Hi All,

After perusing this forum on and off for a few months, I feel that I'm being put off getting a C32. For a car that's only 6-8 years old, there are a lot of faults being reported here. Am I getting the wrong impression? Perhaps all the happy owners just don't bother posting and it skews the reality?

I wonder if some C32 owners could do us all a favour and post the repairs their car has had since new (except scheduled servicing), that cost $500 or more?

 

any older supercharged car is going to have its faults. But the price difference between a c32 vs a c55 or even a w211 e55 is huge. The price I paid for my c55 I could have had a fully modded c32 (that would smoke my c55) with everything fixed.

Its up to you, if you wanna get some busted knuckles and used some elbow grease or pony up more cash for a more "reliable" newer car.

 

most of the faults with the car, are basically the same as the w203.

The exception only related to the c32 is the intercooler pump and the intercooler on higher mileage cars.

The seat control modules and leaky radiators plague the rest of the early model w203's as well.

 

Until now AMG has always worked on the theory that the bigger the number the more powerful and faster the car. The new C32 is the exception to the rule at the performance division of Mercedes-Benz.

First came AMG's C36, followed by the C43, and now we have the C32, the hot-rod version of Mercedes' new C-class. Don't let the lesser number confuse you into thinking AMG has gone soft. The implication that the new C32 is somehow inferior to the C43 can be dismissed right now. It's a sensitive issue, one that's directly responsible for AMG's adding an oversized V-6 Kompressor badge to the flanks. The theory being that a V-6 plus a supercharger elevates the C32 beyond the V-8 powered C43 to bring real street credibility to Mercedes' latest supersedan.



The badges are totally out of character with the C32's discreet appearance. Leave the performance to do the talking, which is far more convincing, as the C32 is a compelling orator.

 

Don't forget that when it comes to non-forum enthusiasts and issues or problems, ppl come to forums to look for answers. If these people didn't have any problems, then they wouldn't be posting. So you'll never a positive number of posts against your negative ones. It's kinda like the saying that when something goes wrong, you tell everyone about what a terrible x it is you bought, whether they ask or not and out of anger. If it goes right and works great, you don't go out of your way to tell your friends about every detail of the good product, and most of the time will only do it if they ask directly.

At the same time, be happy that this information is here for you to know ahead of time. The truth is, yes, there are some issues with these cars. But ppl still own them and live with them no? It's your choice what you want to put up with, but don't forget every car from any manufacturer won't be perfect....

 

Here you go here is a list of the things that have gone wrong with my C32.












Quite a list Huh?

 

I for one love my car and will probably never sell it unless I have to.

Things that I love about my car are the performance, the amenities, the styling, and the car is a sleeper if you debadge it. Looks like a a regular c-class.

The negatives are the upkeep and the costs of mods, but you have to take in to consideration that you are modding and maintaining a $50k car.

If you do not have the ability or the want to turn a wrench on a car, I would say go else where, because you need to be able to do a lot of the work yourself or you really will regret purchasing the car.

 

Not counting regular maintenance, in the year I've had the car, I've had to replace the intercooler pump, rear sam, in-tank fuel pumps, a control arm and strut bar (although these were because of improper installation), idler pulleys, weather stripping clips, and crank position sensor . All of these things added up to about $3,500. There may be more I'm forgetting.

Also, there are things on the car that should / could be replaced, but I've just learned to live with. ie. seat module, window switches, trunk lock etc...

I've probably spent somewhere around $4,000 in mods as well (with lots more to come. )

With all that being said, I don't regret my decision to buy this car even one little bit. Every time I sit in my C32 and put my foot on the gas, it makes me forget about everything. It's my release. If I wasn't spending money on this car, I would be spending it on another car, or on something that I enjoy much less or things that are much worse for me.

Last week I had to drive to Lock Haven (about three hours each way) for work. For people that don't know, Lock Haven is in the middle of no where central Pennsylvania, but leading to it, there are big empty roads twisting through the mountains and running along the Susquehanna river. It was a beautiful sunny morning, mid 70's, windows open. There was one distinct moment on that trip that cars just kinda disappear because you're starting to get out of civilization. At that moment, wind in my hair, sun at my back, foot on the gas, I wasn't sure if I could ever be happier.

Sorry about the kinda long preachy post. I just feel very passionate about the car and at this stage in my life I couldn't see myself in anything else (within reason of course!) I'll probably never sell it and will keep it alive as long as possible. BTW, in that year I've put 30K on the odometer.

 

There's a trend here... most problematic C32s were model year... *gasp* 2002! Not a big surprise - it is the first production year of the C32 after all.

