Concerns About Buying a C32
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 522
Likes: 15
2002 C32AMG
Concerns About Buying a C32
hey guys -
I've been looking into buying a well maintained c32 and ran across a disturbing thread by chamm who seems to have gone through 3 motors before giving up for good. I thought these were hand built/factory forged bullet proof AMG motors? Is it common to frag pistons from normal driving? If so I just might keep my blown mustang...
thx
here's chamms thread
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...ml#post5445942
I've been looking into buying a well maintained c32 and ran across a disturbing thread by chamm who seems to have gone through 3 motors before giving up for good. I thought these were hand built/factory forged bullet proof AMG motors? Is it common to frag pistons from normal driving? If so I just might keep my blown mustang...
thx
here's chamms thread
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...ml#post5445942
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 2
From: nj
a car that can't do the throttle reset.
Did you even read the thread you linked to? 1st motor, owner thinks was caused by the tune. 2nd motor, user error.
If you search the forum, you'd see those issues aren't common ones. But you're going to be buying a used car with a history that may be not so clean. So you don't know what you're getting into. So you should probably... no, you should definitely, stick with your blown mustang, yo.
If you search the forum, you'd see those issues aren't common ones. But you're going to be buying a used car with a history that may be not so clean. So you don't know what you're getting into. So you should probably... no, you should definitely, stick with your blown mustang, yo.
Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
2003 C32
Did you even read the thread you linked to? 1st motor, owner thinks was caused by the tune. 2nd motor, user error.
If you search the forum, you'd see those issues aren't common ones. But you're going to be buying a used car with a history that may be not so clean. So you don't know what you're getting into. So you should probably... no, you should definitely, stick with your blown mustang, yo.
If you search the forum, you'd see those issues aren't common ones. But you're going to be buying a used car with a history that may be not so clean. So you don't know what you're getting into. So you should probably... no, you should definitely, stick with your blown mustang, yo.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 601
Likes: 4
From: I liva at da land down under
Porsche 2004 911
I can only recall of only a handful of posts/threads on this and other mb forums (inclusive of CF forums - same engine). I dont know how many were built around the world but I think the strike rate is pretty good. If the vehicle is upkept well then should be fine.
What appeals you to the 32? The 55 platform has lesser maintenane issues from what I know. If it is due to the cost then you must keep in mind that you are repairing a car that cost a lot when new. (145k AUD when new)
What appeals you to the 32? The 55 platform has lesser maintenane issues from what I know. If it is due to the cost then you must keep in mind that you are repairing a car that cost a lot when new. (145k AUD when new)
Last edited by macbryanie; Jun 5, 2013 at 09:16 AM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 522
Likes: 15
2002 C32AMG
Did you even read the thread you linked to? 1st motor, owner thinks was caused by the tune. 2nd motor, user error.
If you search the forum, you'd see those issues aren't common ones. But you're going to be buying a used car with a history that may be not so clean. So you don't know what you're getting into. So you should probably... no, you should definitely, stick with your blown mustang, yo.
If you search the forum, you'd see those issues aren't common ones. But you're going to be buying a used car with a history that may be not so clean. So you don't know what you're getting into. So you should probably... no, you should definitely, stick with your blown mustang, yo.
"I am a veteran of 2 blown motors and both times it was way cheaper to just replace the entire engine. Pity you are not located here in South Africa where you could sell your bits and pieces as we seem to have gotten most of the lemon C32's - I get at least 2 calls per month on guys in a similiar predicament, yet people on this forum have a hard time believing that the C32 motor is not bullet proof. I would love to know what happened and how you went about repairing it. Over here it usually manifests itself as a misfire and after dismantling the engine the culprit seems to be those damn cam lobes that have shifted slightly on the shafts resulting in bent valves and shattered pistons or destroyed rings."
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 522
Likes: 15
2002 C32AMG
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 2
From: nj
a car that can't do the throttle reset.
"I am a veteran of 2 blown motors and both times it was way cheaper to just replace the entire engine. Pity you are not located here in South Africa where you could sell your bits and pieces as we seem to have gotten most of the lemon C32's - I get at least 2 calls per month on guys in a similiar predicament, yet people on this forum have a hard time believing that the C32 motor is not bullet proof. I would love to know what happened and how you went about repairing it. Over here it usually manifests itself as a misfire and after dismantling the engine the culprit seems to be those damn cam lobes that have shifted slightly on the shafts resulting in bent valves and shattered pistons or destroyed rings."
