AMG_Guy

I found this C32 surprisingly right in my backyard.

http://www.herbchamberscadillacofwar...67c47ccbb8.htm

It has REALLY low miles. I test drove it last night. Comparing it to my old 2003 C32, this exhaust seems louder. It is a stock exhaust, should it sound different or could it have some issues?

I noticed the rear-sunshade wasn't working, both bottoms of the front seats were not heating up (only the backs).

Is there anything special to look for in the 2004 year? I think I remember reading that this was the best year?

I might be considering buying it to replace my 2003 c32, but the price seems pretty high (probably because of the low miles). I really don't want to buy it and then be told by my dealer it needs $6,000 in repairs like my last c32.

Any advise?

Marine Blue

As you probably know, the inoperable bottom seat heaters appear to be standard issue for all W203's. Neither of mine work unfortunately but to be honest I really don't care since I always preferred heat on my back.

Since the dealer is asking a premium for the car you can tell them to either fix the sunshade and seat heaters or discount the car so you can take care of them later. Good bargaining tool.

You should ask them to provide a VMI (they can take out the previous customer information) so you can look at the warranty/maintenance history on the car. In my opinion proper maintenance of these cars is critical, any records showing proper maintenance will add value. If they don't have it I would assume it needs fresh fluids, possibly new brakes and maybe some compressor maintenance (pulley's, intercooler pump, belts). Again these would all be bargaining chips and depending on what they have you can use it as a means of reducing pricing.

Odds are they paid $13500 for the trade, maybe a bit more but not much.

Good luck.

AMG_Guy

Actually they told me they got it at the auto auction, so they probably paid even less for it!

xxaarraa

Just my two cents, certainly make whatever choices are right for you. The C32 was a complicated and less than dependable car when it was new. Now it is a complicated and less than dependable car 8-10 years old.

Why not just get a C55 or something else? Not saying they are better cars, but they are newer and generally made better.

AMG_Guy

I was kind of thinking that...as much as I loved my c32, when I test drove this one last night I kind of got the feeling that it would just be more repair headaches. As much as I hate to say so, I guess it might be time to move on from the c32.

varoom

yeah i love my C32 but next time i wouldnt buy another...i would go for the C55.

its newer and less complicated plus i love the front end of the 55

Gramma_Benz

Yeah, no matter what, you're probably gonna have to replace the IC at some point.

Marine Blue

Anyone know what the cost is to replace the IC, pulley's and other common wear items on a C32?

ddtham

IC is pretty pricey at around $980 just for the IC from parts dot com. If you want the dealer to replace it, I would imagine somewhere around 1800, because the whole SC needs to come out.

The only pulley that goes bad on the C32 on a regular basis is Idler Pulley, but if you ever decide to upgrade your crank pulley, it is a good idea to get pulley saver kit from Needswings. The kit eliminates idler pulley and replaces other pulleys as well to minimize overdrives on the pulleys.

Marine Blue

That doesn't sound too bad and thank you for the suggestion on the idler pulley saver kit.

I have to admit that I'm new to C32 ownership and I haven't had any of the issues everyone mentions. If a C32 buyer anticipates and plans to take care of these issues or buys a car with the issues resolved why not purchase it if you like it? Assuming a lower purchase price the only real disadvantage I see to the C32 is the older electronics and inability to easily add bluetooth. The rest of the package is very nice and a bargain for what you get! It also seems to have more power upgrades with the compressor.

ddtham

Mine has been problem-free as well, especially considering all the mods that I have. The failure rate of an IC is pretty high however, especially if yours is modified. Once you replace the IC, you should be good for the next eight years.

Marine Blue

Yeah my IC and Pulley's were replaced along with the radiator, dash pod and pretty much all of the other common problem areas of the C32. The exception is the seat heaters but I really don't care.

Back to the topic on hand, another suggestion might be to have the car inspected by an independent shop to determine if it has any issues, you can use any findings as a means of getting the price down to cover the repairs.

Capn

If you can drop them to $16K I think you would be getting a great deal.

ddtham

That 2004, though a fine example, is a tad overpriced. I think it should be around 15K max.

rlddlr53

Get a C55. I had a c32 and slk32. C55 is better IMO

TemjinX2

if your really worried you can spent $50 to buy a mercedes CAN ODB II reader and it'll tell you all the problems it has or barrow it from a member. But the price is too high. basically for another 2k you can just buy a used 07 335i coupe

If there any problems with the car, have them fix it before you buy it. Parts for the c32 themselves is expensive even if you DIY.