Views on the c32 amg
Discussion
I'm after a new car, one of equivalent value as i've just bought a new push bike (6k) and want to get rid of the tts as its dull. I was considering a c32 or perhaps a c55, but i'm more interested in teh c32 due to weight and tuning.
From what i'm reading hte c32 didnt come with a lsd and i'm reading that its traction control is over empowering and when its off the car is very understeery, does this ring true for owners of this car?
What should i look out for when looking to buy?
Many thanks
From what i'm reading hte c32 didnt come with a lsd and i'm reading that its traction control is over empowering and when its off the car is very understeery, does this ring true for owners of this car?
What should i look out for when looking to buy?
Many thanks
The W203 C AMG's aren't really sports cars, they're a more comfortable & balanced RWD alternative to an S4, set up for autobahns rather than B roads imho, so make sure you have a test drive first if youre really looking for more of a B road blaster or trackday.
C32 (2001-3) - great engine - 3.2 18v Supercharged V6 350hp & 450Nm from 3000 rpm - powerful, torquey and efficient - good economy too if gentle. 12 spark plugs, 5 speed box, pre-facelift: not galvanised, rust issues likely.
C55 (2004-6) - great engine - 5.4 24v V8 360hp & 510Nm @4000rpm - powerful, torquier at higher revs but thirstier too. Galvanised - rust issues less likely. 16 spark plugs, 5 speed box.
Don't overlook the later CLK500's, if you can find one:
CLK 500 (2006-9) - great engine - 5.5 32v V8 380hp & 530Nm from 2800rpm - more powerful again, torquier at lower revs too, less thirsty than the C55, and only 8 spark plugs. Quicker than the C55 thanks to the 7 speed box, as quick as a tuned C32 with its 5 speed box, and no need to tune... HTH.
C32 (2001-3) - great engine - 3.2 18v Supercharged V6 350hp & 450Nm from 3000 rpm - powerful, torquey and efficient - good economy too if gentle. 12 spark plugs, 5 speed box, pre-facelift: not galvanised, rust issues likely.
C55 (2004-6) - great engine - 5.4 24v V8 360hp & 510Nm @4000rpm - powerful, torquier at higher revs but thirstier too. Galvanised - rust issues less likely. 16 spark plugs, 5 speed box.
Don't overlook the later CLK500's, if you can find one:
CLK 500 (2006-9) - great engine - 5.5 32v V8 380hp & 530Nm from 2800rpm - more powerful again, torquier at lower revs too, less thirsty than the C55, and only 8 spark plugs. Quicker than the C55 thanks to the 7 speed box, as quick as a tuned C32 with its 5 speed box, and no need to tune... HTH.
Rust and electrical issues will ruin the ownership experience. Heated seats are fragile.
The C32 is 13 to 15 years old, so if you start tuning it to make it go quicker, it will probably not bode well. Contemporary road tests show 0-60 in 4.6 seconds; significantly quicker than the C55 or CLK 55 or M
As has been said, they are not a track car, but a well-resolved fast road car.
They have ESP and a LSD as standard, but under steer isn't a big issue.
The C32 is 13 to 15 years old, so if you start tuning it to make it go quicker, it will probably not bode well. Contemporary road tests show 0-60 in 4.6 seconds; significantly quicker than the C55 or CLK 55 or M
As has been said, they are not a track car, but a well-resolved fast road car.
They have ESP and a LSD as standard, but under steer isn't a big issue.
Loved my C55. Mildly tuned with 400bhp and 400lbft. Not a B road blaster as such but can be hustled. For me more like an Alpina. Not the pinnacle of ultimate handling sport saloons but strikes the best balance between fast and comfortable. Subtle styling compared to the more modern stuff. Needs decent tyres and dry roads to really unleash it.
Must have been lucky with mine regards rust.
Go H&R with the C32 & a thicker rear ARB, this will help sort out the understeer but it does feel a heavy car going into a fast tight corner!
I had mine mildy tweaked & fitted a smaller s/charger pulley with uprated Johnson intercooler pump which did help a lot.
In fact I went on one of the great "Midnight runs" on here & some can a test that there new Twin turbo 8 speed BMW M1's could not lose it & the RS Focus tuned to 360bhp could not believe the way I pulled away on the straights from 30 - 80mph on B roads.
Downside for me was the steering felt quite heavy & lethargic, but I was asking lot to step outside its comfort zone looking back.
I have a E55k now , they are torque monster std but TBH off the mark there would not be much in it, from 30 onwards well thats different though.
If you want almost instant power then yes to a C32 amg but dont expect them to stay with any variation of M3 on B roads.
Go H&R with the C32 & a thicker rear ARB, this will help sort out the understeer but it does feel a heavy car going into a fast tight corner!
I had mine mildy tweaked & fitted a smaller s/charger pulley with uprated Johnson intercooler pump which did help a lot.
In fact I went on one of the great "Midnight runs" on here & some can a test that there new Twin turbo 8 speed BMW M1's could not lose it & the RS Focus tuned to 360bhp could not believe the way I pulled away on the straights from 30 - 80mph on B roads.
Downside for me was the steering felt quite heavy & lethargic, but I was asking lot to step outside its comfort zone looking back.
I have a E55k now , they are torque monster std but TBH off the mark there would not be much in it, from 30 onwards well thats different though.
If you want almost instant power then yes to a C32 amg but dont expect them to stay with any variation of M3 on B roads.
cb1965 said:
I really wouldn't bother with a C32 or C55, too old and poorly built to last much longer without needing major work on the body. If you like rust however they are the car for you.
I can't speak for c32s but the 2004 c55 I sold last year was neither poorly built or anywhere near requiring bodywork repairs, major or otherwise.Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff