Mercedes Benz C32 AMG Review - Is The Cheapest AMG Worth Buying?
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- čas přidán 26. 04. 2021
- In today's video I am driving one of Affalterbach's oddest cars - the often forgotten C32 AMG. Based on the W203 generation Mercedes C Class, the C32 was powered by a revised version of the C320's V6, but with a big supercharger strapped to it. The car had a reputation for being fast in a straight line, and that's it - but is there more to it?
#Mercedes #AMG #C32
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Just when you think the C32 is unworthy of being an AMG, remember the new C63 is a hybrid 4 cylinder.
Yes. And consider also that there was a C36 AMG before this car. And that didn't have a V8 either. Plus, the C36 never came with a manual transmission from the factory.
Has any AMG been a manual though? It's not really a Mercedes thing.
@@wasdwasdwwasd I doubt.
@@wasdwasdwwasd A manual 500 SEC AMG Widebody does exist
Mercedes don't really do manual transmission, the only proper Mercedes that had manual in recent times was the 190E, and that was for a good first to second launch.
Mercedes is all about efficiency (sometimes blueefficiency... sorry) and it's more efficient to have automatic gearboxes for their cars. AMG just build on what is there, and make the car even more refined and efficient. That's also why the new 4cyl is coming in, it makes more sense in stats. It doesn't sit right with me either, but AMG has been declining since 2010 in my view. I'd say the CL600, SLS, E/SL55 were really the last great AMG's. The W204 (6.2) was the edge of the subtlety and the 205 just became about the badge and 0-62 times for the flex generation.
Having owned a C32 I can confirm that it is useless in snow. You can't turn traction control off so applying smooth power is impossible and so - therefore - is making it up even a modestly inclined driveway (other than sideways).
It's good fun otherwise though - it doesn't kill M3s of similar vintage, it annihilates them.
You could just try having proper tires on it.
My dad had a W203 and it was pretty decent in the snow, it even made it up the hill where I live which is utterly brutal, something my W210 and my current W211 also does rather well.
I'm Norwegian so just know our winters are much much harsher than UK winters.
@lifesshorthavefun1832 theyre about the same on the highway but the c32 has a much higher tuning potential because its a supercharged engine so just a pulley and tune wil get you 100hp extra
I think the early to mid 2000s was the best era for cars. Much earlier and the cars don't make enough power and there was alot of tech they hadn't yet figured out yet, so it often doesn't work very well. Go much later and you get cars with too many nannies, too much tech and start to get heavy due to regulations. I think 1999-2007 is the sweet spot for cars.
Funny, I would say the exact opposite, it was the worst era. For just the same reasons, too low power, too much immature tech and still the same weight as today. Are you maybe thinking of platforms that started their lives in the 90s? I am genuinly struggling to think of an example that fits what you said, but I can think of loads that fits what I think?
I personally prefer the simplicity of 90s car interiors, as well as the sportiness of their exteriors. Euro NCAP was the turning point for car looks beyond the late 90s, when high bonnets, high sills, fat bumpers/doors etc. started to effect the aesthetics and weight on cars. New tech in the 90s was VTEC, widespread electronic fuel injection (mostly just port injection which was great), OBD2 diagnostics, ABS, disk brakes, and fuel/oil that isn't far off what we have today. Body geometry on mass produced cars could be more complex with curves due to CAD and CNC for the moulds. The 00s brought more widespread continuously variable valve timing, aluminium (usually fake) detailing all over interiors, more emissions equipment, more reliable engines in the short term with planned obsolescence in the long term (especially on German cars). But there weren't any seismic shifts and in my opinion it was the 00s were a softened/refined version of the 90s that I could do without. I prefer an R32 skyline to an R34, a DC2 Integra to a DC5, or an E36 M3 to an E46 for example. But I like them all.
Re:space saver - they do come with them. If you get a front puncture, you put the space saver on the back and the rear wheel on the front to clear the callipers
That’s what I do with my S211 E55 AMG
Helpful when you're on a hard shoulder in the rain...
