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Not much purpose to this post other than sharing my joy and a couple of questions for the hive mind as you read on. I already posted a few pics in the New Members Check-in, but I recently bought my first Merecedes, a 2002 C32 with 88k miles, southern car with clean history and clean title.
Yesterday she passed safety and emissions inspection with flying colors (relief!) at my preferred German car specialist shop. They thoroughly checked the car over and didn't find any surprises, thank goodness. I still have my previous daily driver, a really clean Mk5 R32 (Volkswagen), but will be putting it up for sale soon.
I bought it knowing it had a few issues, such as needing front tires and front end alignment as well as the usual annoyances like sagging headliner, broken cd changer, a couple missing/broken interior trim pieces, that sort of stuff. I flew down South one way then drove her a little over 900 miles back home, she never missed a beat. It had a suspension clunk due to a sway bar end link being worn out, and after I got it home into the colder climate the oil cooler on the filter housing starting dripping a little when cold. Also discovered that the daylight sensor at the top of the windshield doesn't seem to be working (no automatic headlights, no door-activated dome lights). All stuff I'm happy to deal with.
So far I've replaced the sway bar end link, bought new front tires to match the Toyos on the rear, and had the shop install the tires and do an alignment. Handling and ride is great now. New seals for the oil cooler are on the way, that's my next priority. Only driveability issue is, when stone cold, some of the notorious kicking from the transmission. Feels like the torque converter lockup acting goofy. That's another problem that never surfaced until I got it up here into the colder climate. I'm tempted to get a set of the rebuilt solenoids, even if I don't need all of them it would be nice to have them on hand as I'm testing the old ones. Anyone here had good or bad experiences with the rebuilt solenoids?
The previous owner already replaced the intercooler pump, had the transmission oil glycol tested (no trace of glycol found), installed updated radiator, replaced the rear main seal, and replaced the front control arms.
Rear diff is seeping a little around the gasket for the cover, PO thought it was probably caused by the vent on top being plugged, but that sounded like wishful thinking to me, what do you guys think? So I'll probably be taking out the diff at some point to replace the seals and that housing gasket. Would be nice to have the money to put a Quaife in there at the same time but I'm not holding my breath on that one.
Some thoughts based on your experience so far...
Sounds like the previous owner had the foresight to take care of the radiator before it took out anything else. I did that myself.
I'd get a proper trans dipstick off eBay and check the level when warm, and also take a sniff and peak at the fluid. Could be the wrong level and easy fix.
You may also want to look at the trans electrical connector and see if it is leaking. This can seep into the trans controller and make a mess of the operation. Fix immediately if leaking.
I also had an issue with the diff leaking after I had changed to a no-name heavier weight fluid I had lying around. Bad idea. I then replaced it with the proper Mobil 1 weight and the issue went away. Change the fluid first!
Only a SDS (Star) Scan will uncover other things you may not know about...like broken seat heaters, HVAC controls, and a host of potential electrical gremlins. See if you can find another local forum member with the SDS, then get a checkup. Dealer will want $150+ for this service, while another member will want a 6 pack
Last - take a look through the 'buyers guides' for this car to see if you might find something else to fix. With care and feeding these cars live a long time.
Some thoughts based on your experience so far...
Sounds like the previous owner had the foresight to take care of the radiator before it took out anything else. I did that myself.
I'd get a proper trans dipstick off eBay and check the level when warm, and also take a sniff and peak at the fluid. Could be the wrong level and easy fix.
You may also want to look at the trans electrical connector and see if it is leaking. This can seep into the trans controller and make a mess of the operation. Fix immediately if leaking.
I also had an issue with the diff leaking after I had changed to a no-name heavier weight fluid I had lying around. Bad idea. I then replaced it with the proper Mobil 1 weight and the issue went away. Change the fluid first!