 

I have a 2002 C32 with 104K miles on it. I picked it up with 53K on it in 2005.
Fortunately, or not, the seller took the car in (MB dealership) before the 50K warranty ran out per the dealerships' advice. Three major work done:
Supercharger replaced
AC leak
Rear differential and transmission flush

Since then, I've ONLY replaced the IC pump twice, the first time with a Ford pump, the second time with a CM30 and is still fine. THAT's IT! I will need to replace my fuel filter soon, though.
Seat modules have not failed yet. Gas gage is erratic but so what.
I still have the original Valeo radiator. dated August 2001.

Average mpg is 19. Not bad for all the power and FUN in return

Everything else are just the mods I've put on this monster.
This car is a keeper until I pass it on to my son in a few years or not.

 

WELL SAID I AGREE FULLY

 

In my three years' worth of ownership to present, I've had $8-10k worth of repairs IIRC... would have to go back and add it all up. Even with that, the funny thing is that I don't consider the car unreliable. Oh, and my aftermarket service contract has more than paid for itself at this point.

 

i think the C32 or any W203 has the best reliability out of any european car out there.
YOu have to remember the W203 is one of the worlds most popular European sedan.
I also agree with Temjin that any problems are C Class platform related problems not AMG issues.

 

I envy you.

 

I'm not sure I believe him, lol! Maybe he's only had it for 5k miles or something?

OP - If you're still worried, buy a 2003/2004 C32, buy a non-exclusionary extended warranty, drive it and be happy =)

For my 2c worth, I've driven the **** out of my 2002 for 40k miles over three years and the only "big" things that have gone wrong were the IC Pump (replaced under warranty), end-links and one control arm twice (replaced under warranty), TCM (replaced under warranty) and the seat modules (fixed for >$10). Add up the other things that were fixed under warranty too, and it has almost paid itself off doubly - cost $3600 for a 4yr/48k and it has paid out $6.3k.

 

I can only say that I gave up my M roadster and M3 for a C32 AMG and was extremely happy with my decision.

The ONLY thing that went wrong with my C32 was the usual IC pump and heated seat, both fixed for free from my MB dealer.

For the money, and overall, I REALLY miss my C32 and it truly was an AMAZING 4 door.

PS: It was This forum that pushed me away from BMW, and I can only say, THANK YOU GUYS

I HIGHLY doubt that I will ever own a BMW again after having an AMG

Sorry BMW but bottom end torque rules

 

+1, test-drove a 135i the other day for ****s and giggles and even though it's faster (not by much), it just isn't the same...

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm fond of AMG's as well. But, have you read the supposed spec sheet on the next M5? It's in this month's C&D. Sounds, dare I say it, almost perfect. Except the price, of course.

 

C32 is worth the buy! GET IT!! for the price range that the C32s are going for now, SERIOUSLY its one of the best, well built, cars you can get for the power that it provides.

CAR is super fun to drive, and a def super sleeper as well!

only thing that i have replaced on my car is I/C pump, and one Cross Arms in front passenger side.

Other than that, keep up with maintenance and such and you will be good to go =]

 

I have both a 2003 C32 and a 2002 SLK32 and have not had any problems wth either of them. I do have to say that the C32 has only 13000 miles on it and the SLK32 has only 7700 miles on it. The SLK is now for sale as I just got a 2005 SL55 with only 1400 miles on it and need the garage space.I have had 7 Mercedes cars and have never had a bad one.

 

My C32 has been a nightmare reliability wise, and the dealer will rape you with the AMG tax. If you do decide to get one make sure it has warranty for as long as you are going to keep it.

 

I agree. I love my car. I've always wanted a C32 and when I had the funds I finally got one.

Here is what I had replace (under warranty):

cracked harmonic balancer
seat heaters (2x, and actually just broke again)
seat control module

Here is what I replaced OUT OF WARRANTY:

New alternator - $1390 at the dealer!!!!

I haven't had any problems with my crank position sensor (knock on wood) or my supercharger. I have a 2004 model and it now has 83,000 miles.

Overall I would say it has been a very reliable car. Minimal amount of engine problems and I DRIVE my car. I need new back tires every 6 months. My C32 is rock solid for what they are going for these days it is a hell of car. Still one of the fastest on the roads.

I agree the C32 is "a sleeper" I call it the sleeping dragon. I like the fact it looks like a normal C class with just enough to appear different in some way. I also love when Mustang drivers ride my *** and try to pass me. I love pressing the pedal down feeling the boost when the SC kicks in.

After a week of driving a C32 you'll hate yourself for not getting one sooner.