Mercedes Benz C32 AMG Review - Is The Cheapest AMG Worth Buying?

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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[Fc-cbtn]

Just when you think the C32 is unworthy of being an AMG, remember the new C63 is a hybrid 4 cylinder.

[jamesstaggs]

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.

[FactoryAutos]

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.

[kerrytr]

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

[wasdwasdwwasd]

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.

[rpwdpm]

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.

[geraint]

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.

[JeremyMilligan]

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.

[seigma]

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.

[joshg]

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

[ca]

The SLK with this engine was an absolute hooligan to drive!

[ravennexusmh]

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.

[jimmyb]

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.

[grandmasracecar]

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...

[richiesorge]

My acquaintance with your channel started with a C55, this one is a lovely sequel to it. Thanks, Sir!

[morgman]

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.

[petescarport]

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.

[Stevevol]

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.

[FINLBO]

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.

[clearviz]

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.