gte a late model and get the extended warranty.

 

I would be real careful buying a C32. I bought an "03" in August 2006 and within 8 months of owning it I had all the problems listed below:

1. Leaking fuel hose
2. Check engine light (2 times)
3. Blown intercooler
4. Tailight
5. Weird clicking sound behind dashboard (still not resolved)
6. Collapsed hydraulic lifter
7. Oil pump check valve

Well over $3000 in repairs...and I thought Mercedes were somewhat reliable.

 

I would be real careful buying a C32. I bought an "03" in August 2006 and within 8 months of owning it I had all the problems listed below:

1. Leaking fuel hose
2. Check engine light (2 times)
3. Blown intercooler
4. Tailight
5. Weird clicking sound behind dashboard (still not resolved)
6. Collapsed hydraulic lifter
7. Oil pump check valve

Well over $3000 in repairs...and I thought Mercedes were somewhat reliable.

What made you think Mercedes were somewhat reliable? Have you ever looked at the Consumer Reports annual auto reviews (each April)? MBZ typically rank very badly in the reliability department. And sometimes the most expensive models have the most problems.

 

after 5 years and 76k miles original miles all by me. Extended warranty up to 2009/100k miles.

1. intercooler pump (died once. typical problem. replaced under warranty)
2. crank position sensor (appearantly wasn't properly installed and rusted. replaced under warranty)
3. faulty heated seats (replaced under extended warranty. both side. new seat cover = WIN)
4. ESP/BAS error (wiring harness replaced under warranty. common problem for 01-02 C-classes)
5. clicking/flapping noise under the dash = broken vent linkage (not covered under extended warranty. don't feel like fixing it for $500 at the dealership)
6. squeaks from sway bar bushing (sways and thrust arm replaced under warranty. free alignment after I had lowered the car, SWEET! another common problem)
7. collapsed engine mount (replaced under warranty/extended warranty. common problem)
8. supercharger clutch bearing failed (replaced DIY $18 parts $20 labor to my dad's friend. Service advisor wanted me to change the pulley back before they warranty it. ended up cheaper just replacing the bearing myself)

that's about all that I can think of that ever gone wrong. none has happened twice yet, so all that stuff only costed me $38 in 5 years. reliability is not an issue for me.

 

after careful consideration, I am trading my C32 as it is so unreliable.

Amongst other things I have recently had the tappets changed to cure a ticking/tapping noise from the engine. It was good for a week then its back. We are now at a stage that the sound has been recorded by my garage and sent to AMG for analysis.

Thats where I am at the moment and am afraid to drive it incase the engine goes.

All going well i am getting a Jaguar xjr 4.2v8 supercharge. 400 horses and 0-60 in 5secs.

Sorry mercedes but as much as I love the car...I cant be in a situation where I am afraid to drive.

Once the newer cars come down in price, then I may come back when I come to trade again.

 

after careful consideration, I am trading my C32 as it is so unreliable.

Amongst other things I have recently had the tappets changed to cure a ticking/tapping noise from the engine. It was good for a week then its back. We are now at a stage that the sound has been recorded by my garage and sent to AMG for analysis.

Thats where I am at the moment and am afraid to drive it incase the engine goes.

All going well i am getting a Jaguar xjr 4.2v8 supercharge. 400 horses and 0-60 in 5secs.

Sorry mercedes but as much as I love the car...I cant be in a situation where I am afraid to drive.

Once the newer cars come down in price, then I may come back when I come to trade again.

I sure hope Jaguar has cleaned up their reliability act. Can't believe it would be any better than a Merc.

 

Now that the Indians have bought them, what could there be to worry about?

 

the tapping noise is from the ABS unit and the sound is actually normal. The dealer would change it for you if you complain about it tho, but eventually the noise will come back.

btw, JAG = reliability nightmare. my dad has a 96 XJ-12. The damn enigne technology is so old all the valve timing is adjusted by hand. It also has worse depreciation then MB. lol

 

ah, but no one owns a Jag or a Mercedes because they are cheap to maintain. That is why if you are worried about maintenance issues on a mercedes, you HAVE TO get a newer model with an extended warranty.

 

ah, but no one owns a Jag or a Mercedes because they are cheap to maintain. That is why if you are worried about maintenance issues on a mercedes, you HAVE TO get a newer model with an extended warranty.

you're replying to the OP, me, or Tomekay?? lol

 

I would be real careful buying a C32. I bought an "03" in August 2006 and within 8 months of owning it I had all the problems listed below:

1. Leaking fuel hose
2. Check engine light (2 times)
3. Blown intercooler
4. Tailight
5. Weird clicking sound behind dashboard (still not resolved)
6. Collapsed hydraulic lifter
7. Oil pump check valve

Well over $3000 in repairs...and I thought Mercedes were somewhat reliable.

I am assuming this is not an MB Certified vehicle. The rule of thumb is to spent more money on buying a certified car, less on repairing it, and if the car cannot be certified, it probably isn't worth it.

 

after careful consideration, I am trading my C32 as it is so unreliable.

