C32 reliability
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 62
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06 E350 4MATIC, 00 E55, & 01 M3
C32 reliability
I am debating on a C32 vs a C43 for a DD. How are the C32's with reliability for a car in the 100K+ range? Any major concerns with the super charger? Anything else that is a potential issue for high mile cars? I will probably run the car close to 150-200k miles by the time I am done with it.
Thanks,
Thanks,
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 89
Likes: 9
From: Birmingham, Michigan
04 C32 AMG (sadly sold), 05 CLK55 Cab, 08 R350 4Matic, 15 GLA250 (sadly bought), 75 VW Westfalia
I'm at 167K, just replaced the S/C pulley bearing myself ($60 part), very smooth and quiet now. Transmission 'jerk' issue at low speed is common and caused by valve body solenoid which controls torque converter lockup; part is ~$70, labor is ~$350. Had throttle valve actuator go bad, total cost for installation of rebuilt part was $3K at dealer. Other than that, nothing too scary for a car with this level of performance.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 36
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2002 C32
They are wonderful cars, dont take it personally, while they are right, it is completely normal and sensible to ask the question. They are performance cars and they more often then not get driven faster/harder than their non amg counterparts, but that is the cost of admission. They are HUGELY fun. I have had two C43's and just got a 32. The 32 is significantly more refined than the C43, but IMO has more potential for larger problems.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,539
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From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
My 02 C32 now has over 115k on the odometer and has be awesome for me. In the last five years, the only breakdown was from a $50 Crank Position Sensor. The original supercharger, intercooler, etc. are performing beautifully. The intercooler pump does wear out on a regular basis and I'm probably due for that to happen to my car.
I plan on driving this car until the wheels fall off. At this rate, that could be a very long time from now.
And, yes, it is still very fun to drive. I had a blast on the Fontana Speedway road course this past April, chasing a Porsche 993 TT.
I plan on driving this car until the wheels fall off. At this rate, that could be a very long time from now.
And, yes, it is still very fun to drive. I had a blast on the Fontana Speedway road course this past April, chasing a Porsche 993 TT.