@@steve0680657definetily not ideal, but still better than being stranded on a shoulder in heavy rain with nowhere to go and nothing you can do, other than call a tow truck, that you don’t know when it might show up
@@onelyone6976 personally I'd just buy a full size wheel on eBay and keep it in the boot.
@@steve0680657 a normal mans thinking. i like it.
C32 m112k was the prototype for the m113k.. near identical sans 2 cylinders
I really wish you had driven a better example.. Mines pushing 500bhp, zero rust, fast shifting TCU and my spare tire clears the front calipers
My dad had one of these back in the day. Very quick and surprisingly well put together given the reputation of early 2000s Mercs but it had absolutely abysmal fuel economy. He sold it for a 118d cabrio (brown with red seats) which was a questionable choice.
The SLK with this engine was an absolute hooligan to drive!
I had an SLK32 AMG, it was an awesome car...in a straight line. Since it left the drive I have always regret selling that car, 12 years on and they are still worth the same money I sold it for.
@@davebethell1 I had a SLK32 as well, same story as above. Running a SLK55 now, a better car in every way but I still have a soft spot for the 32 and check them out in the classifieds regularly.
I had a long chat with an owner of a c32 AMG when I purchased my 190. He described the bodywork on them as 'a consumable' - he had already replaced some panels twice, and rust was coming through again!
@@davebethell1 People can hate SLK all they want but R171 SLK 350 was one of the best cars I ever owned. Cheap price, SLK32 level of performance as it had 272hp trough 6 speed manual and 5.4sec 0-100 time and with AMG bodykit it was a nice looking roadster.
That's interesting to know, will keep that in mind.
I used to daily a mercedes w202 C200, very comfortable, but I wanted an E36. Then I got an E36 and discovered I didn't like it as much as I thought. The quality of many interiors felt cheap, the plastic felt like they would come apart in your hands, the ride was sharp but every country road would feel like the car was ready to fall into pieces because of the vibrations. Not to mention all the grannies looking at you like you're some sort of dangerous teenage driver. My first E36 was when I discovered I was a Mercedes driver, just wanted some more grunt and power. Now I think I understand what used to be the target of these older AMGs.
This is unusual for an AMG engine in that it escaped Mercedes and was also fitted to the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6. Now there's a rare car.
Im in ontario, canada and theres a few around where i am. Definitely pretty unique cars
Those Crossfire's are getting quite desireable nowadays. Not because they are any good to drive or anything but because of the transmission. If you're thinking of manual swapping your C32, C55, E55 etc, a Crossfire is one of the best ways to get a 6-speed manual that fits perfectly without needing any custom adapter plates.
As a C32 owner for 8 years. I can say without a doubt, the C32 is always worth buying. At the stupid low prices they have been at for years; I've even considered buying a couple more as parts cars.
Don’t do that....... butchering the limited supply remaining for the rest of us just so you can keep yours going,
Mine only came with the foam spray no spare wheel, and think James forgot to mention how fast these are , as quick as cla45 AMG and quicker than a few hot hatches S3 , golf r , I only drive mine to hunt down modern cars and smoke them, mines standard with decat and induction kit.
I still have my 2003 C32 AMG sedan, it has just 52k miles on it. Bone stock southern California car, no rust or interior squeakies. The motor in these was the first AMG product to feature the builder's signature plaque on top of the engine, which they added some time after the beginning of production for the 2003 model year (the car in your video doesn't appear to have the plaque, so I am guessing it's either a 2002 or early 2003 model). Mine does have a full-size spare, but it is a black painted wheel in a different style from the silver twin-5-spoke alloys, and does clear the brakes. The problems in these are relatively minor and well-known...crankshaft position sensor, aux intercooler pump, the climate control vent gears, and the seat heater element (not the lumbar element) all tend to fail early on, as they have in my car with just 52k miles. Thanks again for the video.
If it doesn't have it. A later CLS 2.8 turn steering rack and ml power steering pump helps to liven these things up. Works in the w211 cars too.
Never even knew this existed in the first place, I guess you learn something new every day
My acquaintance with your channel started with a C55, this one is a lovely sequel to it. Thanks, Sir!