Amongst other things I have recently had the tappets changed to cure a ticking/tapping noise from the engine. It was good for a week then its back. We are now at a stage that the sound has been recorded by my garage and sent to AMG for analysis.

Thats where I am at the moment and am afraid to drive it incase the engine goes.

All going well i am getting a Jaguar xjr 4.2v8 supercharge. 400 horses and 0-60 in 5secs.

Sorry mercedes but as much as I love the car...I cant be in a situation where I am afraid to drive.

Once the newer cars come down in price, then I may come back when I come to trade again.

In my personal experience I can say that the XJR is not any better than the Mercedes. It may be worse in reliability. Jaguar has had good marks from JD Powers, but I don't know how they pulled that one off. The Jag also does not have rear seat side airbags like your C-Class. The Jag only has side curtain and front side airbags.

Common issues are moonroof, soft trim, and unexplained electrical faults. The Jag does have a very good aluminum chassis, excellent handling balance, and decent power. The 2006 XJRs did not have Brembos. The Brembos were dropped for cheaper single piston sliders. Jaguar claim that the single piston sliders have better pedal feel and better fade resistance. Have driven both I am not so sure. The NAV system in the Jag is excellent. It is a Denso unit like in the Lexus. Although like the Lexus it is a touch screen. Therefore the screen will wear and crack with use. That is why Mercedes-Benz, BMW, VW, and Porsche avoid touchscreens like the plague.

Overall the Jag is larger, depreciates the same or more, is produced in smaller numbers, is less safe, and basically on par or worse with MB quality wise. I recommend a Jap car for the person that values reliability above all. How about a nice Hybrid GS? OH, wait, going over to the Lexus forum it looks like the newer Toyotas and Lexuses aren't that great either. I am sure they are still a little better than Euro cars for reliability, though.

Best of luck, the Jag will be a good car for you.

 

In my personal experience I can say that the XJR is not any better than the Mercedes. It may be worse in reliability. Jaguar has had good marks from JD Powers, but I don't know how they pulled that one off. The Jag also does not have rear seat side airbags like your C-Class. The Jag only has side curtain and front side airbags.

Common issues are moonroof, soft trim, and unexplained electrical faults. The Jag does have a very good aluminum chassis, excellent handling balance, and decent power. The 2006 XJRs did not have Brembos. The Brembos were dropped for cheaper single piston sliders. Jaguar claim that the single piston sliders have better pedal feel and better fade resistance. Have driven both I am not so sure. The NAV system in the Jag is excellent. It is a Denso unit like in the Lexus. Although like the Lexus it is a touch screen. Therefore the screen will wear and crack with use. That is why Mercedes-Benz, BMW, VW, and Porsche avoid touchscreens like the plague.

Overall the Jag is larger, depreciates the same or more, is produced in smaller numbers, is less safe, and basically on par or worse with MB quality wise. I recommend a Jap car for the person that values reliability above all. How about a nice Hybrid GS? OH, wait, going over to the Lexus forum it looks like the newer Toyotas and Lexuses aren't that great either. I am sure they are still a little better than Euro cars for reliability, though.

Best of luck, the Jag will be a good car for you.

...dont get me wrong, I was dissapointed getting rid of the c32 as it was an excellent car but I am sorry, it was at the dealer more times than it was on my drive.

I had it 20 months or so, it stopped working on the m25 one day due to a fuel valve, next to go were the gearbox, torque converter and radiator, then the ticking started.

I dont believe it was the ABS as it was ticking all the time (even at standstill) and increased at it revved.

I bought an 04 xjr that has Brembo brakes and so far am very happy with it. As for reliability and JD Power ratings, Jag are owned by Ford now and we all know how reliable those are.

I will keep this for a few years and hopefully one day get another AMG.

Happy motoring

 

Super Charger Clutch Bearing...How did you know?

after 5 years and 76k miles original miles all by me. Extended warranty up to 2009/100k miles.

1. intercooler pump (died once. typical problem. replaced under warranty)
2. crank position sensor (appearantly wasn't properly installed and rusted. replaced under warranty)
3. faulty heated seats (replaced under extended warranty. both side. new seat cover = WIN)
4. ESP/BAS error (wiring harness replaced under warranty. common problem for 01-02 C-classes)
5. clicking/flapping noise under the dash = broken vent linkage (not covered under extended warranty. don't feel like fixing it for $500 at the dealership)
6. squeaks from sway bar bushing (sways and thrust arm replaced under warranty. free alignment after I had lowered the car, SWEET! another common problem)
7. collapsed engine mount (replaced under warranty/extended warranty. common problem)
8. supercharger clutch bearing failed (replaced DIY $18 parts $20 labor to my dad's friend. Service advisor wanted me to change the pulley back before they warranty it. ended up cheaper just replacing the bearing myself)

that's about all that I can think of that ever gone wrong. none has happened twice yet, so all that stuff only costed me $38 in 5 years. reliability is not an issue for me.

How did you know the Supercharger clutch bearing had gone out. I ask becuase I could swear that's what wrong with my '03 C32, but the dealer says that I need to replace my supercharger even though the car works fine except that when I start it up and sometime while cold at low rpms it sounds like a noisy bearing. I can't believe it's the whole supercharge vs. some bearing. I'd appreciate your input on this. If I knew that's what it was for sure I'd do it myself. Thanks again.

 

How did you know the Supercharger clutch bearing had gone out. I ask becuase I could swear that's what wrong with my '03 C32, but the dealer says that I need to replace my supercharger even though the car works fine except that when I start it up and sometime while cold at low rpms it sounds like a noisy bearing. I can't believe it's the whole supercharge vs. some bearing. I'd appreciate your input on this. If I knew that's what it was for sure I'd do it myself. Thanks again.

you can hear it when you start the car and it goes away when the clutch is engaged. the head tech wants to replace the whole clutch assembly which will cost $1000 in parts alone and the head tech wants to blame it on the pulley kit. I pretty much told my service advisor who is cool with me that their head tech is full of shit. few wks later after I fixed the bearings for $40 I passed by the dealership and told the service advisor to ask the head tech to come out and proceed to tell him how much he is full of shit and how much it cost for me to fix the problem. the head tech was silent and couldn't find a response.

you can heard how loud it is in my video here (the high pitch grind) YouTube - C32 with Weltmeister exhaust

here is also a DIY by another member on mbworld. http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=190077&highlight=clutch+bearing

 

you can hear it when you start the car and it goes away when the clutch is engaged. the head tech wants to replace the whole clutch assembly which will cost $1000 in parts alone and the head tech wants to blame it on the pulley kit. I pretty much told my service advisor who is cool with me that their head tech is full of shit. few wks later after I fixed the bearings for $40 I passed by the dealership and told the service advisor to ask the head tech to come out and proceed to tell him how much he is full of shit and how much it cost for me to fix the problem. the head tech was silent and couldn't find a response.

you can heard how loud it is in my video here (the high pitch grind) YouTube - C32 with Weltmeister exhaust

here is also a DIY by another member on mbworld. Replaced SC Clutch bearing last night ~ pics/video - MBWorld.org Forums

Ya that's it. Dude, it's guys like you that make these blogs worthwile. If that's what wrong with mine, which I'm 99.9% sure, after your feedback and subsequent repairs you did, I'm stoked. You mentioned that you had a service shop do the job for you earlier in this string. I'm in the OC and you're in Ontario. I'll go wherever to get it done....well.......as long as it's not Ontario, Canada. Just let me know where you went. The reason I'd go to your guy is that he's done it already. Again dude...I'm stoked. Thanks in advance.

 

after you purchase and receive the bearing you can actually just go to TWS (thewheelsupply.com) they're far closer than Ontario/Rancho Cucamonga where my dad's friend's shop is at.

pretty much all the mech shop will be able to replace the bearing in the charger clutch for you. it's just one bolt. just follow the direction codessmith gave in the mbworld link. you'll have to losen few fittings to allow space to slide the clutch bearing out.

 

hi guys , im new on this forum. im very interested that u r slagging off the reliability of the merc, ive had mine for 2 years and done nearly 20k in my 02 c32 and it hasnt mised a beat all i ever replaced on it is brakes and general servicing, she has done 75k now and i think its more reliable than my 01 m5!! Am i the only one who has not problems?

 

hi guys , im new on this forum. im very interested that u r slagging off the reliability of the merc, ive had mine for 2 years and done nearly 20k in my 02 c32 and it hasnt mised a beat all i ever replaced on it is brakes and general servicing, she has done 75k now and i think its more reliable than my 01 m5!! Am i the only one who has not problems?

....I think you have been very very lucky, I cant say I had any good luck at all, my 02 was nothing but trouble (shame really).

Hope it stays reliable for you. :thumbsup:

 

C32 Reliability

I must say that the build quality is nowhere near as my old C43, but I share the same view as Essex Boy. My C32 2002 Has been pretty reliable so far, just minor problems which were covered under warranty.

Maybe our C32 AMG's in Europe are better built than those in the states - Just kidding.

 

this is my second c32 and i've had a ton of other mercedes. i have never had any problems with any of the cars. i did do preventative maintenance like changing out the valeo radiator and replacing the intercooler pump and front bushings. but i have had NO problems with my c32- it will still eat a stock e92 335i and do it w/a better interior

 

I think we should start a posts on the good things about the c32. I've had minor problems with mine, but as stated before I stay on top the the servicing and it's been fine. i don't wanna jinx myself and i'm not speaking on how anyone else takes care of their car. Just saying that it would be nice to have a post NOT so much about scaring people away from these cool cars. Because there are those of them out there that hold up to whats expected of them. Is Anyone with me on this?

 

Agree with you, C32amg was one fabulous car i mean the first V6 from Merc that could run with Porsche 911 can still challenge many cars to date, compared to E46 M3 and Audi S4 its still cheaper to own

 

Complexity is the enemy of reliability.
I would go for a naturally aspirated M113 engine.