Anyone have a link to common issues with the C32?
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Republican Wasteland
HPF E46 M3 Turbo, LET C32 AMG
Anyone have a link to common issues with the C32?
Ive been searching for a thread or a link that lists the more common problems for this car...with little luck 
Maybe you would know of a something like this? Or care to share your experiences?
Thanks!!!
Maybe you would know of a something like this? Or care to share your experiences?
Thanks!!!
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 570
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From: Sherman Oaks, California
09 C63 AMG, 05 C55 AMG
Fading lcd screen on instrument cluster, 2002 models have problems with transmissions. www.c32life.com - check it out
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
check c32used faq thread. Most of the common problems for the c32 are the same for the just the w203s in general. There's a common problem list on the w203 forum.
The only c32 specific problems are intercooler pumps dying at after 30-40k. The c32 supercharger bearing needed to be replaced for at around 60k, same with the idler pullies.
The major thing is probably, replacing the crappy valeo radiator with a new behr radiator. Early model c32's came with valeo radiators that would leak into the tranny causing gycol contamination and killing the tranny.
w203 general problems.
front seat control modules draining the battery over night
front control arm brushings going bad
lcd going bad over high heat
over head module draining battery
if you have command, the command fan staying on after the car is off.
Its mostly electrical like most german cars. The mechanical stuff is pretty spot on.
The only c32 specific problems are intercooler pumps dying at after 30-40k. The c32 supercharger bearing needed to be replaced for at around 60k, same with the idler pullies.
The major thing is probably, replacing the crappy valeo radiator with a new behr radiator. Early model c32's came with valeo radiators that would leak into the tranny causing gycol contamination and killing the tranny.
w203 general problems.
front seat control modules draining the battery over night
front control arm brushings going bad
lcd going bad over high heat
over head module draining battery
if you have command, the command fan staying on after the car is off.
Its mostly electrical like most german cars. The mechanical stuff is pretty spot on.
Last edited by TemjinX2; Jun 8, 2010 at 04:08 PM.
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[QUOTE=Dingleberry;4110496]vent flaps dont redirect air correctly due to broken lever arm
not as frequent issue: intercooler leak[/QUOTE]
The only guys I have ever heard who've had this problem were maintenance issues or over boosting them. Even on the boosted E55s, its relatively rare to see an IC leak, although like you say, it does happen, its still very rare. I'd say out of these above, the biggest issue is the seat heaters and on ALL C32s the IC pump (easily replaceable with a Johnson). The radiator issue (2002, 2003 and early 2004) should be something readily identifiable (there was a TSB on that) and most cars have been repaired.
not as frequent issue: intercooler leak[/QUOTE]
The only guys I have ever heard who've had this problem were maintenance issues or over boosting them. Even on the boosted E55s, its relatively rare to see an IC leak, although like you say, it does happen, its still very rare. I'd say out of these above, the biggest issue is the seat heaters and on ALL C32s the IC pump (easily replaceable with a Johnson). The radiator issue (2002, 2003 and early 2004) should be something readily identifiable (there was a TSB on that) and most cars have been repaired.
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Republican Wasteland
HPF E46 M3 Turbo, LET C32 AMG
Mechanical stuff in more my worry. this is my 3rd MB and both of the preceding cars had their transmissions go out....What kind of transmission issues where you referring to TemjinX2? That is really my min concern...
Thanks for the replies so far
Thanks for the replies so far