Yeah - they are super reliable, unlike this supercharged C32. It's cool, and Kudos to the owner, but a lot more hassle to own than the N.A. C55. Still fancy one, tho!
Thank you.. what a brill honest review.. really appreciated. and thanks for mentioning the great MW.. kind regards Dave 👍.
I was an apprentice at Mercedes when these were new and most the blokes on the floor were more excited about the 2nd hand C36 or C43 W202. Plus a E55 or SL500 was a lot more fun on a post service test drive...
Had mine for almost two years now and a lovely vehicle all round and the space saver spare wheel clears both front and rears perfectly.
I just restored one on my channel with 270k miles and abused. It was tracked all the time and now runs great. About to tune it.
I found one in my area, a 2002, C32 AMG, with 135,000 Miles for $3,500, only thing is i'm not sure about how reliable it would be,, i have a decent warehouse job, i make $17 an hour but not sure if that's enough money to maintain it.
The C32 AMG is a full bred AMG. The first official AMG model was the C36 back in 93, which was a straight 6. The C36 was replaced with the C43. 90s and early 00s saw AMG go back and forth between 6 and 8 cylinders.
I have a C32 and the power delivery is unreal. The amount of times people look as I pull off because it just looks like an old merc banger. The Look on a New C43 AMG owner as he struggled to pull away haha. The gearboxes arnt DSG and shouldn't be compared as such. Before DSG, triptronic and older auto boxes where all slower. However, well maintained boxes with fresh oil etc performs significantly better.
The tin-worm is definitely affecting that car, just as expected.
Great video and a nice touch to Murray Jay 👍
Thanks J, good review. I don't think anyone expected for Mercedes to end up where they did quality wise back then.
had one of these when I was younger it was tuned up to 400bhp+ with a eurocharged pulley and a few others bits and pieces. Great car, as said more of a gt car than a sports car but great to do miles in and still quicker than your average car on a back road, the ability to overtake was like driving a motorbike instant power whenever you wanted it! I always remember the steering feeling really heavy but not really having much feel or feedback.
Love mine, 5 years now with no issues except the air con compressor needs replacing. 2002 C32 Sedan with no rust issues. Regards, from South Africa.
Ooh one of my favorites from a long time ago. Then they started rusting and the C55 came along with its extended bonnet.
Did it have an extended bonnet? Every days a school day
@@dyslexiksteve2488 I think used the c209 coupe front as that came with V8 option.
I think it was a CLK front end swap
I have one with zero rust. Out in Florida we don’t usually get any rust.
@@petescarport in the uk they rust bad. I have citroens that are older that have last rust.
James, firstly sorry I've not caught up on your videos for sometime, I always enjoy them and the way you out the review across. At the start of covid my w204 125 edition C63 decided to cook itself after an oil leak, for which I had the part, and was going to Mercedes Bath to be fitted, was all ready to have the work done. I went out on the Friday to my local shell for 80 litres of the good stuff and had a little fun on the way home, it's hard not to when you've got 520 hp and that sound. Got home, parked up, sat down. 5 mins later and my gf shrieks your cars on fire!! I'd ensured i.cooled it down post drive, and I spring into action and get buckets and start throwing them into the engine bay. The neighbours thankfully called the brigade, I carried on my bucket charade and asked the gf to get the hose on the go as I didn't want 80 litres going up right next to my house. Thankfully I managed to keep it semi under control till the fire brigade showed up. I got 1k less than I paid for it. Merc phoned me Monday to say they couldn't fix the car due to covid and I chuckled and said it's no longer with us. I really miss it, for its seemingly well known foibles of the post 2010.models, around cooling and oil leaks it's still the most fun car bar an Evo vi gsr I had in my 20s. So as I was furloughed I didn't know now if going out and buying another C63 would be wise as the work situation played out for longer than expected.. I ended up sticking 12 into the house and have 10/12 k.left and found a nice low milage c32 for sale, the interviews been an eye opener, it sounds like the gearbox might wind me up a bit compared to the c63s 7multitronic box that shifted rapidly. I've test driven a c55 in the past and it just felt slow hence looking at these. I think given its done most of its depreciation Vs a 125i (2013 2.0 turbo) I think the Merc would be the more stable at holding its price. Now I'm wondering if I should say balls to it, life's too short and get another 63 or risk a c32/55 in the time being till I pass a lengthy 6 month probation in my new job. I'm glad you've done a review on the c55, I'll go and check that out. Thanks for the continual good reviews. 👍🏻
Stock C200k with M111 5 speed still pulls like a rocket, weird but appealing shooting brake rear end design, great video. RiP Murray
The reversing at the start of the video is trippy.
