, rather than a 2002.
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2008 | 12:35 PM
  #12  
greasybenz's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
W203 C32 AMG, W124 E300D
Originally Posted by hammertime21
Aftermarket warrenties are a joke, and that is way to much money for it! They find ways to not pay for repairs all day long. The customer reps there get paid more to talk their way out of paying for repairs. I work on mercedes benz everyday, that is all I do. And when I have to deal with aftermarket warrenties, they are the BIGGEST hassle and end up paying for very little. My opinion is Dont do it.

I never had a problem with Autobahn motors or SF Benz honor my GE warranty.
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2008 | 03:24 PM
  #13  
genechien's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 419
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
'05 C55 AMG
well i highly recommend an extended warranty whatever you do. i have a 05 C55 with 68K miles. i've just had to replace cracked control arm bushings for $450 and i have heated seats where the bottoms don't heat up. the cost of replaces those would easily be over $1K.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2008 | 04:43 AM
  #14  
bobby02c32AMG's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Libertyville, IL
2002 C32 AMG
Mileage?

how many miles are people getting out of there C32's? Are these cars high-mileage cars, how many miles does everyone have or planning on having?
Thanks,
lata
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2008 | 02:57 PM
  #15  
greasybenz's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
W203 C32 AMG, W124 E300D
Originally Posted by bobby02c32AMG
how many miles are people getting out of there C32's? Are these cars high-mileage cars, how many miles does everyone have or planning on having?
Thanks,
lata
115K miles and counting, Just like every other benz ive had i expect them to last very long.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:37 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE