So i have a C36 but wondering if i should just get a c32

I will be using the car (which ever one it is) as my daily drive but plan on getting to the track (one with corners...) as often as my shift rotation allows.

I know the c32 has the outright power advantage, but after reading a thread on someone complaining that their c32 didn't handle as well as their old c36 its got me worried.

But the c32 should be pretty tunable with the fronts being coil overs, shouldn't it? I'm not afraid on sacrificing the comfy ride so i can match it with M3's

If the c32 can be set up to handle better than the c36 than i'll take it, but does the supercharger get too heat soaked lap after lap??

The only thing the c36 has going for it is i have everything i need to convert it to manual, but the c32 auto sound not to bad any way, plus i've heard of people converting to paddle shift??

Is the rack and pinion steering really that much better for 'feel'?

Thoughts, feelings??

It is very hard to convert the C32 to paddle shift. C55 is easy since everything is already there. I would be pretty sure the supercharger will heat soak with hard use on the track. You will want to upgrade the heat exchanger and pump. I feel like they handle well but I have never even seen a C36 let alone ride in one.

If one of your main interests is taking a W203 C-class to a track for lapping days, I would suggest that a C55 is the better choice compared to a C32. Sure, you can change the suspension with coil-overs/thicker roll bars, etc which could improve both cars, but there are other not so obvious differences between the C55 and C32 that would be beneficial for the track.

See this thread for a detailed differences between the C55 and C32:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...n-c55-c32.html

I can tell you from personal experience that the naturally aspirated engine/drivetrain of the C55 is bullet proof and is NOT prone to overheating for track duty. Some C32 owners have experienced heat soak and a decrease in performance during track days (especially if modded).

I agree save up for the c55, you would have to invest alot in modding the c32. c32vs c36 sure you can make the c32 handle better but it would cost far to much.

I owned a c36 and currently own a c32. I LOVED my c36, and still miss it. I wish I never sold it. With that said, there is no comparison between the two. The c32 is much more modern and you won't regret it.

I am sorry, but there is no way a c36 handles better than c32. Nurburgring lap times had c32 at 8:37 and c43 at 8:51. Are you saying a c36 with lower hp and more archaic suspension than c43 can beat c32 that is much faster than c43?

To OP, if you want a good handling mb in stock package, get a c55. If you're into drag racing however, get the c32.

nah that's not what I'm saying, the c36 FEELS sharper, corner speed is about the same. not being a fanboy over here. we all know how reliable the c32 is lol I would safe up for the c55, the 32 is a great car but stock it doesn't really impress me.

C55>C32>>C43>C36 for track duty!

However I feel that the C36 and c43 are in a class of there own as is the C55 and C32.

My favorite would be the C55 . Other favorites would be a C32 or a converted C43 with a 5.4L motor conversion.


Or go Clk55 W208 which I feel is the best out of all of them!

if you were to hook up a c32 with a killer chiler kit for track duty
then you would have the best of both worlds

Agreed........and it's not difficult or expensive to keep those temps down either.

Not a fanboy, but yet you're bashing on c32's reliability along with being delusional about c36's "sharper" feel and cornering speed. A stock c32 will definitely smoke a stock c36 on any course.

All AMGs have had their fair share of quirks, even your c36 is not the role model of reliability. We would all be driving corollas if that's the most important thing to look for in a car.

Exactly!!! just like a lower car "FEELS" faster but in actuality....not. as far as a C32 not impressing you....I think you should skip the 32 or 55, these may be too low of a caliber for you truth is... the 55 has a few ponnies up from the 32 and has stiffer springs upfront that's pretty much it from a performance point of view. As far as reliability, I've had it since for 10 years now and the one and ONLY problem was the IC pump. If forums discussed how reliable the car was, there wouldn't be a discussion YOU FEEL ME!!!.... I say stick with your C36 and "FEEL" sharper than the rest of us.

Thanks for all the comments

one small problem getting the c55 vs c32 for me.

C32 goes for about 25-30k
c55 goes for around 50k....


Oh and i just found out the w203's had gone back to Mcpherson struts in the front! No wonder people are saying the w202's 'feel' better... what a ****ing joke!

plus i like the idea of being able to get ~400hp without too much drama, but sounds like it will come with a trade off even if i have the upgraded cooling syst.

and i'd be replacing the suspension anyway, springs, shocks, changing to poly bushings, so the only real advantage the c55 has is the quicker steering ratio and the buttons for manual shifting... (i'd get a TCU tune on the c32)

sounds like you're taking this a bit too personal

So true. How long have you owned your C32 now?

I apologize maybe I said it wrong, sure the c32 impresses me but not really more then a c43, vs c36 it feels different but not really speciall or anything in comparison( to me, that's just the impression the c32 gave me). Don't get me wrong guys I like the c32, in europe road conditions are worse for cars then in the US as far as I know, (climate, road condition speed bumps etc) most of the people I know aren't to happy about the reliability of it. on the subject of handling everyone has a different taste, c36/43/32/55/63 they all handle nice but different.

c32 handles better than stock c43/c36, i driven both, but for track c55 takes the cake, handling is in different league.

so just went for a test drive in a c32. It had been raining so wasn't the best conditions for a test drive. Really wasn't that impressed with it, but may have just been because it was only a quick drive.

This is a great thread.

Understandable: try again in the dry and switch the ESP off. Car comes alive mate. I dread driving in the rain, the traction control is a complete kill joy (I moved from QLD to VIC so Perth would be ideal for high HP). Cooling kit is cheap: about $700 AUD all up (NW iso kit and a decent HE) The car minces from the dig (even stock) and most likely it wouldnt be a bad idea to upgrade the suspenion as it is 10years old now. Its apples to apples: C32 compared to C55 as C36 is to a C43. Considered a SLK32? or w208 clk55? or even a C43? all around $30k.

What do you mean when you say a c55 goes for around 50k?

i mean in Australia, they go for about $50,000....

speaking of which, i just saw a c55, black, looked ****ing sexy, but just too much $$

gotta get a four door, have a baby girl, need the car seat

http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/...1090&silo=1011
54k in usd coin.

That's insane. Are there only a few that got imported? They can be had with under 50K miles here in the US for mid $20's. Here is a really nice example for comparison sake.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/06-CC...ht_4085wt_1127