Good review. Is the 3.2 litre supercharged engine reliable in these? Anything regarding the engine to look out for?
I love these, feels like a lot of things you commented negatively about it are actually not negatives at all and are part of the cars appeal. It’s not meant to be a track capable car like an M3, which I appreciate you do acknowledge yourself, but the more laid back gearbox, suspension, steering etc are perfectly in keeping with the estate powerhouse of the car. They were a stunningly fast family car that had the capability to entertain as well. For me now I would love to get my hands on one as a daily driver. Comfy, practical, very quick, chews up the miles but also can turn on the smiles on the B roads when you get the chance
I've got a C32 AMG wagon. Brilliant car.
Another great review.
Best place for Mercedes of this era is scrapyard,major rust around front and rear arch and bottom of doors.
Enjoyed that.
Never been a big fan of Mercs, but Jay just sold me this one! xxx
For all its flaws it really adds character, very charming performance estate!
I love the idea of a C class with a CLK front end - it looks rather good, too!
Yep...still! 👍
The C55 gets the CLK front end
@@charliekarting3401
Thanks, my comment was done regarding the C55, not the C32
Stop you’re making me miss my C55!
@@RossEnzo I was thoroughly disappointed with the c55, the C63 is where it's at. Worlds apart when mercedes got their shizzle together and produced one of the finest euro muscle cars.
For the Automatic an oil change really helps. To get it downshift fast step on the gas really fast , if you put it slow it doesn't kick down
Nice review of something a little different and that more of us "normal people" can relate to. I had a C320 Estate of this vintage for a while. Plenty of grunt and room, but the handling was very woolly and not much feel at all through the steering. A decent enough cruiser though and the best heated seats I've ever had (even beating our XC90!).
Costs less then as a used fiesta in the UK at the moment, seems like a steal!
cool supercharger whine on the outside shots.
Too bad about Murray, but he had a good run. Love watching races from the late 90's with him and Martin doing the commentary. Classic stuff.
If you get an issue with front tyre then you jack up the back first and put the space saver on in place of the back wheel, and then the good rear wheel replaces your dodgy front.
Not ideal, but certainly what I was told regarding my own AMG by a dealer
Sounds like the perfect car for me (love plain looking sleepers) in Germany a decent one still costs over 10k though
Funnily the current AMG engine the the Huayra is 3 valve per cylinder. They sport a passion for the 3 valves as much smart had one for 3 spoke wheels.
i have a c240 2003 wagon. its a tank and comfortable. not flashy or fast but takes care of u if u take care of it
Very cool.
I had a W124 E36 T-Wagon and drove it to the scrapheap in 2009. Nobody wanted it (since the engine was quite broken) and I didn't had the space or money at that moment to store it. Sold it partially in parts and that was it. Still one of the nicest cars I have owned.
:(
I love the way the s203 looks after the facelift, and it's a much better car all together.
I had a c220 sport edition with a manual, and I must say it handled amazingly once you turn the esp off (It's not all the way off, don't worry).
Jay you do the best job on the net.
It has its moments
E350 is gr8 the if you exclude any AMG engine's of that Era. That E350 was quick enough in my top 5 memorable Rides in a Mercedes . My family has the CL 500 very nice GT ride . I've been in the CL600 now that car is different . Then 2016 S65 is beautiful I love the power in that very entertaining ride .Then every one knows about the C63 and its nature .
