Experiences with the C32K or SLK32K?
Discussion
I'm bored with my current car, brilliant as it is (e39 540i).
I'm looking at new 135i Coupes, but the cost to lease one of those could buy me a 2002 C32K outright, every year.
Anyway, the idea of 354bhp in a smaller car than the 5 is alluring to say the least.
Does anyone have any experiences of the car, or the same engine in another Merc? (I'm also considering the SLK of the same ilk)
What to look for when buying etc? (apart from the obvious, like FMBSH etc
)
Cheers all.
Oh and when I bought the 5, I promised myself my next car would be a Merc, even if I only keep it 12 months. At that time I was thinking E430 etc.. onwards and upwards, though.
ETA: My 5 isn't cripplingly expensive to run and repair. Is an AMG going to skin me alive? (don't care much about insurance costs, having been in a group 20 S2000 for 3 years)
Any MPG figures to share? (the 540 IS scary in that department when pressing on)
Also, an intertube source (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=318291) says the 0-60 of the C32 is 5.2, while the SLK32 is 4.5. Is this right? How?
I'm looking at new 135i Coupes, but the cost to lease one of those could buy me a 2002 C32K outright, every year.
Anyway, the idea of 354bhp in a smaller car than the 5 is alluring to say the least.
Does anyone have any experiences of the car, or the same engine in another Merc? (I'm also considering the SLK of the same ilk)
What to look for when buying etc? (apart from the obvious, like FMBSH etc
)Cheers all.
Oh and when I bought the 5, I promised myself my next car would be a Merc, even if I only keep it 12 months. At that time I was thinking E430 etc.. onwards and upwards, though.
ETA: My 5 isn't cripplingly expensive to run and repair. Is an AMG going to skin me alive? (don't care much about insurance costs, having been in a group 20 S2000 for 3 years)
Any MPG figures to share? (the 540 IS scary in that department when pressing on)
Also, an intertube source (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=318291) says the 0-60 of the C32 is 5.2, while the SLK32 is 4.5. Is this right? How?
Edited by CarZee on Monday 17th August 21:44
Things to look out for as regards the SLK32 AMG are:
1. Supercharger intercooler water pump is prone to failure.
2. Seat heaters are prone to failure.
3. The boot latch area can suffer from rust.
4. Driving one for extended periods makes you smile like a village idiot.
I drove a 1-ser BMW from Cologne to Frankfurt and utterly hated it. Apart from the fact that everyone detests BMW drivers, or so it seems, it was a nasty device with poor visibility from the driver's seat. Some idiot feature also moves the exterior mirror if you select reverse. Why? Also it had a very poor SatNav / radio system which was needlessly complicated and distracting.
Whereas the C32AMG and SLK32AMG are classics. If you can find one. 0-60 in 4.8 sec is fast enough for me! And they come with all the bells and whistles which are only on the option list for other models.
Reckon on about 27 mpg - that's what I averaged on my recent 1500 mile €urotrip. But if you use all the performance, reckon on substantially less!
As regards running costs, no worse than a normal M-B really. Although I'm a coward and renew my extended warranty every year!
Insurance is slightly dearer than for a SLK320, but not hugely. But that's for a mature driver with a clean record - some inner city yoof, innit, would probably pay a fair whack.
1. Supercharger intercooler water pump is prone to failure.
2. Seat heaters are prone to failure.
3. The boot latch area can suffer from rust.
4. Driving one for extended periods makes you smile like a village idiot.
I drove a 1-ser BMW from Cologne to Frankfurt and utterly hated it. Apart from the fact that everyone detests BMW drivers, or so it seems, it was a nasty device with poor visibility from the driver's seat. Some idiot feature also moves the exterior mirror if you select reverse. Why? Also it had a very poor SatNav / radio system which was needlessly complicated and distracting.
Whereas the C32AMG and SLK32AMG are classics. If you can find one. 0-60 in 4.8 sec is fast enough for me! And they come with all the bells and whistles which are only on the option list for other models.
Reckon on about 27 mpg - that's what I averaged on my recent 1500 mile €urotrip. But if you use all the performance, reckon on substantially less!
As regards running costs, no worse than a normal M-B really. Although I'm a coward and renew my extended warranty every year!
Insurance is slightly dearer than for a SLK320, but not hugely. But that's for a mature driver with a clean record - some inner city yoof, innit, would probably pay a fair whack.
Edited by nickwilcock on Wednesday 19th August 21:51
JUST BUY ONE.The only regret you will have is that you did not do it sooner. I have mine serviced at a specialist now and have nothing to complain about so don't discount that in the history. Buy on condition and look for a complete history including receipts not just stamps.
I have run mine for over 4 years now and never had or needed a warranty.