There are many of us here, a large collection of 32's that don't have any of those issues. 99.9%, in fact (not an actual fact, so don't get quote happy.. which I don't think will be an issue judging by your other posts).
You read one thread, with two people with issues. Now read some others and see how common it is. Or in most cases, super rare and uncommon.
To answer your main original concern, the 32 isn't bulletproof but it is pretty damn reliable if you take care of it. But again, you'd be jumping into a car with history unknown. What we do know is if its young its 9 years old, and if its old its 12 years old. It will have had anywhere from one to a dozen owners. With any car within those parameters major issues is a possibility. End of the day, the 32.. if clean, isn't a ticking time bomb like the two unknown noobs you are quick to believe.
You're welcome.
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
ML
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 522
Likes: 15
2002 C32AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 288
From: New Zealand
The car is very reliable with good maintenance and most of the things to go wrong are relatively easy to fix. If you stick with stock or mild modifications only it will last a very long time.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
C32, E93 M3
MBZ like to get even w/ their new owners and feelings of abandonment by their prior owners by failing several components shortly after the transfer of ownership is complete. I believe this is detailed in the owner's manual. It's nothing to be taken too personally.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 601
Likes: 4
From: I liva at da land down under
Porsche 2004 911
Yeah....I felt this one.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 522
Likes: 15
2002 C32AMG
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
C32, E93 M3
I don't really want to sell it anyway. I sold my 3rd vehicle and took this one off the market now since it's my official daily. What would I replace it with? That's what I keep asking myself. I honestly can't think of another car for the money that gives you the speed, comfort, and class that the C32 does. I certainly don't want to drive my new supercharged M3 to work everyday, so I'd have to buy something else... and I don't want a second car payment right now.
Does anyone have viable suggestions? Sorry for the OT question.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 2
From: nj
a car that can't do the throttle reset.
I don't really want to sell it anyway. I sold my 3rd vehicle and took this one off the market now since it's my official daily. What would I replace it with? That's what I keep asking myself. I honestly can't think of another car for the money that gives you the speed, comfort, and class that the C32 does. I certainly don't want to drive my new supercharged M3 to work everyday, so I'd have to buy something else... and I don't want a second car payment right now.
Does anyone have viable suggestions? Sorry for the OT question.
Does anyone have viable suggestions? Sorry for the OT question.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City
C32, 911 SC
I don't really want to sell it anyway. I sold my 3rd vehicle and took this one off the market now since it's my official daily. What would I replace it with? That's what I keep asking myself. I honestly can't think of another car for the money that gives you the speed, comfort, and class that the C32 does. I certainly don't want to drive my new supercharged M3 to work everyday, so I'd have to buy something else... and I don't want a second car payment right now.
Does anyone have viable suggestions? Sorry for the OT question.
Does anyone have viable suggestions? Sorry for the OT question.
I'd say keep the 32 until it breaks, and buy a second fun car. Like how you're doing it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 288
From: New Zealand
I am having the same dilemma. The C32 is too cheap to sell and if I were to replace it, there is nothing that is close in value/hp/class sweet spot. The closest in price that can be seen as an upgrade is E55, but who wants to replace Airmatic every two years among other problems.
I'd say keep the 32 until it breaks, and buy a second fun car. Like how you're doing it.
I'd say keep the 32 until it breaks, and buy a second fun car. Like how you're doing it.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City
C32, 911 SC
I test drove a bunch of cars last month to replace the 32. That's when I ran across an old 911 and completely fell in love. I decided to keep the 32 as well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 288
From: New Zealand
Hahaha, I always liked the sleek look of W209, besides the 5.4 is more reliable than M112K. Is your 55 still stock? any planned mods for it?
I test drove a bunch of cars last month to replace the 32. That's when I ran across an old 911 and completely fell in love. I decided to keep the 32 as well.
I test drove a bunch of cars last month to replace the 32. That's when I ran across an old 911 and completely fell in love. I decided to keep the 32 as well.
When I sell the Z I will order kleemann headers, needswings intake (if Rob makes it for the clk) and a eurocharged tune. That will be it I think, maybe a quaife or wavetrack but I doubt it. I really like the e-class instruments the clk comes with and despite being dual exhaust tips, they are the huge e-class ones which look pretty mean. The heated seats seem to go the distance with the clk which surprised me also.