I nearly pulled the trigger on one of these about 12 years ago. At the time I wanted something sportier. I did the right thing. Now, I am more inclined to try one. It’s a great car for an older person who has had the sporty things, and now just wants a quick-ish Merc that is comfortable.
I just picked one up in good condition. Not hating it for hauling my parents around to dr's appointments.
Always loved these, such a sleeper car with a great ride. Was looking at either this or an audi s3 8p, but for half the price and better performance it seems a no brainer, just got to start loving the colour of rust.
That engine in the SLK32 made it a bit lively.
I own one, it's pretty fun to drive
I have to say, I’ve always found this era of merc design rather drab. It’s like a mini s class (and I didn’t like the look of that very much). Its predecessor and successor were much better looking cars IMO.
The start of the video,with you going backwards and the railings moving forward made me look twice😀
Maybe first supercharged was W202 C36 AMG. I had C32 few years ago. It was awfully rusty underneath the plasstic skirts. It was fixed and it was really good car for many many purposes. Engine was suprisingly powerful almost brutal. I now drive W210 E55 AMG. A bit slower but much more mature and i love it.
C36 was not supercharged.
@@fabssgarage Okay, I have to admit i was wrong. I really thought they would be. In my hometown when these were almost new I saw someone accelerate with one and it whined like crazy. Might have been supercharghed afterwards or something. And after that I just have thought they would all be supercharged.
@@Sihijuoma667 it was a nice torquey engine...produced decent amount of power in it's era (not the best, just decent). Although it's a great engine and I'd love to have that specific engine in my 129 engine bay anyway lol cheers
What are the chances. I've literally just bought myself one of these this week. Same colour and everything.
A blessing.
How much is for sale
@@noname-xq5ie what do you mean?
Sorry , is it for sale ?
@@noname-xq5ie unfortunately not mate. Going to be my daily for abit. In garage not getting all the little issues sorted out on it
As you rightly point out, this was designed as a motorway muncher. Perhaps when they weren’t quite sure what adding the AMG badge was meant to do.
im 16, and my first car was and is a c320 4 matic wagon. Being an american, i have never seen one of these cars, but i think it's still really cool, and definitely worth it.
I cannot hear anyone saying „Tim“ on youtube anymore without thinking about Jonathan Pie. Have to check what he has been up to lately… immediately after this video.
Lol
SLK32 in 2001 to compete with M coupe/roadster, then SL55 (R230) in 2002, then E55 (W211) almost immediately after in 2003, then came C32 (which for some reason quickly changed to C55 in 2005)
When this is all over, come to Australia and drive my Ford Falcon XR8.
This era of Merc had a learning management system. Set off sedately and gentle on the throttle. That’s how it will drive.
Start up and harder acceleration and and press on, gear box and throttle will react accordingly.
This is an awesome car!
I loved mine - it was so stealth it was great to surprise old Porsches and M3s along A roads. With good, modern rubber it gripped pretty well. Put a beaded seat cover on it and you can park in any taxi rank too :)
I did 60K in it but in the end it was too expensive to run up and down the motorway. I never really saw 28MPG and that was rolling at 65 along the M4 :)
That's strange as my c55 estate routinely gets 30-33mpg cruising at 75 mph. Even when I put 3 bikes on the roof and stick to 60mph cruise I get 28mpg...
The C32 is supposed to be slightly more economical than the C55 if you don't wind up that supercharger so something must have been awry with your engine.
@@KingofInterns that's possible. I did also have a smaller pulley and remap from eurocharged but even after I took it off and set back to stock it was thirsty.
3.2 Supercharged and 5.4 naturally aspirated are thirsty by default so you have to be willing to pay for the fuel to drive those cars. If not, LPG convert it and your fuel price is literally halved
@@dwoolwichpoly9086not where I live. LPG costs 1.50 litre
@@KingofInterns are you in the UK? Even now is 89-90p per litre which is expensive but still better than petrol
Hmm I was thinking of buying a C32 the other day actually. I fancy a daily that’s a little different from my other daily.
Likewise.
Lets see a review of the C30 Sportcoupe with the diesel!!!
