Purchase 2003 C32 AMG 180K - Mileage too high?
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Joined: Jun 2014
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ML320
Purchase 2003 C32 AMG 180K - Mileage too high?
Hello,
I am new to this forum and would like some advice about a C32 AMG car.
I currently have an ML320 2002 but I am having some issues with it and would like to purchase a different car. I have a choice between a C32 AMG 2003 with 185K on it (too high?) and an E55 AMG 2003 with 130K on it.
Of course the price is not the same and the C32 AMG seems to be a good pick however I am worried about the high mileage.
Is 185K too much for a 2003 C32 AMG car?
Thanks
I am new to this forum and would like some advice about a C32 AMG car.
I currently have an ML320 2002 but I am having some issues with it and would like to purchase a different car. I have a choice between a C32 AMG 2003 with 185K on it (too high?) and an E55 AMG 2003 with 130K on it.
Of course the price is not the same and the C32 AMG seems to be a good pick however I am worried about the high mileage.
Is 185K too much for a 2003 C32 AMG car?
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,562
Likes: 197
From: Austin, TX
2006 E55, 2012 GLK350 & 1992 190e sportline
millage is not an issue. the issue us the maintenance that has been or not done. That being said I have 200k on my car and I am ready to dump it. Every time I fix one thing another goes bad. I have a 01 clk430 that has been flawless. It also has 200+k on it. I would have a trusted indy do a good ppi before I bought anything that old with such high miles.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 358
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From: Snellville, GA
'03 C32, '08 ML63
I agree with insame1. As long as it has been maintained the mileage should not be an issue. I'm at 153k miles on mine right now, 110k of which I put on myself. And the last 70k with the eurocharged 185mm pulley and tune. Engine still runs great, transmission is still smooth, no major problems.
I worry about how long the supercharger will go before needing work but I can't say I've seen a definitive answer on that. And right now mine still shows no problems.
With that mileage just make sure all your mounts (engine, transmission, etc.) have been changed recently because it's expensive if you have someone do it. If you have time it's not bad to do yourself though.
-Rich
I worry about how long the supercharger will go before needing work but I can't say I've seen a definitive answer on that. And right now mine still shows no problems.
With that mileage just make sure all your mounts (engine, transmission, etc.) have been changed recently because it's expensive if you have someone do it. If you have time it's not bad to do yourself though.
-Rich
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Joined: Jun 2014
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ML320
Thanks Biscuit and Insame1. I feel that my ML320 is falling apart and I am trying to avoid payments as much as possible. What would be a good price for a C32 AMG 2003 with 185K? I checked kbb but not sure if that's reliable and accurate.
Unfortunately I can't tell how well it was maintained. I will ask about the mounts.
Thanks
Unfortunately I can't tell how well it was maintained. I will ask about the mounts.
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,562
Likes: 197
From: Austin, TX
2006 E55, 2012 GLK350 & 1992 190e sportline
Those early ML had tones of issues. I think you just missed the facelift in 03. In my market a well maintained c32 goes for about 8k. That being said do some searching for cam issues on the pre 03 cars. Also I believe that even in 03 some of the cars came with the bad radiators. So the PPI should be done for sure before purchase. I think the C32 is great but if your not going to be modding the car I would look for a c55. My 32 might get swapped for a clk55 this weekend.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 23
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92 300zx, 96 Tacoma, 99 ML320
Those early ML had tones of issues. I think you just missed the facelift in 03. In my market a well maintained c32 goes for about 8k. That being said do some searching for cam issues on the pre 03 cars. Also I believe that even in 03 some of the cars came with the bad radiators. So the PPI should be done for sure before purchase. I think the C32 is great but if your not going to be modding the car I would look for a c55. My 32 might get swapped for a clk55 this weekend.
I'd venture to say they can be absolute junk. HOWEVER, they can be bulletproof as well. It's always a hit or miss with these or any pre-face lift mercedes of these times.At 180k though, honestly all the small things may have been replaced or it's been a solid car. It's really up to you and the car itself.
If you're tired of issues on your 02' ML though, perhaps an 03' 203 isn't the best choice in general. Or an 03' 211. If you're wanting to keep mercedes i'd try a post face lift model to avoid the risk.
NOTE: my 99' ML has been bulletproof and it's close to 200k. my 03' C32 was good for it's original owner but it's been a pain for me the past 4 years
Still under 100k. i'm ready to dump it.
