TexFinn

As the title says: Is a 2002 C32 with 120K miles worth buying? I have yet to see the car in person, so I can't comment too much on the overall condition.

Seller is not the original owner and he does not have any service records with the car. He says it is in god shape and runs and drives great. Yeah..., isn't that what the sellers always say.

I could probably get the car for 8.5-9K, maybe even less, if I go check it out. I am pretty **** about the condition of anything I'm buying, so it is definitely out if it is not as good as it is described to be.

My main concern is that I remember some people commenting here and there that 02 is not worth the hassle. What does that mean? Usually those people do not own 02 model, at least not anymore. What are the common problems with 02s?

I know the Valeo radiator issue is one, but what else? Are there any C32 specific problems? Or are they all just the usual W203 related problems?

Any info is greatly appreciated!

chris.bachman

I say no, keep searching until you find one you don't second guess yourself about purchasing. The car is rare, bot not THAT rare. I'm happy with my 2004 and would recommend you spend a little more time looking.

TexFinn

Thanks for the comments. I'm not in a hurry to buy, but there's just something about that car that keeps me interested. Damn...

Anybody have comments on the C32 issues? Are there some 02 C32-specific issues that I have seen people at least indirectly refer to?

SACAMG

I have owned my C32 since new (2002) it has 145,000 mike, and has been very reliable. I recommend at least looking at this car and see if it is worth it.

BLKC55UPT

I just bought a c32, three weeks ago with 108k on it, at a decent price in CA... its soo smooth, handling feels a lil' heavy but not overdone, acceleration is REDICULIOUS!!! like 60-120 in mere seconds, and lets not mention the stock supercharger, which if you listen close enough makes you smile! I wanted a 335i, but im grown, and getting my sexy on everytime I get into the C32.
no problems, remember its a AMG...special motor = special car.
Get one and keep up on it...dont be a speed racer, and dont over use the auto-manual function and youll be fine!
BUT GET IT DIAGNOSED FIRST FROM THE DEALERSHIP..IT COULD HAVE BEEN MISTREATED!
Just my 2 cents!?!

CLKCLK

If you could get it for 8k, soon you will spend 2k to fix it. But check it out!

arekux

depends on how well that car was maintained check the records.

AMGFTW

My 02 has 154k miles and counting. I put about 400 miles a week on it and I have never had a single issue.

Newzchspy

Two major issues: 1. Valeo Radiator/Trans contamination on the 02 and early 03 and 2. IC Pump (which is easily repairable) (You'll know if the IC pump is bad, particularly after the car heats up)

Seat Heaters are always an issue on all years of the C32 and SLK32.

TexFinn

Thanks for the comments, guys!

I did read about some people blowing their engines, but they all seemed to be at least somewhat modified. Probably not the only reason for the blow-up, of course, but could be a big contributor, though.

Then I read something about cam issues. After the radiator issue, that, to me, seems to be the second main issue. The IC pump seems to be fairly easy fix.

Seat heaters? Meh...

I've been around the block enough to know that cheap does not necessarily mean good, but I'm also not afraid of a car with higher miles. A car with low miles can still break if it has not been maintained. And the car in question does not come with any records, so checking everything out properly is a big must.

The possibility of spending another 2K after buying the car doesn't really sound inviting. But you never know... It might not need anything.

I guess I'll do some more research and if the car is still available in a few days, we'll see. If it is gone, not a biggie. I'm not going to rush into this one.

Keep the info coming, though.