Mercedes Benz C32 AMG
Discussion
EVOTECH3BELL said:
I do really like these, especially in estate form, but this thread is the confirmation for me that i really couldn't afford to properly run one and give it the attention they deserve
I think there was a period when they could be run quite inexpensively, but now age is catching up with all W203s, so ownership requires a certain level of financial commitment. At least to me the AMG variants feel special enough to make the outlay seem worthwhile!
^ the W203s were also the first C-classes with rack and pinion steering.
Incidentally from Chris Harris' recent book:
Incidentally from Chris Harris' recent book:
Chris Harris said:
I can confirm that a 2002 C32 estate will comprehensively dust a 2004 C55 (estate) because on the way back from somewhere I came across my then 70-year-old mother at some traffic lights. She was in her C32 and she completely destroyed me in said C55 from a standstill to a speed that ... I'd rather not mention.
Various bits carried out to the car since my last post:
Sticking sunroof (would tilt, but not roll back), sorted with some special lubricant MB recommend, stuck boot lock sorted and minor vibration through the floor diagnosed.... the torque converter was borked. Vey annoying as the owner of the transmission specialist who rebuilt the gearbox assured me over email they would have replaced it. I would have expected it to last longer than the circa 5,000 miles its done since fitting.
I spoke to some motor trade friends to ask their opinions, as its over 18 months since the gearbox was rebuilt. General consensus was contact them and have a sensible conversation. Despite my attempts to do this - 3 times over a two week period, it fell on deaf ears. I'm quite surprised and disappointed as the boss is very active on numerous forums and they have a great reputation, hence why I took the car all the way to Dartford for the job.
The MB specialist who diagnosed the torque converter fault quoted me approx £2,200 to replace it - so I ordered a new unit from MB for £800 on an exchange basis, and a local garage fitted it along with a new battery for £400. Vibration now gone, and the kick down / power delivery is definitely slicker and smoother, especially low down.
They have picked up on some minor oil leaks that I will get looked at soon, and have the supercharger baffle removed at the same time now the new gaskets finally arrived from MB - 3 months on back order !
Also fitted a pair of Contis to the rear as they were getting low.
Sticking sunroof (would tilt, but not roll back), sorted with some special lubricant MB recommend, stuck boot lock sorted and minor vibration through the floor diagnosed.... the torque converter was borked. Vey annoying as the owner of the transmission specialist who rebuilt the gearbox assured me over email they would have replaced it. I would have expected it to last longer than the circa 5,000 miles its done since fitting.
I spoke to some motor trade friends to ask their opinions, as its over 18 months since the gearbox was rebuilt. General consensus was contact them and have a sensible conversation. Despite my attempts to do this - 3 times over a two week period, it fell on deaf ears. I'm quite surprised and disappointed as the boss is very active on numerous forums and they have a great reputation, hence why I took the car all the way to Dartford for the job.
The MB specialist who diagnosed the torque converter fault quoted me approx £2,200 to replace it - so I ordered a new unit from MB for £800 on an exchange basis, and a local garage fitted it along with a new battery for £400. Vibration now gone, and the kick down / power delivery is definitely slicker and smoother, especially low down.
They have picked up on some minor oil leaks that I will get looked at soon, and have the supercharger baffle removed at the same time now the new gaskets finally arrived from MB - 3 months on back order !
Also fitted a pair of Contis to the rear as they were getting low.
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