First post! C32 AMG hopeful
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From: St. Paul, MN
2010 E550, 02 CLK55 Cabrio - sold
First post! C32 AMG hopeful
Hi Everyone,
I found my way here after driving a 2005 Mustang GT and walking away thinking "Rattles like a can of bolts and hits bumps way too hard for me". Then I saw a E46 M3 on the lot, which got me pretty excited. Went home did some research, then after considering the M5 as well, I found the reviews on C32 AMG's, hopefully I'm going to stop right here!
I'm trying to keep the cost around $15k-$18k and mileage under 65k.
Basically, after driving a great 97 Saab 9000 Aero (turbo 230hp) for the last 3 years, I'm itching to move on up to rear-drive, more power, and ability to lay a lot of rubber
Yeah, I know that sounds childish coming from a 35yr old, but for unknown reasons, I just long for my teenage days when I drove a muscle car with plenty of raw power to play with. So how well does the C32 lay rubber? Does the traction control get in way even when turned off? Do they have lsd?
Since I hear they have understeer, could this be offset by running good tires in the front and cheaper ones in the back (sorta like running a stiffer swaybar in the rear)? That would also let me lay copious amounts of rubber at low cost
I found my way here after driving a 2005 Mustang GT and walking away thinking "Rattles like a can of bolts and hits bumps way too hard for me". Then I saw a E46 M3 on the lot, which got me pretty excited. Went home did some research, then after considering the M5 as well, I found the reviews on C32 AMG's, hopefully I'm going to stop right here!
I'm trying to keep the cost around $15k-$18k and mileage under 65k. Basically, after driving a great 97 Saab 9000 Aero (turbo 230hp) for the last 3 years, I'm itching to move on up to rear-drive, more power, and ability to lay a lot of rubber
Yeah, I know that sounds childish coming from a 35yr old, but for unknown reasons, I just long for my teenage days when I drove a muscle car with plenty of raw power to play with. So how well does the C32 lay rubber? Does the traction control get in way even when turned off? Do they have lsd? Since I hear they have understeer, could this be offset by running good tires in the front and cheaper ones in the back (sorta like running a stiffer swaybar in the rear)? That would also let me lay copious amounts of rubber at low cost
Last edited by UncleSlam; Oct 22, 2008 at 06:24 PM. Reason: spelling
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From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
So how well does the C32 lay rubber? Does the traction control get in way even when turned off? Do they have lsd?
Since I hearthey understeer, could this be offset by running good tires in the front and cheaper ones in the back? Sorta like running a stiffer swaybar on end. That would also let me lay copious amounts of rubber at low cost
Since I hearthey understeer, could this be offset by running good tires in the front and cheaper ones in the back? Sorta like running a stiffer swaybar on end. That would also let me lay copious amounts of rubber at low cost
Second, It'll lay lots of rubber, with one wheel. That should answer your question about the LSD. The ESP can be a real PIA. It is not completely off unless you put the car in Dyno mode. Then you are risking your life as all electronic counter-measures are disabled (including ABS). You need to learn to deal with ESP or pony up the $3000 or so, for a Quaify LSD. Many of the members here are doing just fine without it though.
The car is a ton of fun. Like the Cad****c commercial says, "When you turn your car on, does it return the favor?". That is a resounding YES!
Last edited by ScottW911; Oct 22, 2008 at 06:13 PM.
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From: Houston/ Austin /Toronto / UAE / Minneapolis / Orlando /Cincinnati
Eurocharged Performance ML63 and TT lambo
from my experience tons of rubber and even more people who look at your car thinking what the heck was that car that just passed my supercar...
but yes....lsd is helpful
but yes....lsd is helpful
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From: South Jersey
2002 C32 AMG
Last edited by Eleventeen; Oct 22, 2008 at 07:48 PM.
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 71
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From: St. Paul, MN
2010 E550, 02 CLK55 Cabrio - sold
Mmmm....I can smell the burning rubber already, sounds like fun!
The following caranddriver.com comparison with the the Audi S4 and the M3 is a little disheartening - although, I don't think its enough to make me jump to either one:
"Tire grip, as measured on the skidpad, is less than the others, 0.81 g versus the Audi's 0.85 and the BMW's 0.87. But that's a minor concern compared with the way the Benz feels when pushed. First, the computer stability control won't let you anywhere close to the edge. It kills the power in a big way when lateral g ramps up beyond "brisk." Push the ESP button to cancel, and the previously polite C32 goes incommunicado. The brakes bring on huge understeer as you go deep into turns. And the fast-ratio steering gives very little sense of slip in the front tires. This is a car in which you cautiously edge up and up toward the limit and hope you never quite get there.
Maintaining control during our lane-change test was iffy, too, with many screaming-tire skids off the course. This car hates our test procedure, which requires ESP off. With ESP on, it's stable and slow. With ESP off, the C32 was quicker than the Audi on a lucky run. But most runs were cone whackers. For road emergencies, we'd leave the ESP on. "
The following caranddriver.com comparison with the the Audi S4 and the M3 is a little disheartening - although, I don't think its enough to make me jump to either one:
"Tire grip, as measured on the skidpad, is less than the others, 0.81 g versus the Audi's 0.85 and the BMW's 0.87. But that's a minor concern compared with the way the Benz feels when pushed. First, the computer stability control won't let you anywhere close to the edge. It kills the power in a big way when lateral g ramps up beyond "brisk." Push the ESP button to cancel, and the previously polite C32 goes incommunicado. The brakes bring on huge understeer as you go deep into turns. And the fast-ratio steering gives very little sense of slip in the front tires. This is a car in which you cautiously edge up and up toward the limit and hope you never quite get there.
Maintaining control during our lane-change test was iffy, too, with many screaming-tire skids off the course. This car hates our test procedure, which requires ESP off. With ESP on, it's stable and slow. With ESP off, the C32 was quicker than the Audi on a lucky run. But most runs were cone whackers. For road emergencies, we'd leave the ESP on. "
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LET C32 2002
First of all, let me be the 1st to welcome you aboard.
Second, It'll lay lots of rubber, with one wheel. That should answer your question about the LSD. The ESP can be a real PIA. It is not completely off unless you put the car in Dyno mode. Then you are risking your life as all electronic counter-measures are disabled (including ABS). You need to learn to deal with ESP or pony up the $3000 or so, for a Quaify LSD. Many of the members here are doing just fine without it though.
The car is a ton of fun. Like the Cad****c commercial says, "When you turn your car on, does it return the favor?". That is a resounding YES!
Second, It'll lay lots of rubber, with one wheel. That should answer your question about the LSD. The ESP can be a real PIA. It is not completely off unless you put the car in Dyno mode. Then you are risking your life as all electronic counter-measures are disabled (including ABS). You need to learn to deal with ESP or pony up the $3000 or so, for a Quaify LSD. Many of the members here are doing just fine without it though.
The car is a ton of fun. Like the Cad****c commercial says, "When you turn your car on, does it return the favor?". That is a resounding YES!
Welcome aboard
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From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
if you like the torque of a muscle car and high speed stability of german engineering, get the c32.
If you like handling more, get the m3. You'll probably get a better deal with the c32. M3's are still going for $23k at least, and most won't go below that.
if you hate the esp that much, you can always just pull the esp fuse. Without a real lsd, the e-diff does help.
If you like handling more, get the m3. You'll probably get a better deal with the c32. M3's are still going for $23k at least, and most won't go below that.
if you hate the esp that much, you can always just pull the esp fuse. Without a real lsd, the e-diff does help.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: St. Paul, MN
2010 E550, 02 CLK55 Cabrio - sold
What I remember of “Mercs” comes from a six month stint as an exchange student in Karlstad Sweden back in the winter of 1998 (Roger Moore lived in the town with his Swedish wife). We used to go to bars/clubs too often (the females were something to behold 
). After the bars, the taxis - about 90% Mercedes - would line up. I always tried for the front seat, and would drunkenly compliment the older Swedish guys about their cars. Most, if not all, had their tires studded, and would fly down the icy roads to get as many loads in as possible after bar close it was a thrill and a bit scary! I just loved how solid, smooth and fast the mid-late 90’s cars were.
So I wonder, is a 2002 C32 the same build quality?
I’m going to look at a 2002 C32 AMG over lunch at a dealer. 90k miles asking $14k. I figure it might be a good deal if they let it go for $12k. Was hoping for less miles, do they go the distance, or start to get MFS (multiple-failing-systems) over the 100k-120k mile mark?
Thanks guys,
Mark
). After the bars, the taxis - about 90% Mercedes - would line up. I always tried for the front seat, and would drunkenly compliment the older Swedish guys about their cars. Most, if not all, had their tires studded, and would fly down the icy roads to get as many loads in as possible after bar close it was a thrill and a bit scary! I just loved how solid, smooth and fast the mid-late 90’s cars were. So I wonder, is a 2002 C32 the same build quality?
I’m going to look at a 2002 C32 AMG over lunch at a dealer. 90k miles asking $14k. I figure it might be a good deal if they let it go for $12k. Was hoping for less miles, do they go the distance, or start to get MFS (multiple-failing-systems) over the 100k-120k mile mark?
Thanks guys,
Mark
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,539
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From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
What I remember of “Mercs” comes from a six month stint as an exchange student in Karlstad Sweden back in the winter of 1998 (Roger Moore lived in the town with his Swedish wife). We used to go to bars/clubs too often (the females were something to behold ). After the bars, the taxis - about 90% Mercedes - would line up. I always tried for the front seat, and would drunkenly compliment the older Swedish guys about their cars. Most, if not all, had their tires studded, and would fly down the icy roads to get as many loads in as possible after bar close it was a thrill and a bit scary! I just loved how solid, smooth and fast the mid-late 90’s cars were.
So I wonder, is a 2002 C32 the same build quality?
I’m going to look at a 2002 C32 AMG over lunch at a dealer. 90k miles asking $14k. I figure it might be a good deal if they let it go for $12k. Was hoping for less miles, do they go the distance, or start to get MFS (multiple-failing-systems) over the 100k-120k mile mark?
