I was going to look @ a CLK430 Cabriolet and inquired about a C32 (just for kicks).. I've all but forgotten the CLK.

You see, I was looking at this car for a couple of years now. The 1st one (a 2001) I drove had really bad supercharger whine and for whatever reason didn't seem all that impressive.

The 2003 C32 I drove today.. this was a totally different story.. it was fabulous! The power came on smooth and the car was a rocket.

Did they change the supercharger between the 1st model year and now?

Also, what are you folks paying for this car? Are there any discounts to be had?

Thanks

michael

There was no 2001 model. The C32 was introduced as a 2002 model. Hey maybe that's why the 2001 was slower

There were no changes in the 2003 supercharger with the exception of a plaque with the engineer's signature that was added.

You can expect to pay in the mid to high 50s for a new one....

It's fairly difficult to get any sort of discount - in fact, you will probably have to order one and wait a few months, and pay full retail.

However, it sounds like your dealer has one on the lot - maybe you can get a thousand or so off the list. I know it's impossible at my dealer. C32s are too rare and popular.

My c32 was one of the first available in Dallas - it arrived in September '01. But it is a 2002 model.

There certainly is an audible supercharger whine. You get used to it.

The AMG engines take a while (5000 miles or so) before they deliver their best power (and mileage).

They changed the transmission software for the 2003 model, which is why the car feels so much smoother.