It would be a great review but I doubt he can get his hands on one
Don’t think we got them here
A friend of mine had one of these with the supercharger turned upto 10, with 450hp it really moved.
Do you know if he had any issues with it after tuning?
I have this car but c220 CDI colours dark blue.. It's fantastic car
I am obsessed with this for bang for buck
Strangely, this car deserves an Alpina badge.
That auto box though. Great for pootling round town.
The C43 is my fave AMG with the slush boxes. The N/A 55 lump being pretty much plug and play. Get some decent manifolds on and they are modern car quick.
Would have been good to see more interior shots on this one as you mentioned that some bits are not great. And to show us fully what a c class wearing a amg interior looks like
i think there has been also a diesel AMG version named C30 cdi...at least for the italian market, i saw one of these years ago...
I considered one of these a few years back
Thought it sounded quite nice 👍
one of the first compact cars amg did was the mercedes 190 E with the 3.2 6cilinder, they are very hard to find.
Yes yes yes same as mine 😊
The steering box on those earlier c and clk class cars get loose over time. A simple tightening of 3 bolts in the driver side wheel well may help slacken it back up. I have an 02’ clk55 with 230k miles that has similar on center play.
i know the bolts you mean i put a socket on mine and couldn't budge them, do they adjust the steering box or tighten the box in position? i have play in my steering rack at the minute according to my garage
The C32 and al w203's had rack an pinion unlike the clk. The loose steering he would be experiencing is the fact the car is 20 years old and most likely has 20 year old bushes.
Originally they can when no spare, rear is wider then the front. Just a can of tyre weld.
Nice review but 5k for a winter beater. A bit rich for my taste, I bought a BMW e46 touring 320(manual)for £950 from Facebook market space. I have spent about £400 so far on getting an MOT and make it drive ok. That includes a full service, 4 new budget tyres and a stage one map. I would imagine it just as much fun as the amg.
Love these cars. Not sure why but i find the flaws quite charming (apart from the rust lol)
These are getting better and better looking by the day.
W124 e36 would be good to see. Good luck finding one.
Lots of other rare AMG variants I would love to see;
W210 E36/E50/E60
SL73
190 E 3.2
w140 S70
@@rubenhaftvani800 190e 3.2. That must have been an amg own build? The 129 sl60 is a good one as well.
I’d love to see a W124 E36 too! AMG of the old school.
Please, drive a SLK 32. Would like to know what you think of it.
I think an SL or CL65 of early 2000s with the M275. 738lb/ft would be interesting on those road that you use
SLK32 AMG was the first V6
So strange I literally thought yesterday I’d love for you to review this car
You know you're living in a simulation when...
:)
Is not strange, is love. Mate you gay :) Happy for you
Not a single W203 wagon (estate) available for sale here in Oz atm.
It was the same for me in the UK a few month ago. Now there is 5. Haha
Always had a soft for the W203, problems and whatnot.
Very good car, an me e46 couldn't with me in that car...sold it last year with a full stage 2 and almost 300k km...very reliable sleeper. Unfortunately it was too sober on the looks and too thirsty
AMG's attitude seems to be "if in doubt, use a bigger hammer" fits with Mercs of old, the 6.3 and 6.9 S class models come to mind immediately. Who needs subtle when you can do shouty so well. Except this one doesn't appear to shout much at all.
you had me at estate.
Someone needs to get a mint Saab 9000 Aero for James to review.
My favorite 🤩👍🏼👊🏼🇻🇪
Tried a couple of these. One was broken, they both had numb steering and did not really encourage you to push them!
I'm sold. I want one.
Could you try and review a merc 212 E63 if poss please
Slk 32 came without a space saver, just a can of tyre foam.
The engine is a peach, I had it in my slk 32 and did 50k in it. It was faultless, replaced the intercooler pump with a Johnson cm30 marine pump with a metal impellor (unlike the plastic in the original bosch ). James is correct, it's not an M3 rival but a mini gt
It wasn't perfect but it's 20 years old..how many cars in 2000 had 350 bhp?