Thanks guys,
Mark
). After the bars, the taxis - about 90% Mercedes - would line up. I always tried for the front seat, and would drunkenly compliment the older Swedish guys about their cars. Most, if not all, had their tires studded, and would fly down the icy roads to get as many loads in as possible after bar close it was a thrill and a bit scary! I just loved how solid, smooth and fast the mid-late 90’s cars were. So I wonder, is a 2002 C32 the same build quality?
I’m going to look at a 2002 C32 AMG over lunch at a dealer. 90k miles asking $14k. I figure it might be a good deal if they let it go for $12k. Was hoping for less miles, do they go the distance, or start to get MFS (multiple-failing-systems) over the 100k-120k mile mark?
Thanks guys,
Mark
The quality of MB took a hit during the early part of this decade, thanks to the bean counters. I feel the build quality is still better than the average car though.
You should consider some of the cars available here, in the classifieds of MBWorld. Test drive the local car to make sure you want the make and model, then look for the best car. You will find some lower mileage C32's here at decent prices. It may just mean traveling to pick it up.
Where are you located? Some markets have a ton of C32's available.
Last edited by ScottW911; Oct 23, 2008 at 02:29 PM.
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PLAID
By 90k, most of the big "gotchas" have probably been addressed already. Count on the Supercharger intercooler pump going out every 30k-50k. It is a fairly inexpensive DIY.
The quality of MB took a hit during the early part of this decade, thanks to the bean counters. I feel the build quality is still better than the average car though.
You should consider some of the cars available here, in the classifieds of MBWorld. Test drive the local car to make sure you want the make and model, then look for the best car. You will find some lower mileage C32's here at decent prices. It may just mean traveling to pick it up.
Where are you located? Some markets have a ton of C32's available.
The quality of MB took a hit during the early part of this decade, thanks to the bean counters. I feel the build quality is still better than the average car though.
You should consider some of the cars available here, in the classifieds of MBWorld. Test drive the local car to make sure you want the make and model, then look for the best car. You will find some lower mileage C32's here at decent prices. It may just mean traveling to pick it up.
Where are you located? Some markets have a ton of C32's available.
Try to find a market where they sell 89 octane too!!!
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From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
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From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
i agree, you can get lower mileage ones for not much more. I would get something no more then the 60-70k range.
If your coming from a saab, the merc's interior is going to be a huge improvement. I like the styling of the saabs, but there interiors are too plasticly for my taste.
If your coming from a saab, the merc's interior is going to be a huge improvement. I like the styling of the saabs, but there interiors are too plasticly for my taste.
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From: St. Paul, MN
2010 E550, 02 CLK55 Cabrio - sold
Bean counters....I think they are the one responsible for all the cheap plastic in cars this decade. The interior on my 9000 Aero is not plasticy at all, back in 97 it was lots of real wood super thick leather (aero came with leather recaro). What 'plastic' there is, is actually a thick, textured, material that does not fade, scratch, or get brittle.
I took a 2002 M3 for a drive today (the AMG was out at auction sadly, but should be back). I like the way it handled, but I thought there would be much more torque
Also, it had that cheap flat plastic all over the interior - what are they thinking? After 50k miles the plastic is all scratched up, and the mass of plastic around the door handles is flaking, looks like crap! I can't believe it, you think they would at least use good plastic.
I took a 2002 M3 for a drive today (the AMG was out at auction sadly, but should be back). I like the way it handled, but I thought there would be much more torque
Also, it had that cheap flat plastic all over the interior - what are they thinking? After 50k miles the plastic is all scratched up, and the mass of plastic around the door handles is flaking, looks like crap! I can't believe it, you think they would at least use good plastic.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,034
Likes: 6
From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
Bean counters....I think they are the one responsible for all the cheap plastic in cars this decade. The interior on my 9000 Aero is not plasticy at all, back in 97 it was lots of real wood super thick leather (aero came with leather recaro). What 'plastic' there is, is actually a thick, textured, material that does not fade, scratch, or get brittle.
I took a 2002 M3 for a drive today (the AMG was out at auction sadly, but should be back). I like the way it handled, but I thought there would be much more torque Also, it had that cheap flat plastic all over the interior - what are they thinking? After 50k miles the plastic is all scratched up, and the mass of plastic around the door handles is flaking, looks like crap! I can't believe it, you think they would at least use good plastic.
I took a 2002 M3 for a drive today (the AMG was out at auction sadly, but should be back). I like the way it handled, but I thought there would be much more torque
Also, it had that cheap flat plastic all over the interior - what are they thinking? After 50k miles the plastic is all scratched up, and the mass of plastic around the door handles is flaking, looks like crap! I can't believe it, you think they would at least use good plastic.Saabs needs to figure out what they want to be, luxury or affordable luxury like a acura. Maybe they can be a poor man's audi.
THe m3 is more of a high revving track car. The car's not really at home until your revving it around a corner.
Try the c32 when it comes back, maybe you should check out the c55 if you dont plan on modding. The interior in the c55 is more modern.
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LET C32 2002