Get a C32 and debadge it for the ultimate Q car they will think it is a C180 until you disappear into the distance
Hi. I bought a C32 Saloon new in 2001, it was fantastic car, nearly 60K trouble free miles, just go for it as others say! I replaced it with a BMW (645i) then want back to MB, a C55 Estate, another brilliant car, did just over 50K trouble free miles in it. I replaced that last year with a new C63 Estate, the ultimate C Class in my opinion! I have had all my AMG's de-badged from new, it keeps unwanted attention to a minimum (!) but you still have the stunning AMG performance as and when required! Regards, Rob
rob928gt said:
Hi. I bought a C32 Saloon new in 2001, it was fantastic car, nearly 60K trouble free miles, just go for it as others say! I replaced it with a BMW (645i) then want back to MB, a C55 Estate, another brilliant car, did just over 50K trouble free miles in it. I replaced that last year with a new C63 Estate, the ultimate C Class in my opinion! I have had all my AMG's de-badged from new, it keeps unwanted attention to a minimum (!) but you still have the stunning AMG performance as and when required! Regards, Rob
See... I don't get this debadging thing.. If I blow some nobber in a Volvo into the weeds, I want him to know he's been done by a proper car... not a hairdresser with his curling tongs up his ass.
So, I guess my question is, what do you call 'unwanted attention'?
And also, is one looking at a paint job to debadge a 7 year old car?
ETA: Thanks for the comments though. This is starting to look like a no-brainer.
Edited by CarZee on Thursday 20th August 19:55
Good pal of mine has had a C32 estate for about 4 years and after some initial problems with cooling of the blower (done under warranty) has thoroughly enjoyed it. Its mental to drive , comfortable and practical and as has been pointed out is a complete sleeper (being debadged helps).
Great car and miles feels considerably livelier than the 4.2 Audi S4s two other pals have got. It also blows my lardy S6 into the weeds......
Great car and miles feels considerably livelier than the 4.2 Audi S4s two other pals have got. It also blows my lardy S6 into the weeds......
CarZee said:
was that..... tumbleweed?
At least the Bimmer boys are chatty
Have a look at http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/ for more detailed info on the models. The C32 should really have a complete MB service history, it's not a case of if, but when it will rust and having the service history makes it easier to get sorted. The C32 will cost more to maintain than an standard c class, a lot of the parts are AMG specific, so ££'s. Equipment does vary, Linguatronic, command, parking assist were options even on C32's. These cars need to be looked after so check what has been done and needs doing. Performace wise you are looking at 5s to 60, which should be more than enough for most. It's also very comfortable for longer journeys, which makes it a good alrounder.At least the Bimmer boys are chatty
Don't know much about the SLK32, but a sub 5s 60 is pretty amazing performance, again try and get full MB service history, as rust is an issue with these cars, seems to be a theme with MB cars of that era, untill around 2003-4 anyway.
Edited by Chord_ on Friday 21st August 14:08
CarZee said:
would rust be an MB warranty job or a body shop?
This is where it get's very interesting. The official line is that rust(inside out) is covered for 8 years, after the 5th year the car should have been serviced at MB in the last 2 years, and you need to have owned the car for at least 6 months. There does not seem to be any consistency in whether you get your claim approved, but having a full MB history should give you the best chance of getting the work done. The advantage of this is that if it comes back you could try and get MB to fix it again.Edited by Chord_ on Friday 21st August 14:14
Chord_ said:
Don't know much about the SLK32, but a sub 5s 60 is pretty amazing performance, again try and get full MB service history, as rust is an issue with these cars, seems to be a theme with MB cars of that era, untill around 2003-4 anyway.
Not on my 2001 SLK32 not a spot of rust anywhere.When looking for my SLK32 I was surprised by how little rust they showed relative to some "lesser" models of similar age. My guess is that SLK32 owners are more likely to be enthusiasts, and in turn more likely to keep their cars garaged, free from salty residue and so on...
Anyway, don't think about it too much - just do it! Took mine out for a quick spin yesterday and couldn't conceal the "village idiot grin" nickwilcock mentions....
Anyway, don't think about it too much - just do it! Took mine out for a quick spin yesterday and couldn't conceal the "village idiot grin" nickwilcock mentions....
Well chaps, in other news, on Saturday night, the SLK passed the "hot chick who knows nothing about cars" test... even though the pic I showed her of it also contained my ex-wife.. 
I'm going to get the cash together and pull the plug on my 135i musings.
What's the deal with getting a car onto an MB warranty if it doesn't currently have one? Presumably there's inspection and rectification to be done by MB to get it to warratanble standard?
Is the MB warranty contingent on MB doing the servicing? If so, what about 3rd party warranties?
Cheers.
I'm going to get the cash together and pull the plug on my 135i musings.
What's the deal with getting a car onto an MB warranty if it doesn't currently have one? Presumably there's inspection and rectification to be done by MB to get it to warratanble standard?
