BYE BYE old 2002 c32, hello new...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 252
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From: Great White North (the one with the crappy dollar)
2002 c32
BYE BYE old 2002 c32, hello new...
Over the past 2 years I've had a Love/"somewhat"Hate Relationship with my 2k2 silver c32. Well last week I seriously considered a 2k5 S4. The biggest issue was (@ least in my opinion) trading down to a slower car (S4), albeit better car for the winter months (which seem to be getting longer up here in the great white north). This decision was further plagued with the CRAPPY retained value of my c32. The dealerships basically wanted my fully loaded c32 +/- $35k (cdn --the price of COOPER S) for a trade on a new S4 which would be worth the same as my current c32 in 2 years time - I think.... NOT.
So, what did I get:
- a car with the same horsepower/torque
- a car with much smoother power delivery which makes it almost seem slower
BUT when you look at the speedo you realize that it is just deceptive 
- a car with MUCH greater control
- a car which my COOPER S (w/ H&R coilovers) Buddy says "can most definitely hang with him in the handling department" (THIS is probably the greatest compliment --any which have driven the Mini's will understand)
- a car which my 993 TT turbo Buddy wants us to enter in next years TARGA Newfoundland (let's not get to carried away
he just doesn't want to beat up his car....)
- a car which exhibits +/- 35-50 % LESS ESP intursion 90% of the time (even in the wet!!)
- a car which looks much more agressive
- a car which does jar the bones somewhat....
The car:
My beloved c32 w/ PSS-9s.....
why the f_%#$* DID I NOT DO THIS SOONER
BTW: I managed > 1.14 (L) and 1.3(R) deg Neg camber in the front. Does anybody have any pic's showing the Factory Camber Bolts (upgrade) so I can dial them accordingly. TIA
So, what did I get:
- a car with the same horsepower/torque
- a car with much smoother power delivery which makes it almost seem slower
BUT when you look at the speedo you realize that it is just deceptive - a car with MUCH greater control
- a car which my COOPER S (w/ H&R coilovers) Buddy says "can most definitely hang with him in the handling department" (THIS is probably the greatest compliment --any which have driven the Mini's will understand)
- a car which my 993 TT turbo Buddy wants us to enter in next years TARGA Newfoundland (let's not get to carried away
he just doesn't want to beat up his car....)- a car which exhibits +/- 35-50 % LESS ESP intursion 90% of the time (even in the wet!!)
- a car which looks much more agressive
- a car which does jar the bones somewhat....
The car:
My beloved c32 w/ PSS-9s.....
why the f_%#$* DID I NOT DO THIS SOONER
BTW: I managed > 1.14 (L) and 1.3(R) deg Neg camber in the front. Does anybody have any pic's showing the Factory Camber Bolts (upgrade) so I can dial them accordingly. TIA
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: Great White North (the one with the crappy dollar)
2002 c32
follow up ..
Neoprufrok, I did consider the c55, but since I already had a c32 I could not justify a similar cost to upgrade (+/- $35 cdn) to be warranted. Furthermore, I feel with my PSS-9s I'm already ahead of the game on the handling front and with a few more grand in engine mods it should better the stock C55 as well. I have yet to come up on a c55 to PLAY, I'm sure it should be a fun match when it happens 
vimzin, The dealers (auto traders/wholesalers) talked about giving me low to mid 40s Canadian$ (50k Kms). Sorry, regardless of depreciation, my business sense will not allow me to give up a car that was +/- $90k a few years ago (incl. my options & taxes) for the amount that barely gets you a base c240! Both great cars, but the former does give you a little more UMPHFF!
Good luck with your decision.
btw, the C chassis is much more capable than I expected!
vimzin, The dealers (auto traders/wholesalers) talked about giving me low to mid 40s Canadian$ (50k Kms). Sorry, regardless of depreciation, my business sense will not allow me to give up a car that was +/- $90k a few years ago (incl. my options & taxes) for the amount that barely gets you a base c240! Both great cars, but the former does give you a little more UMPHFF!
Good luck with your decision.
btw, the C chassis is much more capable than I expected!
Last edited by lap; Oct 26, 2004 at 02:03 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 542
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by lap
Neoprufrok, I did consider the c55, but since I already had a c32 I could not justify a similar cost to upgrade (+/- $35 cdn) to be warranted. Furthermore, I feel with my PSS-9s I'm already ahead of the game on the handling front and with a few more grand in engine mods it should better the stock C55 as well. I have yet to come up on a c55 to PLAY, I'm sure it should be a fun match when it happens
Lap, I've been considering PSS9 for my C32. Can you tell me what enhancements over the stock AMG suspension you gained? For every day driving, which of the 9 settings do you prefer?