Only a SDS (Star) Scan will uncover other things you may not know about...like broken seat heaters, HVAC controls, and a host of potential electrical gremlins. See if you can find another local forum member with the SDS, then get a checkup. Dealer will want $150+ for this service, while another member will want a 6 pack
Last - take a look through the 'buyers guides' for this car to see if you might find something else to fix. With care and feeding these cars live a long time.
Thanks very much, it's great to finally own an AMG!
I'll definitely check the trans oil level - it would be great if that's all it is, but I do also have the urge to try out the blue top solenoids in this thing so may be opening her up either way. Also a good call about the gear oil in the rear diff. Who knows what the stuff is, or how old it is.
I have read about that issue with the connector leaking, it sounds like if I end up getting into the transmission for anything I'd be best off just replacing that connector and seal, they don't seem to be expensive.
It would be great to find someone nearby with the proper scan tool. It's funny you mention the heated seats, I have yet to see one of these with original, working heaters in the lower portion of the seat, and mine is no different. I've read about a few folks having good luck installing flexible aftermarket heaters without having to disturb the originals (they are molded into the seat covering from what I understand, correct?). Wiring to the power seat module has also been spliced, it looks like one of the previous owners had battery drain from a bad module I guess. I'm inclined to leave that as-is, I really don't like the seat moving back after the car is switched off. I don't need any more room to get out without brushing the seat bolsters, so it just seems like pointless wear and tear on the seat motor to me. The HVAC works great so far, I hope it keeps up.
Thanks for the pointers and suggestions, and for the welcome!
Welcome to the club! I'm assuming the "new" C32 is red, judging by your screen-name? I have a Mars Red '05 C55. Pics of yours?
Thanks very much!
Ah, my user name - that goes way back to my early car owning days when I had a Mars Red Mk2 Scirocco (8 valve, but I swapped a big valve head onto it, G grind camshaft, sport valve springs with titanium seats and lifters, 4-2-1 manifold/downpipe, european ignition distributor, high flow cat, short shift kit, and factory 4k transmission - she was a blast to drive). I didn't realize Mercedes ever used Mars Red until just recently. It's a great color!
My C32 is pretty well the exact opposite of pulse-pounding Mars Red. It's check-for-a-pulse old man beige. :-) Color code 693, I've seen it referred to as both "Desert Silver Metallic" and "Travertine Beige". Not my favorite color by any stretch of the imagination but I'd (almost) never let the color of a car alone stop me from buying it. That being said, it is a classy color that has grown on me and I'm enjoying the extra sleeper factor that gives the car.
Here are some photos. Some of them were taken by previous owner, some were taken by me during the 900 mile drive home, and one of it sitting in my driveway a few days after I got back home. When the weather gets nicer and I've had a chance to go over her, I'll find a pretty spot and take some nice pics with a decent camera.
I replaced my driver seat heater with a panel under the leather from eBay. Slow to warm, but nice for winter. Passenger seat is original and quick to warm.
My seat module has also been spliced to remove the power when the key is off. Not a problem for access. This would be a problem in my SL, but they are not prone to this failure thankfully.
I was able to source the roof spoiler locally, from someone who'd already sold his C55. Wish I could tell you the brand or where to buy, sorry.
I toy with the idea of selling my car sometimes, but I can't see myself enjoying a black or silver E55/E63 (only reason I'd sell is upgrading), so probably holding onto it for a while.
Here's a pic from my niece's wedding a while back. C32, C55, and little brother's S600 in between.
Just replaced the two seals between the oil cooler and filter housing today. You can tell how German a car is by how few of the bolts you can get to. 😁
No more oil dripping on my belt on cold starts!
While the belt was off I checked the pulley bearings. The small idler, of course, is trashed and a replacement is now on the way. One of the larger stamped metal idlers is a bit noisy, and so is the supercharger clutch bearing. I posted a separate thread about the charger clutch bearing, specifically the snap ring for it.
02-15-2018, 09:35 AM