Is the MB warranty contingent on MB doing the servicing? If so, what about 3rd party warranties?
Cheers.
Hallo to the UK
I had an SLK32 for roughly two years(covering around 40000 miles) with no problems (except seat-heating left), fitted
an LSD, had Bilsteins all around, some ceramic brake-pads on the front brakes with slotted discs, an Eisenmann exhaust, ....the car
was great fun, but had to be driven very carefully on wet or snowy ;-) conditions,(no rust-probs), by
far less forgiving than the SLK55 we had for another 4 years afterwards,and listen to the
tune at 5.30 in the morning on an empy mountain-road :-)))
BUT you must have an impeccable after-sales-service knowing the car by heart, and treating
you not as a cash-machine, well I was and still am very lucky with my mechanics.
Enjoy whatever you choose
Rainer-Switzerland
I had an SLK32 for roughly two years(covering around 40000 miles) with no problems (except seat-heating left), fitted
an LSD, had Bilsteins all around, some ceramic brake-pads on the front brakes with slotted discs, an Eisenmann exhaust, ....the car
was great fun, but had to be driven very carefully on wet or snowy ;-) conditions,(no rust-probs), by
far less forgiving than the SLK55 we had for another 4 years afterwards,and listen to the
tune at 5.30 in the morning on an empy mountain-road :-)))
BUT you must have an impeccable after-sales-service knowing the car by heart, and treating
you not as a cash-machine, well I was and still am very lucky with my mechanics.
Enjoy whatever you choose
Rainer-Switzerland
What do we think on the one in the Trader just now?
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MERC...
2002, black, 71k miles, £11k.
I'll probably slap 60k on it over the next three years (my 5 has 123k on it just now).
Should I wait for a lower mileage model and spend an extra couple of grand?
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MERC...
2002, black, 71k miles, £11k.
I'll probably slap 60k on it over the next three years (my 5 has 123k on it just now).
Should I wait for a lower mileage model and spend an extra couple of grand?
71K for a 2002 model is going to mean roughly 10k per annum, so not exactly a high-miler. One thing which would concern me would be that the advert doesn't mention an FMBSH - full M-B service history.
The limit for an M-B extended warranty is 60K for the comprehensive 'Tier 1' policy and 100K for the slightly less comprehensive 'Tier 2' policy. If the car is not covered by an M-B warranty when you buy it, you will need to pay for an inspection by a M-B appointed dealer before M-B will consider any extended warranty.
Perhaps you could use that as a bargaining proposal? Tell the seller that you would only pay his price if the car passes an M-B inspection first?
But remember that only 271 SLK32 AMGs were ever imported into the UK - 70 in 2001, 169 in 2002, 29 in 2003 and only 3 in 2004. So they're pretty rare - but likely to have been well cherished.
If you do take the plunge, you are unlikely to be disappointed. And if you're considering touring, treat yourself to a set of fitted luggage from 'Roadster Concept' http://www.roadster-concept.de/ . I'm just back from a 2 week 1500 mile trip around Germany and the ability to put all my luggage in the 'roadsterbags' really added an extra dimension - it meant I could put the roof down whenever it suited me without any worries.
The SLK32 AMG also comes with the Bose sound system as standard - this includes woofers behind the seats. Which means you can listen to the stereo even with the roof down at whatever speed you care to mention. The SLK32 AMG is electronically limited to 155 mph, but bog standard models which have been delimited have reached almost 180 mph with ease, or so I'm told - limited only by redlining in top gear!
The limit for an M-B extended warranty is 60K for the comprehensive 'Tier 1' policy and 100K for the slightly less comprehensive 'Tier 2' policy. If the car is not covered by an M-B warranty when you buy it, you will need to pay for an inspection by a M-B appointed dealer before M-B will consider any extended warranty.
Perhaps you could use that as a bargaining proposal? Tell the seller that you would only pay his price if the car passes an M-B inspection first?
But remember that only 271 SLK32 AMGs were ever imported into the UK - 70 in 2001, 169 in 2002, 29 in 2003 and only 3 in 2004. So they're pretty rare - but likely to have been well cherished.
If you do take the plunge, you are unlikely to be disappointed. And if you're considering touring, treat yourself to a set of fitted luggage from 'Roadster Concept' http://www.roadster-concept.de/ . I'm just back from a 2 week 1500 mile trip around Germany and the ability to put all my luggage in the 'roadsterbags' really added an extra dimension - it meant I could put the roof down whenever it suited me without any worries.
The SLK32 AMG also comes with the Bose sound system as standard - this includes woofers behind the seats. Which means you can listen to the stereo even with the roof down at whatever speed you care to mention. The SLK32 AMG is electronically limited to 155 mph, but bog standard models which have been delimited have reached almost 180 mph with ease, or so I'm told - limited only by redlining in top gear!
Edited by nickwilcock on Monday 24th August 21:39
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