Always loved cars but never had a performance car of my own until now. I know nothing about MB so im here to learn as much as possible. I got a 2002 C32 with 64k mls. Its in great condition and it was a deal i couldn't pass up.

Tips tricks and any sort of advice welcomed.

 

Hey bro. Welcome to the AMG ranks!


Just traded my 02 C32 on a C55. Had my 32 for just under six years.


Things to look out for (on a W203 2002-spec C32 AMG - New Zealand New - right-hand drive)...


a) The chassis and body panels weren't fully galvanised (i.e. rust-proofed) so watch for spot rust on door 'shut' lines, front roof area just behind windscreen and rear A-pillars (besides rear seats).


b) Electrics in the first generation W203's were not always AMG-reliable. Wiring loom shorts can result from silly little things like spilling a drink (NB. you shouldn't be drinking in an AMG anyway!) on the electric front seats and not immediately cleaning it up thoroughly. Can result in memory-position failure (i.e. the 1/2/3 buttons above the door handles). The digital orange readout (LED?) can occasionally begin to fade or parts of it begin to fade.


c) Beware of 'jump starting' anyone (even with the approved grounded cables) - can lead to catastrophic alternator/electrics failure (believe me - it happened to me on the way to work after being the good Samaritan).


d) A/C compressor can let go


e) S/C idler pulley retaining arm can let go - often at speed or when you're boosting


f) Auto-move-down offside side mirror function might not return the mirror exactly to where it was on your preferred memory setting - so manually adjusting becomes the norm


This may sound bad but I'm giving you all the things that could go wrong that I've experienced to one degree or another.


Another common thing I've read is the transmission / oil cross-over contamination...I have no idea what that means but the forum seems to think it's a big deal.


Overall - you've bought yourself an AWESOME car!


Wait till you trade up to a 55 or 63 bro. Had my 55 two weeks and while essentially the same...they're not.


Cheers,
MALOSINZ

 

Also - google 'Sprint Booster' and if you feel like it, buy on online and get a reputable MB mechanic to install it for you. Essentially, you get to choose three levels of throttle responsiveness.


Clear - normal/stock
Green - more aggressive
Red - more aggressive again - be aware in the wet!


If you want more power - get your cooling sorted! The M1112K engines suffer from massive heat soak so either a) on a hot day or b) after a few 'spirited' runs you will have lost probably 100bhp at the crank from massive in-engine temps. Just a guess but it feels like that sometimes. Never did it myself but it's logical that cooler temps means more power for longer.


Simple wins for power - maybe a powerchip ECU or an old-school cat-back exhaust.


Get a reputable, reliable (and cheap!) MB mechanic.


That's it.


No wait! A radar (stealth if you have to) and jammers (stealth again) would be a damned good idea if this is your first AMG.

 

Sweet advice dude, first post brought me down but then the second picked me up again lol
Googled sprint booster and sounds like a cool mod, might be my first pick up lol

But then this ECU chip sounds pretty cool too. http://www.performancechiptuning.com...DII+Module/14/

Are these the same thing? no point in getting both?

Or should i just go with a magnaflow catback exhaust?

And how can i fix the heat soak problem?

 

http://www.powerchipgroup.com/datasheets/2/MER0169.pdf


This is what I was thinking of doing myself when I had my 32 bro.


No, they are different products - which one is better, I cannot say.


I personally found Sprint Booster great as I never liked the 'long' travel throttle on the 32. Even on 'red' it is a tad sluggish (especially if you are used to boosted Japanese cars with their 'instant' throttle response).


Worth the money IMO.


Cooling mods?


Johnson SM30 intercooler pump is touted as being better than the OEM pump - more squirt - more cooling (I guess).


Google 'Needs Wings' for C32/SRT6 mods for more cooling stuff.


Good luck and hope you build a monster.

 

Thanx for the advice
Good starting points

 

I've owned my 32 for about 4 months now and replaced the following

- crank pulley (was coming apart; belt appeared like it was coming off idler)
- all 4 front control arms (creaking noises when going over uneven pavement)
- I/C pump ( was working fine but did it anyway when the EC H/E went in)


this stuff from the dealer or indy mech would have been $2K easy...I have a friend who worked for an infinity dealer as a tech and owns a modded E55K who did the work for me and saved me 50%.

It will need more replaced soon as well (shocks,sway bar links) but I knew this going into it. Its 13yr old car with nearly all its original parts on it so I was ready/willing. When its all said/done it'll be like a new car for a fraction of what it cost new.

 

Welcome aboard the forums, have a great stay




Tevida