Is this the ultimate understated performance car?

[strangehighways]

The Mercedes C32 AMG.

I think Autocar timed it 0 - 100mph in 10.8 seconds. About £7k will get you one.

Any current or previous owners on here?

[carter711]

They do seem like a bit of a bargin although I can imagine running costs and replacement parts to be on the expensive side.

Looking at clips on youtube they are fast! Apparently faster to 60 than an M3 and Carrera of the same year.



Has anyone got one?

[buzzer]

I looked at these a while ago... Like every Mercedes of the period they seem to suffer rust. I looked at 3 cars and they all had rust bubbling around the arches...

That puts me right off...

[ollie854]

My dad had one for while he didn't like the auto box so sold it.

[slipstream 1985]

nah this is the most understated

Edited by slipstream 1985 on Sunday 6th February 00:14

[Wadeski]

auto box?

no thanks

[kiteless]

i) I've never heard of a C32 AMG

ii) I've looked at some clips on the 'tube and

iii) I'm amazed at the performance

So, yes, I agree. A very understated performance car, and I rather like it.

[anonymous-user]

Friend had one a while ago, owned an M3 before it, Merc wiped the floor with it. Good value at 7k but as someone has already said I would dread the cost of any major job on it.
The friend was always going from one car/maker to another but oddly enough once he had owned the Merc he never left them, currently runs an E55 and always gets them with a few years on them for good value. I've never owned one but have been in his and the thing that hit me most was the power and speed you get but without the total brute force, just a knowing powerful surge that never felt like stopping.

[soad]

I wasn't aware it was that good. Watching a couple videos and i'm impressed too

[Welshbeef]

Comparable to e46m3 of same era but every jurno considered them inferior hence cheaper. M3 much more drivers car c32 point and squirt which is noise aside what a x35d engine does

rust a big problem where e46m3 no such issue and m3 more desirable.

Allegro with a YE power unit mmm that's understated performance bargin

[Acheron]

slipstream 1985 said:

nah this is the most understated

Edited by slipstream 1985 on Sunday 6th February 00:14

I hope this goes some way to presenting my feelings on this post;

[goldblum]

Looked at these a few years ago,put off by nondescript interior.No sophistication at all,compared to an E46 M3 anyway.

But drove a couple and thought whoa!Also thought the same of an E55.

[Steameh]

As has been mentioned a little earlier here, the E55 AMG is another absolute scorcher of a bargin.

around 13-15k for a relatively low mileage (60k, 2004 reg)

476bhp and capable of well over 180mph delimited and 0-100 in around 10 seconds.

[750turbo]

Acheron said:

slipstream 1985 said:

nah this is the most understated

Edited by slipstream 1985 on Sunday 6th February 00:14

I hope this goes some way to presenting my feelings on this post;

HAHAHAHA

Oh Yes...

Wooly handling, wooly gearchange, 27MG on the motorway at 70MPH, Ecu map problems never acknowledged by Toyota, but certainly identified by the owners, required super unleaded, preferably 99, else it would pink its head off.

Was it supposed to be 217BHP (or 212?) NEVER EVER felt anything like it.

20K new? I don't bloody think so Toyota! How many did you sell at that price?

Go on, ask me how I know all this ^^^

[al1991]

They seem decent enough but if I was in the market it would be an E46, the Merc wouldn't get a look in I'm afraid.

[wackojacko]

kiteless said:

i) I've never heard of a C32 AMG

were have you been for the last 9years
350Bhp and 332ftlb of torque running 14psi of boost on a Twin screw charger is pretty exciting...

[alcovrugbyfan]

damn quick cars but Mercs always seem very plasticky to me inside, not to mention the rust. They seem to have compromised build quality in recent years.
Don't see too many rusty BMW's of the same age.

[GravelBen]

750turbo said:

HAHAHAHA

Oh Yes...

But you have to admit, it is understated! Might struggle to meet the 'performance car' criteria though.

[snowen250]

Thanks guys, i have now decided this will be next car, i'll be picking one up around may i hope

Wasnt even aware of it this time yesterday, but looks spot on for my needs. Wonderfully silly yet not massively impractical.

Simon

[Mastodon2]

15mpg and "budget a couple of grand for arch replacement / rust repair and a full respray" makes less of a performance bargain than they first appear.

But they are stonkingly fast for the cash!