It is hard to believe, but between December of 2001 and today (September 10th, 2003) I have managed to get over 40,000 miles on our C32.

It is now at MB of Laguna Niguel for it's Shedule B service and other small things.

So what are the good and the bad of owning this car.

Let me start with what has gone wrong, because there are some things that ticked me off than and still do, but they far fewer than the good ones.

Bad:

1. Climate Control: I can not believe that the company of MB statue can not make a climate control that works at least on the same level as '89 Ford. No matter what I do it blows cold air at all settings. Dealer looked at it three times now. They replaced control unit twice now, the problem is still there. Hopefully they will solve it this time.

2. Miscellaneous small, irritating problems. From as simple as dome light not coming on when the door is open - to not making promised power untill 4600 miles. All issues now solved.

3. And the last major one. Last week my sunroof literally shattered into pieces. It was not too hot, 100F, I was at speed (take a guess now), but nevertheless it was quiet an experience.
Like having someone fire a gun next to you ear. When I droped the car car off, one of the attendants informed me that they had two other cars for the shattered sunroof several days before. That made feel better that it was not just me or my C32 only.


OK, now to the good stuff:

1. Power. Granted our C32 at Stage II level is not exactly earth shuttering (360 RWHP/433FWHP). However, it is the ease of the power that gets intoxicating. Less than 10% throttle launches you in front of any road traffic, 20% are good for most modern, luxury sedans, at 30% most so-called sports cars are behind you, above 40% you are over 100 mph before the guy next to you even realizes what this silver Benz is all about.

Of course there are cars that will blow our C32s doors off, however not without an effort. A missed shift on their part and you gain a car length. When lined up, the other car is faster, when they do not know who and what you are, they are done. The Q-factor is the killer.

2. Handling. Stock C32 is comfortable and way too soft. Equipped with H&R coilovers and our sway bars it is firm enough for up to 160 mph, while still retaining comfortable ride. At this level it is close to a stock E46 M3, but without harshness of the M suspension. Going up further in stiffeness will defeat this car's purpose.

3. Brakes. Having driven many cars with big brakes from F40s to road-race Civics, I like C32 brakes the most. Whatever speed - 0 mph distance is primarily a function of the front tire size. With 235/30ZR19 Toyo TS-1's and stock MB pads, C32 will give you nose bleeds. Customers who drive our C32 allways think we got something special in the brakes, but it is the combination of the tires and suspension that allows this car to stop on the dime and give you change.

4. FEEL. I know this is something that is hard to describe in print. For most of us our cars are THE extensions of ourselves.

They are the robotic suit that Sigorney Weaver wore in the "Alliens", fighting off the elements.

They are the Armani suit we see on Cary Grant taking care of the ladies.

They are our own sanctuary from the outside world, on the way home from work, to that perfect date and to the events of everyday life - equipped just the way we want and to the taste we have. It is still a MB and nothing else feels or comes close.

Of all the car that I have ever driven, I would not choose anything else.

EDIT: Fixed the date.

 

Man, you've managed to beat me! I thought I drove a lot (I average about 28k miles/year) and you've made me look like a part time driver! LOL

 

try..23k in 7 years

 

That was a fantastic critique, Vadim! I agree with every one of your points. Glad to hear about your wonderful car at 40k.

 

I think Vadim meant 2001 instead of 2002 Dec. He got his car three month after I got my back in 2001 Sep

 

Very good, and informative review. I am very happy with my C32. Perhaps "We" the members here can petition to get you a column at Road & Track?? Thanks for sharing

 

i already got 11K on mine.... i have had it since Jan 2003

Jerry

GREAT write up!

 

Thank you all for your comments.

 

Vadim,

How many of those miles were spent on the dyno?

 

I've never kept a car for 40,000 miles, However my c32 now has 5,800 miles after one full year!!! The longest trips were from New Orleans to Palm Beach. (Renntech) twice. I just might have a keeper

 

I agree, it is a keeper. I drive and tune a lot of cars, and from the current crop of peformance sedans - E39 M5, E46 M3, W211 E-class. I find that C32 fits me like a glove.